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.
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Country Roads Take Me Home- Living in Woodstown, NJ.
This photo was published in an international magazine. It is called, “Inspire.” I love beautiful light!
A lot of people think that you need to have the most beautiful locations to have portraits done. Honestly, it is all about light. If you can find an area that has beautiful light, any location will work. Try it out yourself!
Here are some examples of using “your backyard” and literally I used my backyard (when I lived in Salem County and now living in Camden Country) in most of these images. If it wasn’t in my backyard, it was down the street. The trick to getting good in photography, is using what you have and the resources around you. You’ll then be a master in no time.
My little girl playing “her little piano.” She actually learned a little on how to play with this thing!
Playing music and enjoying life in downtown Woodstown, South Jersey.
Woodstown living and she was great for me this day. At this age, I usually got a crier.
My little girl on North Main Street in Woodstown, New Jersey.
In my yard, I get a lot of great afternoon light. My kids, when they were younger, well, I drove them nuts and wanted to photograph their cuteness all the time… but of course, that gets old and well, they start to rebel. So the bribes would commence. I’d ask them to just come out to the yard to take a few photos.
Vintage photoshoot in Woodstown.
My daughter and the neighborhood friends in the alley near our house in Woodstown.
Alley fun! I have taken some of my most favorite portraits in this little alley in Woodstown!
The neighborhood gang!
Backyard smooches with my little gal! Taken in my backyard in Woodstown.
Love putting clients in vintage colors and beautiful light!
A fun movement capture of a little lady!
A tree, great light and an adorable subject in the backyard of South Jersey. I miss country living a bit! Fun times and days!
Snow capture and gorgeous winter light! In my backyard in Woodstown. I put one of my grandmother’s old fur capes on her! She’s too cute!
As you can see, we didn’t do too bad with what is around. We even gathered up some neighborhood kids and did a vintage shoot!
I hope you enjoyed these images. I encourage you to go outside and make some magic!
Have a magical day!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
NJ Communion Photography Sessions- A South Jersey Tradition
NJ Communion Photography Sessions- A South Jersey Tradition
It is hard to believe that this little lady was not having it as part of this session. She smiled and came through and had a fun time! I love capturing first holy communion portraits. Hands down it’s a great rite of passage and something to truly celebrate! This photo session we actually did at the Shoemaker School in Woodstown NJ. They have a cute little garden courtyard and then we headed over to the Woodstown High School as they have a meadow area that looks gorgeous at sunset!
First Holy Communion Portraits
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the significance of capturing precious moments like First Holy Communion portraits. Our team of skilled photographers specializes in creating timeless images that beautifully commemorate this important milestone in your child's spiritual journey.
With a neutral and professional approach, we aim to create photographs that reflect the solemnity and joy of this occasion. Our photographers pay attention to every detail, from the attire and accessories to the tender expressions on your child's face as they partake in this sacred event.
We strive to provide a comfortable and relaxed environment during the photoshoot, ensuring that your child feels at ease and can showcase their inner radiance. Our goal is to deliver portraits that you and your family will cherish for years to come, serving as a heartfelt reminder of this momentous day.
Contact us at Shooting Star Photography LLC to schedule your First Holy Communion portrait session and let us help you capture this important milestone with professionalism and artistry.
It is hard to believe that this little lady was not having it as part of this session. She smiled and came through and had a fun time! I love capturing first holy communion portraits. Hands down it’s a great rite of passage and something to truly celebrate! This photo session we actually did at the Shoemaker School in Woodstown NJ. They have a cute little garden courtyard and then we headed over to the Woodstown High School as they have a meadow area that looks gorgeous at sunset!
Holding up her beautiful rosary and a gorgeous smile!
First Holy Communions Are Important!
Capturing first holy communion sessions in New Jersey is of utmost importance for both families and photographers alike. The first holy communion holds a special place in a young child's life, symbolizing their initiation into the Catholic faith. It is a significant milestone, marking their commitment to their religious beliefs. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for families to preserve this momentous occasion and create lasting memories.
Photographers play a crucial role in capturing the joy, innocence, and spiritual significance of the event, ensuring that these precious moments are frozen in time. In New Jersey, with its rich religious heritage and cultural diversity, the tradition of first holy communion is deeply cherished. The photographs taken during these sessions hold immense sentimental value, enabling families to revisit and relive this extraordinary day for generations to come.
It's that time of year when you start to think ahead! I have had the honor of doing a few communion sessions since I started this journey! I love showcasing this pivotal and important time in a young lady's or young man's life! It's a passage of life for most families that has been around for generations. Last spring, I had the opportunity to photograph this little girl. It was a cold day! However, we managed. Believe it or not, we did this in the garden courtyard of the Mary Shoemaker School in Woodstown, NJ.
And the session continues on...
In prayer for her first holy communion session.
Picking tulips and taking her First Holy Communion Portraits.
Love getting close-ups of the littles!
