Fashion Forward Preteens | Teens Shine in Philadelphia Photo Shoot

Capturing Teens and Preteens are our speciality. We know at this age, it is important that they have fun without being dragged out to a photo shoot because that's what mom wants! Haha! All of the teens we see, always ask to come back again after their shoot!

As a teen or preteen, the world of fashion is constantly evolving, and it's never too early to start exploring your personal style. Two preteens recently had the opportunity to do just that in a photo shoot on Broad Street in Philadelphia. With a backdrop of the city's architecture and culture, these young fashionistas showed off their unique looks and personalities. Let's take a closer look at this fashion-forward photo shoot.

Setting the Stage – Broad Street, Philadelphia

Broad Street in Philadelphia is not just any ordinary street. It's the kind of place where you can feel the pulse of the city, and it's the perfect location for a fashion shoot that's all about showcasing personal style. With iconic landmarks like City Hall and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in the background, the photos from this shoot are sure to capture the essence of the city. The architecture of the buildings provides a stunning contrast to the two young models and their outfits.

But it's not just the buildings that make Broad Street special. It's the energy of the city that really brings the shoot to life. There's something about the buzz of the people and the constant movement that makes this location the perfect setting for a fashion-forward shoot. Whether it's the way the wind blows through the girl's blue dress or the way the boy's black pants catch the sunlight just right, there's an energy in these photos that's hard to ignore.

In a world where personal style is so important, it's refreshing to see two preteens exploring their own fashion choices and making them their own. The photos from this shoot are a testament to the idea that fashion doesn't have to be exclusive or intimidating. Instead, it can be a way to express yourself and embrace your unique style. And what better place to do it than on the streets of Philadelphia?

What age range qualifies as preteens and why are they being targeted in this shoot?

Simply put, the term preteens generally refers to children between the ages of 9 to 12. The reason they're being targeted in this Philadelphia photo shoot is to capture the vibrant energy and unique personalities of this age group in a fun and exciting city environment. Plus, this is what mom wanted!

What landmarks or unique spots in Philadelphia were used as backgrounds for the shoot?

Mom wanted a vibrant and exciting Philadelphia photo shoot that aimed to capture the youthful spirit of her preteens. This included notable city landmarks and spots used as backdrop to add unique character to the images. For example, City Hall in the Background and the Kimmel Center. I also like using the Merriam Theater and side streets.

The Girl in Blue – A Pop of Color in the City

The girl in the blue dress brought a burst of color to the city streets during this photo shoot. I really love blue as city shadows seem to show off blue so pastel colors and jewel tones always are gorgeous here! Her outfit was a statement piece, with a vibrant blue hue that made her stand out against the neutral background. The dress added an element of fun and playfulness to the photos, and the strappy sandals and simple jewelry complemented the look perfectly. But it wasn't just her outfit that made her shine; her confidence and self-assuredness added to the overall effect.

Her perfectly styled hair added to the youthful, carefree vibe of the shoot, and her smile was infectious. It was clear that she was comfortable in her own skin and in the outfit she was wearing. It's not always easy to be bold and make a statement with fashion, especially at a young age, but this girl showed that it can be done with ease.

In a world where fitting in can be the norm, it was refreshing to see someone embrace their individuality and showcase their unique style. This young fashionista proved that personal style doesn't have to be boring or bland; it can be fun, colorful, and full of life. And what better place to do it than on the bustling streets of Philadelphia?

The Boy in a Dress Shirt and Black Pants – A Touch of Sophistication

While the girl in blue brought a pop of color to the shoot, the boy in the dress shirt and black pants exuded a sense of sophistication that was beyond his years. His outfit was simple but refined, with a crisp white dress shirt that contrasted perfectly with his black pants. The black leather shoes completed the look, making him look sharp and put-together. But it wasn't just his outfit that made him stand out; it was the confidence and poise that he exuded.

The way he carried himself in front of the camera was impressive, and it was clear that he was comfortable in his own skin. His sleek side-parted hair added to his classic, timeless look, and his expression was calm and collected. It was inspiring to see a young person embrace a more sophisticated look, especially in a world where casual styles are often the norm.

This young fashion-forward preteen showed that fashion doesn't have to be restricted to a particular age group or gender. His outfit was both stylish and age-appropriate, and it showed that personal style is all about experimentation and exploration. It's refreshing to see a young person embrace a more sophisticated look and make it their own, and it's a reminder that fashion can be an avenue for self-expression at any age. In a world where casual styles are often the norm, it was exciting to see a young person break the mold and set a new standard for preteen fashion.

