Marlton New Jersey | Fine Art Photography Blogging

Why I Started Daily Blogging as a Photographer

Welcome to my corner of the internet, where pixels meet passion and snapshots tell stories. As a portrait photographer with ten amazing years in this industry, I’m on a mission to capture life's fleeting moments.

Since December 26th, 2023, I’ve embarked on a daily blogging adventure, pouring my heart and soul into every post. Some days, I’ve even written two or three posts! My goal? To make it to a full year. Today, I’m 62 days in. What is it they say? It takes 21 days to form a habit. Well, I’m at 8 weeks now, so hopefully, this habit will stick—even when things ramp up during the busy photography season from spring to fall!

Bloggy blog blog blog lol.

The Unexpected Benefits of Blogging Daily as a Photographer

1. Unleashing Creativity and Reflection

Behind every portrait lies a narrative waiting to unfold. Through daily blogging, I find solace in weaving stories, sharing insights, and reflecting on the beauty around me. Each blog post becomes a canvas where I paint with words, immersing myself in storytelling while uncovering new depths in my craft.

2. Embracing Imperfection & Authenticity

In photography, perfection is an elusive muse. But through blogging, I’ve learned to embrace imperfection. From candid anecdotes to behind-the-scenes bloopers, my blog offers a glimpse into the messy, marvelous world of portrait photography—where the imperfections often create the most memorable moments.

3. Building Community & Connection

Despite the vast and sometimes impersonal digital landscape, daily blogging has allowed me to connect with fellow photographers, clients, and enthusiasts. Through comments, shares, and conversations, my blog has become a space where kindred spirits celebrate creativity and inspire one another.

4. Boosting SEO & Website Traffic

Let’s talk business! Blogging daily has significantly improved my website’s search rankings. Google loves fresh content, and consistent blogging has helped attract new visitors looking for South Jersey photographers, NJ family photographers, and portrait photography near me—all key phrases I naturally include in my posts.

5. Strengthening My Writing & Storytelling

Just as every photoshoot presents an opportunity for growth, daily blogging has sharpened my writing skills. Whether I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes moment, a lesson learned, or a client’s heartwarming story, each post strengthens my ability to tell a compelling narrative.

How Daily Blogging is Helping My Photography Business

Blogging isn’t just about storytelling—it’s also about strategy! Here’s how blogging daily has positively impacted my business:

• Increased Website Traffic: Regularly updated content attracts more visitors and improves my search engine rankings.

• Building Brand Authority: Sharing insights and expertise consistently establishes me as a trusted photographer.

• Generating More Client Leads: The more content I put out, the more potential clients find me.

• Enhancing My Workflow: Blogging in the morning sets a productive tone for the rest of my workday.

• Confidence in My Voice: Blogging daily has given me the freedom to express myself, boosting my confidence in my writing and storytelling.

My Workflow: How I Fit Blogging into My Day

People often ask me how I find the time to blog daily. Here’s the simple truth: I make it a priority.

My typical workflow looks like this:

1. Morning Routine: Start my day by blogging with a fresh cup of coffee.

2. Check Emails & Client Inquiries: Stay connected with clients and upcoming projects.

3. Editing Sessions: Dive into retouching and fine art edits for client galleries.

4. Client Communication & Social Media Updates: Engage with my audience.

5. End-of-Day Review: Plan content for the next day’s blog post.

By incorporating blogging into my workflow, I ensure that I’m doing at least one great thing for my business every single day!

The boy at the end… Doesn’t look like he’s happy lol. Maybe a brain freeze? Hahaha

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Keep Blogging

Blogging has been an unexpected joy, a personal challenge, and an incredible business tool. It has given me a space to reflect, refine my voice, and connect with others who share a passion for photography and storytelling. As I continue this journey, I invite you to follow along, whether you’re a fellow photographer, a curious reader, or someone who simply loves beautiful stories.

So, here’s to many more blog posts, to finding joy in the process, and to growing as both a photographer and storyteller. If you’re a photographer thinking about starting a blog—do it. You might be surprised at the magic you create along the way.

Happy Shooting… I mean blogging… my friends!

Dee

South Jersey Photography Beach Workshop- May 20th

Join me on my beach journey and learn my secrets as I teach you the art of beach photography in this workshop on May 20th. As the "queen of beach" in the fine art industry, I'll take you through my entire process, from finding the perfect shot to the final edit.

