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.

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Fine Art Beach Photography Workshop in Wildwood 2024

Fine Art Beach Photography Workshop in Wildwood NJ 2024.

Join us next year for our beach photography workshop. It will be held on Saturday, June 15th 2024. A fine art workshop with children and families can be a wonderful way to capture beautiful and memorable moments. Here are some tips to help you create stunning beach photographs and what we will cover for the duration of the day.

Join us next year for our beach photography workshop. It will be held on Saturday, June 15th 2024.  A fine art workshop with children and families can be a wonderful way to capture beautiful and memorable moments. Here are some tips to help you create stunning beach photographs and what we will cover for the duration of the day. 

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What we will cover in our workshop!

  1. Choosing the Right Time: Plan your photo session during the golden hours, which are usually the first two hours after sunrise or the last two hours before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times will add a magical touch to your photos.

  2. Location Scouting: Explore different areas of the beach in Wildwood to find the most scenic spots. Look for interesting natural elements like dunes, driftwood, or rock formations that can enhance your composition.

  3. Plan for Candid Moments: Allow the children to play and have fun naturally while you capture their candid expressions and interactions. Candid shots often evoke genuine emotions and make for beautiful fine art photography.

  4. Props and Accessories: Consider using props like colorful beach toys, umbrellas, or even kites to add a playful and whimsical element to your photos. They can help create visually interesting compositions and engage the children during the shoot.

  5. Incorporate Movement: Experiment with capturing motion and movement at the beach. Encourage the children to run, jump, or play with the waves. Freeze the action with a faster shutter speed or experiment with slower shutter speeds to capture the motion blur.

  6. Composition and Framing: Pay attention to the composition of your shots. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, or natural framing elements to create visually pleasing and balanced images. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add variety to your photographs.

  7. Use a Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens can be beneficial for beach photography, as it allows you to capture intimate moments from a distance without intruding on the children's play. It also helps create a shallow depth of field, separating the subject from the background.

  8. Post-Processing: We’ll be editing your photos in post-processing to enhance the fine art aesthetic. Experimentation with our pastel and dreamy, soft look to achieve the desired artistic effect.

Remember, the key to successful beach photography with children is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Let them have fun and be themselves while you capture those precious moments. This is what we will go over.

Why a workshop inWildwood, New Jersey?

Wildwood, New Jersey, is a popular vacation destination for families, offering a variety of attractions and activities. Here is some information to help you plan your family vacation or workshop weekend in Wildwood:

  1. Beaches: Wildwood is known for its expansive, clean beaches. The beach is free to access and offers plenty of space for families to relax, build sandcastles, and enjoy the sun. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months for added safety.

  2. Wildwood Boardwalk: The Wildwood Boardwalk is a must-visit attraction for families. Stretching over two miles, it is filled with amusement rides, arcades, shops, and eateries. Kids will love the Ferris wheel, roller coasters, water parks, go-karts, and mini-golf courses along the boardwalk.

  3. Morey's Piers: Morey's Piers is an iconic amusement park located on the Wildwood Boardwalk. It offers a wide range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park has water parks, thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and games for endless entertainment.

  4. Wildwood Crest Bike Path: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or stroll along the Wildwood Crest Bike Path. This scenic path runs parallel to the beach and offers beautiful views of the ocean. You can rent bikes from various rental shops in the area.

  5. Doo Wop Experience: Wildwood is known for its vibrant Doo Wop architecture from the 1950s and 1960s. Visit the Doo Wop Experience Museum to learn about the history and significance of this unique architectural style.

  6. Cape May County Park & Zoo: Just a short drive from Wildwood, you'll find the Cape May County Park & Zoo, a fantastic family-friendly attraction. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and features playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.

  7. Water Sports and Activities: Wildwood offers a range of water sports and activities for families to enjoy. You can try jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, or even take a dolphin-watching cruise to see these magnificent creatures up close.

  8. Nightly Events and Fireworks: During the summer season, Wildwood hosts various events and concerts on the beach and the boardwalk. Don't miss the Friday Night Fireworks display, a spectacular show that lights up the night sky.

  9. Restaurants and Dining: Wildwood boasts numerous restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. From casual beachfront eateries to family-friendly dining establishments, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy everyone's palate.

  10. Accommodations: Wildwood offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Choose a place that suits your family's needs and provides easy access to the beach and attractions.

Remember to check the specific operating hours and availability of attractions and events during your visit, as they may vary depending on the season. Enjoy your family vacation and workshop in Wildwood, NJ!

For information on the workshop, you may find that information here.

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Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

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Ocean City, New Jersey Photography Blog

Capture unforgettable family moments at the Jersey Shore with a top Ocean City, NJ photographer. Perfect for beach sessions in Ocean City, Wildwood & beyond!

Ocean City, New Jersey Photography Blog: Capturing Memories at the Jersey Shore

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to have your picture-perfect beach moment captured by one of the best Ocean City, New Jersey photographers, you’re in for a treat. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family at Ocean City on a gorgeous evening when the sun was setting over the golden bay.

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Beautiful beach captures at the Jersey Shore.

A Picture-Perfect Beach Day in Ocean City

The soft glow of the Jersey Shore sunset, combined with the sound of waves crashing gently on the shore, set the perfect stage for an unforgettable photo session. As a beach photographer, it’s always a special feeling to capture a family’s best memories in a place that holds so much magic.

The family arrived in soft pastels (because what’s a family beach session without a coordinated look?) and were greeted by none other than yours truly—Dee, the Ocean City photographer who’s known for making everyone feel like they’re on a mini-vacation while snapping those perfect shots.

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Beautiful beach capture at the Jersey Shore. Best Family photographer! Slay it with those twirls!

Why Ocean City, NJ, is the Best Location for Family Photos

We started with some candid moments—kids building sandcastles (and by “building” I mean, “watching mom do it”), the family laughing at the inevitable seaweed mishaps, and just soaking in the beauty of the Jersey shore. Let’s face it, sandcastles and sunsets make for some seriously magical beach photos!

As the sky began to change colors and turn into a masterpiece of pinks, oranges, and purples, we decided to take advantage of the dramatic sunset and captured a few more family shots. The Ferris wheel in the distance added that perfect “Jersey Shore” vibe, creating that warm nostalgic feeling of family trips to Atlantic City. Who says you can’t have a beach and an amusement park in the same shot?

smiling and playing in the waves in Ocean City

Enjoying the beach and playing in the waves for her beach portrait.

Magical Family Moments: Candid & Gorgeous

Capturing the beauty of Ocean City is what I love most about being a South Jersey photographer. As the sky turned into a magical watercolor palette, the family embraced each other for a few final shots, laughing and smiling like they were in their own little world. I think we all knew that this was a moment they’d want to hold on to forever.

The best part? Their session was full of genuine laughs—no awkward poses here, just real, raw moments that will make their family album extra special. As they wrapped up their session, they couldn’t stop raving about how relaxed and fun the experience was, which made me feel like I had done my job right!

The Best Memories Begin at the Beach

As they drove off, they talked about how much fun they had and how they couldn’t wait to come back for another session—maybe next time at Wildwood, Sea Isle City, or Cape May. I love being a part of families’ traditions, and I always look forward to seeing how their stories unfold over the years.

Another beautiful day at the beach wrapped up, leaving behind moments that will last a lifetime. And just like that, a new set of memories was made, not just in their hearts but also in photos they’ll cherish forever.

kid posing with a lantern in the ocean

The vintage look is always in for a timeless look at the beach.

Capture Your Own Beach Moments with Shooting Star Photography

Whether you’re looking for a family photographer in Ocean City, Wildwood, or anywhere along the Jersey Shore, I’d love to help you make your memories as beautiful as the sunset itself. From maternity shoots to engagement photos, every moment is special, and I’m here to help you make it unforgettable.

Ready to capture your own beach memories? Reach out today, and let’s create some magic at the shore!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Check out more of our Ocean City NJ Beach work!


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