Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
Family Photographer Session in Millville, New Jersey
Lake Audrey, NJ: A Great Photo Session Spot
Looking for a picturesque location to capture memorable moments and create stunning photographs? Look no further than Lake Audrey in beautiful New Jersey. Nestled in a serene natural setting, Lake Audrey offers the perfect backdrop for your next photo session.
Love this family photo shoot at Lake Audrey in Millville, NJ! It is rustic and gorgeous.
As a family photographer, I am privileged to witness and capture genuine moments of love, laughter, and connection. Each session allows me to freeze fleeting moments in time, creating tangible memories that families will cherish for years to come. The unique bonds and dynamics I get to capture serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and joy that exist in everyday life. Being a family photographer is not just a profession but a heartwarming journey of discovery and storytelling that brings me immense fulfillment.
Fun Facts about Lake Audrey, NJ near Millville
Lake Audrey in New Jersey, close to Millville, is a serene 270-acre lake renowned for its fishing opportunities and scenic beauty.
The lake was constructed in the late 1950s, making it a relatively young body of water compared to natural lakes in the region.
Lake Audrey is primarily fed by runoff and springs, contributing to its cleanliness and clarity, ideal for various water activities.
The lake serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including fish species like largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Boating is a favorite pastime at Lake Audrey, with many visitors enjoying kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on its tranquil waters.
The surrounding area offers lovely picnic spots and hiking trails, perfect for a day of outdoor adventure with family and friends.
Lake Audrey is not only a recreational destination but also plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, supporting wetlands and providing a home for various migratory birds.
The lake's peaceful ambiance and natural surroundings make it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Next time you're in the Millville area, be sure to visit Lake Audrey to experience its beauty and charm firsthand! This is why I love having family sessions here!
Lake Audrey, NJ: A Great Photo Session Spot
Looking for a picturesque location to capture memorable moments and create stunning photographs? Look no further than Lake Audrey in beautiful New Jersey. Nestled in a serene natural setting, Lake Audrey offers the perfect backdrop for your next photo session.
Tranquil Beauty of Nature
As you step foot onto the shores of Lake Audrey, you'll be instantly captivated by its tranquil beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, this hidden gem provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The calm waters of the lake mirror the surrounding landscape, creating a breathtaking reflection that adds depth and charm to your photographs.
Variety of Scenic Spots
Lake Audrey offers a multitude of scenic spots that cater to all types of photography sessions. Whether you are seeking a romantic couples shoot or a fun-filled family portrait, there are plenty of options to choose from. The wooden footbridges crossing the lake provide an enchanting and whimsical ambiance, while the sandy shores offer a beach-like setting perfect for candid shots. The abundance of flora and fauna further enhances the natural beauty of the area, providing an endless array of unique photo opportunities.
Seasonal Delights
One of the best aspects of Lake Audrey is its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons. In spring, blooming flowers and vibrant colors create a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for capturing the essence of new beginnings. During summer, the lake comes alive with activities such as boating and fishing, allowing you to create dynamic and energetic photos. Autumn paints the landscape with warm hues of red, orange, and gold, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your fall-themed sessions. Finally, winter transforms the area into a winter wonderland, with frosted trees and sparkling snow adding a touch of magic to your winter shoots.
Convenience and Accessibility
Another advantage of choosing Lake Audrey as your photo session spot is its convenience and accessibility. Situated in New Jersey, it is easily reachable from various nearby cities. The serene location exudes a sense of tranquility and seclusion, making it an ideal getaway from the urban hustle. Ample parking and well-maintained pathways ensure that you and your subjects can navigate the area comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
Lake Audrey in New Jersey is undoubtedly an excellent choice for your next photo session. Its tranquil surroundings, diverse scenery, and seasonal delights offer the perfect setting to capture stunning photographs that will be cherished for a lifetime. Whether you're a professional photographer or a photography enthusiast looking for a place to unleash your creativity, Lake Audrey promises a memorable experience and remarkable images. Don't miss out on the chance to capture your treasured moments in this hidden gem of New Jersey.
Here is another picture of the day! And this is FAMILY. Family photos are extremely important to capture together. Kids grow up so fast. As adults, we age.. and it's great to look back on these moments... especially 20 years from now. One thing that is important to me in being a family photographer, is I go in with a plan for each session. A typical family session goes like this..We start with family first (this is generally when we'll get the best attention out of little kiddos).
That way the formals are done and out of the way. Then I like to start with mom and kids, dad and kids, then the kids, individuals of the kids and then usually end it with a nice photo of mom and dad together. It gives a nice variety to a family album. If enough time, I generally like to get the kids playing or doing something in the moment.
