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.

Explore Portrait Experiences:

Shooting Star Photography 6/24/15 Shooting Star Photography 6/24/15

Brother and Sister Meadow Shoot- Westville, NJ.

Brotherly Love in the Westville, NJ Meadow Shoot

On a sunny day in Westville, NJ, Shooting Star Photography LLC had the opportunity to capture the pure love between a brother and sister during a meadow shoot. The setting was idyllic, with tall grass gently swaying in the breeze and the golden rays of the sun illuminating the scene. Little did we know that this particular shoot would be filled with surprises and heartwarming moments.The shoot started with excitement and anticipation as the photographer positioned the siblings in the middle of the meadow. The sister, an adorable one-year-old, was visibly hesitant, unsure of what this new experience entailed. Her big brother, a caring and protective young boy, immediately sensed her unease.

Brotherly Love in the Westville Meadow Shoot

On a sunny day in Westville, NJ, Shooting Star Photography LLC had the opportunity to capture the pure love between a brother and sister during a meadow shoot. The setting was idyllic, with tall grass gently swaying in the breeze and the golden rays of the sun illuminating the scene. Little did we know that this particular shoot would be filled with surprises and heartwarming moments.
The shoot started with excitement and anticipation as the photographer positioned the siblings in the middle of the meadow. The sister, an adorable one-year-old, was visibly hesitant, unsure of what this new experience entailed. Her big brother, a caring and protective young boy, immediately sensed her unease.

As the shutter started clicking, the little girl's discomfort grew more evident. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she clung to her brother for reassurance. Sensing the need to make his sister comfortable, the brother swiftly took action. With a genuine tenderness rarely seen in someone so young, he embraced his sister, soothing her with whispered words of encouragement. His gentle touch and calming presence began to work their magic.

Despite his own youthful age, the big brother understood the importance of cooperation to get the perfect shot. He carefully guided his sister's hands onto his shoulders, showing her how to stand tall and proud amidst the enchanting meadow backdrop. With each gentle instruction, his sister's initial hesitation began to fade away, and a spark of curiosity replaced the tears.

That brotherly love, showcased in every gesture, sparked a transformation in the little girl. I watched in awe as she slowly became more comfortable, her face transforming from one of uncertainty to joy and excitement. It was a testament to the incredible bond they shared — a bond that extends beyond their age difference.

As the shoot progressed, the brother continued to support his sister, encouraging her to explore and engage with her surroundings. His dedication to making her feel safe and secure was unwavering. With every photograph, their connection became more palpable, making for truly memorable and heartwarming moments.

When reviewing the final images, it was evident that the Westville meadow shoot captured more than just picturesque scenery. It captured the unwavering bond between a brother and sister, and how a simple act of love and support can transform an experience. Their connection resonated in every frame, reminding us of the power of family and the incredible depths of sibling love.
In the end, what started as a challenging shoot turned into a beautiful testament to the incredible love that exists between siblings. Shooting Star Photography LLC felt honored to have witnessed and captured the moments that showcased this brother and sister's extraordinary bond. We are certain that these photographs will serve as a treasured reminder of their special connection, and the love that will continue to blossom between them as they grow.

Capture your priceless moments with Shooting Star Photography LLC - where love and memories are forever preserved.

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Westville Wheelabrator Site in New Jersey

I love this spot in South Jersey!! It is located in Westville and I absolutely love it!!! This place offers a gorgeous meadow, butterfly garden, forest, trails, a street where no one is allowed to drive on to get your street shots... and beach areas along the Delaware River that would be perfect for a sunset shoot! I can't wait to do it soon!

Every time I come here, I love it more and more and have done two photo shoots here thus far! I discovered this place a few years ago while discovering and learning about our unique history of South Jersey and got to explore what it has to offer! I was literally shocked that just outside the gates is a somewhat urban landscape of Gloucester County/Camden County, yet has all of these offerings. It was like walking into a different world!The first time was with my then 6 month year old son and was only able to travel so far with his stroller.

The second visit, I brought my dog and got to explore some more. I always encounter hundreds of butterflies and even deer when I roam through this wonderful and neat place in Westville.

This session was only a half hour. Mom wanted photos of both kids and a more natural feel and I chose this location due to the proximity of where the client lives.I love that any time I come here it is complete solitude. There is no one around. It's like going back in time!

