Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

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.

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Peony Farm Sessions- At a private peony farm in Gloucester County, NJ

Peony Farm Sessions- At a private peony farm in Gloucester County, NJ

Our award-winning exclusive peony sessions have been released. These are sold out every year. We are the only photographer permitted to shoot here since 2015. We will have it exclusively to ourselves. Peonies are one of my favorites to photograph. As you can see, many color options and many fields. This is our only weekend date availability until Late October and we only have two weekend dates left for the entirety of the 2023 year. After this next week, we have absolute no availability until mid-September (not even weeknights).

Peony Farm Sessions- At a private peony farm in Gloucester County, NJ

Shooting Star Photography LLC

Hey there, flower enthusiasts and photography lovers alike! As we welcome the blossoming season of 2024, Shooting Star Photography is absolutely thrilled to introduce our much-awaited Peony Styled Shoot Photography Sessions.


Step into a world where the delicate charm of peonies meets the artistry of photography as we unveil an exclusive opportunity to capture the sheer beauty and timeless elegance of these enchanting blooms. Our styled shoot sessions will present a captivating blend of nature’s allure and artistic finesse, promising to be an unforgettable experience for both photographers and their muses.


Stay tuned for this captivating opportunity as we share further details and booking information in the coming days. Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm of floral wonder and photography magic with our 2024 Peony Styled Shoot Photography Sessions. Let's capture beauty in full bloom!

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Our award-winning work and peony sessions will be held May 18th and May 21st for the 2023 calendar.

Our award-winning exclusive peony sessions have been released. These are sold out every year.  We are the only photographer permitted to shoot here since 2015. We will have it exclusively to ourselves.  Peonies are one of my favorites to photograph. As you can see, many color options and many fields. This is our only weekend date availability until Late October and we only have two weekend dates left for the entirety of the 2023 year. After this next week, we have absolute no availability until mid-September (not even weeknights).

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A small collage of some of our work over the years.

Peonies can be a beautiful addition to portrait sessions, adding color and texture to your photos. They come in a range of colors from crimson, magenta, pinks, peaches and whites.

Peonies are a popular flower for many reasons. Here are some of the reasons why peonies are great flowers:

  1. Beautiful Appearance: Peonies are known for their large, showy blooms with vibrant colors ranging from pure white to deep reds and pinks. The fluffy petals create a romantic and elegant look.

  2. Fragrance: Peonies have a sweet, pleasant fragrance that fills the air, making them an ideal choice for weddings, gardens, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of natural beauty.

  3. Longevity: Peonies have a long blooming period, usually from late spring to early summer, and they can last for a week or more in a vase. They are also a hardy perennial, meaning they will come back year after year with proper care.

  4. Versatility: Peonies can be used in a variety of ways, including as cut flowers, garden plants, or as a centerpiece. They also complement other flowers and foliage well in floral arrangements.

  5. Symbolism: In many cultures, peonies symbolize romance, prosperity, good fortune, and honor. In some cultures, they are also believed to bring good luck and happiness.

    Overall, peonies are a great flower because of their beauty, fragrance, longevity, versatility, and symbolic meaning. They make a great addition to any garden, bouquet, or special occasion.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

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The Peony Blooms in South Jersey: A Fragrant and Beautiful Backdrop for Photography

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Picking the beautiful peonies in South Jersey. We love these sessions and the puffs of colors they provide.

The Enchanting Elegance of Peonies

Peonies, with their exquisite beauty and captivating fragrance, hold a special place in the hearts of photographers and flower enthusiasts alike. Known as the "King of Flowers," these blooms exude an enchanting elegance that is truly one-of-a-kind. Here's why a photo shoot with peonies is so special:

Timeless Beauty

Peonies epitomize timeless beauty with their lush and voluminous petals that unfurl in captivating layers. Their delicate hues vary from soft pastels to vibrant crimsons, offering a versatile range of colors to complement any setting or theme. Whether used as a standalone subject or incorporated into a larger floral arrangement, peonies exude an air of grace and sophistication that can elevate any photo shoot.

Symbolism and Meaning

Peonies are rich in symbolism and meaning, making them a meaningful choice for a photo shoot. These exquisite blooms are often associated with romance, compassion, prosperity, and honor. Consequently, a photo shoot featuring peonies can evoke emotions of love, grace, and appreciation – resonating with viewers on a deep and personal level.

Versatility in Styling

With their versatility in styling, peonies offer countless opportunities for creative expression. From whimsical and dreamy to bold and dramatic, these blooms adapt effortlessly to various themes and concepts. Whether used in bridal portraits, fashion editorials, or still-life compositions, peonies bring an unmatchable allure to the frame.

