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.
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Capturing Beach Memories: A Picture-Perfect Photo Session in Ocean City, NJ
Capturing Memories: A Picture-Perfect Photo Session in Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City, New Jersey, is a haven of coastal charm, offering an idyllic backdrop for a memorable photo session. With its vibrant boardwalk, pristine beaches, and iconic fishing pier, this quaint seaside town presents endless opportunities to capture moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. In this blog, we'll explore the various facets of Ocean City that make it a photography enthusiast's paradise.
Ocean City, New Jersey, is a haven of coastal charm, offering an idyllic backdrop for a memorable photo session. With its vibrant boardwalk, pristine beaches, and iconic fishing pier, this quaint seaside town presents endless opportunities to capture moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. In this blog, we'll explore the various facets of Ocean City that make it a photography enthusiast's paradise.
The Boardwalk: Where Nostalgia Meets Contemporary Flair
Ocean City's boardwalk is the heart and soul of the town, brimming with energy, colors, and a distinct blend of nostalgia and modernity. Picture yourself strolling along the boardwalk, camera in hand, as the sun sets behind the vibrant shops and amusement rides. Capture the genuine joy on the faces of families and friends enjoying ice cream, playing mini-golf, or taking a leisurely bike ride. The lively atmosphere and diverse attractions offer a kaleidoscope of photo opportunities.
Sandy Serenity: Beaches Beyond Compare
Ocean City boasts pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The soft sands and glistening waters provide a picturesque canvas for your photo session. From sunrise to sunset, the changing light casts enchanting hues, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Consider capturing candid shots of families building sandcastles, couples strolling hand in hand, and surfers catching waves. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides lend a touch of serenity to your beachside snapshots.
Pier Perfection: The Iconic Fishing Pier
The fishing pier in Ocean City, New Jersey is one of my favorite locations to shoot at.
The Ocean City Fishing Pier stands as a symbol of both recreational angling and photographic inspiration. Extend your lens over the railings to capture breathtaking shots of the endless horizon merging with the Atlantic Ocean. Experiment with compositions as fishermen cast their lines, seagulls glide overhead, and the sun paints the sky with warm shades. The juxtaposition of the pier against the vast ocean exudes a sense of grandeur that's worth preserving in your photographs.
I love utilizing the rides on the Ocean City boardwalk as my background for photographs.
The ocean in Ocean City, NJ never disappoints.
Playing and twirling along the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Another beautiful night at the fishing pier in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Tips for a Successful Photo Session:
Golden Hours: Take advantage of the soft, flattering light during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—to infuse your photos with warmth and depth.
Varied Shots: Aim for a mix of candid shots that capture spontaneous moments and posed shots that showcase the beauty of Ocean City's landmarks.
Capture Emotions: Seek out genuine emotions, whether it's the laughter of children playing on the beach or the quiet contemplation of a person gazing at the sea.
Incorporate Elements: Use the vibrant boardwalk shops, colorful umbrellas, and unique architectural features as interesting elements in your composition.
Experiment with Angles: Don't be afraid to crouch down, climb a dune, or stand on the pier's edge to capture diverse angles and perspectives.
Conclusion:
Ocean City, NJ, is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, where the boardwalk's liveliness, the beaches' tranquility, and the fishing pier's majesty come together to create a stunning visual narrative. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to document cherished memories, this coastal gem offers a captivating backdrop that's waiting to be captured through your lens. So, pack your camera, head to Ocean City, and let your creativity flow as you preserve the magic of this charming seaside town.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee D Giumetti
Grandpa and me...
Every single session we do for our clients is truly unique. Not one photograph will look the same because we truly love making every single photograph a true keepsake and piece of art.It's honestly what we we trained to do in this business. As I reflect back on this 2018 year, I have to say it was the hardest year of my life. As I look back, I almost lost my mother, who is my assistant.. She was hospitalized for over a month. It was a nightmare during this time. We thought she may not make it and that she may no longer be with us. She's a huge asset to this photography business. She's the best assistant I could ever ask for and am grateful for everything she does. I am so elated she is still here with us and recovered fully. About 10 days after my mom came home, it was my husband's turn. He had flu-like symptoms and his condition got worse and worse. He was then hospitalized. The doctors were baffled as to what was happening. Every specialist they had on hand, he saw. His condition got worse and worse to the point where we almost lost him. He lost all bodily functioning, he lost his ability to walk. It was a very scary time. They put him on every antibiotic known to man. It was within two weeks, he started to finally show some life again and slowly got better. He was later transferred to an inpatient subacute rehabilitation center to learn how to walk all over again. It was later found out by infectious disease that what he caught, only effects about 2,000 patients a year with about a 60% mortality rate. He's lucky to be here. When I look back on the year, I see myself. I see how strong I was. As a wife, daughter, mother.. and I honestly don't know how I got through it all. I kept every single photography session that I had scheduled. I did not cancel on anyone. In fact, the sessions were very therapeutic for me as I was going through this. It's true how art can soothe the soul. There were some delays on editing galleries, but very understandable in the situation and I did inform customers of the situation. Under normal circumstances, most folks would be able to take a leave of absence from their jobs. However, as a single business owner, I unfortunately was unable to do that. I just trucked through. I realized how strong I really am and how I kept it together. I know most folks would crumble. I just feel fortunate to have both the folks I love dearly still here with me. In any event... as I look back and everything I went through. I realize how very important photographs are. I made a point to get myself photographed with my children this past fall.. as I didn't have any. I also made an appointment with a photographer I admire for 2019 and I plan to make an appointment with another one as well. It's very important. This is why I am sharing this... This is grandpa. He doesn't live in the US (hopefully, soon though) and I told my customer it was important to bring her father so that he could be in some images. This will be a keepsake for the family for years to come to remember. Our children get older every day and the folks that we love.. we continue to lose, year after year. Time does not stand still. This is why it's important to capture these moments. I truly hope this mama got this blown up and proudly displayed in the house. It's beautiful.
Get those photographs folks. Capture these precious moments. One day you may not have your loved ones with you.. and all you have left are these. This is why I love what I do and why I got into photography in the first place. If you would like to book your family session, please reach out. We would love to customize something special for you!!! Happy Shooting, my friends!!!! Dee Shooting Star Photography