The Dance of Light and Shadow - Photography Elements

The magic of photography lies in the way it captures light and shadow. In this fashion-forward preteen photo shoot, the photographers used the architecture of the city to create stunning contrasts of light and shadow. The play of light on the girl's blue dress and the boy's black pants is captivating, and the photographers' skillful use of bokeh adds an extra layer of interest to the photos. The way the sunlight casts shadows on the girl's face in some photos adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

But it's not just the use of light and shadow that makes these photos stand out. The photographers also played with angles and perspectives to create dynamic images that showcase the cityscape and the models. The photos taken from above show the models in the context of the city, while the close-up shots highlight their individual styles and personalities. The resulting images are not only beautiful, but also tell a story about these young fashionistas and the city they inhabit.

The photographers' mastery of light and shadow is a testament to their skills and artistry, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the photos. The interplay of light and shadow is something that can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of their interest in fashion. These photos are not just a documentation of a fashion shoot; they're also a celebration of the beauty of the city and the art of photography.

Behind the Scenes – The Making of a Fashion Shoot

While the photos from the shoot look effortless and natural, a lot of hard work went into creating those stunning shots. The making of a fashion shoot is no easy feat, and this one was no exception. The team behind the scenes worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. From wardrobe changes to hair and makeup touch-ups, every detail was attended to.

The photographers, in particular, played a crucial role in bringing this shoot to life. They worked closely with the models to make sure they felt comfortable and confident, and they experimented with different angles and lighting to get the perfect shot. The makeup artist and hairstylist were equally important, ensuring that the models looked their best in every photo.

But it wasn't just the technical aspects of the shoot that made it successful. The team had a great energy and worked together seamlessly to create a fun and exciting atmosphere. Everyone was invested in making sure the shoot was a success, and their passion and dedication are evident in the final product.

The behind-the-scenes look at the making of this fashion shoot is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating something beautiful. It takes a village to make a shoot like this happen, and every person involved played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life. The result is a series of stunning photos that showcase the beauty of the city and the individual styles of these two preteens.

A Step towards Preteen Fashion Revolution

The world of fashion can often be intimidating, especially for preteens who are just starting to explore their personal style. But this photo shoot on Broad Street in Philadelphia is a step towards changing that. These two young models showed that fashion can be fun, exciting, and accessible for everyone.

By embracing their individual styles and showcasing them in a public setting, they set an example for other preteens who may be struggling to find their own unique style. Fashion should be about expressing yourself and feeling confident in your own skin, and these two young fashionistas demonstrated just that.

It's exciting to see a preteen fashion revolution taking place, where individuality is celebrated and personal style is embraced. It's a reminder that fashion doesn't have to be exclusive or intimidating; it can be a way to have fun and express yourself.

By breaking the mold and embracing their own unique styles, these two preteens are setting a new standard for fashion-forward young people. They're showing that fashion isn't just for adults or industry insiders; it's for anyone who wants to explore their creativity and make a statement with their style.

This photo shoot is just the beginning of a fashion revolution that celebrates diversity and individuality. It's a reminder that fashion can be a form of self-expression and a way to celebrate your unique personality. We can't wait to see what other preteens will bring to the table in the future and how they will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of fashion.

If you would like your teen or preteen photographed, lets schedule a session!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

One Crazy South Jersey Winter!

It has been one crazy winter. Hasn’t it? Having a winter portrait session in South Jersey is a truly captivating experience. The landscape transforms into a scenic wonderland, painting a picturesque backdrop for capturing the beauty of the moment. Recently, we had the pleasure of conducting a maternity session in the enchanting snowy grounds of Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly, NJ.

As the pure white blanket of snow draped the trees and covered the earth, the surroundings created a serene ambiance that effortlessly highlighted the expectant mother's radiant glow. The frozen ponds, glistening in the winter sunlight, added an ethereal touch to the photographs, making them truly unforgettable. The combination of the majestic surroundings and the joyous anticipation of new life made this winter portrait session an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Hi there South Jersey! Boy, has it been one crazy winter... hasn't it?! I am STILL working this winter!!! We had a nice little warm period for a bit until it turned into the New Year and it's been a bit cold ever since!!! I'm still getting caught up on my December gallery deliveries, however, I'm hoping to knock everything out by the end of this week!!I have some very exciting news!!! Just because it snows, doesn't mean it should deter you from shooting!!!

Capturing the Quiet Beauty: Winter Portraiture

Why I love winter portraits! The cold weather encourages intimacy and closeness, making it an ideal time for capturing genuine connections and heartfelt interactions between people.
For portrait photographers, the snow season provides an opportunity to experiment with composition and framing, using the natural elements to add visual interest and drama to their work. Whether it's the delicate snowflakes adorning the background or the striking silhouettes against the wintry landscape, every detail contributes to the narrative woven through the photographs.

Winter has the BEST LIGHT!

In addition, the subdued color palette of winter lends itself to a timeless and classic aesthetic, accentuating the emotions and personalities of the subjects without distractions. The purity of the snow season creates a sense of calm and introspection, allowing photographers to craft portraits that resonate on a deeper level.