2023 Beach PhotographyWorkshop in New Jersey

We'll start at 6:30pm and continue until sunset, shooting under the pier shots, one mermaid, one family, and one child couture. You'll gain insight into my creative process and learn what to look for when capturing stunning beach photos.

Join me for some fun!

After the workshop, I'll take you through my entire editing process and record a live video of me editing one of our images and send it via dropbox. 

To ensure a high-quality, personalized experience, I'm only offering four spots for this workshop. You'll need a full-frame camera, and I'm familiar with Sony, Canon, and Nikon systems. A 50mm or 85mm lens is preferred, but I can teach you on any system or lens.

Beautiful sea waves and salty air at the Jersey Shore.

The workshop will be held in Atlantic City, NJ, and the cost is $500 with a non-refundable/transferable deposit of $200. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.

photography lessons, ocean city new jersey photographer, best photographers nj, beach mini sessions ocean city new jersey

Here are some testimonials from previous workshop participants:

- Stephanie had the opportunity to take her first workshop with Dee last year. She was impressed by her eagerness to help and her incredible patience when it came to explaining concepts that she found difficult to understand.

- Joanne recently had an amazing one-on-one class with Dee learning her camera. She left the workshop feeling excited and inspired, eagerly looking forward to using her newfound knowledge to create breathtaking masterpieces. -

Meg had a truly wonderful day with Dee as her teacher. She appreciated her guidance and expertise, knowing that what she learned during the workshop would serve as the foundation for capturing more beautiful images in the future.

To book the workshop and for more information, please click the button below. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Happy Shooting!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography- In South Jersey... General Facts

General facts and info about working with Shooting Star Photography.

Here at Shooting Star, in South Jersey, we are here to provide you the best service available in our general area.  We offer the most superb and most unique scouted locations for your photo shoot, as well as a private in-home or outdoor garden studio! Yup, we have an amazing outdoor studio... with thousands of flowering perennials! You'll have to see it for yourself!Here are some fun facts, so you can get to know us better!

General Facts

1. Where is Shooting Star located?

We are located in South Jersey, Woodstown to be exact.  A lot of folks think this is far away... However, I am only about 15-20 minutes away from Deptford and Camden County.  I am a short drive from most places in South Jersey, due to our location in the state. We are located near most major highways, like 295, 55 and the turnpike.

However, not to worry!  We will come to you!

2.What is Shooting Star's booking requirements?

We require just a $20 retainer to hold your spot. The rest can be paid at the time of your session. We do this to protect both client and photographer. Most photographers ask for more, however, we ask for this small retainer as good faith that you will arrive to your session.

3. Is Shooting Star a legal business?

Absolutely!  We are registered as a LLC with the state of New Jersey, we pay sales tax every quarter and are licensed to operate and insured business.

4. How Do I Pay For My Session or Product?

We accept Visa or MasterCard, or cash and will invoice you accordingly.

5.Do you allow pets? 

Yes!  Please just give us a heads up!  However, in my family sessions, we have had a few dogs.  Dogs and pets are family too!We may even provide them with a little treat, if only they behave (I'm sure they will)!  We also do Pet Photography.  In our studio or any location you prefer!

6.What is the best time of day for a session?

Generally, the rule of thumb for photographers is what we call "Golden Hour" this is 2-3 hours prior to sunset, depending on the season or time of the year.

However, I have shot many of sessions in midday sun and I am experienced in this regard.  I can adapt to any situation or condition. It's why I am a called a professional photographer.

7.What do I wear for my session?

Wear something that is nice, yet casual.  Your hiney may get a little wet depending on the location or what poses you want... You may also get a little dirty!  It's all up to you and what you want!  I have some pdf files on what to wear.  However, coordinating, but not matchy matchy colors always look great!  Don't be afraid of color or prints, either!  Pick one outfit and build around that, if it's a family shoot. You'll create something FABULOUS trust me!

8.Where do we go for our session?

We can go anywhere you like!  It depends on the style you are looking for.  However, I have hundreds of scouted locations in my repertoire, from vacant lots, to barn-styled, nature, sunset, and even beautiful beach locations!  Tell me what you want and I will make it happen!  If there is a place of meaning or of value to you, or to your family... let us know! We're always up for something new!

9. What is your traveling fee?

I will travel up to 40 miles from the vicinity of my home.  After that, I charge $0.50 per mile.  In the grand scheme of things, it comes out to just a few bucks!