We got a ton from this session, but sometimes I like to show the bloopers and I did! I truly love working with children and showcasing my unique locations that we have right here in South Jersey! It's like seeing our area through my eyes!I love South Jersey and I've been to every nook and cranny around. I grew up near this place and not once did I ever know about it! It's genuinely a unique treasure in our backyard! You will witness tons of wildlife and the butterflies are UNREAL!!!Who knew Westville, NJ had a place like this!?!?!?!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 3/7/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/7/15

My First Maternity Shoot In South Jersey!

On a picturesque day in the heart of New Jersey, Shooting Star Photography LLC embarked on a captivating photo shoot at the Westville Wheelabrator Reserve. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of nature, this location was the epitome of rustic charm. As the sun's soft rays filtered through the vibrant foliage, our team eagerly set up our equipment to capture the essence of this hidden gem. The reserve's lush greenery, winding trails, and tranquil ponds provided the perfect backdrop for our subjects. We effortlessly framed shots that blended the grandeur of the Reserve with the subtle grace of our models, creating striking compositions. With every click of the shutter, we immortalized the raw beauty that Westville Wheelabrator Reserve had to offer, leaving us enchanted by the magic we had created.

maternity, maternity session, south jersey, new jersey, new york, delaware, haddonfield maternity, westville wheelabrator, westville nj, photographer, portrait photographer, — Pregnancy is a crazy time! Many new and exciting things lie ahead!

Welcome to Westville, here in South Jersey!

Ladies and Gentlemen this is my one of my most favorite places in the entire world! It is one of my favorite spots because1. Not too many folks know about it... You'll never see many folks here.

2. Butterflies, butterflies... butterflies.. thousands of them... oh my! In the spring and summer it is SWARMING with monarch butterflies. It's like right out of a movie. I have traveled all over South Jersey and have never seen anything like it. There is also a native butterfly garden here, but I can't imagine that's all that is drawing them in!

3. Great hiking trails to watch wildlife

4. On historic grounds, once the home to George Washington while his house was being built in Philadelphia and then the world's greatest pleasure resort resided on these premises. Unfortunately, nothing remains today, but is still really cool.

5. Different "boardwalks" that hover over various scenery throughout the area.

6. A large dirt road to wander on.

7. A really nice beach right on the Delaware River. It is clean and a nice private area to watch the ships coming and going.I figured this would be a perfect place for a shoot and it was! I'm so glad I got to have my first maternity shoot here as it is truly a very special place to me!

There's nothing more beautiful than a mother when she is expecting her first child! There are fears and joys throughout the entire pregnancy journey. Very high ups and some lows as what life is about.It's true what they say your life will never be the same... There's 100% truth to that. Sometimes, days are just wretched and you want to pull your hair out or jump off a bridge, but on other days, you see what life is about, by looking at your very own, that you were able to produce and bring into this world.

It's an indescribable feeling.As a mother myself, I can't imagine my life without my children in it. They make this world a joy to wake up to every single day.So... This lovely couple braved the elements in this very cold South Jersey winter. Mom-to-be was 7 1/2 months along and another challenge to boot... We photographed in midday sun.

This was a total joy to shoot, as this was my first maternity session. We headed out to one of my hundreds of scouted locations, the Westville Wheelabrator Wildlife Management Area.I've always been very fond of it in regards to its intriguing history. It was known as "Fancy Hill" pre-revolutionary days and owned by the notorious Howell family in South Jersey.George Washington stayed here as his home was being built in Philadelphia after the first election of the United States of America. He became our first president.

It then became an amusement park in the late 1800s to early 1900s and was called, Washington Amusement Park. This area was known as the largest pleasure resort in the world in its time and also heralding the largest Ferris wheel in the world, in its day.Basically, the area is beautiful for any shoot. It has meadows, old dirt roads, a ton of woods and trails and a beautiful pebble beach along the Delaware River.

In any sense, a perfect location for a photo shoot.It was 1pm sun, which means a big "challenge" in the photography field. However, it takes a pro to overcome all obstacles and that we did!We had a great time and I was very happy to do this session for two amazing folks! I can't wait to utilize one of those beautiful maternity gowns for a future shoot. However, for my first maternity shoot, I I did a decent job. I can't wait for the next one! I have so many new ideas to share!