Finding Inspiration in the Winter as a Portrait Photographer

One session type that speaks to me for the winter time is…maternity photographs!  My client wanted a beautiful winter wonderland session. In fact, I went so far as to learning how to photoshop one in... but I got lucky.. real lucky.. It snowed!!! And it was the first snowfall of the year!!!! My beautiful snow princess got her wish!!! Here is her photograph taken within this last week!This past week was a pretty incredible week for myself as an artist.  I have worked so hard this year. It's been many hours of blood, sweat and tears honestly.  Many days away from my family and my growing young children...    I have been following a dream. MY DREAM and no one is going to stop me from it. I've worked too hard to let anyone ruin that for me and will continue to push ahead!  

More Inspiring Work

One place, I've always looked up to is this magazine.... Inspire Digital or Not.  The attached is their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/inspirefineartphotographymagazine/?fref=ts 

Now, this page may not sound like anything to you, but my IDOLS have been published and featured here. Everyone from LJ Holloway, Katrina Parry, Tara Lesher, Lilia Alvarado and the list goes on.  The huge game changers of this industry have been featured. Well, I got my wish this week... or I guess my dream finally came through.  I was published FOUR TIMES this week. FOUR.. With four different images. My images use to get rejected and not even get a nomination and this week FOUR featured images.  THIS IS HUGE NEWS to me.

To be featured among the best in the world and with folks I've come to admire... and for only being in this business for less than a year... Yup, February will be my first FULL year in business.  This is big news to me. Big news on how much I have grown and improved. I have moved mountains this last year to get to the level I have gotten to!  It's unreal!!! I have Meg Bitton to thank greatly for this. I will blog about her in a bit.  I took a workshop with her back in December and it was a game changer for myself and where I saw this business going... where its future lies. Meg Bitton is one of the world's greats... and if I'm going to learn.. it will be from the best!!!  

Upcoming Photography Workshops!

I have signed up for another of her workshops for this September with her and Sandra Bianco (another great and very well-known artist in this industry).  Another artist that I will be learning under this year is Elena Shumilova.  She's considered one of the top 5 photographers in the world and I am extremely blessed to have landed into her workshop this year.

This workshop will be two days of beautiful bliss for me!!! I am continuing my education in between workshops. I have taken up a few editing workshops and plan to take a local workshop with some well-known folks in our area.  This year is MINE. I am going after it. I am giving my best and best of all... I am going to be me and let my work shine for myself and for my clients!!!

I am so very excited. PHOTOGRAPHY is where my heart is and where it lies... I couldn't be happier.  It is my joy and I enjoy capturing art for my clients!!! Don't let this winter drag you down... As you see, with the images above, winter can still be absolutely beautiful. You just have to look for it!!! It's there. I am looking forward to spring and looking forward to my gowns and dresses to be utilized!!! Bring it on South Jersey and Philly!!! We'll see you soon! I have a ton of blog posts and sessions that I need to get up here!!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

 Dee    

Shooting Star Photography

You Want That Fall Look?

Fall Photography Editing Secrets

As the vibrant colors of fall foliage create a stunning backdrop, capturing the essence of autumn through photography is a treat for both photographers and viewers. The key to showcasing the beauty of this season lies not only in capturing exceptional photos but also in the art of post-processing. Here are some editing tips and secrets to elevate your fall photography:

Enhance Colors

• Hue/Saturation Adjustments: Use selective adjustments to enhance the warmth of red, orange, and yellow tones, making the foliage pop against the cooler fall backdrop.

• White Balance: Fine-tune the white balance to accentuate the golden and earthy tones, imbuing your images with a cozy autumn feel.

Embrace Contrast

• Clarity and Texture: Increasing clarity and texture can bring out the intricate details of leaves, tree bark, and other fall elements, adding depth and dimension to your photos.

• Curves and Levels: Experiment with curves and levels to create a balanced contrast, accentuating the rich hues of fall while maintaining natural tones.

Moody Atmosphere

• Split Toning: Infuse your images with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere by applying subtle split toning, enhancing the yellows and reds in the highlights and shadows.

• Vignetting: Soft vignetting can draw attention to the main subject, evoking a sense of focus and intimacy within the autumn landscape.

Fine-Tune Composition

• Cropping: Refine your composition through strategic cropping, emphasizing the captivating elements of the fall scenery and removing distractions.

• Perspective Correction: Ensure vertical lines remain straight, especially when photographing architectural elements amidst fall colors, to maintain a sense of balance and harmony.

Preservation of Details

• Sharpening and Noise Reduction: Carefully apply sharpening to accentuate intricate details, and utilize noise reduction to maintain the crispness and clarity of your fall photographs.

• Masking: Use masking techniques to selectively apply sharpening and noise reduction, preserving the authentic texture of the fall foliage while refining overall image sharpness.

