Mommy and Me Cherry Blossom Photo Shoot in Philadelphia

Let's face it, life as a parent is a whirlwind of endless to-dos. From school drop-offs to meal prepping, it feels like there's barely time to breathe. But amid the chaos, there are precious, fleeting moments with your children that you want to capture and treasure forever. That's where a quick, memorable family photo shoot comes in, creating an everlasting legacy for generations. Imagine the warm hues of cherry blossoms serving as the backdrop for capturing your little girl's chubby cheeks and blossoming personality. Yes, this all can be done in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Here's how.

Embracing Spontaneity: The Secret to Natural Portraits

Time to shake off the notion that an unforgettable family photo shoot demands meticulous preparation. Often, it's the unexpected moments that yield the most cherished images. Picture your toddler in her element, her infectious laughter, a surprise grimace, or a typical 'terrible twos' outburst – they are all authentic reflections of her distinctive character. Give her the freedom to investigate, romp, and just be her adorable self. Striving for the perfect pose can take a backseat. Remember, the images that truly encapsulate the essence of family are often those that capture the unvarnished, candid moments.

Using Nature's Backdrop: The Cherry Blossoms of Fairmount Park

There's no denying the magnetizing allure of Fairmount Park's cherry blossoms. Their ethereal pink blossoms serve as an enchanting stage for your family's portraits. Imagine the intricate patterns they cast on the ground, their soft petals floating around, adding an element of whimsy to your photos. There's a magic in the air that’s hard to ignore and it works wonders for your portraits, making them seem like they've been plucked straight out of a fairy tale.

Fairmount Park's open spaces are not just about the cherry blossoms; they also provide plenty of room for your little ones to stretch their legs and be one with nature. Encourage your children to run, jump, and explore, and you'll get some dynamic shots filled with joy and laughter. Each candid shot becomes a beautiful narrative of your family's story, etched against the backdrop of vibrant cherry blossoms.

One of the best things about choosing nature as your backdrop is its affordability. You don’t need expensive props or studio rentals. Fairmount Park's cherry blossoms offer a stunning setting at no cost, making your family photo shoot both wallet-friendly and utterly unforgettable. And remember, the cherry blossoms don't stick around for long, so make sure you seize the moment and capture those cherished family portraits amidst these beautiful blooms.

Working with Natural Light: Timing Your Shoot

Understanding and harnessing the power of natural light is crucial to achieving stunning portraits. The gentle rays of the sun peeking through the cherry blossoms offer a golden, ethereal glow that perfectly complements the picturesque surroundings of Fairmount Park. However, not all times of day offer the same lighting conditions.

To get that magical light, plan your family photo shoot during the 'golden hours' — those brief windows right after sunrise and just before sunset. During these times, the sun paints the world in soft hues, casting longer shadows that lend depth and dimension to your photos. It also creates a beautiful warm light that is truly flattering for portraits, casting your family in the best light, literally.

That said, it's also important to remember to stay adaptable. Cloudy days may seem gloomy, but they actually produce a unique, diffused light that evenly illuminates the scene, reducing harsh shadows and enhancing your family’s features. So, don’t be disheartened if the weather is not all sunshine and clear skies on your shoot day; instead, see it as an opportunity to create a different mood for your portraits.

In the unpredictable game of natural light photography, flexibility is key. Keep your plans open-ended and be prepared to work with what the day offers. After all, some of the most unforgettable moments aren't planned, they just happen.

Just as the cherry blossoms bloom in their own time, your family's unique light shines brightest when you're not strictly adhering to a schedule but instead going with the flow, allowing for those spontaneous moments of joy and laughter to be captured in all their radiant glory. That's the real beauty of a family photo shoot — it's not just about the final pictures, it's about the shared experience, the memories made, and the love captured in each shot.

Getting Professional Help: The Benefits of a Custom Portrait Session

In the sea of do-it-yourself projects, one might question the necessity of hiring a professional photographer for a family photo shoot. But here's the thing – professional photographers come equipped not just with high-quality gear, but with an experienced eye that is skilled at seeing and capturing those fleeting moments you might miss. They have an inherent understanding of how light works at different times of the day, and how best to use it to accentuate your family's features and the backdrop.

A professional photographer also knows all about angles. They know how to position your family to get the best composition and the most flattering shots. A seemingly casual shot of your daughter dancing among the cherry blossoms? They'll make it look like a page out of a storybook. A tender moment between mom and child? They'll freeze it in time, making it a cherished memory you can hold onto forever.

But perhaps the biggest perk of getting professional help is the stress-free experience. They can guide you through the entire process, keeping it enjoyable for everyone involved. This can be especially beneficial for parents of toddlers – as they handle the shoot, you can focus on interacting with your child and soaking up the moment.

