First Holy Communion Session With An Epic Longwood Gardens shoot!!!

As we all know, April and May were pretty wet months... here in South Jersey. I have had to do a ton of rescheduling due to our wonderful Mother Nature.  I knew that the time of our session, it would be rather rainy out, so I suggested we do Longwood Gardens in the Conservatory for a photo session.. and boy was I happy we made that decision because these photographs came out PHENOMENAL.I find it truly inspiring what we have here in our Delaware Valley.  We have so many vast options and locations to choose from... from mountains to lavender fields to the Jersey shore. It's a joyous wonder how beautiful our backyard is!!!!

First holy communion photo shoot at Longwood Gardens!

Enjoying the conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

Longwood Gardens: A Captivating Wonderland for Photo Shoots

Introduction
Longwood Gardens, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with stunning man-made landscapes. For photographers seeking an unforgettable photo shoot location, Longwood Gardens offers an abundance of breathtaking backdrops. Here's why Longwood Gardens is unquestionably an awesome place for a photo shoot.

1. Diverse and Vibrant Gardens
Longwood Gardens boasts a diverse collection of meticulously cultivated gardens designed to captivate the senses. From vibrant flower beds and perfectly pruned topiaries to tranquil water features and enchanting woodland trails, the gardens offer an endless array of picturesque settings for photo shoots. Whether it's the iconic Italian Water Garden's elegant fountains or the dazzling Orchid House, Longwood Gardens provides a plethora of options to suit every photographer's vision.

2. All-Season Appeal
One of the remarkable aspects of Longwood Gardens is its year-round allure. In every season, the gardens offer a magical landscape that provides unique opportunities for captivating photographs. In spring, vibrant blooms blanket the gardens, making it an ideal time for capturing nature's renewal. Summer brings lush greenery and outdoor concerts, creating a lively ambiance. Fall transforms the gardens into a kaleidoscope of rich autumnal hues, while winter showcases the splendor of dazzling holiday lights illuminating the gardens' enchanting paths.

Sweet kisses for making communion!

3. Versatile Indoor Spaces
Longwood Gardens isn't limited to its exceptional outdoor beauty alone. The conservatory and indoor spaces offer equally magnificent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. The four-acre indoor conservatory, home to an extraordinary collection of plants, serves as a haven for exotic flora enthusiasts. The Main Fountain Garden's grand architecture and ethereal water displays create a majestic setting for photo shoots regardless of the weather conditions. These indoor spaces provide versatility and artistic inspiration, ensuring that a photo shoot at Longwood Gardens can be successful rain or shine.

4. Endless Scenic Possibilities
Photographers thrive in environments that present an abundance of possibilities, and Longwood Gardens certainly delivers. The vastness of the gardens lends itself to endless exploration, allowing photographers to discover hidden nooks and expansive vistas. Whether your aim is capturing delicate details up close or bringing depth to your compositions with vast landscapes, Longwood Gardens provides the perfect canvas.

We included the whole crew in this lady’s first holy communion session at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square.

5. Professional Support
Longwood Gardens understands the needs of photographers and provides valuable support to ensure their success. The photography policy at Longwood Gardens permits both amateur and professional photographers to share the beauty of their images. They encourage photographers to inquire about advanced access hours, workshops, and special events tailored to their needs. The expertise and guidance provided by the Longwood Gardens staff can elevate any photo shoot to new heights.

Last beautiful photo of the day!

Conclusion
Longwood Gardens is undeniably an awe-inspiring place for a photo shoot. Its stunning gardens, versatile indoor spaces, year-round appeal, endless scenic possibilities, and professional support make it an irresistibly attractive choice for photographers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, Longwood Gardens promises an unforgettable experience, resulting in breathtaking photographs that capture the magic of this extraordinary destination.

Seriously! IF cuteness could kill, eh?  IF you are looking for a cool location on a rainy day... THIS is the place for you in the Delaware Valley. Heck, even a sunny day it would be beautiful!!! Thanks for being a big support South Jersey!  I love you! You rock!!! I am excited for upcoming beach mini sessions and a field of gladiolas!!! Stay Tuned! IT will be epic!!! Thanks for riding along! I love capturing families, maternity and basic portrait sessions!!!  I am DYING to do a maternity session here!!! DYING!!! Please contact me if interested!!! We would utilize both indoor facilities and outdoors! Did you know they have a meadow of wildflowers? Gah!!!  Also, found this gorgeous meadow of wildflowers in Medford, NJ of all places! Can't wait to share my locations with all of you and show more future sessions!!! Wahoo!!! 

