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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South Jersey-Fall Family Sessions are in full swing!

South Jersey-Fall Family Sessions are in full swing!

We've been very busy over here in South Jersey land. The weather has been absolutely beautiful this past week. We're getting that yummy fall light that every single photographer dies for. The kind of light you want to reach out and eat because it's so delicious!!! And the kind of light that makes you look gorgeous!!! We're sold out for the year! What a blessing, right? It's been a great year with our clients. I have loved every moment of it! We did originally keep this weekend open in the event of Halloween and also for potentionally peak foliage. It turns out, that it is looking like peak foliage this weekend. Hopefully, if the weather holds out!!! Every year around Halloween, it seems like we get a little rain as cooler weather starts to fly in. However, some years we get very lucky with gorgeous weather through November! Let's cross our fingers for this year! If you would like to book this special day we reserved aside, we would LOVE to work with you! The place we chose has beautiful light and a variety of different scenery. If we don't get a frost, there are wildflowers!!! We'll also provide dresses, hairpieces and make you and your family shine. We love making our clients feel like a million bucks!!! It's our job to capture your love and realness! If you are interested in booking a session, all info is provided here! All you need to do is show up and smile!!! Or let us even make you laugh to get that gorgeous smile!! My job is to make you and your family feel important and to capture unique moments for you to plaster all over your walls! https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-fall-sessionsWe would love to see you!!! Any questions, feel free to reach out!!! Happy Shooting my friends! DeeShooting Star PhotographySouthern New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware photographer  photographers in south jersey, south jersey photography, family photographer in new jersey, haddonfield new jersey photographer, moorestown photographer, millville photographer

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Fall Sessions are HERE!!!

 Hi South Jersey!!! Boy, do I have some fantastic news!!!!We have decided to launch some fall mini sessions in the peak height of the 2018 foliage season! These sessions will be held the weekend of the 27th~!  These sessions are a steal at only $200!!! The location will be in beautiful Woolwich Township- Swedesboro, New Jersey. This setting has optimal lighting. Great foliage and color will and should be at full height of the fall season in Southern New Jersey.These sessions will include dresses, between 15-20 minutes of shooting time. An online proofing gallery and two fine art edits. Guaranteed to be perfect for your Christmas cards!!! These are also great for folks who do not want to invest in a full session and maybe do sessions a few times a year and wanting that ONE epic capture. These are a ton of value and I promise the location does not disappoint! I hope to see you here! I truly love the light here. It's amazing and I can't wait to see the colors that will be produced this fall!!! It should be truly magical!!! That's always my goal to provide the BEST to my clients! fall mini sessions, south jersey photographer, family photographers in south jersey,photographers in swedesboro New Jersey More information can be found here! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!!!!  We're always here. Right now, it's our busy season. So please allow 24-48 hours to get back to you! We do try and reach out quicker. https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-fall-sessions Thanks Again! Dee  

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Excited for 2017 Fall Sessions! Daretown Lake, NJ

Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.

Fall Family Portrait Session at Daretown Lake, Salem County, New Jersey

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we capture the beauty of family moments against the picturesque backdrop of Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Our neutral approach ensures that every emotion and expression shines through naturally.

With the golden hues of fall foliage surrounding the serene waters of Daretown Lake, your family portrait session will be a timeless masterpiece that you can cherish for years to come. Our experienced photographers know how to capture the essence of your family bond in a relaxed setting, allowing your personalities to illuminate the frame.

Let Shooting Star Photography LLC preserve your family's joy, laughter, and love during this enchanting fall season at Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Book your session with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Family photo at Daretown Lake, in Elmer.

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cutie patootie.

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Pretty lady in front of the Daretown lake mill.

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Daddy with his kiddos.

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Now, we got a smile!

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Hello red head!

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The classic sibling shot. Loved this Daretown Lake Session!

Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.

Through our lens, we will capture the laughter, the shared adventures, and the unconditional love that radiates from within, ensuring that your family fall photo session becomes a cherished heirloom, capturing a fleeting moment in time. Choose Shooting Star Photography LLC for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of Daretown Lake, NJ.

