What Do I Bring With Me To A Photo Shoot?

Happy at Daretown Lake, in Salem County. NJ.

Two cuties at Daretown.

One of our first studio sessions in 2015.

Brother and sister photo shoot in Gloucester County, NJ.

Wisteria sessions will be in full swing soon!

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Consider bringing options that suit the desired theme or style, allowing for variety in the shots. It's also important to bring any specific props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into the photos. Props can add a personal touch and enhance the overall visual narrative.

Lastly, don't forget to bring any necessary touch-up items, such as makeup, hair products, or a small mirror. These will come in handy for quick touch-ups and ensuring you always look your best. By being well-prepared with these items, you'll set the stage for a memorable and successful photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey.

I take being a photographer rather seriously. I know the folks of South Jersey pay good money to have their photographs taken of their family and that these will be treasured forever. I am ALWAYS prepared ALWAYS. For every location that I have scouted in South Jersey, I know where the sun sets and the best places at these scouted locations that will accentuate and highlight my client's best features. I implement an architecture and nature plan.

I want to use a building as a backdrop as an element and I also like to include nature... that way there's a nice mix and variety of different styles and poses in the same shoot. I also like water, trees, grasses, flowers... I like to include it all.When it comes to you, the client, just bring yourself! Seriously. I have everything covered!Sometimes my sessions look like two or three different sessions all rolled into one. Which makes it rather nice! Best of all, my clients are ecstatic when they see the variety they get upon receiving their images.

Most of my clients have ordered canvases for their homes and I take great pride in seeing that they value me as a professional.So... what do I bring with me to my shoot? Practically everything. I am always PREPARED, preparation is key. My camera batteries are charged, I make sure my SD cards are ready to go and empty (meaning deleted), I bring with me the lenses I want to use... and I ALWAYS have a backup camera on hand. ALWAYS.Prior to my sessions, I have things planned out to what I want to do. I also collaborate with my clients in any ideas they would like to incorporate or do within their session.

I provide a nice detailed questionnaire that enables myself to get to know you... Your style, what poses or pictures you want, and any specifics. I am always early for my sessions. I come from a business background. I worked for a Fortune 500 company and my job was working with VP's and CEO's of other Fortune 500 companies. I am a professional, first and foremost. Early is on time and that is always my motto.

However, I also like to get there early to setup my settings and how the light is shining that particular day, that way I am fully prepared for your when you arrive.I also always have a clean blanket on hand, in case you do not wish to sit on the ground, or it has happened to rain the night before, you don't want to get all wet!In the event that kids are involved, I have a method to keep them engaged while I'm taking their photographs.

Working with children takes patience, but it also needs to be fun for them to gain their interest and I do my best to do that! At the end of every shoot, I usually have a little something for them for their "good behavior."I also like to take 5 minutes to warm up to children, show them what I'll be doing. Physically show them. I sometimes will let them take a photo just so they can see for themselves what will be happening. Again, it's preparation...

In this case, preparing the kids for what is in store for them the next 45min to an hour. I don't like going over an hour. Most kids are done within the first 30 minutes so I try to make it as quick and painless for them.As I said, I am a professional first and foremost and I come from a business background.

However, I also have a very energetic personality and this personality MADE me successful when I worked directly with these CEO's and VP's. These are companies we all have heard of and make billions of dollars a profit a year.I sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of product to these corporations. I always delivered and had my ducks in a row before any rollout. I established long-lasting relationships with these clients even after the sale.

I remember having to work with a client to develop trust, for over a year, before they even purchased anything. However, it was that dedication and perseverance that they admired and I made a client for life after that. They were my client until I left that company. I also believe that client ended up not working with the company I left, because I was no longer there and they wanted to work with me and only me.

Honesty and hard work pays off, respecting your customers and clients and providing a valuable service will make you successful in any career. This is what I apply to life in general and I am a woman of my word. ALWAYS.In working with myself, you will know I am always prepared, on time and I will make your experience fun and memorable. I will put you at ease and make you laugh.

The more relaxed you are, the better quality of the photos you will have. There is nothing like seeing photos where folks are uncomfortable. After every session I have ever had, folks say it was the most fun they ever had when working with a photographer. I have a way of directing folks in a way that isn't too bossy and I always have a plan to get to the direction that you (the client) and I want it to go.Hope this information helps for you to get to know me better and how we do things here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

The Best South Jersey Locations for a Photoshoot

The Best South Jersey Locations for a Photoshoot

South Jersey offers an incredible range of natural landscapes, historic landmarks, and quiet hidden spaces that make beautiful backdrops for portraits. From wooded trails and open farmland to shoreline views and preserved historic sites, this part of New Jersey has a unique calm that photographs beautifully in every season.

