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.
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Unicorn Birthday Portraits in NJ Forest | Family Photography
Capture magical birthday memories with our unicorn-themed portrait sessions in the serene forest of Glassboro, New Jersey—where fantasy and joy come to life!
Every child dreams of a birthday filled with wonder and magic, and what better way to celebrate than with a unicorn-themed portrait session in the serene forest of Glassboro, New Jersey? Our unicorn birthday sessions are a perfect blend of fantasy, nature, and joy, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into what makes this experience truly extraordinary.
A Fairy Tale Come to Life
Imagine your little one stepping into a lush forest, where sunlight filters through the trees, and a majestic unicorn awaits. Our enchanting location in Glassboro sets the scene for whimsical portraits that feel straight out of a storybook. With the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle presence of our unicorn, your child will feel like the star of their own fairy tale.
What’s Included in the Experience
We take pride in providing an all-inclusive session, making the day as stress-free and magical as possible for parents and children alike. Here’s what’s included:
The Unicorn: A beautifully adorned, gentle unicorn (a real horse dressed in safe and elegant accessories) is the star of the session. Its calm demeanor ensures a safe and delightful experience for your child.
Wardrobe: A curated selection of dresses, tutus, and accessories to suit the theme, allowing your little one to shine.
Custom Styling: From floral crowns to glittering details, we handle all the styling to bring the vision to life.
Professional Photography: With over ten years of experience in fine art photography, we craft hand-edited images that highlight your child’s unique personality and the magical atmosphere.
Why Choose a Unicorn Session for a Birthday?
Unicorn sessions are more than just a photo shoot—they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re perfect for birthdays:
Unforgettable Memories: These sessions are designed to make your child feel special, creating a birthday celebration they’ll talk about for years.
Unique and Personal: Unlike typical birthday parties, a unicorn portrait session is a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate, tailored to your child’s imagination and personality.
Keepsakes for Life: The stunning portraits become treasured mementos, perfect for displaying at home or sharing with loved ones.
The Forest of Glassboro: A Perfect Backdrop
The forest of Glassboro is a hidden gem in South Jersey, offering natural beauty that enhances the magic of our sessions. Towering trees, soft mossy floors, and dappled sunlight create a dreamy setting that complements the unicorn theme perfectly. Each photograph captures not just the subject but the serenity and charm of this picturesque location.
How to Book Your Unicorn Birthday Portrait Session
Ready to give your child a birthday experience like no other? Booking is simple! Visit our website www.shootingstarsouthjersey.com to check availability and reserve your date. Our sessions are highly sought after, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
A unicorn birthday portrait session in the forest of Glassboro is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a magical adventure. Let us help you create a celebration filled with wonder, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to make your child’s birthday dreams come true!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
10 Steps to Create a Magical Unicorn Portrait Session
Create magical unicorn portraits with our 10-step guide. Perfect for little girls, these steps will help bring your dream photoshoot to life!
All the magical feels.
South Jersey Family Portrait Photographer
Are you looking to create some magical portrait sessions with your little girl? Have you ever dreamed of having a unicorn as a part of your photoshoot? Well, you're in luck because today we are going to walk you through the 10 steps to create an amazing unicorn portrait session that you and your family will cherish forever.
Choosing the Perfect Date and Time
Picking the right date and time for your unicorn portrait session is super important. You gotta think about when the sun is gonna be just right, making everything look all magical and soft. Early in the morning or later in the afternoon is usually your best bet. These times, the light is soft and dreamy, perfect for capturing that enchanted vibe we're going for. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast. We want a day that's not too hot or cold for the little ones, and definitely no rain. This ain't just about snapping pictures; it's about making the whole experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, especially your little girl.
This was one of our private unicorn sessions we had this 2024 winter. The location was magical!
Picking Out the Perfect Outfit
Alright, let’s talk threads! Choosing the perfect outfit for your little princess is a big deal for our unicorn portrait session. You want her feeling like she stepped right out of a fairy tale, right? Flowy dresses that twirl with every spin, decked out in soft pastels or sparkly whites, are the way to go. Think light, airy fabrics that catch the sunlight just right, giving off that enchanting glow. And hey, it ain’t just about her outfit. Matching or complementing what she wears with your own ensemble can really tie the whole magical theme together. Maybe a pastel tie for dad or a flowy skirt for mom? It’s all about creating that cohesive look that screams ‘fairy tale family’. Trust me, when you all look the part, it adds an extra sprinkle of magic to those portraits. We help you with everything… even have a client closet to make your dreamy portraits come to life!
Getting to Know Our Unicorn
Before we even start thinking about snapping those precious pictures, it's super key that your little one gets cozy with our star unicorn. It's kinda like making a new friend. I recommend setting aside some time right at the beginning for them to just hang out. They can get to know each other a bit. Your girl can feed it some treats or gently brush its mane. This isn't just about getting comfortable, though that's mega important. It's about sparking that real connection between them, so when we start shooting, those smiles and giggles are 100% genuine. Plus, seeing her eyes light up the first time she touches its mane? That’s a moment you’re gonna want to remember. Trust me, this step makes a world of difference in how those final portraits turn out. It’s all about capturing that real magic.