EEEEEK! This weather is getting cooler and cooler and it has been extremely gorgeous outside! I am so excited for upcoming fall photos in the South Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware Areas. "They" aka forecasters for fall foliage predictions are expecting things to change a little earlier this year! Last year, fall extended in the first week of November! I recall the leaves not changing until the end of October! This year, they are expecting things to change and peak around mid October in our area.I guess we will see how things go! However, I am already starting to see some leaves changing colors around where I live in Woodstown, NJ (I travel all over) and am seeing among my travels to sessions all across the Delaware Valley, some foliage already starting to show! It's kind of strange.. It's still technically summer!

A little secret..  I MAY open up a few more sessions. I am trying to get caught up with the final galleries from the summer first and then will determine if I am able to open up a few more spots. Right now, we are booked full for the year (since I want to have photos completed for folks this year, in a timely fashion.) Here's a few images from a fall family mini session from last year!! I believe first family to choose images with our new policy! We upload the good, the bad, the ugly from our session...

EVERY image taken and then post them online for you to pick your selection and which images you would like edited. Can't wait to see what this year brings!!! I've already started working with families and hopefully, will post soon! :) I'm adding a few more great locations to the mix in the whole Delaware Valley/Philly area for folks who travel long distances to see me! I'm excited! We got to work at a great location in Pennsylvania the other day and it has so much to offer!     Fyi, new dresses and gowns are coming in daily and am very excited what 2018 is going to bring our way! Stay tuned.. You may see a fall session or two pop up and grab it while you can!!!  

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

NJ portrait photographer

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New Pretties Arrived Today!

New Pretties Arrived Today!

Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!

Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!

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Pretty in blue. These are great for the beach.

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Swooning over this dress!

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Dollcake rocks!

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Pretty as a princess.

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Pretty in lavender.

Fall has been INSANITY.  It pretty much is for every photographer... but I have been exhausted and have been traveling all over the country the past month and throughout this current fall season..  it's about to get even nuttier around here, but I'm a rockstar and and I will rock out this season!!! It's okay, as of this past weekend, no more traveling for awhile! So.. this means I get to stay in good Ol' South Jersey for a bit... well, until late November.. but will be HOME!!!

Sessions excite me.. I truly do enjoy working with families and people! It's going to be a great fall foliage season! The leaves are already changing and the weather has been staying pretty mild!Anywho!   I received 4 new dresses in today... The first two, I will showcase.. They are from the lovely DOLLCAKE company located in Australia and I have collected probably about 20 or more of their dresses this past year. I love them..

The reason WHY... Well, they are very, very, durable from kiddo's abuse.  I mean they are kids.. they're suppose to have fun.. get messy right? It is a part of this job and it happens, but these make me swoon everytime a kid wears them!I had my daughter model this for me as it came in today.. So please see attached for in person video.. I apologize for the grain.. as I did take it on my iphone, but figured you may like to see it on a REAL LIFE person.. This is a size 4.. It should fit a size 2 1/2- up to about a 4.. possibly a size 5..

Dollcake is a bit tricky with their sizing from time to time.. but it does allow a bit of stretch and the straps can be configured tight or lose with a ton of leeway. WARNING.. You will hear bribery for lollipops.. in this video.. be forewarned![wpvideo ULkAaqS5] Second Dress.. is this lavender long number.. Also, another gorgeous one.. This I purchased in a size 5. This should fit a bigger 3 year old up to possibly a size 6... A

gain, lots of leeway and can make adjustments!  Here's another live view of the dress.. However, not taken with professional equipment so please don't kill me!More bribery.. and she's "all done. I'm very excited for this year! If I had more time... I would be blogging more sessions and getting them up here, but my goal has been to get them out the door for my clients!  However, I am doing sessions in Delaware and Pennsylvania this end of year and am excited! I love new locations and spots! Hey, I love South Jersey, but it's nice to switch things up from time to time, right?

For those who are signed up to see me this season, I look forward to working with you!!! More goodies coming in too!

Have a great night and happy shooting! Dee

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Spring in South Jersey: A Season of Renewal

Spring in South Jersey: A Season of Renewal

As the warm sun rises higher in the sky, South Jersey comes alive with the vibrant colors and sweet scents of spring. The arrival of spring heralds the awakening of nature from its winter slumber, transforming the landscape into a picturesque tapestry of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and clear blue skies.