Even better, many photographers offer custom portrait sessions. These sessions allow for a personalized experience that takes into account the unique dynamics and personalities of your family. They’ll engage with your family, encouraging your little ones to open up and be themselves. This level of customization results in portraits that truly reflect your family's spirit.

In the end, while the prospect of a DIY family photo shoot might be tempting, the benefits of hiring a professional are undeniably worth considering. They bring a level of expertise and artistic vision that can transform a simple photo shoot in Fairmount Park's cherry blossoms into a magical experience – an experience that will result in stunning family portraits you'll treasure forever.

Celebrating the Legacy: Treasuring Your Family Portraits

After your photo session has wrapped up, the joy of the experience doesn't stop there. You are now the proud owner of a collection of unique, custom family portraits that not only capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, but more importantly, freeze in time the sweet essence of your family in this particular moment.

These portraits are more than just images. They are time capsules, preserving the innocence, joy, and unabashed spirit of your little ones at this very age. Every smile, every playful expression, each mischievous look captured, they're all testament to your child's evolving personality.

What you do with these portraits next can really enrich their value. Display them in your living room, where they can invite compliments from guests and bring a smile to your face every day. Use them to create custom greeting cards or calendars for the upcoming year, allowing you to share the beauty of these moments with your extended family and friends. These portraits can also be used to create unique and thoughtful gifts for grandparents or other close relatives.

How Do We Capture Such Unique Cherry Blossom Portraits?

Incorporate Perspective: We encourage our clients to interact with the blossoms. Whether it's standing among the blooms, reaching out to touch a blossom, or admiring the trees from a distance, capturing these interactions can convey a sense of intimacy and connection.

We Focus on Details: Use a wide aperture to create a dreamy, blurred background while keeping the blossoms sharp and in focus.

We Embrace Creativity: We experiment with angles, compositions, and poses to create visually compelling portraits. I love encouraging natural movements and authentic emotions to capture genuine moments of connection amidst the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms.

After our session, you can also consider creating an album or a photo book. This can serve as a beautiful keepsake for your children to look back on when they are older. It's a way to visually narrate the tale of their childhood, a story they would appreciate more and more as they grow.

These portraits are your family's legacy, reminders of a special time spent together among the cherry blossoms. They are proof of your family's love, joy, and togetherness, etched in high resolution. By displaying and sharing these portraits, you keep these memories alive, reminding you and your family of the bond you share.

In the end, these portraits serve as a celebration of your family's unique story, a story that continues to unfold and evolve with each passing day. Every time you glance at these images, you'll be reminded of that beautiful day under the cherry blossoms - a day filled with laughter, exploration, and a whole lot of love.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Santa Sessions on December 1st!

I love my clients. They are a precious treasure to me. How cool is that I am hired a few times a year, every year, to capture these special moments and for just one family?

That feeling is awesome. That I am trusted to come into my client’s lives and capture these times. 

Well, Santa Claus is coming to town again! He's making a wish... he's checking it twice... he's gonna find out if the Philly/South Jersey kiddos have been naughty or nice. Join me for a magical adventure in Philly.. with the BEST Santa there is!

I realize that it is a bit early, but did you know that sunset is around 4:30pm on this date? Holy batman! It's getting dark out there!

Christmas in South Jersey

Brother and sister smiles!

Philadelphia street sessions!!! Always a hit!

Sisters through and through at their Philly Photoshoot!

This guy will be at this street in 2023! Come and join us!! THEEEEE Santa Clause!

Come join me with Santa Claus on this date! We hope to see you!

Happy Shooting,

Dee

Shooting Star Photography- Loving every single minute!

Fall Sessions have arrived.... 2022!

Can you believe this year, is almost over?

My goal is to provide my clients with the greatest experience, for the greatest people in your life!

i understand how frustrating it is to wrangle up the family together, to get ready, to get your portraits done. the joys, anxiety and challenges of preparing for a shoot.  however, i also know how important these special moments are to you to capture and I do my upmost best to capture these memories for you. 

Couples and engagement shoot! This was shot in downtown Mullica Hill.

At shooting star photography, located in southern new jersey,  we will take charge of the photo session.  we know what it takes, we want your photographs to be unique and your images to have a truly personal feel. 

This is why we continue to do what we do and sell out, year after year. 

Maternity Capture in Williamstown, New Jersey!

Whether wanting a photo session in Philadelphia, Delaware, or the suburbs of Southern New Jersey, we have you covered on gorgeous and expansive locations to suit your needs.

We, not only want you to have gorgeous images, but we want to create everlasting memories. Providing you with the best service out there.

Family beach session at the Jersey shore. Yes, the background is real. We add a little magic! We were the first to offer this session and I know teach it to photographers across the US.