Ethereal Fragrance

What sets peonies apart from other flowers is their breathtaking fragrance – a sensory experience that transcends imagery. The intoxicating scent of peonies can transform a photo shoot into a multisensory journey, adding another layer of magic to the overall experience. As a photographer, capturing this ethereal essence can transport viewers to a world of fantasy and beauty with just a single glance at the photograph.

Short-lived Splendor

One of the unique aspects of peonies is their ephemeral nature. The blooming season of these beloved flowers is relatively short, typically lasting only a few weeks in late spring or early summer. By planning a photo shoot centered around peonies, you can capture the fleeting beauty and delicate nature of these blossoms, freezing their splendor in time. This speaks to the transient nature of life, reminding us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, even if it is temporary.
In conclusion, peonies hold a mesmerizing charm that makes them an ideal choice for a photo shoot. Their timeless beauty, symbolism, versatility, captivating fragrance, and ephemeral nature all contribute to making them an irresistible subject for any photographer seeking to create captivating and emotive imagery. So, embrace the allure of peonies and embark on a visual journey that encapsulates their enchanting elegance.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the annual bloom of the peony flowers. If you've never experienced the intoxicating fragrance of peonies before, you're in for a treat! These large puffs of flowers resemble enormous roses, but their smell is so much better.

For myself, this is a spot I have been shooting at since the beginning, in 2015. My treasured friend has a backyard that is home to these beautiful peonies, and they typically have a BBQ here every year at the peak of bloom. It's the perfect opportunity to capture memories with loved ones amidst the stunning flowers.

The family who owns the property actually sells the flowers to markets and customers all over the country, making these blooms not just a beautiful sight, but also a valuable crop.

Peonies are not just popular for their beauty and fragrance, but also for their longevity. They are hardy plants that can last for over 100 years, making them a great addition to any garden. They are also a popular choice for weddings, with their vibrant colors and size adding a touch of elegance and romance to any ceremony.

For photographers like myself, the peony blooms provide a stunning backdrop for family portraits, maternity shoots, and even sessions with older teens. With so many options, the peony fields of South Jersey are truly a photographer's paradise.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a beautiful and fragrant location for your next photography session, the peony blooms are definitely worth considering. With their stunning beauty and longevity, they are not just a sight to behold but also a valuable addition to any garden. So, grab your family and I’ll grab my camera and let’s head out to the peony fields of South Jersey for a truly memorable experience!

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Some of our favorite peony sessions throughout the year. We love it here. This is why New Jersey is called the Garden State!

Hope you’ve enjoyed some of our award-winning captures over the years, in the peonies.

We welcome you to come out to these sessions, in May of this 2023 year. They are such a joy!

Have a magical day, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

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Peony Sessions in South Jersey

A wildflower session is always a gorgeous backdrop for your family portraits in South Jersey.

Every single year, this is one of my favorite flower places to photograph at. It doesn't feel like it is located in South Jersey, but another world. It feels almost European and ethereal. Acres and acres of beauties in the most beautiful peony colors that you can imagine. All this, is right here in South Jersey. These are a wonderful background for any any family portrait or children’s portraits. It is such a gorgeous setting!

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We’ve photographed so many families in our peony fields, year after year!

Some of the many captures and sessions that I have enjoyed. Aren't the peonies beautiful?

Sometimes, I can't believe what we have in our backyard. If only we would take the time to smell the roses (peonies in this case), right? Many years ago, I published two books on South Jersey. I also use to write for The Patch (Deirdre Howell), as well as ran South Jersey Explorer. It was a sheer honor to be invited out by the community. I had many pillars of the community ask me to come out and take a look at what we have in our backyard. It was within that discover, I came across this gorgeous flower farm.

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Sitting pretty among the peonies!

beauty among the pastel peonies.

Within this timeframe, I met exploring friends and now have become lifelong buds, who also had the same passion and desire for showcasing our beauty in New Jersey. One of my good friends, runs Historic and Abandoned Homes in South Jersey (has thousands of followers) and it's a great group. Go check it out on facebook and join!

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Another gorgeous shot of this little lady! In the peony fields.

I LOVE this girl. It was through her mom, I found a love for photography and we even took a workshop together. Isn't that cool. Mom is very talented.

I truly love South Jersey and it greatly shows in the pride of my work. Whether you live in Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May (or even Ocean County and Monmouth) I have you covered on gorgeous locations.

I will be offering 2022 peony sessions. We have not been able to offer them the past two years, due to Covid. However, we are resurrecting them. We hope that you can join us in one of the most jaw-dropping locations in our backyard and to capture those beautiful memories of you and your family.

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Picking peonies.

Picking powdered peonies. Client is wearing Anna Triant.

The link to book our 2022 Peony Sessions can be found here.

https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2022peonies

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