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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
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
My Daughter and being a South Jersey Portrait Photographer
Twirling in the tulip patch in South Jersey.
One reason that I got into photography, is my children. I just wanted to have pretty photos of my kids and to document them growing. I just wanted pretty photos and to cherish these fleeting moments. I purchased a camera in 2010 for a vacation, when I had my first child, Rocco, I would get out my little panasonic lumix and document my little red-head. However, it was time to "upgrade." I then went into the Sony Mirrorless a6000 system and it became love at first sight. Now, I shoot both Canon and Sony full frames, but it was the little push I needed in the beginning, to learn and to grow.. that has gotten to me where I am today.
I feel so blessed that I can capture my own children, HOW I WISH TO CAPTURE THEM. In the fairytale style that I love and taken all throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. Now, my daughter has not always been a willing participant, she happily loves dressing up my dresses now and putting on a little show/shoot. At first, it was a struggle and she didn't want to wear any dresses, whatsoever. Kind of ironic, right? Now, she loves it. She loves getting to explore new places and being outside and the opportunity to meet other kids.
Picking tulips and giving me her usual “stink eye” look. She’s a trip!
My little lady in the tulips of South Jersey.
I now present you with my little love... Gigi and some of the joys and captures over the years. Hope you enjoy these images, as much as I do.
My little girl taken at Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill.
Having a fun day at the Jersey Shore.
My little girl at the Jersey Shore/beach in South Jersey.
Cherry blossom fun in South Jersey.
In the garden in Woodstown. My two loves. Rocco and Gigi.
Enjoy these fleeting years, with your children. You won't be disappointed in capturing them and memories that will last a lifetime. No one can take these moments away and I AM SO GLAD I HAVE THESE.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
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 
New Designers To Watch Out For!
At Shooting Star Photography, we are always looking out for the hottest new designers to add to our New Jersey Photography Studio. Check out some of the hottest and latest designers for this year!
We are always on the lookout for new designers to add to our collection at our New Jersey photo studio!
Carnival photo shoots can always be a fun way to enjoy a photo shoot. The bright and vibrant colored backgrounds make your subject pop!
Every year, it seems more and more handmade designers are popping up! Mostly, from the United States, but you see people from all over the globe! I LOVE IT! I love unique hand made items. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg to own a one-of -a -kind dress! Below, I created a list of new designers to watch out for this 2018 year! They are all handmade, beautifully crafted items. Sometimes, only one unique piece is sold in a set. Sometimes, a few in each size. However, this list is full of funky, vintage and different looks! Designs from the newest couture designer, vintage pieces and everything in between!For myself, I am loving more and more vintage items in my work. I do still enjoy utilizing couture dresses, but it's nice to switch things up from time to time! !This is from one of my favorite designers from last year! Lulu Stars! They are a clothing designer based out of Australia.Every single year, there's always something new to look out for! We used Lulu Stars for a Carnival themed shoot last year. I am posting a few images below!
2018 HOT DESIGNER LIST
Little Dreamers Tutus
Hot Couture Designer. Check out her NEW couture line. She is STEAMING right now and many just launched!!! Butterfly gowns to big poufy pretties, down to simple and sleek!
Bentley and Lace
With a new revamped website and luxurious fabrics.. They are killing it for girls to tweens! I am going to be photographing a lot of tweens and teens soon. They'll be one of the designers I will be looking into... as well as Little Dreamers!
Love Izzi
I am OBSESSED WITH THESE ROMPERS.
Little Willow Tree
Affordable custom made items!!! High quality
Feltman Brothers
Great vintage selection of items!
8 Track Threads
https://8trackthreads.com/collections/new-releases?page=2
Funky everyday threads
Pepa & Company
Adorable girl and boy wear!!!
Beyamade
Their clothes are made of "bolt wear" and sustainable products!!! Environment is big with them
Children of the Tribe
Reminds me of vintage/ jak and pepper!
Ellieshandmade
https://www.ellieshandmade.com/
Sweet little dresses.. like Care Bears and My Little Pony!!!