After you submit your contact form, i will then call (or email) based on your preference, so we can discuss and plan out your own custom portrait experience. We will cover everything from location, dates, vision for the shoot, clothing etc. This might sound overwhelming but don't worry as i'll be here to guide you through the process. I got you!

A magical kiss, with a magical unicorn!

Whether it be a family session, a children's session, maternity or engagement... 

Let us capture your joy! Let's make some art!

With love and happy shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Owner

Shooting Star Photography

Family Sessions... ROCK

It is no surprise how much we love to photograph our families! Most of our sessions are family sessions. Shooting Star Photography has scouted locations all around South Jersey and beyond, for the most ultimate family session. Whether you are looking for a forest setting (shown here), a wildflower field, or at the Jersey Shore we will make sure we capture you in the best light imaginable.

It's all about capturing these times and making memories, right? That's all we want. We want you to be able to look back on these, years to come, see them on your walls and SMILE at the memories made.

Whether your child went off to college, your child can walk or talk, or just entering high school, it is important to capture these times. They are fleeting. Time moves on, no matter how we wish to stop it.

This particular mama wanted to capture this time of her adolescent kiddos. Before they were going off to school. She also just had a milestone weight loss journey and wanted to capture this time of joy in her life.

Family capture and killing it in red. With mom and her "babies."

As you can see, mom killed it with her kiddos. We got to capture some great smiles, had a lot of laughs and just had a great day!

Smile kiddos! These are going up on the wall.

Mom wanted a magical forest feel and I think she got that here! We took the family to one of our favorite spots in Gloucester County. It doesn't matter what season of the year it is at this location. It is ALWAYS gorgeous! Even in the winter, we have done snow sessons!

Mom and daughter.

Our year is almost filled up. We have no more availability until September. If you are looking for that magical family session, we are here to make it happen!

Mom and her girls.

I wanted to get one pretty amazing one of mom and just love it. Hey, got to show off that new figure, right? We love magical fall sessions!

We love what we do and we love creating magic. Contact us today and let the magic commence!

Have a magical day, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

When the kiddos want chicken nuggets, you give them nuggets... The Golden Nugget Tavern... that is!

There’s something about tradition, local watering holes and about a place that captures the local flavor of real people. I truly believe, The Golden Nugget Tavern captures this essence. You walk into this place and it is a friendly, no frills, down to earth atmosphere. You’ll see families, old, young, small kiddos, teens, blue collar, among white collar individuals. It is the true flavor of South Jersey. 

It’s not a cookie cutter boujee establishment. Unlike, a lot of new restaurants or even pubs and you see these new guys trying to keep up with the trends. Often times, these new restaurants are missing character or a comfort/familiarity/ambiance. Nope, this is a place that transports you back in time. 

Three kiddos having fun in the meadow in Winslow.

This place is right around the corner from the GOLDEN NUGGET. Get your family session and then head over to, "The Nugget" after!

From the old collectibles in the glass display cabinets, to the 2010 Kenny Chesney concert advertisement on the wall, down to the animals, most likely hunted from around South Jersey and proudly displayed around the bar. It’s an atmosphere that actually makes you feel at ease, there’s a true comfort and I truly feel it captures the feel of South Jersey. 

All smiles during her photo session!

Cutie smiles. Love my families!

Hugs with the family!

Absolutely beautiful location.

Not only do they have shuffleboard (and I haven’t seen sawdust shavings at an establishment in a long time) as most don’t keep up with maintenance usually. To the pool table, that was actively being played by a father and son (maybe 10 years old and beating his dad), it’s an establishment that you could get use to. 

Often times greeted by staff, as you enter, like it is Cheers. You sit down and immediately are handed a menu and asking for what you would like to drink. Anything on the menu, does not disappoint. In fact, their buffalo chicken salad is a star, as well as their Golden Nugget bites (need to get wet, with your choice of sauce). You will not leave this place hungry. Nor disappointed. 

Ring around the Rosie fun!

Ring around the rosie fun! This was the real sky that night. It was awesome!

You’ll most likely leave with happy faces, from you and your kids and full bellies, wanting to come back again and again. 

We haven’t tried the outdoor bar/dining area yet because it has been hot the few times we’ve gone this year. We prefer air conditioning in 90 plus degree weather. Hehe. However, the outdoor area looks very nice. As well as numerous and maintained horse shoe pits, all over the place and most have tournaments often. 

A fall photo session shoot! In South Jersey!

Forest fun!

This is an establishment that has been a part of the South Jersey landscape for decades. It’s not to be missed. It really should be on everyone’s bucket list to just try out once, if ever in the area. I think you’ll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, lively patrons (I love hearing people laugh and just having a good time) we saw a lot of young and old families gathering while here, good food, cold drinks and great staff. If wanting to see what South Jersey is about, this is the place.

If ever wanting a great restaurant recommendation for after your fun shoot with us! We got you covered!

Have a magical day, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography