Fun & Lively Portraits on the Ben Franklin Bridge

A Philadelphia–New Jersey Family Portrait Experience

A Fun, Colorful Portrait Session on the Ben Franklin Bridge

Some locations bring instant energy to a portrait session — and the Ben Franklin Bridge is one of them.

With the Philadelphia skyline glowing behind us and the bridge stretching overhead, this session felt bold, playful, and completely different from a traditional portrait setting. It was the kind of shoot where personality led the way and the city did the rest.

A Crew Full of Personality

This session featured three kids, three very different styles, and one incredible location tying it all together.

There was a little girl in red who fully understood the assignment — dramatic twirls, expressive poses, and just enough sass to keep everyone smiling. A teen in black brought effortless cool, the kind that doesn’t try but absolutely delivers. And a red-haired preteen in green gave us modern, boho energy that felt editorial without feeling forced.

Each child showed up as themselves, which is always the goal.

Why Urban Locations Work So Well for Kids & Teens

Urban portrait sessions like this one are perfect for families who want something a little different.

The movement, architecture, and city lights naturally create interest, especially for older kids and teens who may not be thrilled about more traditional portrait settings. The environment gives them something to interact with — and suddenly the session feels less like “posing” and more like an experience.

The Ben Franklin Bridge offers:

• Strong lines and scale

• A mix of skyline and structure

• A timeless Philadelphia feel without being overly styled

It’s bold, iconic, and surprisingly versatile.

Letting Kids Be Themselves

There’s no single “look” a portrait session has to have.

Some moments were playful and animated. Others were quieter and more reflective, especially as the light shifted toward sunset. That mix is what makes sessions like this feel complete — not every image needs to shout. Some just need to feel honest.

That teen smirk? The kind you can’t pose — you just wait for it.

Why Philadelphia Is Such a Strong Backdrop for Portraits

Philadelphia has a way of adding depth to portraits without overpowering them.

Between the history, the skyline, and the energy of the city, locations like the Ben Franklin Bridge offer a sense of place that never feels trendy or dated. Years from now, these images will still feel grounded — not because of what the kids were wearing, but because of where they were.

That’s what makes city portraits timeless.

A Session That Felt Like Them

This wasn’t about perfection. It was about personality, confidence, and letting the setting elevate what was already there.

Sessions like this are a reminder that family portraits don’t have to be quiet or traditional to be meaningful. Sometimes they’re bold, fun, and full of movement — and that’s exactly what makes them memorable.

Curious about portrait sessions in Philadelphia?

Learn more about current family and children’s portrait offerings on the Philadelphia sessions page.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Sweet (and Slightly Hilarious) South Jersey Family Session in Woodstown

A Rustic Outdoor Family Session in South Jersey

There’s something about photographing families outdoors that always feels right — until a toddler decides she’s done and a teenager remembers he’s far too cool for this. But honestly? That’s half the magic.

Looking for “magical rocks” in the field with mom.

This family session in Woodstown, New Jersey took place at a quiet, rustic outdoor location surrounded by open fields, warm light, and just enough space for kids to be themselves. It was equal parts calm, chaos, and charm — the kind of session that always produces the most meaningful images.

Just getting my twirl on. Don’t mind me.

The Tiny Diva in Blue

This toddler showed up dressed in a dreamy blue tutu romper that looked straight out of a storybook — and then immediately proved she had no intention of sitting still.

Just playing in the puddle, don’t mind me.

She twirled, splashed in puddles, picked up every interesting object she could find, and attempted to make friends with a butterfly (who was not interested). She wasn’t performing for the camera — she was simply living her best life, and that’s exactly what made the images work.

I raise you another foot!

Those unscripted moments are always the ones parents end up loving the most.

Big Brother Energy

Big brother arrived with classic teenage hesitation — the “I was bribed to be here” expression we all recognize. But it didn’t take long for him to warm up.

Handsome sauce.

He laughed at his sister’s antics, kept a watchful eye on her, and quietly showed just how strong that sibling bond already is. Even when he refused to twirl (a firm boundary), the connection between them came through effortlessly.

Looking out at the sunset together. Brother and sister in the soybeans.

All smiles here!

Those in-between moments — the glances, the smiles, the patience — are what tell the real story.

Why South Jersey Is So Beautiful for Family Photography

This is exactly why I love photographing families in South Jersey.

One for mom before he heads off to college.

The open fields, rustic fences, and soft golden light create a timeless backdrop without feeling staged. Locations like this offer space to move, breathe, and let moments unfold naturally — especially for families with kids of different ages.

The contrast of a delicate tutu against weathered wood and tall grasses? Always a win.

A Session Worth Remembering (and Laughing About)

By the end of the session, mom was glowing, the toddler was still running (how do they have that much energy?), and big brother was ready to collect whatever reward had been promised.

Ummmmm just pure joy.

And me? I left with a reminder that the best family portraits are never about perfection. They’re about connection, personality, and embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with real life.

Interested in family portrait sessions in South Jersey?
Learn more about my approach and current offerings on the South Jersey family photography page.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.