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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Navy Yard Philadelphia- Teen Photo Shoot!

Navy Yard Philadelphia- Teen Photo Shoot!

Oh the Philly Navy Yard… How I love thee!

I love my clients. I love seeing them grow and in this case, I have photographed this lady since she was around 8 or 9 years old! She will be going off to college this year! Isn’t that crazy?

Oh the Philly Navy Yard… How I love thee!

I love my clients. I love seeing them grow and in this case, I have photographed this lady since she was around 8 or 9 years old! She will be going off to college this year! Isn’t that crazy?

Check out this beautiful teen session that we photographed at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. She danced, we posed. We brought in her brother for a few portraits, but most of all, we had fun! That’s what it is about here at Shooting Star.. FUN AND GORGEOUS PORTRAITS.

The Philadelphia Navy Yard is an absolute gem when it comes to choosing a perfect spot for a photo shoot! With its captivating architecture, stunning waterfront views, and abundant green spaces, the Navy Yard offers endless possibilities to capture breathtaking photographs. Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing Eden, a talented dancer, at various sites within this historic location. From the iconic shipyard cranes to the lush gardens, each setting provided a unique backdrop that perfectly complemented Eden's grace and creativity. The Navy Yard truly proved to be an ideal location, offering a blend of urban and natural scenery that allowed us to capture truly enchanting moments.

Check out a little history below and a little rock n roll!

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Love this little lady! I’ve know her momma for quite some time. We use to work together back in the day before I became a photographer. It’s been an honor to see her grow into the lady she is today. Super smart, down-to-earth, and a great baker, too!

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The sun was setting behind her and had to get a capture of it. The light was fantastic!

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Fly little lady! Fly!

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I loved all her costumes and outfit choices! They were great!

The Navy Yard in Philadelphia has a long and storied history dating back to the early days of the United States. Here is a brief overview:

  • The site of the Navy Yard was originally purchased by the federal government in 1776, during the American Revolution. It was used as a shipbuilding and repair facility during the war.

  • The first ship built at the Navy Yard was the frigate USS United States, which was launched in 1797.

  • During the Civil War, the Navy Yard played a key role in the Union's naval blockade of the Confederacy. The ironclad USS Monitor was built there, and many other ships were repaired and refitted.

  • In the years following the Civil War, the Navy Yard continued to be a hub of activity, with ships being built and repaired for both the Navy and commercial customers.

  • During World War I, the Navy Yard played a critical role in the war effort, building and repairing ships and producing ammunition and other supplies.

  • In World War II, the Navy Yard was once again a major center of activity, producing a wide range of ships and supplies for the war effort.

  • After World War II, the Navy Yard continued to be used for shipbuilding and repair, but its importance declined as the Navy's needs changed.

  • In 1995, the Navy announced that it would close the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and the site was turned over to the City of Philadelphia. Today, the Navy Yard is home to a variety of businesses and organizations, and it is a hub of innovation and economic development in the city.

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Twirling in front of the ships!

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Love this old factory that adds a lot of beautiful texture. She’s super cute and graceful!

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Loved how the light was coming in softly and the mirrored image at the Navy Yard.

The Navy Yard in Philadelphia can be a great location for a photo session for several reasons:

  1. Historical significance: The Navy Yard has a rich history, spanning over 200 years, which can provide a unique and interesting backdrop for photos. The buildings and structures at the Navy Yard have a distinctive style and character, which can add depth and texture to photos.

  2. Variety of settings: The Navy Yard offers a range of settings for photos, from urban landscapes to natural settings. There are historic buildings, parks, and waterfront views that can provide a diverse range of options for photographers and clients.

  3. Accessibility: The Navy Yard is easily accessible from downtown Philadelphia and has ample parking, making it a convenient location for a photo session. Additionally, the Navy Yard is relatively quiet compared to other busy locations in the city, providing a more relaxed and peaceful environment for a photo shoot.

  4. Flexibility: The Navy Yard is a large area with plenty of open space, providing ample opportunities for photographers to experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions. This can allow for greater creativity and flexibility during a photo session.