Happy Shooting my friends!!! 

Dee

New photographer? Get your White Balance in check!

White balance is a crucial aspect of photography that should never be overlooked by photographers. It plays a significant role in ensuring accurate color representation in our images. By adjusting the white balance, we can correct the color cast caused by different light sources. Whether shooting under natural sunlight, fluorescent lights, or tungsten bulbs, each lighting condition introduces a distinct color temperature. Setting the correct white balance not only brings harmony to the color tones but also enhances the overall mood and atmosphere of the photograph. It allows photographers to maintain the intended colors of the scene and accurately convey emotions and stories through their images. Ultimately, white balance is an essential tool that empowers photographers to capture the world in its truest form.

Taken in Salem County. Mom and her little girl!

Happy 4th and taken in my backyard in Woodstown.

Sooo... You want to edit like a big girl or boy boy...??As we all know, taking pictures BEHIND the camera is about 10% (some would even say less) of our job and the other would be what goes on behind the camera.  The other 90%.Well, this topic will be on editing alone. If folks are wanting to get a nice artistic look or edit in an artistic aspect, it all starts with a good Sooc image (straight out of camera) without that... You can throw it away. The more you strive to get it right in camera, the better off you are going to be.A lot of things can be marginally (sometimes majority fixed in Raw), but the one thing you can't fix is focus. If your subject is super soft and out of focus... That goes right into the garbage bin, unless you want to keep your "blurry image" for an artistic effect.

If you blow out your highlights, it's much more difficult to bring that detail back in post then it is to underexposed a tad to retain more detail.  Now, all this really is a preference in now you shoot. Of course, if you prefer a brighter/airy look you may be blowing out your sky and background a bit more. I tend to underexposed a teeny bit or try to expose for skin tones as to keep skin looking the best as possible when it comes to post. Without good skin (light, color, composition) the image can also be a dud. 

No one wants an Oompa Loompa image.So we have covered focus and exposure. The other important factor in a good image is your white balance.  Without proper exposure and white balance and if you try and go into editing, you're just polishing a turd. No matter what you do, it's going to still look like poo.Understanding proper exposure and white balance are the key elements (and of course focus being number one) when it comes to photography. If you can strive for getting it the most perfect you can in camera, your life will become much much easier. All creative edits start out with a real clean image..

Proper white balance and exposure have been adjusted and after that, it's game on for the fun stuff. So just keep this in mind when you shoot.  I use to set my own white balance using a filter, but I've learned that kelvin gets me great results and now utilize this, instead of auto white balance.  I also utilize focus peaking and a highlight priority in camera, so that I can better nail focus and to not blow out my highlights.I can't tell you how many photographers I see out there that just are not aware of even white balance and it destroys their image.  I see kids looking blue, magenta, orange, gray a lot and with a simple understanding of white balance, this can be corrected.  Proper white balance is going to make or break your photos!I have trained my eye over this short amount of time and have developed certain pet peeves with working and white balance has unfortunately, been one of them.  For anyone new to this field, study it long and study it hard. This will help you to be a better photographer.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

What a crazy 2015!

Reflecting on the End of 2015: A Photography Adventure

As we bid farewell to 2015, it's the perfect time to reflect on the exhilarating photography journey we've embarked on throughout the year. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to freezing moments of pure joy in stunning portraits, our lenses have been witness to countless precious memories and remarkable scenes.
The year 2015 has taken us to new heights and allowed us to push the boundaries of creativity in our photography. We've braved the elements to immortalize the raw beauty of nature, and we've celebrated the genuine emotions and connections that bring our subjects to life. Our dedication to the craft has been unwavering, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Our photography adventure in 2015 has not just been about capturing images; it's been about freezing moments in time that encapsulate the essence of life itself. Each click of the shutter has been a testament to our passion for storytelling through photography, and we've embraced every opportunity to craft compelling visual narratives.
As we revel in the memories of the photography adventures that defined 2015, let's raise our cameras high and toast to the countless moments we've immortalized, the lessons we've learned, and the unbounded creativity that has fueled our passion. Here's to the end of 2015, a year that has been nothing short of a thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable photography adventure.

2015 Season in Review of Clients! This fall was incredible!

beautiful ballerina

February of 2015, is when Shooting Star Photography officially opened its doors, here in South Jersey.  It has been an absolutely incredible year of personal growth as well as business growth. I would have never imagined that it would have taken off the way it has.  I've worked HARD.  VERY HARD.  I finished the year with 212 sessions... and even with a wedding on New Year's Eve.  This was suppose to be a part time business. Something to keep me busy and do something I love.  I worked way to much... So I have decided going forward a few things.  A few changes for 2016.