10. How long will it take for me to receive my photos?

I often have the photos finished in less than a week!  When finished, they are uploaded to a private high-resolution gallery for you to see them or to download! In my contract, it states that it can take up to 3 weeks, but this is usually in effect for the busy season. I have never had to go to 3 weeks even in busy season. The most anyone has ever had to wait was about 7 days.

My turnaround time is important and apart of my customer service!

11.Do you give refunds?

Since this is a service I provide and I am retained for this service and for that chosen day. I do not offer refunds.  However, I only charge a $20 retainer fee out of good faith. This will not be returned. However, returns are at the discretion of myself, depending on the circumstances.

12.What if we have to reschedule for personal issues or weather?

Safety is my number one priority when it pertains to clients!  I will contact the client in the case of bad weather and we will discuss our options. You must reschedule your photo session within 2 weeks of cancelling the session due to personal conflicts, or for bad weather.

Hopefully, I was able to address any questions you may have down the line.  If I haven't, you know how to reach me!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

-Dee

Keep Taking Photographs Of Your Kids... You'll be a pro or semi-pro... in no time!

My baby, Gigi!

Eat that hat! Yum yum yum yum.

My son in the pumpkin patch at our home.

There is nothing more freer than taking photos of your own children!  I paid over $150 just for photos, no print release... Nada... for when my daughter was born.  Btw, the photographer for my son never came around at the hospital like they were suppose to... And that saddens me. His whole large 11 pounds and all!

Yup, he was that big when he was born. I adore being able to take photographs of my kids professionally.  I use them for many subjects and practice, but it's also very cool that I can take quality level photographs of all my kid's milestones.  I truly feel free in that sense. I know I would have racked up thousands of dollars in photos thus far, if I did not do my studying when it pertained to taking photos of my kids. I always loved photography, even from when I was a little girl.

My mind works in mysterious ways with textures, lighting and just how I see this world.  In fact, my very popular sister blog to this site... Well, I show South Jersey, how I see it...Its beauty and all.  I've been so lucky in this endeavor because I know all the best shooting locations from Burlington County to Cape May County!

I'm a bit nuts when it comes to photos. I like high quality.  I have invested in a ton of equipment in such a short time frame because of it, but now I feel like it is paying off.  I see the work for when I first started and then I see now and it has only been a few months.  I see a huge improvement. It's just in my nature to be the biggest and best. I aim to be in the top my field in regards to photography one day.  It is just me and how I'm wired.

I learn a little more everyday and in hopes to improve. Anywho, I'm getting off subject!  I'm telling you moms and dads out there to try and make the effort of learning photography and taking better photographs of your kids. Learn how to shoot in manual mode (you will thank me). Read your camera manual over and over again until it sticks in that noggin of yours! Trust me, you do not need a fancy camera! That is all bull in this industry. 

It is seriously the person who is behind it! I have a drive to learn and I always have.  I'm so happy to capture the milestones of childhood with my kids in a professional way. I urge folks out there to put down their camera phones and pick up a semi-decent camera to capture these moments!  You don't need to spend a lot of money, you just have to have a desire to learn.

Happy Shooting, my friends! -Dee

Photography Classes in South Jersey

I love some of the beautiful architecture and churches we have in the South Jersey area.

You just never know what we'll encounter around South Jersey!

I know many folks have just received a nice, new, and shiny camera for Christmas, or as a birthday present and don't know how to use it!  If you are looking to take better photos, to get into manual mode, or just take better pictures of your children and grandchildren, you've come to the right place!I have been offering classes, in South Jersey, for quite some time now. 

I will provide you with the training and most importantly, the confidence in going forward in your photography journey.I have been a photographer for years and my work has been showcased all over South Jersey. 

Even if you have a point and shoot, you can learn to take better photographs!   I started out in landscape photography and just recently, have been getting into portraiture.  I've published two books on my landscape photography while exploring South Jersey.I will show you how to care for your camera investment and the basics to truly keep you motivated!  I know some cameras can be intimidating, but after one "class" with me, you will see that it isn't so intimidating! 

I will also give you some valuable keepsakes that you can use as a resource to learn even more!I will be offering group classes in where we go out on an adventure and take photographs of beautiful buildings, landscapes. or people throughout South Jersey.  Plus, this is a great opportunity to meet other hobbyists that are into the same interests and want to learn!You will learn about lighting, exposure, technique, and general composition in how it applies in photography. 

Plus, you will learn your camera!

Classes will be forming shortly!  It will be a fun experience for all!  We will get to explore something new and to learn how to photograph!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

NJ portrait photographer