Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.
This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
Shooting Star Photography- Loving every single minute!
Fall Sessions have arrived.... 2022!
Can you believe this year, is almost over?
My goal is to provide my clients with the greatest experience, for the greatest people in your life!
i understand how frustrating it is to wrangle up the family together, to get ready, to get your portraits done. the joys, anxiety and challenges of preparing for a shoot. however, i also know how important these special moments are to you to capture and I do my upmost best to capture these memories for you.
Couples and engagement shoot! This was shot in downtown Mullica Hill.
At shooting star photography, located in southern new jersey, we will take charge of the photo session. we know what it takes, we want your photographs to be unique and your images to have a truly personal feel.
This is why we continue to do what we do and sell out, year after year.
Maternity Capture in Williamstown, New Jersey!
Whether wanting a photo session in Philadelphia, Delaware, or the suburbs of Southern New Jersey, we have you covered on gorgeous and expansive locations to suit your needs.
We, not only want you to have gorgeous images, but we want to create everlasting memories. Providing you with the best service out there.
Family beach session at the Jersey shore. Yes, the background is real. We add a little magic! We were the first to offer this session and I know teach it to photographers across the US.
After you submit your contact form, i will then call (or email) based on your preference, so we can discuss and plan out your own custom portrait experience. We will cover everything from location, dates, vision for the shoot, clothing etc. This might sound overwhelming but don't worry as i'll be here to guide you through the process. I got you!
A magical kiss, with a magical unicorn!
Whether it be a family session, a children's session, maternity or engagement...
Let us capture your joy! Let's make some art!
With love and happy shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Owner
Shooting Star Photography
Don’t worry about a thing.. is every little thing.. gonna to be alright? 2022 is CRAZY LOL
Bob Marley may have been onto something. I know things are complete insanity right now. I haven’t watched the news in months, but I do read, A LOT and I do see what it costs at the pump.
In my Shooting Star Photography world, I truly do want my clients to not worry about a thing because IT IS going to be alright. Time is passing by. Sometimes, we need to just live in the moment and maybe that’s what he was onto. That being in the present.... magic! Take a deep breath of the air around you and look around the room. You will probably smile. You’ll smile whether you are at your desk, or home, or with your children because that world, in front of you, is what you created. It may be perfect, but it is yours, right?
Magical unicorn sessions are always a delight!
Capturing smiles worldwide. My job and this little angel's hugs are worth it.
Listen... life is what you make of it. You can either see the glass half empty, or the glass half full. So what? House is messy, clothes need washing… those aren’t permanent things. Just like rough times, they shall pass and they always do and they get cleaned up eventually, right?
Vintage photo shoot in the studio.
Happy Happy Joy Joy. Vintage in the studio in Haddon Township.
My job is to get you to enjoy and be in the moment with your family. That’s all. And that’s what we do. We sit back and watch the magic unfold and we capture that through our lens. I love what I do and I love seeing my customers happy and enjoying themselves and thus, they’ll enjoy the final images and walk away HAPPY. We need a bit more of that in this world.
When the kiddos want chicken nuggets, you give them nuggets... The Golden Nugget Tavern... that is!
There’s something about tradition, local watering holes and about a place that captures the local flavor of real people. I truly believe, The Golden Nugget Tavern captures this essence. You walk into this place and it is a friendly, no frills, down to earth atmosphere. You’ll see families, old, young, small kiddos, teens, blue collar, among white collar individuals. It is the true flavor of South Jersey.
It’s not a cookie cutter boujee establishment. Unlike, a lot of new restaurants or even pubs and you see these new guys trying to keep up with the trends. Often times, these new restaurants are missing character or a comfort/familiarity/ambiance. Nope, this is a place that transports you back in time.
Three kiddos having fun in the meadow in Winslow.
This place is right around the corner from the GOLDEN NUGGET. Get your family session and then head over to, "The Nugget" after!
From the old collectibles in the glass display cabinets, to the 2010 Kenny Chesney concert advertisement on the wall, down to the animals, most likely hunted from around South Jersey and proudly displayed around the bar. It’s an atmosphere that actually makes you feel at ease, there’s a true comfort and I truly feel it captures the feel of South Jersey.
All smiles during her photo session!
Cutie smiles. Love my families!
Hugs with the family!
Absolutely beautiful location.
Not only do they have shuffleboard (and I haven’t seen sawdust shavings at an establishment in a long time) as most don’t keep up with maintenance usually. To the pool table, that was actively being played by a father and son (maybe 10 years old and beating his dad), it’s an establishment that you could get use to.
Often times greeted by staff, as you enter, like it is Cheers. You sit down and immediately are handed a menu and asking for what you would like to drink. Anything on the menu, does not disappoint. In fact, their buffalo chicken salad is a star, as well as their Golden Nugget bites (need to get wet, with your choice of sauce). You will not leave this place hungry. Nor disappointed.
Ring around the Rosie fun!
Ring around the rosie fun! This was the real sky that night. It was awesome!
You’ll most likely leave with happy faces, from you and your kids and full bellies, wanting to come back again and again.
We haven’t tried the outdoor bar/dining area yet because it has been hot the few times we’ve gone this year. We prefer air conditioning in 90 plus degree weather. Hehe. However, the outdoor area looks very nice. As well as numerous and maintained horse shoe pits, all over the place and most have tournaments often.
A fall photo session shoot! In South Jersey!
Forest fun!
This is an establishment that has been a part of the South Jersey landscape for decades. It’s not to be missed. It really should be on everyone’s bucket list to just try out once, if ever in the area. I think you’ll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, lively patrons (I love hearing people laugh and just having a good time) we saw a lot of young and old families gathering while here, good food, cold drinks and great staff. If wanting to see what South Jersey is about, this is the place.