This means not taking on as many sessions as I did this past year. I owe it to myself to have a life and to spend time with my family. I've been married to this computer and going to and planning sessions. It has consumed my life and I want to live it. I want to spend time with my kids and see them grow. They are only 4 and 1 and I feel like I have missed so much this past year. Unfortunately, time you cannot get back!

Our Goal Going Forward List Of Changes

 I am going to work less.

My goal going forward is that I am only going to take on 8 sessions MAX per month and my next few months are already filling up fast.  Having less sessions means less time away, a quicker turnaround time and pure happiness in my part. I won't be married to my computer editing every night or staying up until 3am. I'm exhausted.

2.  I am only going to do what I LOVE to do.

I'll explain. Of course, I have the motto that the customer is always right and I do pride myself in customer service and for providing beautiful images for my clients.  However, if there is something that doesn't fit with what I do.. or what represents my portfolio. I won't do it. This means cake smashes.  I honestly don't like to do them. They get messy.  Cake ends up all over the place. It ruins props, my clothing, everything essentially and it's not something I enjoy doing.

My vision from the beginning was to offer stylized sessions and this is what I am doing going forward. I've invested in some VERY EXPENSIVE handmade high-end gowns. Example:  Anna Triant Couture as one of the vendors I am using. My motto has always been subject and environment.   I like myself, my subject and my environment... That's it.  I'm not a big prop person, nor ever was.  I am all about my subject and that's the vision, I am going to go forward with. I'm not into banners, I'm not into cheesy props so if this is something you want. Unfortunately, I am not the right person for you.

I've learned to say NO this past year.  I don't just take any customer on and it's been that way from the get go. Most of my customers and (I love them dearly.)  Have returned time and time again. As I mentioned above, I haven't even been in business for a calendar year yet and I've had customers come back 4 times already. That right there should show you something.  Customer service and providing an incredible experience is truly what we pride ourselves on. 

3.  Focusing on a Specialty

I will be focusing on a specialty. This means no weddings and no events, no newborns, no cake smashes.  I am specializing in maternity photography, children's photography, family photography and engagement.  This is it. This is what I love to do. As I continue to go forward, I might end up narrowing it down even more. 

 4.  Happy Me= Happy Clients

This is true. This past summer I was busy and then I went right into the fall season never really able to catch-up.  I took too many customers on and I essentially burned out.  I'm truly exhausted. I was even having to turn people away because I knew my workload would be too much.  I'm not going to kill myself and have specific cutoff's for certain dates. For example, to ensure Christmas delivery, I will have a cutoff no later than October 10th. I am going to set clear exceptions.. ( I already have, but even more in detail). 

5.  The Experience

Going forward, I don't want folks to walk away with only beautiful images. I want them to enjoy their entire experience. I have hired an assistant to help things run more smoothly.  It's nice to have that help when you are out and about with your clients. I want my clients to be happy and I want them to feel absolutely beautiful. From initial contact, to location, to the final product. It's about the experience for me.

6.  New Market AreaWe will be marketing to the Philadelphia metro area, Chester and Delaware Counties, the state of Delaware, Bucks County, the Mainline and even to Princeton and surrounding areas.Basically, these are my top 6 things/changes for this calendar year. I haven't gone crazy with the pricing. Nor even increased pricing.

Conclusion and New Year

My one hour standard package is still at $270.  I would consider myself still affordable to my clients with what I have to offer. I hope everyone has an incredible 2016.  I am very excited. We will be having sessions in Peony fields, among the cherry blossoms, lavender, gladiolas, sunflowers and daylilies.... even a tree farm.. We have secured some pretty awesome locations, here in South Jersey and couldn't be more excited.  

We can't wait to move forward and to meet new people!!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!!! Let's make 2016 awesome!!!  

It's really going to be a blast!!! 

-Dee   

Tis' The NJ Photographer Busy Season

This is the CRAZIEST time of year for any photographer. We are super duper busy and it seems like there is no end in sight! Ha! However, I know there will be in the next upcoming weeks and thank goodness!  I had to turn folks away this year because our books were completely full. In fact, we still are pretty full for the remainder of the year and have sessions up until New Year's Eve.. Yup, working until the last day of the year.However, I truly am blessed.  For a photographer who specializes in only outdoor photography (I am trained in studio and have shot events indoors) I am pretty blessed that folks are reaching out to me to get their treasured moments captured.A lot of my weekdays have had to reschedule this week due to the rainy weather, so we will be doing them next week. I am quite surprised that folks are still wanting to do outdoor sessions.