Picking tulips during her beautiful spring holy communion session.
There's a lovely courtyard garden that gets pretty kept up on the grounds with beautiful blooming tulips and daffodils come spring. As you can see, the light was magnificent this day. It's what I am all about! YUMMY DELICIOUS LIGHT.
Having Fun AND Getting Professional Communion Portraits is what is all about.
This little lady was freezing cold, but she persevered! Woodstown has some great location options. Everything from rustic to cute little gardens, to the beautiful downtown area. I truly love where I live and I have lived all over South Jersey (even in PA). I find the folks my way to be extremely kind! It's the best place I have ever lived! After our little garden patch photos, we then headed down to the Woodstown High School area as there is a nice rustic field with gorgeous light that resides near the stream.
I need to shoot here more as it is even within walking distance of my own house! I love utilizing places that are near and dear to me. For myself, I believe full sessions allow me to get to know my subjects. I believe they tend to go more smoothly as there is time to warm up. Believing in magical things are what I want my clients to see in the end product. My photographs are magical. I like to see the world this way.
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the importance and the significance of communion portraits. We believe that this special milestone deserves to be captured in exceptional photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime. When booking your communion portraits with us, you can expect the highest level of professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. Our expert photographers will work closely with you to create a personalized and unique experience, ensuring that your child's personality and joy shine through every image. With our state-of-the-art equipment and stunning studio, we guarantee breathtaking portraits that perfectly capture the essence of this beautiful moment. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable memories.
Book your communion portraits with us today and let us capture the radiance and joy that fills your child's heart.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Another session in the books!!
Another session in the books!!
From Vintage to Vibrant: A Two-Year-Old’s Style in a New Jersey Tulip Photo Shoot
As a photographer in South Jersey, I've had the opportunity to capture some truly beautiful moments. One of my recent favorites was a two-year-old photo shoot set in a New Jersey tulip field. The spring photoshoot was full of fun and energy, and the little girl was the star of the show. In this blog post, I'll share some of the highlights of the session and the beautiful moments we captured.
From Vintage to Vibrant: A Two-Year-Old’s Style in a New Jersey Tulip Photo Shoot
As a photographer in South Jersey, I've had the opportunity to capture some truly beautiful moments. One of my recent favorites was a two-year-old photo shoot set in a New Jersey tulip field. The spring photoshoot was full of fun and energy, and the little girl was the star of the show. In this blog post, I'll share some of the highlights of the session and the beautiful moments we captured.
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The Two-Year-Old Star of the Photo Shoot
As the photographer for this two-year-old photo shoot, I was excited to work with such a lively and spirited little girl. She had an attitude that was infectious, and both her mom and I loved it. She was full of life and energy, and I knew from the start that she would be the star of the show.
One of the things that I love about working with young children is their ability to express themselves freely. This little girl was no exception, and she wasn't shy in front of the camera. Her personality shone through in every shot, and it was clear that she was having a blast.
One of my favorite moments from the shoot was when she was playing with the tulips. She was so curious and playful, and the joy on her face was infectious. Another moment that stood out was when she was running through the tulip field with her mom. It was a beautiful moment that captured the bond between them perfectly.
Throughout the shoot, I was constantly inspired by the little girl's energy and personality. She was full of surprises and kept me on my toes, which is exactly what I love about working with young children. It was an absolute joy to work with her and capture her spirit on camera.
Overall, the little girl was the star of the show, and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to work with her. As a photographer in New Jersey, I'm always grateful for the chance to capture these special moments, and this photo shoot was definitely one of the highlights of my career.
Setting the Scene in a New Jersey Tulip Field
As a photographer in New Jersey, I'm always looking for beautiful locations to set the scene for my photo shoots. For this two-year-old session, I knew that a tulip field would be the perfect backdrop for the spring photos we had planned. The field we chose was located in New Jersey and it was in full bloom with bright, vibrant tulips. The colors of the flowers were absolutely stunning and they really added to the beauty of the photos.
On the day of the shoot, we were blessed with perfect weather - plenty of sunshine to light up the field. The warm, natural light was perfect for capturing the little girl's joyful energy. The tulips provided a colorful and unique setting that really made the photos stand out. It was such a pleasure to capture the little girl playing amongst the flowers and having fun. The tulips were a great way to add an extra element of whimsy to the shoot.
As a photographer, I always try to find locations that are both beautiful and practical. The tulip field offered plenty of open space for the little girl to run around and explore. It also provided some great photo opportunities, with the tulips adding a touch of magic to every shot. Overall, the tulip field was the perfect setting for this two-year-old photo shoot. I'm so glad that we were able to capture these special moments in such a beautiful location.
The Vintage Outfit: Elegance and Simplicity
As I planned this two-year-old photo shoot, I knew that the outfits were going to be an important aspect of the shoot. For the first part of the session, we decided to go with a vintage outfit. The outfit was a beautiful white dress with lace details, and a small flower crown. The simplicity of the outfit was perfect for the tulip field, and it allowed the little girl's personality and energy to shine through.