My goal is to give a nice variety to my clients and I always go in with a game plan and we work from there! Family photography is actually one of my favorite "themes" to capture as I find this very important. These photographs are generally treasured for decades and become treasured heirlooms.A little about this location. This was taken in the Millville area. The light here is beautiful and I generally love a nice rustic feel to photographs. It adds textures which highlights your subject and gives them an added "pop." I am big into warmer colors and the neutral color palate of the scenery makes for pure perfection!
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Shooting, Dee
Top 8 Posing Tips For Photographers
Top 8 Posing Tips For Photographers
The Art of Posing in Photography
As photographers, we understand the significance of posing in creating stunning and impactful imagery. Posing is not just about placing subjects in a certain position; it's about artfully capturing their essence and personality.
A well-executed pose has the power to convey emotion, emphasize beauty, and tell a story. It adds depth and character to the photographs, elevating them from mere images to compelling visual narratives.
When our subjects feel natural and comfortable in their poses, it reflects in the final images. As photographers, we strive to create an environment where our subjects can express themselves authentically, resulting in genuine and captivating photographs.
The Art of Posing in Photography
As photographers, we understand the significance of posing in creating stunning and impactful imagery. Posing is not just about placing subjects in a certain position; it's about artfully capturing their essence and personality.
A well-executed pose has the power to convey emotion, emphasize beauty, and tell a story. It adds depth and character to the photographs, elevating them from mere images to compelling visual narratives.
When our subjects feel natural and comfortable in their poses, it reflects in the final images. As photographers, we strive to create an environment where our subjects can express themselves authentically, resulting in genuine and captivating photographs.
Whether it's a wedding, a portrait session, or a fashion shoot, posing sets the tone for the entire photo session. It enables us to highlight the best features of our subjects and accentuate the desired mood and style of the shoot.
In essence, posing is an art form that requires skill, creativity, and intuition. It's a collaborative effort between the photographer and the subject, working together to create timeless and evocative imagery.
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we recognize the importance of posing and dedicate ourselves to mastering this craft to deliver exceptional photography that resonates with our clients and their audience.
Folks have said time and time again on their initial contact with me, that my posing is very natural and that I truly capture one's personality. Posing naturally is actually not easy to do. Most photographers struggle with this. Other poses can seem really uptight or uncomfortable. Some posing gets used time and time again.One thing that stands out among my competitors in the area is that my posing style is natural. People look relaxed, yet still posed and beautiful.
It actually took me awhile to get to this point after studying just about every posing book out there.I love using a variety of different poses, but not every pose always works for everyone. It's our jobs as photographers to be able to work with any age range and all body types. My goal is to make you look the best that I can as your photographer. Since I am a natural poser, I do have some small guidelines of things to avoid and/or things that will make you look your best.Here is some of my posing pep talk. Now, I don't go over this list at the beginning of my shoots. I actually give my clients the direction they need.
However, these key points are always in the back of my head whenever I do pose someone:
No slouching- This is probably my biggest pet peeve. If you slouch, whether a child or adult, it never looks pretty! For adults, this will make you look bigger than you are. I'm sure most of us women would not like to look bigger! My non-slouching technique. You want to elongate the back, move it slightly forward so you don't look stiff.
No elbows. I don't want to see pointed elbows towards me. This does not film well.
No armpits- Who really wants to see that? Whether male or female it's never flattering. Especially a males arm pit hair... Haha! You don't want this to be a distraction, nor a focal point!
Hands... This subtle fix can make or break one's photos believe it or not! Spread fingers, instead of closed fist or fingers. Closed fists comes off a bit vulgar on camera. Soft hands will elongate and make you look more flattering. Shake it out. Think of sprinkling fairy dust and relax the fingers. You always want to see the hands. If a hand is behind one's back it looks weird.
Hair away from camera- It's so I can see your pretty face! You don't want to look like cousin "it" either.
Don't be afraid to move- Movement in a photo brings your photographs to life. Whether it is capturing a flip of the hair, a twirl, running, throwing rocks. It tells a story. Movement is what I often utilize with younger children as it's a bit more difficult to get most 2 year olds to sit still. If I make the session fun and give them something to do or focus on, it brings an image to life. Kids often times have a great time at our sessions and even ask their parents if they could use us next year.
Put your weight on your back leg... This will make you look slimmer! Shift that weight to the your back leg and you will instantly look a skinny mini. Tip.. Use your hip to put pressure on it, but not shifting your hip towards the camera.
Positive Reinforcement- As always I use positive reinforcement when I am doing sessions. Whether I am working with adults or kids. My clients feel more confident as our session carries on.. and then the client is more relaxed.By the time we are done most sessions, my clients (including children) are all giving "high-fives" to one another.
For myself, it's about the entire experience. If people are having a great time, this comes off on camera and you are able to get those more natural/joyful shots. Those you can't recreate as they are real!
Hope you enjoyed this basic posing tips! Now get your butt out there and shoot!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