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to picking out the perfect spot for our unicorn portrait adventure, the setting is everything. We're aiming for a place that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. Think enchanting forests, fields of flowers, or a pretty garden that looks like fairies might be hiding just out of sight. These kinds of spots aren’t just beautiful backgrounds; they’re characters in our story, adding to the magic and wonder of the whole experience. We’ll work together to find a location that’s not only stunning but also safe and accessible for everyone involved. And don't worry about having to trek to a far-off land; I know some local spots that are absolutely magical. Finding that perfect location is all about creating a space where imagination can run wild, and where your little girl can truly feel like she's stepped into another world alongside her unicorn friend.
Preparing Your Little Girl
Getting your little princess ready for her big day with a unicorn ain't just about picking the prettiest dress. You wanna make sure she's feeling her best, too. The night before, make it all about getting a good night's sleep - think quiet, calm activities that’ll have her drifting off to dreamland, dreaming about her unicorn adventure. Come morning, a hearty breakfast is key. A happy, full tummy means a happy, smiley girl ready for her close-up. And hey, let's not forget about those favorite toys or a special blanket. Anything that makes her feel secure and loved can help ease any jitters and bring out those natural, joy-filled smiles. It's all about making her feel like the star she is, comfortable and excited, so when she meets that unicorn, it’s magic at first sight.
The Importance of Props
Alright, let’s dive into the world of props, because believe me, they can sprinkle some extra fairy dust on our magical unicorn portrait session. Think about it - holding a twinkly fairy light or being surrounded by vibrant flowers just adds layers to our fairy tale, making it pop right out of the picture. But it’s not just about looking pretty. Props like a glittering wand or a whimsical crown can help your little princess get into character. It’s like, one minute she’s holding a magic wand, and boom, she’s not just posing with a unicorn; she’s a fairy queen in her enchanted kingdom. Plus, these little touches? They’re fantastic for sparking that imagination, leading to those genuine, joyful expressions we’re aiming for. So, let’s get creative and think about what magical items we can bring along to really turn our unicorn portrait session into a storybook adventure.
Posing Like a Pro
Now, when it comes to looking like a pro in front of the camera, the secret sauce is all about keeping it real and letting those natural vibes shine. Forget about those stiff, posed snapshots. We want to capture the real magic happening - your little girl's laughter as she twirls around, the soft, loving gaze between her and our unicorn pal, or that spontaneous hug she gives it. Encourage her to explore, maybe whisper a secret or two to the unicorn, or even pretend they're off on an adventure together. It's these candid, unplanned moments that often turn into the most precious memories. And hey, if she comes up with a pose all on her own, roll with it! Her imagination is our best guide. This is all about making her feel like the enchanted princess she is, without the pressure to perform. Just pure, unfiltered joy - that's what we're aiming for.
Capturing the Moment
So, we're at the heart of our adventure, the photo shoot itself, where every giggle and twirl gets turned into forever memories. It's all about working together with me, your photographer, to catch those spontaneous, heartwarming moments. I'll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture her wide-eyed wonder the second she locks eyes with our unicorn, or that pure joy when she's running alongside her new magical friend. Don't stress about striking the perfect pose; it's those natural, in-the-moment actions that truly tell the story of her fairy tale day. We might move around a bit, try out different backdrops to keep the magic alive and flowing. It's like we're on a little adventure of our own, discovering enchanting scenes to frame her innocence and joy. Every laugh, every curious glance, it’s all part of the spellbinding tale we're creating together.
Viewing and Selecting Your Portraits
After we wrap up our magical day with the unicorn, we’ll sit down together and go through all those amazing shots we captured. This part's like reliving the whole adventure again, but this time, you get to pick out those moments that just tug at your heartstrings. It's pretty cool, 'cause you'll see all those spontaneous smiles and twinkles in her eyes that you might've missed in the hustle and bustle of the day. We’re not just picking pictures; we’re choosing the memories that’ll stick with you and your family forever. Imagine finding that one shot where everything just clicked - her laugh, the unicorn's pose, the light hitting just right. That’s the magic we’re after. So, let’s take our time, sift through the snapshots, and select the ones that really capture the spirit and joy of your little girl’s unicorn adventure.
Turning Portraits into Keepsakes
Alright, here’s where the magic of our unicorn portrait session comes full circle. Once we've picked out those jaw-dropping shots, it's time to think about how you wanna keep 'em close. I'm talking turning those snapshots into treasures you can touch and feel. Imagine flipping through a photo album, each page a reminder of the laughter and sparkle of that day. Or picture walking into a room and there it is, a canvas print on the wall, so big and bright it's like you're right back in that magical moment. And don’t forget about framing a few favorites. Whether it’s setting them on your desk or hanging them up in your little princess’s room, these are the reminders of a day where she was the star of her own fairy tale. It’s all about keeping that enchantment alive, making sure those memories aren’t just stuck in a drawer somewhere but are a part of your everyday.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Unicorn Sessions-Photography is EASY. Not.
Unicorn magical sessions in south Jersey
Unicorn photography is a unique and specialized skill that requires a keen eye, creativity, and technical expertise. Capturing the enchanting essence of these mythical creatures demands the ability to harness and enhance their mystique through the lens. Unicorn photography requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and perspective to bring out the ethereal beauty in each shot. The responsibility lies in the photographer's hands to emphasize the magical qualities of the unicorn while capturing their grace and allure. To possess the skill of unicorn photography is to possess the power to transport viewers into a world where dreams come alive, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that only these majestic creatures can awaken.
Unicorn magical sessions in south Jersey
Unicorn photography is a unique and specialized skill that requires a keen eye, creativity, and technical expertise. Capturing the enchanting essence of these mythical creatures demands the ability to harness and enhance their mystique through the lens. Unicorn photography requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and perspective to bring out the ethereal beauty in each shot. The responsibility lies in the photographer's hands to emphasize the magical qualities of the unicorn while capturing their grace and allure. To possess the skill of unicorn photography is to possess the power to transport viewers into a world where dreams come alive, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that only these majestic creatures can awaken.
Photography is simple everyone can do it.
I am going to explain to you in rich and lavish detail.. It is not. In fact, it's been one of my hardest jobs of my life. It's time to get a little personal and about business here! :)
First off, I got into photography while running a travel blog many moons ago. I worked in corporate America previously. You can google me if you want, you'll see me pop up in a few news articles and probably see the books have written. Bleh bleh bleh.. right? I am boring you. Hold on!
I LOVED taking photos. Didn't know much about light and would just snap this, that, and the air. It honestly didn't matter. I didn't edit them either. I just loved it. For me, it was the thrill of exploring that particular place or landscape and taking a picture as a token that I've been there.
Well... out plops my son and then my daughter. At this point, I decided to flip tables, change things up a bit and to photograph them. These important moments because they change SO FAST were important for me to capture. So like many photographers, I got into portrait photography because of them.
This little lady enjoed being photographed with her puppy the unicorn.
Again... easy peasy, right? Hold your horses, will ya?
I started taking photos and learning my camera settings. Learning about light. Lots of trial and error. Friends saw these photographs and wanted their pictures done. Now, at this time... I thought I was dabomb.com. I wasn't. I was terrible. I'm now doing some of my friend's photographs and thinking hmmm.. this is easy maybe I should start a business....
And I did. Decided to incorporate my business in February of 2015. At this time, I STILL thought I was awesome.
There were no clients. It was crickets. I'm like oh $45 is too expensive... let me lower them to $35 and give a ton of images. I continued to blog and at this point is when things got busy for me. I was taking workshops and learning online. I was building my lens collection. My work was starting to get noticed.
Then things got super busy. So by end of fall season.. I am practically ripping my hair out. $100 sessions (yep, raised them from those whopping $35 sessions) and I am spending 2 hours on one photograph editing. A total waste of time and resources. Time away from my own kiddos she family. It was awful. At this time, I continued to book like crazy and am virtually winging it and going day by day.
So tax time comes around... and this was my ah ha moment. Seeing how much money owed and realizing I wasn't charging enough to even make minimum wage and that I technically wasted so much of my time for PENNIES. I was seriously working for PENNIES and this was the second year. The numbers don't lie.
The first year, was even worse I was basically paying myself to work. I put the family virtually in debt because always wanted the latest and greatest shiniest things. You eventually realize you don't need those things.
We always need to get a nice pet in too. With our beautiful unicorns.
So come 2017... those few years have learned and learned well. I had to make a decision to either start making a profit... or I need to quit.
What I am trying to say is this. There are so many folks that end up burned out in this business. They have no real plan. They love what they do, but they often lack on the business side. They have no business plan m or marketing set in motion. They lack motivation because it can be a frustrating and very confusing start.
Now, one thing with myself. I am a go getter. I always had a plan. My plan wasn't enough when I started.I was super busy and was afraid to raise my pricing to where I should be priced at with my talent and worth.
I made it a point to offer a full session experience this year. Offering high end custom made gowns for my company.
We also tackled on limited series sessions. Such as unicorns, mermaids and princess castle sessions. Because I was so busy.... I ended up hiring my mom to come onboard full time to be my assistant. I love working with my mom. Not many daughters can say this and I'm sure would love the opportunity to work with your own mom.
I noticed office work starting slugging behind. When that happens, customer service starts to slip... so have had to hire an office manager to keep things running smoothly, so that we can provide our customers with the service they expect and honestly the best. We don't like offering anything less than the best...asWe are completely full service.
So... for now and going forward we have a concrete plan. I have a team at my disposal to insure I give my clients the best and they are your team, too. We have your back.
This is not an easy job, I work 24/7 at every waking hour to make my business better. No one told me going into this, that I would spend most of my time on the business end and not shooting/editing. A huge misconception most photographers have getting into this.
What I am saying is if you want a well-organized and run photography business. That will WOW you from beginning to end in the Philly area.. you've found it. We're right here. We're not going anywhere. We've only just started!