Overall, the Navy Yard in Philadelphia can be a great location for a photo session due to its historical significance, variety of settings, accessibility, and flexibility.

As you can see with miss “E” we had a blast. We also included her twin brother in this shoot! We love getting to incorporate the family!

If you would like to schedule your little dancer’s shoot, bring the costumes and lets have a fun time!

Teen/Senior Photo Shoot at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.

Aren’t these photos gorgeous. There is so many places to photograph here. It’s a photographer’s dream at the Navy Yard. You have to go!

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Both just posing and having fun in front of the historical buildings at the Navy Yard!

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Of course we had to get one of this guy! He’s an awesome baseball player, too!

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Brother and sister having fun!

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Last shot of the evening and loved the texture and lighting here!

We did a few outfit changes and got to tour the grounds all over. It was so much fun! To schedule your teen photo shoot, contact us today for the 2024 season! Bring in your sibling or fam for a quick impromptu at the end of your special session! We encourage to bring wardrobe changes and look to just fun for the day!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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Photographer-Marketing Tips

Photographer-Marketing Tips

I teach photography to all kinds of photographers around the globe. You can be the most talented photographer and creator out there on your skill set, but if you don’t have any business acumen, nor knowledge of how to market or to coordinate a web page, you may find yourself in trouble finding work. I see it so much in our field. Most think the work will bring people in based on talent alone, but that is not the case.

I teach photography to all kinds of photographers around the globe. You can be the most talented photographer and creator out there on your skill set, but if you don’t have any business acumen, nor knowledge of how to market or to coordinate a web page, you may find yourself in trouble finding work. I see it so much in our field. Most think the work will bring people in based on talent alone, but that is not the case.

Your work alone won’t get you clients, no matter how good you are!



Here are some of my…

Marketing Tips For Photographers

You’ll need to generate high-quality, informative content: Focus on creating high-quality, informative content that provides value to the users. The content should be well-written and formatted, with proper use of headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

  1. Voice search optimization: With the increasing use of smart assistants and voice search, it is essential to optimize the website for voice search. This includes using long-tail keywords and natural language.

  2. Mobile optimization: More and more users are accessing the internet through mobile devices, so it's crucial to optimize the website for mobile. This includes using responsive design and optimizing page load speed.

  3. User experience: Search engines value user experience, so make sure your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and has a clear call-to-action.

  4. Semantic search: In 2023, search engines are likely to focus more on semantic search, which means understanding the meaning behind the search query rather than just matching keywords. To optimize for this, focus on creating content that answers specific questions and provides comprehensive information on a topic.

  5. Social media engagement: Social media engagement can also help with SEO, as it increases visibility and drives traffic to the website. So, create engaging social media posts and share your content on social media platforms.

Overall, SEO in 2023 will require a focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to the users and optimizing the website for mobile and voice search, semantic search, and user experience.

Beautiful garden session with this cutie!

One of my favorite butterfly dresses.

If you're a photographer looking to improve your SEO, here are some resources that you might find helpful:

  1. SEO for Photographers by The Modern Tog: This is an online course that teaches photographers how to optimize their websites for search engines. The course covers topics such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.

  2. Photography SEO Community: This is a Facebook group where photographers can share their SEO strategies and ask for advice. The group has over 13,000 members and is a great place to connect with other photographers who are working on their SEO.

  3. Google's SEO Starter Guide: This is a free guide provided by Google that explains the basics of SEO. It covers topics such as creating high-quality content, using keywords effectively, and optimizing images.

  4. Moz Blog: Moz is a popular SEO tool provider, and their blog is a great resource for learning about SEO. They have a section specifically for photography SEO, which covers topics such as optimizing images and building links.

  5. Yoast SEO for WordPress: If you're using WordPress to build your website, the Yoast SEO plugin can help you optimize your content for search engines. They have a specific section for photographers, which includes tips on optimizing image alt tags and meta descriptions.

  6. Photography Spark: This website provides resources and tools specifically for photographers, including a section on SEO. They have articles on topics such as creating location-specific landing pages and optimizing for mobile devices.

