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:
Peony Sessions in South Jersey
A wildflower session is always a gorgeous backdrop for your family portraits in South Jersey.
Every single year, this is one of my favorite flower places to photograph at. It doesn't feel like it is located in South Jersey, but another world. It feels almost European and ethereal. Acres and acres of beauties in the most beautiful peony colors that you can imagine. All this, is right here in South Jersey. These are a wonderful background for any any family portrait or children’s portraits. It is such a gorgeous setting!
We’ve photographed so many families in our peony fields, year after year!
Some of the many captures and sessions that I have enjoyed. Aren't the peonies beautiful?
Sometimes, I can't believe what we have in our backyard. If only we would take the time to smell the roses (peonies in this case), right? Many years ago, I published two books on South Jersey. I also use to write for The Patch (Deirdre Howell), as well as ran South Jersey Explorer. It was a sheer honor to be invited out by the community. I had many pillars of the community ask me to come out and take a look at what we have in our backyard. It was within that discover, I came across this gorgeous flower farm.
Sitting pretty among the peonies!
beauty among the pastel peonies.
Within this timeframe, I met exploring friends and now have become lifelong buds, who also had the same passion and desire for showcasing our beauty in New Jersey. One of my good friends, runs Historic and Abandoned Homes in South Jersey (has thousands of followers) and it's a great group. Go check it out on facebook and join!
Another gorgeous shot of this little lady! In the peony fields.
I LOVE this girl. It was through her mom, I found a love for photography and we even took a workshop together. Isn't that cool. Mom is very talented.
I truly love South Jersey and it greatly shows in the pride of my work. Whether you live in Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May (or even Ocean County and Monmouth) I have you covered on gorgeous locations.
I will be offering 2022 peony sessions. We have not been able to offer them the past two years, due to Covid. However, we are resurrecting them. We hope that you can join us in one of the most jaw-dropping locations in our backyard and to capture those beautiful memories of you and your family.
Picking peonies.
Picking powdered peonies. Client is wearing Anna Triant.
The link to book our 2022 Peony Sessions can be found here.
https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2022peonies
Enchanted New Jersey Unicorn Session in an Orchard.
Experience the magic of a New Jersey Unicorn Session in a serene orchard. Spring 2025 brought enchanting moments at a hidden gem in Cumberland County.
This past spring in 2019, I got to hold some beautiful orchard unicorn sessions. Every single session we offer, we try to offer something unique in terms of a variety of locations. Tucked away on a farm on the outskirts of Cumberland County, New Jersey sits this little piece of farm paradise. We had to pleasure of doing our spring orchards sessions here. Our first time!
As you enter the enchanting peach orchard in New Jersey, a sense of magic fills the air. The sunlight filters through the vibrant green leaves, casting a golden hue over the orchard. The soft fragrance of blooming peaches tickles your nose, and you can hear the gentle rustling of leaves and birdsong in the distance.
As you wander further into the orchard, a faint giggle catches your attention. Turning your gaze towards the sound, you spot a whimsical unicorn frolicking among the peach trees. Its pristine white coat glistens in the sunlight, adorned with a shimmering mane and a horn that glimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
Meet Drifter: Our Beloved Unicorn
Drifter, our star unicorn, was a joy to work with throughout these sessions. His pristine white coat and shimmering rainbow mane made him the perfect companion for our little adventurers. Drifter’s gentle, curious nature put everyone at ease, allowing us to capture authentic moments of joy and connection. We take pride in ensuring every unicorn session is not only magical but also safe—we are bonded, insured, and take every precaution when working with live animals.
Twirling in a Southern New Jersey Peach Orchard!
The Magic of a Unicorn Session
From the moment families arrived, they were transported into a fairytale. Children’s laughter echoed through the orchard as they played hide-and-seek among the trees, chased fireflies, and danced in the golden light of sunset. Drifter delighted in weaving through the peach trees, his horn occasionally brushing the branches, as if sprinkling a bit of extra magic on the orchard.
Every unicorn session is crafted to bring out the best in our clients, whether it’s capturing the wonder in a child’s eyes or the pure joy of a family experiencing a day unlike any other. Our goal is to create timeless portraits and unforgettable memories that families will cherish forever.
Magical session in the peach orchard in South Jersey!
Why Choose Shooting Star Photography?
At Shooting Star Photography, unicorn sessions are one of our specialties. We’ve been voted the premiere unicorn photographer in New Jersey, and our dedication to creating magical, stress-free experiences sets us apart. Whether it’s a session in an orchard, at the beach, or on a private farm, we pour our hearts into every detail to ensure your photos are as extraordinary as your experience.
behind the scenes of our magical orchard unicorn sessions! It is a whole production!
Looking Ahead
While our 2019 season was completely sold out—including fall, unicorn, and Christmas sessions—we’re excited to welcome new clients in 2020! Don’t miss your chance to book one of our coveted unicorn sessions and step into a world of imagination and beauty.
We love capturing the peach orchard when it is in bloom, but when it is filled with green it can be magical for your unicorn session too!
