LOVE seeing my client's work displayed in their homes!

I truly love seeing my South Jersey and Philadelphia area clients... my "art work" displayed in their homes. It honestly makes me want to print out more of my own family's, as it's something I don't particularly do myself and I know it's something my own kids like to see displayed in my own household. So when I see others do it, print out my work, it truly makes me smile from ear to ear.

There's nothing more awesome and gives you a sense of pride to see your work displayed and for my clients to WANT to put up in the walls of their home.

Here's a beautiful family that I have worked with over the years. I LOVE them so much. It's an honor EVERY TIME I GET TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM. The connection and love they have for one another is absolutely wonderful.

Beautiful beach session canvas, hung on client's wall!!!

Beautiful peony sessions that I offer every single year to my clients. Located in South Jersey!

Jersey shore beach sessions, sea isle city photographers, ocean city new jersey premiere family photographer.

As you can see, it's an honor to work with this beautiful family! I get to see them next week! Very excited to see them again!

If you would like to book a session with us, we have a few spots left for our 2020 year! We would love to see you! Once again, we will be in our studio in Maple Shade, New Jersey... effective November 1st! Stop on in and say hi!!!!

Until our next adventure and happy shooting!
Dee

Shooting Star Photography

South Jersey's most awesome family photographer

New Dresses Being Added To The Shop And Will Be In Our Maple Shade, New Jersey Photography Studio!

I cannot believe that my dream is coming to fruition! I have worked soooo hard these past FIVE years. I have wanted to have a studio for the past two years, but it was really tough to narrow down a location. I have been searching high and low for a place that could be conveniently located to most of my clientele. Although some towns are charming like Pitman or Mullica Hill. It's access is kind of difficult to highways. Although, Mullica Hill does have Rt. 55 and the turnpike going for it.

I did some research and through talking to my friend, he had a space available to look at in Maple Shade, New Jersey and I fell in LOVE. It's exactly where I felt I needed to be. I grew up in Mt. Laurel and I actually use to work in Maple Shade, so I knew that this would be a great place to set up shop and have wonderful access points to my customers that reside all over the tri-state area! As of November 1st, I will be all set up and ready to go!

As part of my services, that I love to offer my clients, I offer a lot of styling of dresses. I recently picked these up from Joyfolie. I love joyfolie! They always have a vintage style look to their designs and they photograph beautifully. I have a lot of littles that are starting to grow up and needed to fill in with larger sizes! I hope that you like!

Cannot wait for this to come in from joyfolie! This will photograph stunningly and also a great addition to all the upcoming Christmas Sessions we are having!

Pink is extremely popular and probably the most photographed that I do. This addition will be great within the mix that we offer!

So I love the PINK ONE and thought.. hey this cream would be nicely paired with the pink... let's say I have sisters that I work with... so I added this lovely addition to the mix. I could see this dress being photographed for studio sessions in Maple Shade or in downtown Philadelphia. This style is timeless and can work with so many different types of sessions.

This is the last dress I purchased, however this can pretty much be paired up with ANYTHING and that's why I love it. Can be used in a field like this, city, with a family session. The list is endless. So many locations I can use this in South Jersey. Which is why I got it!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the new goods! Cannot wait until these bad boys come in! They are a PERFECT addition to add to my vast collection! I love being able to provide styling and wardrobe to my clients. That way all they need to do is show up and smile and we take care of the rest for them!

Until we meet again and happy shooting!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

New Designers To Watch Out For!

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

• https://littledreamerstutus.com/

• 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

• https://www.bentleyandlace.com/

• 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

• http://www.loveizzi.com.au/

• I am OBSESSED WITH THESE ROMPERS.

Little Willow Tree

• http://www.littlewillowtree.com/products

• Affordable custom made items!!! High quality

Feltman Brothers

• https://www.feltmanbrothers.com/midgie-dresses/

• Great vintage selection of items!

8 Track Threads

https://8trackthreads.com/collections/new-releases?page=2

• Funky everyday threads

Pepa & Company

• https://www.pepaandcompany.com/girl.html?

• Adorable girl and boy wear!!!

Beyamade

• https://beyamade.com/ecofriendly-baby-and-kids-clothes/

• Their clothes are made of "bolt wear" and sustainable products!!! Environment is big with them

Children of the Tribe

• https://www.childrenofthetribe.com/collections/girls?page=2

• Reminds me of vintage/ jak and pepper!

Ellieshandmade

https://www.ellieshandmade.com/

• Sweet little dresses.. like Care Bears and My Little Pony!!!

Sugarplum Tree

• https://www.sugarplumtree.com.au/collections/all

• Adorable rompers and dresses! Pricing is sooo affordable!