The cherry blossoms in Haddonfield, the tulip fields in Hammonton, and the daffodil gardens in Vineland burst into a riot of color, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness nature's magnificent display. With the gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of blossoms and the chorus of birdsong filling the air, South Jersey becomes a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

As the warm sun rises higher in the sky, South Jersey comes alive with the vibrant colors and sweet scents of spring. The arrival of spring heralds the awakening of nature from its winter slumber, transforming the landscape into a picturesque tapestry of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and clear blue skies.
The cherry blossoms in Haddonfield, the tulip fields in Hammonton, and the daffodil gardens in Vineland burst into a riot of color, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness nature's magnificent display. With the gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of blossoms and the chorus of birdsong filling the air, South Jersey becomes a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

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As a photographer at Shooting Star Photography LLC, I am captivated by the ethereal beauty of spring in South Jersey. It offers a myriad of opportunities to capture the essence of this season of renewal. From the tender buds unfurling against a backdrop of clear blue skies to the delicate dance of butterflies and bees among the blossoms, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring moments to preserve through the lens.

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Walking through the verdant landscapes and quaint townships, I am inspired by the sense of new beginnings that permeates the atmosphere. The picturesque settings provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the joy and vitality that spring brings to the region. Whether it's a family frolicking in a field of wildflowers or a couple strolling hand in hand along a tree-lined path, the beauty of spring in South Jersey lends itself to creating timeless and evocative photographs.


Spring in South Jersey is more than just a change in the weather—it's a celebration of life, beauty, and the promise of new beginnings. As the natural world comes alive with color, light, and energy, I look forward to capturing the essence of this enchanting season through my lens, preserving fleeting moments that encapsulate the spirit of spring in all its glory.

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Oh... my.... goodness!!!  The weather has been FANTASTIC lately. For March, it has been pretty mild! EEEEEEK!!!! The magnolias have bloomed earlier than normal.. I have a terraced garden and it's truly incredible to look out at what is in bloom.  The narcissus, magnolia, white willow, magnolias, hellebores, hyacinths and periwinkle giving me a beautiful dance right now. It's like winter's hibernation is finally over and spring is officially here!!! It's new beginnings for me this year and am treading on different waters. I am starting off fresh and offering something very different to the entire Philadelphia area... STYLIZED SESSIONS!!!! Yes, you got that right!

Stylized Sessions To The Spring Mix

Why waste money on something you may only wear once or twice?  I bring a great selection of gowns with me to every single session in your size and time permitting, you can slip on anything you like. My house is starting to look more like a boutique, haha! I want you to feel like a million buckaroos!!! I am so happy to be able to provide this to all my clients!  I want my clients to feel and look beautiful as this is will be a very special memory that I will be capturing for a lifetime.Currently, I am offering clothing/dresses for all girls ages 2-14.  I have a variety of different styles and colors.  ALL MATERNITY SESSIONS ARE STYLED.  I have just started purchasing gowns for women (so please inquire, I MAY have your size) and boys.  I have a few suits, ties, suspenders, hats. I will eventually have some pieces for men. I also provide headpieces in beautiful chiffons, silk, lace, crowns, feathers and everything in between!!! My goal is to provide a luxuriant service to all my customers!  From start to finish!

This is why we've only been in business for a year and have had clients return 4 or 5 times! We LOVE them! and guess what? I love you, too!

New Photography Locations!

On the horizon are unique session offerings. I will be offering sessions in azalea, lavender, daylily, sunflower and gladiola fields.  Unfortunately, the peonies and cherry blossoms have been sold out this year!  But... maybe again for next year? However, I have hundreds of scouted locations (including some private properties that I have available). We will do our best to give you what you want!!! I think in my next posting, I might show a little of the dresses I have accumulated! I think you will fall in love! I have over 30 more dresses coming in and a few special order princess crowns!How we work is... you tell us your size or sizes needed... and I bring a hand-picked selection for you to choose from. I also bring headpieces!

You can have as many wardrobe changes within your session time period. I want you to enjoy your experience. I also bring an assistant with me to give you the best we have to offer!  This assistant helps with getting smiles, helping you dress, watching for any fly away hairs, getting you a drink, if you need it... They are here to help!!! 

We've also opened up to servicing Delaware (love me some Delaware, it's actually not the far from me), the Philadelphia metro market and even central Jersey this year!!! YES!!! We will come to you!

 Well... I look forward to hearing from you soon!  Thank you for stopping by and happy shooting, my friends!!!

Dee Giumetti

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