A Tale of Whimsy: “Unicorn Whispers”
Inspired by the magic of our unicorn sessions, we’ve imagined a heartwarming story of Lily and her unicorn companion, Sparkle. Together, they navigate the challenges of protecting an enchanted orchard, reminding us all of the power of friendship, bravery, and belief.
As the seasons change, Lily and Sparkle’s tale comes alive, much like the magic we strive to capture in every photo session. It’s a story that reflects the joy, wonder, and beauty we hope to bring to each of our clients.
Book Your Magical Session Today
Ready to create your own enchanted memories? Book your unicorn session with Shooting Star Photography today! Whether it’s springtime in a peach orchard or another unique location, we can’t wait to bring your fairytale to life. Visit Shooting Star Photography or check out our Facebook page for more information.
Spring Is Almost Here!
Spring Is Almost Here!
Mar 10
Spring Will Soon Arrive
As the winter frost begins to thaw and the days stretch a little longer, we are reminded that spring will soon arrive. The promise of new life and vibrant colors emerges with each passing day, rejuvenating our spirits and awakening the world around us.
With the arrival of spring, nature comes alive in a symphony of blossoms and melodies. The once barren branches of trees burst forth with delicate buds, and the earth awakens from its slumber with an explosion of fragrant blooms. The air becomes filled with the sweet scents of fresh grass, blooming flowers, and earthy petrichor, inviting us to venture outdoors and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.
Spring Will Soon Arrive
As the winter frost begins to thaw and the days stretch a little longer, we are reminded that spring will soon arrive. The promise of new life and vibrant colors emerges with each passing day, rejuvenating our spirits and awakening the world around us.
With the arrival of spring, nature comes alive in a symphony of blossoms and melodies. The once barren branches of trees burst forth with delicate buds, and the earth awakens from its slumber with an explosion of fragrant blooms. The air becomes filled with the sweet scents of fresh grass, blooming flowers, and earthy petrichor, inviting us to venture outdoors and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.
As the season transitions, we find ourselves shedding the layers of winter and embracing the warmth of the sun. It's a time for renewal, growth, and rejuvenation—a time to cast off the old and embrace the new. We plant seeds of hope and watch as they flourish, mirroring the growth and transformation within ourselves.
The arrival of spring also evokes a sense of joy and optimism. It's a time for outdoor gatherings, leisurely strolls, and basking in the gentle caress of the sun's rays. The world seems to come alive with energy and vitality, infusing us with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the days ahead.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, let us take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty that accompanies this magical season. Let's embrace the sense of wonder and possibility that comes with each budding flower and each warm breeze. Spring will soon arrive, and with it, the promise of new beginnings and endless opportunities.
Twirling in the spring garden.
Little spring baby with pearls… on the moss in the garden.
We had some fun in the snow this winter! Love a snow photo shoot!
Our Current Status With Bookings
Hi folks! You may have been noticing that these last few days have been rocking!!! Seventy plus degrees outside! The birds are singing and the sun is out! Woo Hoo! I thought this winter would slow down a bit this year, to last year's abysmal time, but it hasn't. I've been fortunate to work consistently this winter. This spring is starting to look a ton more nuts!I am doing a lot of First Communion sessions.
A lot of folks seem to really want an updated/artistic look to their traditional communion poses that you normally see (and to be honest a lot of these poses are kind of outdated as if they were taken in the 1990's it's time to bring some sauce back)! We'll incorporate a few of the traditional poses into our sessions, but also give it some of that Shooting Star magic that we all love! The girls will get to be dolled up in their first communion gowns and then I am going to dress them up in some of the gowns I have!
Communion and Family Sessions seem to be a popular start of the New Year
I'm also wanting to incorporate any family/siblings into these sessions, so they should be fun! I'm very excited as I'm getting new inventory in every single day! I've got over 20 more gowns arriving soon, headpieces, and I ordered my first gown for women! And Oh my goodness!!! I cannot wait until you see them!!!! Our next HUGE concept shoot will be in Philadelphia next month! We're also booking out until June, so if you wanting to book.. Book now. Our last year was booked out for the entire year by August. I wouldn't want for you to lose your spot!
Since we had a nice day today, I got to do some cleanup in the garden and enjoy the warm sunshine... so I made this cheesy video. There are a lot of photographs missing, but I truly do love where I live and to be able to offer it to my clients.The only thing I ask is please don't come knocking at my door, when you don't have a scheduled appointment or didn't call first. I had someone come to my home yesterday and it scared me!!
Oh and try to get out to the Philadelphia Flower show this week!!! It's pretty amazing this year! The bartenders make some pretty mean Bloody Mary's too!!!! It's an interesting concept this year and I love it!So that's pretty much what is new for me! A few shoots this weekend and it's starts to get crazy after that, with shoots during the week and weekends!! So if I haven't responded, you know what I'm doing and I will get back to you as soon as I can!!!
Happy Shooting My Friends!!!
Dee