The Photography Busy Season is Generally from October to December. However, mine can run from Spring to Fall depending on the Offerings!

What is the Photography Busy Season?

The Busy Season in Portrait Photography
In the world of portrait photography, the busy season typically revolves around certain times of the year when demand for portrait sessions is at its peak. While it can vary depending on the location and photographer specialization, there are a few common periods that are considered the photographer's busy season.

Spring and Summer: As the weather warms up, many families and individuals seek out portrait sessions to capture outdoor scenes with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and warm natural light. Spring and summer are popular for graduation photos, family portraits, and engagement sessions, making this period a busy time for portrait photographers.
Fall: Fall, particularly the months of September and October, is often the peak season for portrait photographers. The stunning backdrop of autumn foliage, with its rich and vibrant colors, provides an ideal setting for outdoor portrait sessions. Families often schedule sessions for holiday cards during this time, contributing to the high demand for photographers.
Holiday Season: The period leading up to the holidays, including November and December, is another busy time for portrait photographers. Many individuals and families wish to have professional photos taken for their holiday cards, capturing the festive spirit and creating lasting memories.
Special Occasions: Throughout the year, specific events and occasions contribute to the busy season for portrait photographers. These may include occasions like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestone celebrations, which often require professional portrait sessions.
Overall, the busy season in portrait photography is typically aligned with periods when natural backdrops are at their most picturesque, and when families and individuals are inclined to capture moments for special occasions or annual milestones.

As a photographer, it's essential to plan and manage resources effectively during these peak seasons to accommodate the high demand for portrait sessions and deliver exceptional results for clients. Utilizing effective scheduling, marketing, and customer service strategies can help photographers maximize the opportunities presented during the busy season.

Ho Ho Ho It’s Busy Season South Jersey!

Merry Christmas to all from Smithville!

Hello Engagement couple!

I Thought it would die down this year, but it hasn't! All I can say is thank goodness that I have my assistant by my side or I don't think I could get through this craziness. I am looking at the clock right now and happened to glance over and it is 2:22 AM.  I should be in bed, but I am up editing sessions for people so they can have before the holidays!

We had a successful sold out mini session at a great tree farm, here in South Jersey.  The owners are truly kind and it went off without a hitch. It started to rain as we were packing up for the day.I will be working extremely hard this week since it will be raining out, but I honestly can't wait for a break on Saturday when I travel to North Jersey for a workshop.  It will be nice to get my mind out of work!

Trying to Pencil Clients In Has Been Hard!

I will have 2 sessions this Sunday and then sessions during the week.  It honestly never ends, haha!  Which is fine, this is what I am suppose to do and I love it! I truly do, but I would like a little sleep every time and again! I haven't had a chance to get stuff up on here since all I do is look at a computer screen all day.  I wish there was a magic photoshop action that you could press and all my photographs could be complete... but that's not the case, and I'm sure they will never been anything like that while I'm alive.

I love meeting with people, and doing the actual shoot and planning, but it is the editing I dread. I don't mind it when I am very busy as it can be very fun and you can play around with new things. It's the fact that I hand edit everything. Every single photograph and it is a very intense process. One that it can take me a half hour to an hour to edit one photo. For basic edits, it takes me less than 5 minutes, but have you seen my work? There isn't much of a basic edit, ha!I'm looking forward to the holidays and getting this workload out to folks so it brings smiles to their faces! I can't wait for folks to see their albums!! Next year, I plan on doing things differently.

My books were sold out for the year in early September and I had to turn folks away!Also, next year we are planning some special sessions. I have private access to a few locations.. Think flowers and lots of them.  I will be holding different sessions throughout the Spring and Summer season when things are in peak bloom.

New Year Ahead!

 I am actually very excited for next year as we will be offering a unique product line and special stylized sessions!!!

Think gorgeous gowns and beautiful scenery! What can be better than that? I've managed to develop some great friendships and relationships with people and they are kind of enough to let me use their property.Next year there are some big plans ahead and I can't wait to have some much needed downtime (since I don't do studio work) this winter.Who am I kidding?