By incorporating these editing secrets into your post-processing workflow, you can amplify the visual impact of your fall photography, encapsulating the splendor of this enchanting season in every image.

Or… you can just use my action to make that fall look that you want!

After the fall action.

Before.. see how it changes greens, but need to mask off areas you don’t want.

A little excecssive, but I think you see the point!

Want That Fall Look?

It's that time of year! Autumn in South Jersey! They say... (the experts in fall foliage) that the colors will be changing later on this year than previous years!  As photographers, we are being hired to take those beautiful family fall pictures, but we have ONE PROBLEM.. the leaves haven't really started changing yet!!And that's what we've been hired to capture, right?We've been having magnificent weather these last few days and I am hoping everyone is getting out to enjoy!Here is my after and before!  Last is SOOC no adjustments were made. After, is with the fall edit I created!Well, I have been dabbling around in Photoshop trying to figure out a way to bring out those beautiful fall vibrant foliage colors. The only changes I see going on, in South Jersey, at the moment are the soybean fields.

They are gorgeous vibrant gold colors, even those lovely sandy browns.  However, there is not much going on in terms of foliage.I am starting to see only a SLIGHT change with the greenery on the leaves. Honestly, I'm seeing more acorns dropping, more than anything!So... I have developed this fall set for you guys! Yep, I did not stutter... This is the first time I have ever exported so I accidentally uploaded 

This will give you that lovely fall foliage that you are dying to have right now! It's also a great way to showcase those gorgeous tones, if you live elsewhere in the country (for example, Florida) where you don't get much of that fall foliage!Here is a before and after of the fall colors !   I like using this as a bit of a toned down feature, but gives my photographs a little extra warmth. Fellow togs enjoy and don't be afraid to experiment with these beautiful colors and create something magical!

 Happy Shooting, my friends!!!

Dee Giumetti

Cheap Camera Challenge!

Photography Challenge: Cheap Camera, Cheap Lenses

Recently, I decided to push the limits of my professional photography skills by taking on a challenge - using a cheap camera and cheap lenses to capture captivating images. Despite the perceived limitations, I embarked on this creative experiment with an open mind and a determination to defy expectations.
The challenge sparked a renewed sense of creativity as I embraced the constraints and sought innovative ways to extract remarkable shots from seemingly limited equipment. It required a deeper understanding of composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques to compensate for the equipment's inherent shortcomings.

The results of this experiment exceeded my expectations, producing images that showcased the essence of storytelling and visual appeal. Despite the unconventional approach, the photographs captured raw emotions, vivid landscapes, and authentic moments, emphasizing the power of vision and skill over the gear's cost.

I invite you to browse through the striking images from this unconventional expedition, a testimony to the notion that creativity knows no bounds and that exceptional photography lies within the photographer, not just the equipment.
Cheers to the art of creating magic with humble tools!

As photographers, we are questioned on a repeated basis.  We get questions like... What kind of camera do you have? And comments like... Your camera takes nice pictures...  However, deep down inside we really want to laugh, of course without coming off as rude to our customer, right?  We know darn well... that's about the study of photography.  It's measuring light and exposing for light and knowing how to work in any lighting conditions. Because of all this, I decided to do a challenge and put myself to work! Hehe!

Photographed this little girl at the alley around my house in Woodstown. Love the side eye and Po’d looks he is giving me.

She’s all smiles and i really like her skin tone here!

My kiddos with grandpa camping.

The Results of the Cheap Camera Challenge.

I recently dusted off my old crop censor APC Sony A6000 and put it to work up against my full frame camera that cost over $2,000.I decided to level the playing field, by using the same subject and utilizing the same lens. The lens that was used was a Rokinon  135mm not the most expensive lens out there. Another indicator that it is the photographer not the equipment. So if you had to guess... which one do you think was taken with the cheaper camera? The first photo or the second photo?Also, let's level the playing field in this... Do you see this black and white photo? This was taken with a $40 lens.  Yup, $40. My point with this challenge was to prove that sometimes you don't need fancy equipment to get the results you want!  It really is knowing your settings at how to work your equipment that makes a photographer... not your equipment.  

So if you are out there using a cheapo camera and making it work... don't get dissuaded!  You got this!I'm a firm believer in utilizing the tools you have and all about education!  Learning the basics will get you far, no matter what type of equipment you utilize!

Oh and the answer of which photo was taken with the more expensive camera?  It would be the more golden toned photo of my little girl sitting by our stream! Now, could you really tell that? Probably not.  As you can see, the crop camera gives similar results and is 1/4 the cost of the "pro" camera.  Funny how you can get similar results with a cheaper camera, eh?!I'm telling you, it's the photographer, not the camera that will determine the results! Here is proof in the pudding! Thanks for playing along with the cheap camera challenge! 

Happy Shooting South Jersey!

-Dee