Sugarplum Tree
Adorable rompers and dresses! Pricing is sooo affordable!
Little Alice London
Very old vintage pinafore style. Very affordable.
Nurture the Nest
Cute Handmade outfits made in Australia
The Baby Cave Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBabyCaveShop?ref=s2-header-shopname
One of my favorite Etsy shops at the moment!!
I hope you enjoyed this list of neat and affordable designer collections! Off to buy a Little Willow Tree romper stat!!!
The popcorn hat makes this shoot! I love it!
Getting her popcorn on! At the Gloucester County, NJ fair!
Happy Shooting my friends,
Dee
Shooting Star Photographer
Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Photographer
Why Work With Shooting Star Photography?
Why Work With Shooting Star Photography?
People that come to Shooting Star Photography and live in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area have a unique eye for great photography. Every single image that goes out our door, we make sure is top-notch. We do not approve of producing low quality work. There are many photographers out there who do this. Quality over quantity is our motto with EVERYTHING WE PRODUCE.
People that come to Shooting Star Photography and live in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area have a unique eye for great photography. Every single image that goes out our door, we make sure is top-notch. We do not approve of producing low quality work. There are many photographers out there who do this. Quality over quantity is our motto with EVERYTHING WE PRODUCE.
OUR SESSIONS
Sisters enjoying their beach photo session at the Jersey Shore!
To insure the best out of every single session, we have an assistant on hand to run in there with any little flying/straying hair. Maybe a garment needs to be fixed or adjusted, makeup on the teeth.. WE NOTICE THESE THINGS and we will fix them for you. You'll see us stop for a moment to recompose.
YOU BECOME PART OF THE FAMILY
It's not ALWAYS business when you work with us. We do have fun personalities. YOU WILL LAUGH and enjoy your session with us. I think that's what makes our photos very special and unique. Children are caught in their most natural and joyful moments. Parents have natural interactions when doing family sessions... OUR SESSIONS ARE ABOUT JOY and we wish to keep it this way. We have a method and it works. Our work shines through with this.
WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT LIGHT
We are crazy about our light. This is why our images pop. Sometimes a little bit too crazy, but this is why folks come to us. They are going to be presented in the best light of their true selves that we can give them.
WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT OUR LOCATIONS
I have a pet peeve in going into a setting and you are running into another photographer doing a family session. Now, I understand this happens (depending on location chosen). However, our locations are from years and years of research. We even published a few books on places to see and local South Jersey history. One book took three years of research because we scoured every little area. This is one of our most popular books we wrote. https://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Beautiful-Salem-County-NJ/dp/1484154916/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519195659&sr=8-5&keywords=salem+county+nj+book. Every location is chosen for a reason. First on light, then on general setting. We don't suggest locations until we have shot and seen what we have produced at that particular location. We have secret beach spots, rustic spots.. you name it from our research over the years. Other photographers, come to us and ask us on locations.
WE HAVE A FABULOUS WARDROBE
Brother and sister in Wildwood, NJ for their photo session.All laughs and giggles.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to dress your best or present your best self in photographs. It shows every little flaw and detail on camera. We do our best on posing and giving you that most thin and flattering pose, BUT... showing up in torn shirts, a barney costume, or fluorescent clothing that you can see from space.. is unfortunately, going to affect the outcome of your photographs. We have so much clothing collected over the years for sessions, that we haven't even used 50% of what we have. Our inventory is huge. If you want to borrow pieces or have us coordinate something of ours for you... let us know. If not, we will happily oblige in assisting you with your wardrobe choices for our family session.
WE LOVE PHILLY AND SOUTH JERSEY
There is a certain level of appreciation if you live outside the area for a little bit and then return home. The discoveries you find that you may have taken for granted come to life. IE, for me it's our beaches and our food. The people. I love our quick, straight to the point, direct attitude and we generally love working with people. The Shooting Star Lifestyle is Real. We are often imitated in the area and honestly, we take it as a compliment. It means we are doing something right.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.