Little Alice London

• https://littlealicelondon.com/collections

• Very old vintage pinafore style. Very affordable.

Nurture the Nest

• https://www.nurturethenest.com.au/All-Handmade_c_181.html

• 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?

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

Unicorn Sessions-Photography is EASY. Not.

Unicorn magical sessions in south Jersey

Unicorn photography is a unique and specialized skill that requires a keen eye, creativity, and technical expertise. Capturing the enchanting essence of these mythical creatures demands the ability to harness and enhance their mystique through the lens. Unicorn photography requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and perspective to bring out the ethereal beauty in each shot. The responsibility lies in the photographer's hands to emphasize the magical qualities of the unicorn while capturing their grace and allure. To possess the skill of unicorn photography is to possess the power to transport viewers into a world where dreams come alive, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that only these majestic creatures can awaken.

Photography is simple everyone can do it.

I am going to explain to you in rich and lavish detail.. It is not. In fact, it's been one of my hardest jobs of my life. It's time to get a little personal and about business here! :)

First off, I got into photography while running a travel blog many moons ago. I worked in corporate America previously. You can google me if you want, you'll see me pop up in a few news articles and probably see the books have written. Bleh bleh bleh.. right? I am boring you. Hold on!

I LOVED taking photos. Didn't know much about light and would just snap this, that, and the air. It honestly didn't matter. I didn't edit them either. I just loved it. For me, it was the thrill of exploring that particular place or landscape and taking a picture as a token that I've been there.

Well... out plops my son and then my daughter. At this point, I decided to flip tables, change things up a bit and to photograph them. These important moments because they change SO FAST were important for me to capture. So like many photographers, I got into portrait photography because of them.

This little lady enjoed being photographed with her puppy the unicorn.

Again... easy peasy, right? Hold your horses, will ya?

I started taking photos and learning my camera settings. Learning about light. Lots of trial and error. Friends saw these photographs and wanted their pictures done. Now, at this time... I thought I was dabomb.com. I wasn't. I was terrible. I'm now doing some of my friend's photographs and thinking hmmm.. this is easy maybe I should start a business....

And I did. Decided to incorporate my business in February of 2015. At this time, I STILL thought I was awesome. 

There were no clients. It was crickets. I'm like oh $45 is too expensive... let me lower them to $35 and give a ton of images. I continued to blog and at this point is when things got busy for me. I was taking workshops and learning online. I was building my lens collection. My work was starting to get noticed.

Then things got super busy. So by end of fall season.. I am practically ripping my hair out. $100 sessions (yep, raised them from those whopping $35 sessions) and I am spending 2 hours on one photograph editing. A total waste of time and resources. Time away from my own kiddos she family. It was awful. At this time, I continued to book like crazy and am virtually winging it and going day by day.

So tax time comes around... and this was my ah ha moment. Seeing how much money owed and realizing I wasn't charging enough to even make minimum wage and that I technically wasted so much of my time for PENNIES. I was seriously working for PENNIES and this was the second year. The numbers don't lie.

The first year, was even worse I was basically paying myself to work. I put the family virtually in debt because always wanted the latest and greatest shiniest things. You eventually realize you don't need those things.

We always need to get a nice pet in too. With our beautiful unicorns.

So come 2017... those few years have learned and learned well. I had to make a decision to either start making a profit... or I need to quit.

What I am trying to say is this. There are so many folks that end up burned out in this business. They have no real plan. They love what they do, but they often lack on the business side. They have no business plan m or marketing set in motion. They lack motivation because it can be a frustrating and very confusing start.

Now, one thing with myself. I am a go getter. I always had a plan. My plan wasn't enough when I started.I was super busy and was afraid to raise my pricing to where I should be priced at with my talent and worth.

I made it a point to offer a full session experience this year. Offering high end custom made gowns for my company.

We also tackled on limited series sessions. Such as unicorns, mermaids and princess castle sessions. Because I was so busy.... I ended up hiring my mom to come onboard full time to be my assistant. I love working with my mom. Not many daughters can say this and I'm sure would love the opportunity to work with your own mom.

I noticed office work starting slugging behind. When that happens, customer service starts to slip... so have had to hire an office manager to keep things running smoothly, so that we can provide our customers with the service they expect and honestly the best. We don't like offering anything less than the best...asWe are completely full service.

So... for now and going forward we have a concrete plan. I have a team at my disposal to insure I give my clients the best and they are your team, too. We have your back.

This is not an easy job, I work 24/7 at every waking hour to make my business better. No one told me going into this, that I would spend most of my time on the business end and not shooting/editing. A huge misconception most photographers have getting into this.

What I am saying is if you want a well-organized and run photography business. That will WOW you from beginning to end in the Philly area.. you've found it. We're right here. We're not going anywhere. We've only just started!