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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Uptown Funk- A Graffiti Photo Shoot in Philadelphia.

Shooting Portraits Against a Graffiti Background: PlusesShooting portraits against a graffiti background can add an edgy and urban feel to your photographs. Here are a few reasons why this type of setting can be a great choice:1. Unique and Vibrant Backdrop: Graffiti art is known for its bold colors, intricate details, and unique designs. Incorporating this backdrop into your portraits instantly gives them a distinctive and eye-catching feel. The vibrant graffiti can add depth and interest to your images, making them stand out among more traditional portrait settings.

For this urban photo shoot in Philadelphia, we will be exploring the vibrant city streets adorned with striking graffiti walls. Philadelphia's graffiti scene offers a compelling backdrop for capturing unique and edgy images.


We will utilize the captivating colors and intricate designs of the graffiti walls to enhance the visual appeal of the photos. The juxtaposition of the urban artwork against the cityscape will add an element of creativity and urban flair to the images.


Our goal is to showcase the raw beauty of street art and the dynamic energy of Philadelphia. By incorporating the graffiti walls into the photos, we aim to create a visually stimulating and captivating series of images that truly reflect the essence of the city.


We look forward to capturing the essence of Philadelphia's graffiti art scene and creating a collection of photos that are both visually striking and artistically compelling.

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Graffiti portraits can add that extra pop and vibrancy to your subjects.

Today's photo story is this beautiful portrait and young lady! My plan this year, is to post one photo per day on this blog and tell the story behind it! This was taken in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It's a very funky street lined with colorful artist murals.  And.. Yep, I do travel. You'll often times find me all over the place! I love different and unique locations.As you noticed in my photography, I love color and I like taking some risks. I am also very picky about hand placement.

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His clothing fits perfectly with this image.

Shooting Portraits Against a Graffiti Background: Pluses


Shooting portraits against a graffiti background can add an edgy and urban feel to your photographs. Here are a few reasons why this type of setting can be a great choice:


1. Unique and Vibrant Backdrop: Graffiti art is known for its bold colors, intricate details, and unique designs. Incorporating this backdrop into your portraits instantly gives them a distinctive and eye-catching feel. The vibrant graffiti can add depth and interest to your images, making them stand out among more traditional portrait settings.


2. Reflects Personality and Style: Graffiti backgrounds often exude a sense of individuality and self-expression. By choosing this backdrop, you can capture the essence of your subject's personality and style. Whether the graffiti represents a message, a cultural reference, or simply an artistic expression, it can provide a visual representation of who the subject is.


3. Adds Context and Story: Graffiti is deeply intertwined with its surroundings. Shooting portraits against a graffiti background can provide a sense of location and context. It can be used to tell a story or convey a specific message. Whether you're in a busy city alley or an abandoned industrial area, the graffiti backdrop can enhance the narrative of the photograph and create visual interest.
4. Versatility and Diversity: Graffiti backgrounds come in various styles and themes, allowing you to cater to a wide range of client preferences. From vibrant, abstract artwork to more muted and realistic portrayals, you can find graffiti that matches your subject's aesthetic. This versatility allows for endless possibilities in terms of creative compositions and mood.


5. Engaging and Modern Look: In today's visual landscape, incorporating urban aesthetics into portrait photography is becoming increasingly popular. The combination of graffiti backdrops with beautifully captured subjects offers a contemporary and engaging visual experience. Clients looking for a modern and fresh look in their portraits will appreciate the edginess that graffiti backgrounds bring to the final images.


While shooting portraits against a graffiti background can create stunning results, it's important to consider the location's accessibility, lighting conditions, and whether obtaining permission is required. Additionally, collaborating with your subjects to ensure their wardrobe and overall styling align with the graffiti backdrop can help create a cohesive and visually appealing outcome.
In conclusion, shooting portraits against a graffiti background has numerous advantages. From an eye-catching and vibrant backdrop to reflecting the subject's personality and style, the graffiti setting adds context, uniqueness, and an urban touch to your photographs. By leveraging the versatile and engaging nature of graffiti, portrait photographers can create striking and memorable images that capture the essence of their subjects.

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Epic Graffiti Photo shoot!

I MUST ALWAYS see the hands and it's a big pet peeve of mine. I don't like missing hands in photos and am very particular in how they are placed. So, I love the hand placement here. I love how she is telling a story. She isn't just looking at me and the camera. It actually looks like a little girl, possibly waiting for her friends to arrive and go skateboarding.

This shoot was hosted with Lemmonmade Photography and Mila Wells Photography and many other photographers came out for this playdate! Clothing was provided by Neon Kisses and I truly love the urban vibe and colors as it's a big component of my work! I also love city shoots. The hustle and bustle. The sounds, the colors. Also, I find city light much softer light. As the concrete and light blocking of buildings creates a softer effect and is beautiful on the skin.This was such a fun day! Worth the traffic to get here! Of course we had to dine at a neat restaurant after our fun time!

Contact me today! If you would like a fun urban shoot! I have many scouted locations in Philadelphia and even South Jersey and Northern Delaware!!!   

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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

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

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

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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

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