People are actually booking me for January! Ha!  Hey, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I honestly feel incredibly blessed to be able to capture some beautiful memories for families and all kinds of folks.  This is a fun field.Okay, well work calls me back to edit. I will probably be up editing for a bit. I'll update this real soon!!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee   

An unforgettable birth announcement at MGuire Air Force Base in South Jersey

An Epic Birth Announcement

Epic Birth Announcement at McGuire Air Force Base in South Jersey

It was a day unlike any other at McGuire Air Force Base in South Jersey, as the soaring skies beheld a momentous occasion. The proud dad, a daring pilot, had just found out he was becoming a father, and the entire base was abuzz with excitement and jubilation. Word quickly spread throughout the tight-knit military community, and a sense of exhilaration filled the air. With the grace and precision akin to his breathtaking aerial maneuvers, the pilot and his beloved partner declared the pending arrival of their little aviator, completing their own extraordinary mission. The birth announcement echoed throughout the base, reaching every corner, as colleagues and friends, both near and far, shared in the joy of this remarkable moment. A reminder to everyone present that in the midst of their heroic duties, the miracle of life-knows no boundaries.

The Importance of Birth Announcements

Birth announcements hold great significance as they serve as a heartfelt way to introduce a new member to the family and announce their arrival to friends and loved ones. These announcements create a sense of joy and excitement, allowing family and friends to share in the celebratory moment. They serve as a lasting memento, preserving the details of the newborn's arrival and serving as a historical record for future generations. Additionally, birth announcements contribute to the strengthening of social bonds by fostering connections and nurturing relationships. In a digital age, physical birth announcements also provide a tangible keepsake, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the family's life.

Why is it important to have a birth announcement?

Birth Announcements: Celebrating new beginnings!

Birth announcements hold a special place in our hearts, marking the joyous arrival of a little one into the world. These simple yet significant announcements fulfill a crucial role in today's fast-paced world. Capturing the essence of this incredible milestone, birth announcements allow families to share their precious bundle of joy with friends, family, and loved ones near and far.

In a digital age saturated with social media, birth announcements offer a tangible and personal touch. They provide a heartfelt way to introduce your new addition to your inner circle while solidifying bonds and celebrating the miracle of life. Whether it's a traditional, elegant card or a customized digital creation, birth announcements allow parents to express their unique style and showcase their little one with pride.

But birth announcements are more than just a cute photo and a few memorable details. They serve as keepsakes, capturing a fleeting moment in time that will be cherished for years to come. As time flies, these announcements become treasured memories, enabling families to reflect on the joy and excitement that surrounded their baby's arrival.

Moreover, birth announcements play a practical role in keeping loved ones informed. From extended family members to close friends, it's a challenge to personally inform everyone about the arrival of a new baby. Birth announcements simplify this process, ensuring that no one is left out. Additionally, they can serve as a reminder for loved ones to schedule visits or send heartfelt wishes to the growing family.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the significance of birth announcements. Our expert photographers and design team work tirelessly to create stunning and customizable announcements that reflect your unique story. With our expert touch, we help families capture the essence of this awe-inspiring moment, allowing them to share the joy, celebrate the miracle of life, and create lasting memories.

This year has been an awesome year, in the Shooting Star universe, thus far! I am forever grateful! There have been shooting locations at castles, beaches, private gardens, abandoned properties, peony fields, backyards, and grassy meadows that have all taken me by surprise!!!  All mostly here in South Jersey! I've even had folks come out of state to see me! Come on, that's awesome!!! However, the one experience that truly sticks out for me is a recent birth announcement I did for this soon to be family!!  It was probably one of the coolest things I've done in a long time... and I have traveled everywhere!!!I was contacted by this beautiful couple, as they wanted to announce this special time in their life!  And we wanted to make it EPIC... Truly Epic and original!

 Dad is a pilot for the military and I was invited out to McGuire Air Force Base, right here in South Jersey!  I truly can't thank these two for this one of a kind experience!As a big history nerd... yup, you can go check out my southjerseyexplorer.com site if you don't believe me... I'm the biggest dork out there!

I was as giddy as a school girl for this photo shoot!Want to see the pics? Well, here they are!!!  What a way to announce a first pregnancy, eh!!!?? I would have loved to have done something like this for myself!!! Check out the little jumpsuit in the cockpit!!

BABY "K" Has Been Cleared For Landing February 2016!  I wish these two nothing, but the most joy in the widest world with their new bundle of joy that is about to arrive! Who knows? Maybe she/he or will join in daddy's footsteps?  Who says a girl can't be a pilot, if it is a girl!!Crossing another spot off the bucket list! The McGuire base has always been a spot that I have wanted to visit for the longest time in my adventures around South Jersey! Thank you, to the both of you for making it happen!!!  

If you would like to book your birth announcement today, we would love to assist in creating something magical!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography