What is it like being a New Jersey Fine Art Photographer?

Haha, it can depend on the day! There’s a lot of technical aspects that go behind the scenes. When someone hires me for something specific and artsy, I am ALWAYS onboard. The issue I run into though is clashing sometimes with client’s wishes and then trying to execute it. 

I love flowers and beautiful vibrant colors/light… so I incorporate this into my fine art sessions. 

CLOTHING IS IMPORTANT

For example, if you are going into this genre CLOTHING and how you PRESENT YOURSELF MATTERS. If you are showing up in sweat pants and/or flannels/plaid with Ronald McDonald bright orange hair, things aren’t maybe going to turn out as grand. Although, the photographs may be pretty, you can only suggest as much as you can for your clients. It’s their session in the end and how they want it. You can only try to direct to right colors and clothing for their photo shoot. BUT… I can’t tell you how much styling is important. Watch out for clingy fabrics that are hugging an old baby bump or a gut, I hope that makes sense!

These were taken at very different times of the year, but if you learn your lighting, you can offer consistency through all your seasons.

LOCATION IS IMPORTANT

I try to suggest off-the mill locations for my subjects. That way we are having a fantastic experience without anyone ruining our shot. A chance to breathe as a family and take things in the moment. I’ve scouted hundreds of gorgeous of locations in the South Jersey area and I find it funny because photographers have even trespassed on some of the private properties I use! The location (as well as the lighting, as they go hand-in-hand)… matters. If you want a golden hour look, but then opt to shoot at 12 noon, it’s not happening. Sometimes, my clients aren’t educated on best times of day practices and may push those time slots. You know that it isn’t going to turn out like you see in your portfolio and it is your job to educate your client. My best advice is to not cave-in to the demands. Let your clients know that if they want what they see in your portfolio, that time of day is non-negotiable. You may not be able to control a location, but you can do your best to control the light. I hope that makes sense.

Location matters. If lighting is horrible, or you know it is a busy spot, educate your client and give suggestions for others. Sometimes, your client is dead set on a location. For example, recently went to a very busy park and not my favorite to shoot at, but this park matters to my client, it is a park they frequent with their family. There was a relay race going on, but you have to do your best in your research and get things done. The photo shoot came out gorgeous. 

I feel blessed to live in a state where I can be near the mountains, the forest, the beach, a wildflower field, or Philadelphia with a ton of architectural elements I love to use within a short distance. Look around and see what is out there!

Outdoor night portrait at the county fair. I found a light source and used that to highlight her. 

GROOMING IS IMPORTANT

Remember what I said about Ronald McDonald hair? You want to make sure your makeup looks good and natural, your roots done, your legs shaved if you are wearing a short dress, your beard trimmed. Little details will show on camera and they matter. 

Magic in Philadelphia with a rambunctious kid. 

THE ARTISTRY OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

I have been very very fortunate to train under the BEST fine art artists in the world. When I say the best, I mean the best. I have taken workshops from photographers from Russia, Australia, England and the United States. Where they either flew in or they held a workshop here in the United States. I take this job seriously and my work seriously. These workshops are not cheap! Fine art work is definitely an artistry from knowing the technical aspect to down to location, light and styling. A lot goes into getting your end result. Hundreds of hours of editing and learning how to edit. Lots of mistrials and playing around to find your style. 

Beautiful movement in the cherry blossoms in Cherry Hill, NJ. 

FINDING YOUR STYLE

My style originates from either very neutral colors and beautiful light to something warm and vibrant. I love golden hour, I love flowers so I try to incorporate this in a lot of my sessions. I love a creamy bokeh background. I love movement and when my clients are more in the moment, then for that perfectly posed shot where everyone is looking at the camera. My best work is family’s having fun, kids being playful and just having a fun time. This definitely just has a vibe, but it transcends into the final product. My work is meant to be shown on your walls just a digital footprint. 

ADVICE TO THE BUDDING FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER

My advice is to learn from the best in your prospective industry. Take classes, learn about light. Whether it be studio light or outdoor lighting. Look at certain times of day how the light filters through at certain locations. Don’t take direct routes to your sessions. Learn to take the back roads. Some of my favorite locations that I use are from taking these backroads and now have a ton of options to provide my customers.

Keep shooting. Keep Making Your Art. Don’t let your passion dull for anyone!

Best,

Dee

Shooting Star Photography