If ever wanting a great restaurant recommendation for after your fun shoot with us! We got you covered!
Have a magical day, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Making Memories at Shooting Star Photography- Through the Years.
This this little beach babe! I’ve been capturing her since she was a little girl.
I love when I am able to look back on photographs of the families that I have photographed, since the beginning and see how they’ve grown.
Love an awesome family beach photo shoot. Lots of love here!
I have photographed this family every single year, for a countless number of times and years. I have so many sessions that I could list on here, but I am going to just put up a few.
Enjoying the cherry blossom blooms in Philly.
Cherry Blossoms in Philadelphia.
When I had my Maple Shade NJ studio! Now located in Soha Arts Haddon Township!
In the studio for valentine's day!
Loving the crashing waves!
Little beach beauty at the Jersey Shore.
With the current state of affairs, everything from violence in our schools, to food supply issues and down to the war in Ukraine. It makes you wonder if the world has gone nuts. However, I do strongly believe that with the bad we see, there is so much more good in the universe. If we can just look around and see.
It starts at home. Look around and see the blessings around you. You are loved, you have a place to stay, you have food in the fridge and clothing (hopefully, you are wearing right now). It’s sometimes hard to see all the good and joy and live in the present.
Our lavender sessions are always a hit!
Little A in lavender. I don't even believe I edited this and was out of camera.
This red dress is TO DIE FOR.
Celebrating Christmas in Philadelphia.
Same one as above… Atlantic City beach shoot!
Another beautiful beach capture at the Jersey Shore.
Time doesn’t seem relevant some days. Each day kind of wanes by, but then time adds up. One day, becomes two weeks, becomes a few months, then a few years. It is constantly changing.
That’s why it’s important to capture these memories of your family. We all get caught up in the day to day, but we forget to try and cherish this exact moment and time.
The kid and his beach ball!
Love this little guy at the Jersey Shore!
Philly family photoshoot!
Last image, that I am posting.. I Swear! Love this city family session in Philly!
It’s my job to give you the best. I always do. Whether it is locations, posing, beautiful imagery, I am here for you. Let’s create that magic!
Have a magical day, friends!
Dee
The Pop Shop in Collingswood- Photo Shoot!
Collingswood’s Beloved Pop Shop- And a Photo Shoot!
Family soda pop sessions can be fun for several reasons:
1. Nostalgia: Soda pop has a nostalgic feel to it, reminding many people of happy memories from childhood. It can be a fun way to connect with the past and create new memories with family members.
2. Variety of flavors: Soda pop comes in a wide range of flavors, allowing family members to experiment with different tastes and combinations. This can be a fun way to bond over shared experiences and tastes.
Want to step back in time?
There’s nothing more special then taking the kids to the Pop Shop in Collingswood, New Jersey. It’s basically become a rite of passage, for all the kiddos in the South Jersey area, to at least try once! For myself, in having children, it’s about making memories. I love taking my kids out to eat, on a nice day and offering them a treat. It’s a great low-cost alternative to going out and it does make it a fun children’s atmosphere.
From their famous humongous as a pizza pie pancakes, to grilled cheese and tomato soup, to their soda fountain/ice cream selection. Nothing disappoints on the menu! The kids are in for a true classic treat!
A must to get is a milkshake and their breakfast for an indulging brunch!
When I had the opportunity to shoot here, I was floored and very excited!!! Their countertop is a vintage 50’s style, that originally, was shipped in, from the Midwest. They wanted it to look like a period in time and they did not disappoint in this venture. The Pop Shop’s interior, thoughtfully decorated in bright colors and truly showcasing the 50’s vibe with classic portraits, showing an era as some would say, the true essence of Americana.
Family soda pop sessions can be fun for several reasons:
Nostalgia: Soda pop has a nostalgic feel to it, reminding many people of happy memories from childhood. It can be a fun way to connect with the past and create new memories with family members.
Variety of flavors: Soda pop comes in a wide range of flavors, allowing family members to experiment with different tastes and combinations. This can be a fun way to bond over shared experiences and tastes.
Creative expression: Soda pop sessions can provide a creative outlet for family members, allowing them to experiment with different mixtures and presentation styles. This can encourage a sense of playfulness and experimentation, leading to fun and interesting results.
Shared experience: Sharing a soda pop session can create a sense of togetherness and shared experience. It can be a fun way to spend time together, connecting over a shared love of a particular beverage.
Overall, family soda pop sessions can be a fun and unique way to spend time together, creating memories and connections over a shared love of soda pop.
At the counter at the Pop Shop in Collingswood. A family retro step back in time!
VIntage Pop Shop Session in Collingswood, New Jersey! At the vintage 1950's counter!
If you aren’t from the area, it’s a great little spot to take the kids and explore all that Collingswood has to offer. Stroll through the town to the many parks, the speedline and incredible restaurants (Il Fiore, my favorite:)
Enjoying a milkshake with brother and sister. Capturing moments!
The Pop Shop in Collingswood, NJ is always a delight. WE love photo sessions here!
"juke box heroes" Love what the Pop Shop in Collingswood is all about!
Two cuties and making memories with milkshakes!
We definitely made some memories this day. We got to drink some milkshakes and have some fun! The owners were kind enough to let us to come in to shoot.
It's time to make memories, South Jersey! Let 2021 be the year to enjoy and treasure. Moments in time. The childhood years are important. I would be honored to capture these moments for you!
Thank you for stopping by:)
Dee Giumetti
Owner of Shooting Star Photography
South Jersey Photographer
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