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.

Fall Family Photo Shoot- Woodstown, NJ Edition.

Family Photography is Always so much fun!

I am attempting to get some of my work up on here.  I've been truly very busy! I'm writing two books and have been booking for this upcoming Spring and Summer for the photography business!  I'm truly glad that the weather is starting to get a little warmer because I love working outdoors!  I find that to be the most fun. Studio work is fine, but there is nothing like being outside! I just love most outdoor images. Am I wrong in feeling this way? Here's a family I did back in the fall!  We had so much fun!  Mom likes a little creativity so we tried to capture that!  Our session was done here at our studio in Salem County! 

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Woodstown, NJ family photo shoot.

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The stunning kiddos!

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Another great family moment!

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Fun family shot! Kids being..kids with mom and dad!

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Another great capture of mom and dad.. and the kids throwing leaves in the background!

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The kiddos :)

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I love getting single images of the kids too.

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Mom with her little one.

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What a handsome fella!

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And we end with the cutest little pumpkin picker, ever!

Family Photography is Always so much fun!

I am attempting to get some of my work up on here.  I've been truly very busy! I'm writing two books and have been booking for this upcoming Spring and Summer for the photography business!  I'm truly glad that the weather is starting to get a little warmer because I love working outdoors!  I find that to be the most fun. Studio work is fine, but there is nothing like being outside! I just love most outdoor images. Am I wrong in feeling this way? Here's a family I did back in the fall!  We had so much fun!  Mom likes a little creativity so we tried to capture that!  Our session was done here at our studio in Salem County! 

The family is from the Pitman area. Here a few photographs from that session!By doing these posts, it's fun to see the progress I have made in such a short amount of time!  I really put in the hard work to learn and educate myself. A day doesn't go by that I'm a student and learning new things! I think this is why I love photography so much, it's a continuing process of love and learning. 

You could be a professional for twenty plus years, and still not know everything!  It truly is something really exciting to get into and boy, it's a challenge! The good thing is I love a challenge:)  I also love seeing how far I've come from when I first started this journey. I love growing! Anyway, enough of my ramblings... hope you enjoy some of these images! Many great things to come!  Just you wait!!  I am so passionate about photography and I love making people smile!  And Whew!  I have to get more work up on here, I have plenty more to share! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee       

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Spring Easter Mini's at Shooting Star in South Jersey!

Spring Easter Mini's at Shooting Star in South Jersey!

Mar 12

Capture the essence of Easter in South Jersey with Shooting Star Photography! Our Easter photography sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the beautiful backdrop of South Jersey. Whether you envision candid shots amidst blooming cherry blossoms or playful portraits with adorable bunnies, our skilled photographers are here to bring your creative visions to life. With our expertise in capturing the joy and warmth of this special holiday, we ensure that every precious moment with your loved ones is preserved in stunning, high-quality photographs. Book your Easter photography session with Shooting Star Photography today and let us transform your cherished moments into timeless treasures.

Capture the essence of Easter in South Jersey with Shooting Star Photography! Our Easter photography sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the beautiful backdrop of South Jersey. Whether you envision candid shots amidst blooming cherry blossoms or playful portraits with adorable bunnies, our skilled photographers are here to bring your creative visions to life. With our expertise in capturing the joy and warmth of this special holiday, we ensure that every precious moment with your loved ones is preserved in stunning, high-quality photographs. Book your Easter photography session with Shooting Star Photography today and let us transform your cherished moments into timeless treasures.

Shooting Star Photography is offering spring mini sessions, here in South Jersey, for March 22nd. A few folks have already booked... so make sure you book soon, if you are looking  to reserve a specific time!  Our garden is already showing signs of spring, there are so many bulbs popping up, it is going to be beautiful here. I always encourage my clients to peruse around our garden while they are waiting or if they just want to go for a little stroll around while they're here. It's always fun!

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Happy little easter baby.

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I think anyone would buy a bunny from this dapper young man. What do you think?

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Another photograph of my little girl! She also took her first step today! Oh boy!

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The kid is showing off his "merchandise" of bunnies!

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Our mini special is $49, this special includes a 25-30 minute session, 3 hi-resolution digitals to download from an online gallery and 1 8x10. You may order more items and all of our pricing is located on our price tab from the main page. I don't do these very often and am excited to announce that we will be doing spring mini's.  My mini's are very rare as they sometimes take a full preparative concept and then the entire planning of the set and even putting up and taking down can be a lot.Mini's are more than technically one session in an entire day, it could be 8-10 families or children that come to see you within that day, so one must have the energy to do them!  The equipment and my backup camera, batteries fully charged and memory sticks locked and loaded. In offering mini's, I like to welcome people to my home.

The setup is generally easier (I can walk right outside the door) and it's a matter of convenience.  Also, my garden acts as a beautiful backdrop and I love how private it is.  Privacy is what a lot of folks hold dear and folks feel relaxed and at ease here.I am not one for theme's.  I like more natural settings, but from time to time, they can be fun.  However, I do find the mini's beneficial to parents. 

Most kids, don't have the attention span to sit still for too long... after all they are kids, so instead of paying for a full-hour session in which parents know their kids and know some kids can't make it through an hour, that mini's are the most ideal.  They are quick and painless... plus, can be a ton of fun!