By utilizing these resources, photographers can gain a better understanding of SEO and how to optimize their websites to rank higher in search engine results. Which will help to market and generate business. I started out in 2015 writing on this blog. It helped to get the word out on my business and helped to develop a strong client base. It is a lot of work. You just need to keep pushing on! You got this.

Happy Shooting, My Friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

New Jersey Fine Art Photographer

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Woodstown NJ | Maternity | Family photo session

Woodstown NJ | Maternity | Family photo session

Maternity Family Sessions are always a great time. We love capturing these special moments with locations all over South Jersey.

Why is getting family portraits important?

Family photography portraits are important for several reasons. Here are some reasons why getting family portraits can be valuable:

Capturing memories: Family photography portraits allow you to capture special moments with your loved ones that you can cherish for a lifetime. Photographs can serve as a way to remember the happy times you shared as a family, even as years go by.

Capturing the Beauty of Maternity: A Family Moment in Woodstown, NJ


We had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family maternity session back in the spring in a wildflower field near the Shoemaker School in Woodstown, NJ. The location provided a picturesque backdrop, creating the perfect setting for this special occasion.
The pregnant mother looked absolutely radiant, exuding a natural beauty that was enhanced by the vibrant colors of the wildflowers. The children were dressed in lovely shades of blue, complementing their mother's elegant pink attire. Their affection for each other was evident, creating heartwarming moments that were a joy to capture.
The session was filled with laughter, tender moments, and a sense of anticipation for the newest family member. Overall, it was a truly stunning experience, and we feel privileged to have been a part of capturing such a beautiful and meaningful family moment.

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Love this shot. Little guy with the funny smile. big sis being silly. It’s a great natural shot of the family! I think I said a frog jumped on my head because the look on this kid’s face is priceless!

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Hugs with mommy! WE always have to get mom with just the kiddos!

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Ring around the Rosie in a South Jersey meadow.

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My favorite formal shot of this fam! We got everyone smiling.

Why is getting family portraits important? 

Family sessions are my lifeblood here! I love seeing families grow like this family here. It is truly a fun and captivating job. I like getting real smiles. Have the kids do fun things and play. I try not to make it a job, but fun for all involved.

I devised a list on why I think family photography portraits are important for several reasons. Here are some reasons why getting family portraits can be valuable:

  1. Capturing memories: Family photography portraits allow you to capture special moments with your loved ones that you can cherish for a lifetime. Photographs can serve as a way to remember the happy times you shared as a family, even as years go by.

  2. Documenting growth: Family photography portraits can help you document how your family has grown and changed over the years. Looking back at old family photos can help you see how your children have grown, how your family has expanded, and how everyone has evolved.

  3. Creating a legacy: Family photography portraits can be passed down from generation to generation, creating a lasting legacy that connects your family across time. Isn’t it cool looking back at these photographs? Really neat treasured keepsakes.

  4. Boosting self-esteem: Family photography portraits can boost your self-esteem and help you feel good about yourself and your family. They can serve as a reminder of how much you are loved and appreciated by those closest to you. I’ll make everyone feel like gods and goddesses!

  5. Strengthening family bonds: Family photography portraits can serve as a way to strengthen family bonds by bringing everyone together and creating shared memories. They can also be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time together as a family.

Overall, family photography portraits are a great way to capture special moments, document growth, create a lasting legacy, boost self-esteem, and strengthen family bonds.

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More smiling faces! Woo hoo!

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Solo shot time! Isn’t she a cutie? she’s wearing Joyfolie. I love their dress styles!

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Hello cutie!!!

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She just wanted to play and pick the flowers.

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Last total family shot! They really are a beautiful family.

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Had to get a beautiful shot of mom! I love maternity sessions!

Capturing Milestones in Photography

Photo shooting milestones are important because they capture important moments in a person's life that can never be repeated. Milestones such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and the birth of a child are all significant events that are worth documenting with professional photography. I’ve done it all, photographed it all!

By capturing these moments with high-quality photos, you can create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come. Milestone photos can also serve as a way to remember and celebrate important milestones in your life and the lives of your loved ones. I know just how important that is with losing a friend this year!

