Chic Sibling Photo Session on South Philly’s 13th Street

There’s something about South Philadelphia that just screams personality—especially 13th Street, where city grit meets effortless charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for a sibling photoshoot that blends elegance with a touch of that classic Philly edge.

Meet our stars of the day: one dapper young gentleman in a sleek tuxedo and his sister, who channeled full movie-star energy in a red couture gown. If there were ever a way to stop traffic without actually violating city laws, this was it.

When Siblings Steal the Show

Sibling photos can be a mix of sweet and chaotic (parents, you know what I mean), but these two were all style, all the time. Think “James Bond and Old Hollywood starlet take on the streets of Philly.”

While their outfits screamed luxury, their personalities were all fun. One second, they’re posing like pros in front of a row of colorful brownstones; the next, they’re cracking up at an inside joke only siblings understand.

Why 13th Street? Because Philly Has Style

Philadelphia is packed with iconic photo spots, but 13th Street has a special vibe. The cobblestone, the historic charm, the just enough city chaos—it’s an urban photographer’s dream.

We hit all the right spots: a chic brick alleyway, a bold red door that matched her dress perfectly, and a classic black-and-white tiled storefront that made their outfits pop. The city became an extension of their personalities—sophisticated but full of life.

Planning Your Own Stylish City Photoshoot?

Thinking of booking a city-chic session for your little fashion icons? South Philly’s 13th Street is calling! Whether it’s siblings, families, or couture solo shots, we’ll create something unique and fun (with a side of Philly flair).

Book your Philadelphia sibling session today and let’s make city magic happen!

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Maternity & Family Session on Broad Street | Philadelphia Portrait Story

One Glowing Mama, Two Tiny Divas & A Whole Lot of Fun

If there’s one thing pregnancy and Philadelphia have in common, it’s this: by the end of the day, you’re probably going to waddle — and you’re absolutely going to earn it.

This mama-to-be wasn’t just glowing. She was serving full goddess energy in a dramatic red maternity gown, confidently cradling her baby bump while her two little girls twirled around Broad Street like they were auditioning for a Broadway debut. (Spoiler: they nailed it.)

As a family photographer based in New Jersey, I love when clients hop over the bridge for a Philadelphia session. Why? Because nothing says effortlessly iconic like couture gowns, two tiny sidekicks, and the entire city politely pretending you’re not posing in the middle of a busy sidewalk.

Dresses? We’ve Got You. Stress? We Don’t.

One of the biggest perks of booking a maternity or family session with Shooting Star Photography is not having to spiral into a full-blown What am I wearing?! crisis.

My client closet is stocked with stunning maternity gowns — including this jaw-dropping red dress that moved perfectly in the city breeze, giving our mama undeniable main-character energy. The girls were styled too, because let’s be honest: if kids don’t feel fancy, the session negotiations get… complicated.

Two Tiny Queens, One Supermom

Photographing kids is a bit like extreme sports. One minute they’re laughing, the next they’re staging a dramatic protest over absolutely nothing. But that’s the magic of family sessions — we lean into the chaos instead of fighting it.

These two little girls had no trouble stealing the spotlight, which led to the perfect mix of heart-melting moments and laugh-out-loud candids. (And yes, snacks remain the most powerful currency in photography.)

Why Philadelphia? Because It’s Iconic.

Even though I’m based in New Jersey, Philadelphia feels like a second home for sessions. The city offers a rare mix of bold architecture, quiet pockets, and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting. One moment we’re creating dramatic, editorial portraits — the next we’re dodging a rogue pigeon.

That balance is what makes Philly maternity and family sessions so special: timeless, a little wild, and completely unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a Philadelphia family photographer who keeps sessions relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, this city delivers every single time.

Want a City Session Without the Stress? Let’s Do This.

Maternity and family portraits should feel easy — not stiff, not awkward, and definitely not boring. Whether you’re dreaming of a city-chic Philadelphia session or a quieter countryside experience in New Jersey, I’m here to make it effortless (and fun).

You can explore more maternity sessions and gowns from my client closet in the Maternity Portfolio, or reach out to start planning something that feels completely you.

No stress. No forced poses. Just beautiful images and real moments you’ll actually love.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Fun & Lively Portraits on the Ben Franklin Bridge

A Philadelphia–New Jersey Family Portrait Experience

A Fun, Colorful Portrait Session on the Ben Franklin Bridge

Some locations bring instant energy to a portrait session — and the Ben Franklin Bridge is one of them.

With the Philadelphia skyline glowing behind us and the bridge stretching overhead, this session felt bold, playful, and completely different from a traditional portrait setting. It was the kind of shoot where personality led the way and the city did the rest.

A Crew Full of Personality

This session featured three kids, three very different styles, and one incredible location tying it all together.

There was a little girl in red who fully understood the assignment — dramatic twirls, expressive poses, and just enough sass to keep everyone smiling. A teen in black brought effortless cool, the kind that doesn’t try but absolutely delivers. And a red-haired preteen in green gave us modern, boho energy that felt editorial without feeling forced.

Each child showed up as themselves, which is always the goal.

Why Urban Locations Work So Well for Kids & Teens

Urban portrait sessions like this one are perfect for families who want something a little different.

The movement, architecture, and city lights naturally create interest, especially for older kids and teens who may not be thrilled about more traditional portrait settings. The environment gives them something to interact with — and suddenly the session feels less like “posing” and more like an experience.

The Ben Franklin Bridge offers:

• Strong lines and scale

• A mix of skyline and structure

• A timeless Philadelphia feel without being overly styled

It’s bold, iconic, and surprisingly versatile.

Letting Kids Be Themselves

There’s no single “look” a portrait session has to have.

Some moments were playful and animated. Others were quieter and more reflective, especially as the light shifted toward sunset. That mix is what makes sessions like this feel complete — not every image needs to shout. Some just need to feel honest.

That teen smirk? The kind you can’t pose — you just wait for it.

Why Philadelphia Is Such a Strong Backdrop for Portraits

Philadelphia has a way of adding depth to portraits without overpowering them.

Between the history, the skyline, and the energy of the city, locations like the Ben Franklin Bridge offer a sense of place that never feels trendy or dated. Years from now, these images will still feel grounded — not because of what the kids were wearing, but because of where they were.

That’s what makes city portraits timeless.

A Session That Felt Like Them

This wasn’t about perfection. It was about personality, confidence, and letting the setting elevate what was already there.

Sessions like this are a reminder that family portraits don’t have to be quiet or traditional to be meaningful. Sometimes they’re bold, fun, and full of movement — and that’s exactly what makes them memorable.

Curious about portrait sessions in Philadelphia?

Learn more about current family and children’s portrait offerings on the Philadelphia sessions page.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Family Portraits in Rittenhouse Square | A Philadelphia Session

A Family Portrait Session in Rittenhouse Square

There’s something about Rittenhouse Square that always draws me back. The light moves softly through the trees, the architecture frames moments naturally, and the pace of the city slows just enough to let families settle into being themselves. This session was one of those days where everything aligned — connection, movement, and the kind of quiet joy that unfolds when families forget the camera is even there.

Why Rittenhouse Square Works So Beautifully for Family Portraits

Rittenhouse Square has a way of offering variety without feeling chaotic. Within a few steps, you can move from greenery to stone paths, from soft open space to architectural details that add depth without distraction. It’s one of those places that allows families to interact naturally while still creating portraits that feel polished and timeless.

As the sun dipped lower, the light wrapped gently around this family, highlighting small gestures — hands held, shared laughter, quiet pauses. Those are the moments that matter most.

A Session That Felt Effortless

This family brought such an easy energy to their session. The mix of casual and elevated styling fit the location perfectly — relaxed without feeling undone, intentional without being overdone. It’s always a balance, and Rittenhouse Square supports that effortlessly.

Some of my favorite images from this session came from in-between moments — a parent leaning in, kids moving freely, small expressions that can’t be posed. Those are the moments families return to years later.

Including Every Chapter

One of the things I love most about photographing families is honoring where they are right now. Growth, change, anticipation — it all deserves space in the frame. This session included moments of closeness, playfulness, and reflection, each adding another layer to their story.

Family portraits aren’t just about documenting faces — they’re about preserving a season of life exactly as it feels.

Mini Sessions, Real Connection

Shorter sessions don’t mean less meaning. When approached intentionally, mini sessions can hold just as much depth as longer ones. With the right environment and a relaxed pace, even brief moments can tell a complete story.

Rittenhouse Square makes that possible. It invites movement, curiosity, and interaction — especially for children — while offering a beautiful, grounded backdrop for families.

A Few Simple Tips for a Relaxed Session

If you’re planning a session in the city, a little preparation goes a long way:

• Coordinate, don’t match. A cohesive color palette always photographs better than identical outfits.

• Comfort matters. When kids feel comfortable, they move naturally — and that’s where the magic happens.

• Arrive with time to breathe. Letting children explore for a few minutes before we begin helps everything unfold more smoothly.

• Stay present. The best images come from connection, not perfection.

Why These Portraits Matter

Family portraits become more meaningful with time. What feels ordinary now becomes treasured later. These images grow with your family, carrying memories forward long after the moment has passed.

Rittenhouse Square offered the perfect setting for this chapter — quiet, beautiful, and full of life.

Families interested in family portraits in Philadelphia can learn more about my Philadelphia session experience here:

This wasn’t about perfect poses or stiff smiles. It was about togetherness — the kind that feels honest and unforced.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.