When I first saw the little girl in her vintage outfit, I knew that we had made the right choice. The outfit was elegant and timeless, and it really brought out her natural beauty. The lace details added a touch of sophistication to the outfit, and the flower crown was a beautiful accessory that tied the whole look together.
One of the things that I loved about the vintage outfit was how it looked against the backdrop of the tulip field. The white dress was the perfect contrast to the bright colors of the flowers, and it really made the little girl stand out. The simplicity of the outfit allowed the focus to be on the little girl's personality and energy, which was exactly what we wanted.
Overall, the vintage outfit was a great choice for the first part of the photo shoot. It was simple, elegant, and timeless, and it allowed us to capture some beautiful moments with the little girl. From playing with the tulips to snuggling with her mom, the outfit was versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. As a photographer in New Jersey, I'm always looking for ways to bring out the best in my subjects, and the vintage outfit was a great way to do just that.
The Transition into an Anna Triant Dress
For the second half of the photo shoot, we wanted to switch things up and showcase a different style for the little girl. We chose to put her in an Anna Triant dress, a beautiful pink dress with a fun and vibrant pattern. As a photographer in New Jersey, I'm always looking for ways to add a pop of color to my photos, and this dress was the perfect way to do just that.
As soon as the little girl put on the dress, her energy level skyrocketed. She loved the dress, and it showed in her body language and expressions. The vibrant colors of the dress looked amazing against the backdrop of the tulip field, and it really helped to add an extra element of whimsy to the photos.
As we continued the shoot, I could see the little girl's personality shining through in every shot. Her energy and joy were infectious, and it was clear that she was having a great time. The dress allowed her to move freely and express herself, which made for some amazing photos. It was a joy to see her having so much fun and being able to capture those moments on camera.
Overall, the Anna Triant dress was the perfect choice for the second half of the photo shoot. It allowed the little girl's energy to shine through and added a pop of color to the photos. As a photographer in New Jersey, I'm always looking for ways to showcase my subjects in the best possible light, and this dress was a great way to do just that.
Capturing the Perfect Moments
As a photographer, my ultimate goal is always to capture the perfect moment. During this two-year-old photo shoot, there were so many amazing moments to capture, and I felt honored to be able to capture them. From the little girl's playful energy to her sweet moments with her mom, there were plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos.
As the shoot progressed, I was constantly inspired by the little girl's energy and personality. She kept me on my toes, and I never knew what she was going to do next. But it was that unpredictability that made the shoot so exciting and allowed me to capture some truly beautiful moments.
One of the things that I love about photography is being able to capture the essence of a person. And with this little girl, it was clear that her personality was what made her so special. She had an infectious energy and attitude that was impossible to ignore. It was an absolute joy to be able to capture that on camera.
Overall, capturing the perfect moment is what makes photography so special to me. And with this photo shoot, I felt like we were able to capture so many beautiful moments that this family will treasure for years to come. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it, and I look forward to capturing more special moments in the future.
Final Thoughts on the Photo Shoot
I've been fortunate to capture some truly special moments. This two-year-old photo shoot in a New Jersey tulip field was definitely one of them. From the moment I met the little girl, I knew that she was going to be a star. Her energy and personality were infectious, and it was an absolute joy to work with her.
One of the things that I loved about this photo shoot was the versatility. We were able to showcase two different styles with the vintage outfit and the Anna Triant dress. Both outfits were beautiful in their own way, and they allowed us to capture a variety of different moments.
The tulip field was the perfect setting for the photo shoot, and it really helped to make the photos stand out. The colors of the flowers were absolutely stunning, and they added an extra element of whimsy to the photos!
Final Thoughts
I LOVE photography! It is my dream to do and to capture these memories for folks!!! I will be honest, this age is the most difficult to photograph! I find that if you encourage your subject to interact with the environment then you can definitely get some great photographs!!! This session was a ton of fun as mom was up for anything. We drove to 4 different locations within a few miles of one another to give a little fun variety. Which was near me in Salem County, in South Jersey!!! I LOVE where I live! Lots of country, lots of nature and forest!! We started in our garden, then took a nice drive up Route 40 and then looped around to a field off of 45... and then made our way to the Nature Preserve near East Lake!!! It was a fun day!! I hope mom enjoys her very colorful photos!!! I just delivered these to her mailbox!!! I will post some more shoots soon!! Been very busy and my focus has been editing albums and getting them out the door!!! I am also scaling back real soon! I can't take on the workload that I have been currently undertaking. I will be going down to one per week starting NOW! My year is almost full, so you may want to book soon! Also, have a very Happy 4th this weekend!!! We will be celebrating our son's 5th big boy birthday!! Very excited for our family gathering!!!
Happy Shooting my friends and New Jersey!!!! Can't wait to share some upcoming plans and concept shoots with you!!!
Dee