As a South Jersey portrait photographer, I’ve spent years scouting locations based on light, privacy, and how a space feels rather than how popular it is. The right location can completely shape the mood of a session, which is why I guide every client toward settings that reflect their family and the time of year—not just what looks good online.

Below are some of my favorite South Jersey photoshoot locations, each offering a distinct atmosphere and visual experience.

Wharton State Forest

Dreamy • Natural • Expansive

A quiet pine-lined road just outside Wharton State Forest, showcasing the natural landscape and peaceful atmosphere of South Jersey’s Pinelands.

Wharton State Forest is one of the most peaceful locations in South Jersey, known for its tall pines, sandy trails, and quiet waterways. The light here filters softly through the trees, creating an organic, storybook feel that works beautifully for families, children, and fine art portraits. Every season brings something different—from lush greens to warm autumn tones—making it an incredibly versatile setting.

Belleplain State Forest

Earthy • Intimate • Serene

A peaceful scenic view within Belleplain State Forest, highlighting the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere of this South Jersey woodland.

Belleplain State Forest offers a quieter, more enclosed feel with wooded paths, lakes, and shaded clearings. This location is ideal for families who want a natural setting that feels grounded and calm. The scenery here lends itself well to slower, more intimate sessions where children can explore comfortably without distraction.

Batsto Village

Historic • Rustic • Textured

A peaceful lake at Batsto Village, surrounded by historic landscape and natural scenery within South Jersey’s Pinelands.

Batsto Village is a preserved historic site nestled within the Pinelands, featuring old barns, mills, and rustic structures surrounded by forest. This location is ideal for portraits with a vintage or heritage-inspired feel. The textures and history of the area add depth and character, making every session feel timeless and intentional.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Minimal • Natural • Coastal Marsh

A wide marshland view at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing open skies, calm water, and the natural coastal environment of South Jersey.

This wildlife refuge offers salt marshes, winding boardwalks, and wide skies that create a completely different look from wooded locations. The scenery here is understated and peaceful, perfect for families who love simplicity and natural textures. It’s especially beautiful during golden hour when the light reflects across the water.

Corson’s Inlet

Wild • Textural • Unspoiled

A natural coastal scene at Corson’s Inlet, featuring open shoreline, grasses, and unspoiled textures along the South Jersey coast.

Corson’s Inlet provides a more natural shoreline experience, with tall grasses, sand paths, and ocean views that feel untouched. Unlike busier beaches, this location has a quiet, windswept quality that works beautifully for relaxed, organic portraits—especially for families who love movement and open space.

Delaware Bay

Quiet • Golden • Peaceful

A peaceful coastal view along the Delaware Bay, featuring calm water and open shoreline that reflect the quieter, more intimate side of South Jersey’s coast.

The Delaware Bay side of South Jersey is often overlooked, but it offers some of the most tranquil and private shoreline locations in the state. Calm water, soft sunsets, and minimal foot traffic make this area ideal for families seeking a slower pace and a more intimate setting. The light here is especially beautiful in the evening, creating warm, painterly tones.

Cape May Point State Park

Coastal • Open • Timeless

A wide coastal view at Cape May Point State Park, featuring open shoreline and natural light that define this quiet, scenic corner of South Jersey.

Cape May Point State Park is one of South Jersey’s most scenic coastal locations. With rolling dunes, open beaches, and the iconic lighthouse in the distance, this spot is perfect for sessions that embrace soft ocean light and wide-open space. Sunrise and sunset sessions here create especially beautiful tones and a relaxed, coastal feel.

Why Location Matters in a Photoshoot

Every location tells a different story. Some spaces invite exploration and movement, while others encourage stillness and quiet connection. When planning a session, I consider how the light behaves, how much privacy the area offers, and how children naturally interact with the environment.

A quiet bridge tucked beneath the trees in the Pine Barrens, reflecting the natural textures and timeless atmosphere that make South Jersey locations feel unique.

My goal is always to choose locations that feel natural and unforced—places where families can relax and simply enjoy the experience, knowing the setting supports the final images.

Choosing the right South Jersey location can completely shape how your images feel. If you’re unsure which setting works best for your family, season, or vision, I help guide every session with intention and care.