Moreover, milestone photos can be used to mark personal growth and progress, such as documenting a child's growth through their first year of life or capturing the transformation of a high school senior into a young adult. These photos can be a source of pride and inspiration, reminding you of your achievements and how far you've come. Like this here. Adding a new member of the family is such a big moment!

Your New Jersey Maternity Photographer

In summary, photo shooting milestones are important because they capture significant moments in our lives, preserve memories, celebrate personal growth, and can serve as a source of inspiration and pride.

Book your family session today! We’d love to create something magical for you! We will have fun!!!! Dance, smile, jiggle, wiggle and roll over! Haha!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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Family Photographers in the Philadelphia Area and South Jersey

Family Sessions are our specialty among the families of South Jersey. We love creating magic for our clients. What is special about booking a fall photo session in South Jersey?

A fall photo session can be a unique and special experience for several reasons:

Beautiful Colors: Fall is known for its stunning and vibrant colors. The changing leaves create a warm and cozy atmosphere that can make for beautiful backdrops in photos.

Cooler Weather: Fall brings cooler temperatures, which can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable photo session. There's no need to worry about sweating or feeling uncomfortable in the heat, which can be a concern during summer sessions.

Wardrobe Options: Fall fashion is known for its cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots, which can make for stylish and fun wardrobe options for a photo session. These clothing items can add a pop of color and texture to photos, making them more interesting and visually appealing.

Mood and Atmosphere: The fall season has a unique mood and atmosphere that can make for a cozy and intimate photo session. The warm and cozy feeling of fall can create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which can result in more natural and genuine photos.

I met the beautiful “C” family when I first started this business.  I can’t tell you what it means to me, to see my families grow over the years. I’ve seen this little girl turn into a little woman. I’ve seen family members go off to college and unfortunately, members who have passed (but grateful that I was able to capture memories), onward to this little guys First Holy Communion. Boy, it’s been a ride. Two dogs later and two kids heading off to high school. It surely perks you up to see how much time has flown by and how important it is to capture these memories. 

What is special about booking a fall photo session in South Jersey? 

A fall photo session can be a unique and special experience for several reasons:

  1. Beautiful Colors: Fall is known for its stunning and vibrant colors. The changing leaves create a warm and cozy atmosphere that can make for beautiful backdrops in photos.

  2. Cooler Weather: Fall brings cooler temperatures, which can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable photo session. There's no need to worry about sweating or feeling uncomfortable in the heat, which can be a concern during summer sessions.

  3. Wardrobe Options: Fall fashion is known for its cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots, which can make for stylish and fun wardrobe options for a photo session. These clothing items can add a pop of color and texture to photos, making them more interesting and visually appealing.

  4. Mood and Atmosphere: The fall season has a unique mood and atmosphere that can make for a cozy and intimate photo session. The warm and cozy feeling of fall can create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which can result in more natural and genuine photos.

  5. Holiday Cards: Fall photo sessions are perfect for holiday cards and family portraits. Taking photos in the fall allows you to get ahead of the holiday rush and have plenty of time to select and send out your holiday cards.

Overall, a fall photo session can be a unique and special experience that captures the beauty and warmth of the season.

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Family Sessions with the pups are always the best. Fall Session in South Jersey.

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Siblings. I Love being able to watch these kiddos grow throughout the year.

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Family is truly everything. It is not cliche. It is what gets me up every single morning.

It’s not about making memories, anyone can do that, but I just want to give every individual that comes my way, the best that I can offer. It’s a pride thing for me. It's my art that I love to share with the world. I CANNOT give my clients something mediocre as I know these will be keepsakes they may want to hang on their walls. It’s got to be art, it’s got to be what the client wants and envisions and I also want to be proud for anything that leaves my doors. 

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Fall photo session with this handsome guy!!! Had to do the cool hand over hair move.

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fall photo sessions. Love the falling leaves and colors.

I got to capture this absolutely stunning family in one of my favorite forest spots. I love the light any time of year and when it is fall, the colors just come alive (as you see here). I hope you enjoy! I look forward to creating something special for you and your family! 

Let us create some magic for you and your family.

Happy 2022!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

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Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.