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.

A Family Photography Session at Tall Pines, Sewell, NJ

Capture timeless memories with a family photo shoot in Sewell, NJ! Relaxed, fun sessions that showcase love, laughter, and connection. Book your session today

I LOVE Family Sessions in South Jersey!!!

Magical Family Photo Session at Tall Pines, Sewell, NJ

We had the pleasure of visiting the scenic Tall Pines in Sewell, NJ for a truly enchanting family photo session. The picturesque location offered beautiful light, great hiking paths, and lush greenery, providing an ideal setting for capturing timeless family moments.

Tall Pines State Park in Sewell is a picturesque haven nestled amidst towering trees and lush greenery. The park's serene ambiance and natural beauty offer a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As sunlight filters through the tall pines (you’ll see how I capture light at this location), it creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, casting a tranquil glow over the scenic trails. The symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds provides a soothing soundtrack, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the park's picturesque charm. The idyllic landscape of Tall Pines State Park captures the essence of nature's timeless allure, making it a stunning destination for those seeking solace and natural splendor.


One of the families we had the honor of photographing showcased a stunning play on blues and blacks, with an added touch of elegance from the mom's pink jewelry that beautifully complemented her daughter's blue dress. It was truly a sight to behold.


Adding an unexpected twist to the session, the family revealed that their daughter's name is Gabrielle and their son's name is Rocco - an intriguing coincidence, as those are the exact names of my own children. It's amazing how the universe has a way of weaving connections in the most unexpected places.
The whole experience was nothing short of magical, and we are thrilled to have been able to capture the love and joy shared by this wonderful family in such a captivating backdrop.

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SItting pretty with this family all smiling and having fun!

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Love this family session in Sewell, NJ. Tall Pines rocks!

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Daddy and daughter the best. Love the light and greenery here!

 One thing I love capturing is family sessions! I think it's great to have portraits done with you and your children. It's important. One day, these may be the only memories you have. I would know, as I recently lost someone special to me. A mentor. A friend.Most of the locations that I know in South Jersey and use in my photo sessions, were from exploring South Jersey with my mentor. He helped me meet other local historians and assisted me with the books that I published. I will forever be grateful for everything I learned. My heart is broken and I am praying for his family and that he is in peace. I WILL NEVER FORGET MY DEAR FRIEND. Now, I have photographs left behind. My treasures. This is all that is left and it makes me sad. On a happier note, here's a family session I did not too long ago. As you see with these sessions, we try to mix it up and add variety. Typically, we get the important family shot.. then portraits with mom, portraits with dad, the kids and then both mom and dad together. 

Location Location Location

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Captured at Tall Pines in Sewell, NJ. The best kids ever with daddy!

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Look at how sweet they look!

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Dancing in the Sunlight

With this family, we danced, we twirled, we smiled, we played in this stunning light in Sewell! The golden rays of the sun illuminated the picturesque surroundings as the family exuded joy and laughter. Against the backdrop of Sewell's natural beauty, we captured moments that shimmered with love and happiness.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the family's playful energy was infectious. We spun around in the soft, ethereal light, freezing moments that encapsulated the bond and connection shared by each family member.


The interplay of light and shadows created a mesmerizing backdrop for our photography session, enhancing the beauty of every frame. We encapsulated the essence of their love and togetherness, frozen in time, amidst Sewell's breathtaking charm.


In this radiant setting, we documented the genuine moments of pure delight, creating a collection of photographs that will be cherished for years to come. The golden hour in Sewell provided the perfect stage for the family to express their love and for us to immortalize their happiness through our lenses.
The photographs from this session will forever capture the magic of dancing in the sunlight, epitomizing the joy and warmth found within this beautiful family.

In the last image, she is wearing Anna Triant Couture.

It's all about location and light for me. As you see, there is beautiful backlighting at this place in the Washington Township, New Jersey Area. Great light= great photos. I love capturing families and the love they share with one another!I am all about emotion.  I love relaxed sessions. I want my customers to feel relaxed and know they are getting the best out of their sessions. We will take care of it all!   As you can see, we do quite a variety in our sessions.

I Will Bring Princess Dresses .

If we have time after our family sessions, we usually will swap out int o a pretty dress or two!!! Two wardrobe changes here for little girl! We really do like switching things up for our customers. I hope you enjoyed this family session, as I have been fortunate to photograph this family for the past two years! I can't wait to capture more memories for them. I am truly thankful to be doing what I love to do! Until we meet again!!! Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography     

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Creativity as a Photographer

The Importance of Being Creative as a Photographer

Being creative as a photographer is of utmost importance for several reasons. It not only allows you to express your unique vision and artistic voice but also helps you stand out in a saturated field. Here are some key reasons why creativity is vital for photographers:

1. Unique Perspective: Creativity enables you to see the world through a unique lens. It allows you to capture ordinary subjects or scenes in extraordinary ways, presenting them in a fresh and engaging manner. Your perspective and artistic choices can make your photographs stand out and resonate with viewers.

The importance of being creative as a photographer 

Being creative as a photographer is of utmost importance for several reasons. It not only allows you to express your unique vision and artistic voice but also helps you stand out in a saturated field. Here are some key reasons why creativity is vital for photographers:

  1. Unique Perspective: Creativity enables you to see the world through a unique lens. It allows you to capture ordinary subjects or scenes in extraordinary ways, presenting them in a fresh and engaging manner. Your perspective and artistic choices can make your photographs stand out and resonate with viewers.

  2. Visual Storytelling: Photography is a powerful medium for storytelling. Being creative allows you to convey emotions, narratives, and messages through your images. By incorporating creative elements such as composition, lighting, colors, and visual techniques, you can elevate the storytelling aspect of your photographs, making them more impactful and memorable.

  3. Personal Expression: Creativity as a photographer allows you to express your personality, experiences, and emotions through your work. It becomes a means of self-expression and a way to communicate your thoughts and ideas visually. It gives you the freedom to experiment, take risks, and explore different styles, genres, or techniques that resonate with you personally.

  4. Innovation and Adaptability: The creative process encourages innovation and pushes boundaries. It inspires you to think outside the box, experiment with new techniques, and adapt to changing trends and technologies. Creativity allows you to continually evolve as a photographer, staying relevant and pushing your own limits.

  5. Differentiation: In a world where anyone can capture an image with a smartphone, being creative sets you apart from the crowd. It helps you develop a distinct style and visual identity that distinguishes your work. Clients and viewers are often drawn to photographers who bring a unique and creative perspective to their images, making you more marketable and in demand.

  6. Inspiration and Exploration: Creativity fuels inspiration and encourages you to explore new subjects, locations, and concepts. It pushes you to go beyond your comfort zone, seek inspiration from various sources, and continuously expand your creative horizons. This constant exploration keeps your work fresh, exciting, and continually evolving.

In conclusion, being creative as a photographer not only enhances the quality and impact of your work but also allows you to express yourself, stand out in a competitive field, and continually evolve as an artist. It is an essential ingredient in creating photographs that resonate with viewers, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

A lady in the flower gardens of South Jersey.

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Kids on the beach in Wildwood.

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Sisters photo session with TWO unicorns. In the forest of South Jersey.

 Here's a little fun video we made last year of our travels from around South Jersey and Philly. Some of the kids and locations we encountered. As we like to say... a little bit of Philly, a little bit of South Jersey rock n' roll. FYI, You may want to keep volume down. Or turn it up and groove on out on! Let' s party! [playlist type="video" ids="4543"]As you can see we have a lot of fun and are a little goofy. However, it's always about our clients. WE love them! Our goal is to make everyone feel at ease and I think we truly accomplish this!

Warm Regards,  

Dee & Deb (Dee's mom and assistant)

The Shooting Star Photography Team

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Whimsical-Sessions with Shooting Star Photography

Whimsical Photo Sessions in South Jersey. If you're looking for whimsical photo sessions in South Jersey, there are several charming locations that can provide a magical backdrop. Here are some ideas:

Shooting Star Photography LLC: Magical and Whimsical Session Collection

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we are thrilled to introduce our new Magical and Whimsical Session Collection. Step into a world where fantasy meets reality, and where your imagination knows no bounds.

Capture enchanting moments with our skilled photographers who specialize in bringing dreams to life through their lenses. Whether you envision a mystical forest setting, a fairy-tale inspired backdrop, or a cosmic journey through the stars, we are here to make it a reality.

Embrace the ethereal beauty of our Magical and Whimsical Session Collection and create timeless memories that will sparkle and shine like the brightest stars in the sky. Contact us today to book your session and let the magic begin.

Shooting Star Photography LLC - Where every picture tells a story beyond imagination.

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A beautiful sister session and dancing in the magical light in Sewell, New Jersey.

 We love creating magic with our whimsical sessions! I love making magic for our Southern New jersey Families! We are light seekers and light stalkers.. always providing THE BEST for our customers. It's what sets us apart from the rest in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for whimsical photo sessions in South Jersey, there are several charming locations that can provide a magical backdrop. Here are some ideas of some of the whimsy we love to add to our sessions!

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Another beautiful little whimsical fairy.

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She’s wearing Anna Triant and made her into a beautiful fairy. These were birthday photos taken in Sewell, New Jersey.

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Smithville mansion, in South Jersey, offers everything magical. From formal gardens to a lush forest. It’s great for family sessions and for simple and magical portraits.

As you see with the above session.. we allow our subjects to be relaxed and showcase their true beauty. Part of our signature work and style, is getting natural expressions out of our clients. If looking for cheesy smiles, we may not be the best fit for  you. Whether it's fairy sessions, unicorn, princess, city, forest... we like to make it truly magical for our clients. EVERy single photograph we put out the door is genuinely special and different.  We truly love fairy sessions. We love the magic it brings. South Jersey plays the perfect backdrop for these types of sessions. I am excited for also bringing some magic to boys sessions this year. We want to make them into pirates and vintage creek sessions and we love vintage for boys. What we are trying to showcase in this post, is that every single session we do is unique to the families we work with. We capture kids for who they truly are. Personalities and everything. NOTHING is forced posed. We like relaxed. The kids stay relaxed.. The parents feel relaxed. When we do sessions, we don't force anything. We let the magic come alive and speak for itself.

South Jersey Photographer

 If looking for something different and will stand the test of time, than look no further than this South Jersey photographer!  We would love to add that extra bit of magic to your session and to your photographs. We wish for you to enjoy them for years to come!

 Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee  

Shooting Star Photography

South Jersey Photographer

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Beach Photography in Ocean City!

NJ Beach Photography at our amazing Ocean City,NJ!

Beach photography is our speciality. Come check out our blog for some of our recent Ocean City, NJ beach work!

Laughing and having fun on the Ocean City, New Jersey beach!

Dreaming of your next year’s summer vacation in Ocean City, NJ already? Ocean city is one of our favorite New Jersey destination shore towns. Great boardwalks, food, family friendly atmosphere, semi-private and clean beaches. Your session with us (Shooting Star). The list goes on as to why Ocean City, NJ is a great beach location choice for your photography needs.

One of my favorite spots in Ocean City is the fishing pier as it offers a medley of cool backdrops.

Check out these two ladies who we photographed. I bought a little “beach tent” and decorated it with some string lights. We put out rainbow colored starfish, linen fabric draped over the frame and a nice magical lantern for that extra bit of pop needed for your portraits. Not to mention I added in some fun as these girls are laughing their hineys off! Hey, there’s nothing like a kid enjoying the beach. Am I right?

Bright and vibrant colors are always a great choice for wardrobe for your beach portraits as you see how we styled that here.

Our photographs truly shine when it comes to beach photography. It's one of the many types of sessions that I take the utmost pride in.  I LOVE the Jersey shore and the Delaware Bay sunsets.  It's truly the best time to be in New Jersey and the Jersey shore during the summer months.  Especially, during the week, as it's not too busy.It's no wonder that folks come from all over the East Coast to enjoy a beautiful beach vacation in our backyard. 

This year, Ellie Belly Photography (out of Lancaster, PA) and I are teaming up to do mermaid sessions. These sessions are sold out.  We are doing two dates together and am very excited to be working with her as she's not only a great friend, but an even more excellent artist. All of our beach sessions are sold out this year.  I am very excited to do these and to offer some top of the line clothing pieces for these sessions.  I can't wait to post and show you what we will be creating. I love the pastel colors of the beach and that beautiful twilight/sunset light of the summer. 

All sessions are sold out until September of this year. If you would like to book a fall session, I would suggest to reserve your date now. I believe there are only 8 dates left to choose from for this fall. Thank you for allowing me to photograph you and your family and looking forward to many sessions on the upcoming horizon!  It's going to be a fun year!!!    Let’s have fun fun and get some OC boardwalk fudge or some salt water taffy!

Happy, Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Ocean City beach photographer extraordinaire

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A Maternity Session at Greenwich Lake, New Jersey

A Maternity Session at Greenwich Lake, New Jersey

South Jersey Maternity Photographer going strong!

Everyone knows I go a bit over the top with everything! I like fancy, crazy and whimsical things and I don't half-ass anything. I give 110% to everything I do. My work is my blood. I love photography with a passion and enjoy learning new things about this art every single day. This is one expensive "hobby" to get into.. Gear, education, the works...

South Jersey Maternity Photographer going strong!

Everyone knows I go a bit over the top with everything! I like fancy, crazy and whimsical things and I don't half-ass anything. I give 110% to everything I do. My work is my blood. I love photography with a passion and enjoy learning new things about this art every single day. This is one expensive "hobby" to get into.. Gear, education, the works... However, I find it rewarding. I find it keeps my on my toes all the time. One day is always different from the next and is why it has held my interest for so long and why I turned this love into a business. I truly do, live, eat and breathe photography. I am always doing something whether it's shooting, marketing, taking a class, from morning to the wee hours of the night (and this is suppose to be a part time business).

 I'm getting somewhere I promise here... Last year, was my first full calendar year in business. Many ups and downs and twists and turns.  It's been a interesting business journey to say the least. The bad outweighs the good and would say very minimal bad occurred or happened and even that I take as a learning lesson to keep improving and doing and giving better.  

This 2017 year, is going to be probably my most exciting year.  New locations, new dresses and just a different way of doing business.. and it excites me, as it should excite you. Below, is my very dramatic "best of maternity" in 2016.

Maternity Photography Session at Greenwich Lake


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Dancing in the sunshine with mom and dad for their maternity session at East Greenwich Lake in Gloucester County, NJ.

Greenwich Lake in Gloucester County NJ served as the idyllic backdrop for a recent maternity photography session captured by Shooting Star Photography LLC. The session was infused with joy, laughter, and radiant sunlight as the two little ladies, along with their mom and dad, danced amidst the picturesque scenery.


The atmosphere was filled with a palpable sense of excitement as the expectant mom and dad arrived at the stunning Greenwich Lake. Nestled amidst nature's beauty, the lake provided an enchanting setting for this joyful occasion.

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Sisters looking all vintage for mom’s maternity shoot!


As the warm rays of the sun cascaded through the trees, Shooting Star Photography LLC seized the opportunity to capture the essence of this beautiful family. The delightful moments began with playful interactions between the two energetic little ladies and their doting parents. The children's laughter echoed across the serene lake, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness.

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Kisses for mom. I love these!!!


As the session progressed, the expectant mom and dad took center stage. Their love and anticipation radiated from their every movement as they gracefully danced to the rhythm of their own journey. The golden hour light danced upon their faces, accentuating their joyous expressions and highlighting the connection shared between them.


Shooting Star Photography LLC, renowned for their expertise in capturing authentic and heartfelt moments, ensured that this maternity session was a delightful experience for the entire family. With their skilled guidance and expertise, they effortlessly transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.


The combination of the picturesque location, the glowing sunlight, and the palpable love between the family members resulted in a collection of remarkable images. Each photograph encapsulated the anticipation, love, and joy that filled the air that day at Greenwich Lake.

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Have to give my soon to be baby brother some love!


With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to capturing genuine emotions, Shooting Star Photography LLC succeeded in creating a maternity session that truly captured the essence of this beautiful family's journey towards welcoming a new member to their loving unit.


At Shooting Star Photography LLC, our goal is to create timeless photographs that transcend the boundaries of time and evoke cherished memories. This maternity session at Greenwich Lake stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for capturing life's most precious moments.

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