Yesterday, I took my kids out in the yard to take photographs of the potential setup we will be using.  I love my kids and they make the best models sometimes.  I also get their holiday sessions in... so it's a win-win on both sides. However, using my kids to model, it gives me a general feel in how I want the set to be designed. I also get to test out lighting in a particular location, or even test the overall design plan with general wear and tear. 

I will be fine-tuning this setup. I love some things, like the little stand and eggs scattered throughout, but there are a few other things I will be changing up to make this absolutely perfect for my clients.If the weather is going to be too cold, or it ends up raining that day, we will be doing studio shots indoors with a backdrop and this general setup, so either way, you will have a pleasant day!  BUT it is SPRING!  Outdoor photos would be most ideal to celebrate the season, don't you think? I guess we will see what Mother Nature has in store for us!  

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

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What Do I Bring With Me To A Photo Shoot?

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

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Happy at Daretown Lake, in Salem County. NJ.

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Two cuties at Daretown.

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One of our first studio sessions in 2015.

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Brother and sister photo shoot in Gloucester County, NJ.

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Wisteria sessions will be in full swing soon!

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Consider bringing options that suit the desired theme or style, allowing for variety in the shots. It's also important to bring any specific props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into the photos. Props can add a personal touch and enhance the overall visual narrative.

Lastly, don't forget to bring any necessary touch-up items, such as makeup, hair products, or a small mirror. These will come in handy for quick touch-ups and ensuring you always look your best. By being well-prepared with these items, you'll set the stage for a memorable and successful photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey.

I take being a photographer rather seriously. I know the folks of South Jersey pay good money to have their photographs taken of their family and that these will be treasured forever. I am ALWAYS prepared ALWAYS. For every location that I have scouted in South Jersey, I know where the sun sets and the best places at these scouted locations that will accentuate and highlight my client's best features. I implement an architecture and nature plan.

I want to use a building as a backdrop as an element and I also like to include nature... that way there's a nice mix and variety of different styles and poses in the same shoot. I also like water, trees, grasses, flowers... I like to include it all.When it comes to you, the client, just bring yourself! Seriously. I have everything covered!Sometimes my sessions look like two or three different sessions all rolled into one. Which makes it rather nice! Best of all, my clients are ecstatic when they see the variety they get upon receiving their images.

Most of my clients have ordered canvases for their homes and I take great pride in seeing that they value me as a professional.So... what do I bring with me to my shoot? Practically everything. I am always PREPARED, preparation is key. My camera batteries are charged, I make sure my SD cards are ready to go and empty (meaning deleted), I bring with me the lenses I want to use... and I ALWAYS have a backup camera on hand. ALWAYS.Prior to my sessions, I have things planned out to what I want to do. I also collaborate with my clients in any ideas they would like to incorporate or do within their session.

I provide a nice detailed questionnaire that enables myself to get to know you... Your style, what poses or pictures you want, and any specifics. I am always early for my sessions. I come from a business background. I worked for a Fortune 500 company and my job was working with VP's and CEO's of other Fortune 500 companies. I am a professional, first and foremost. Early is on time and that is always my motto.

However, I also like to get there early to setup my settings and how the light is shining that particular day, that way I am fully prepared for your when you arrive.I also always have a clean blanket on hand, in case you do not wish to sit on the ground, or it has happened to rain the night before, you don't want to get all wet!In the event that kids are involved, I have a method to keep them engaged while I'm taking their photographs.

Working with children takes patience, but it also needs to be fun for them to gain their interest and I do my best to do that! At the end of every shoot, I usually have a little something for them for their "good behavior."I also like to take 5 minutes to warm up to children, show them what I'll be doing. Physically show them. I sometimes will let them take a photo just so they can see for themselves what will be happening. Again, it's preparation...

In this case, preparing the kids for what is in store for them the next 45min to an hour. I don't like going over an hour. Most kids are done within the first 30 minutes so I try to make it as quick and painless for them.As I said, I am a professional first and foremost and I come from a business background.

However, I also have a very energetic personality and this personality MADE me successful when I worked directly with these CEO's and VP's. These are companies we all have heard of and make billions of dollars a profit a year.I sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of product to these corporations. I always delivered and had my ducks in a row before any rollout. I established long-lasting relationships with these clients even after the sale.

I remember having to work with a client to develop trust, for over a year, before they even purchased anything. However, it was that dedication and perseverance that they admired and I made a client for life after that. They were my client until I left that company. I also believe that client ended up not working with the company I left, because I was no longer there and they wanted to work with me and only me.

Honesty and hard work pays off, respecting your customers and clients and providing a valuable service will make you successful in any career. This is what I apply to life in general and I am a woman of my word. ALWAYS.In working with myself, you will know I am always prepared, on time and I will make your experience fun and memorable. I will put you at ease and make you laugh.

The more relaxed you are, the better quality of the photos you will have. There is nothing like seeing photos where folks are uncomfortable. After every session I have ever had, folks say it was the most fun they ever had when working with a photographer. I have a way of directing folks in a way that isn't too bossy and I always have a plan to get to the direction that you (the client) and I want it to go.Hope this information helps for you to get to know me better and how we do things here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

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