A Brother and Sister Photo Shoot in South Jersey!

Aren't they the cutest?

This is the time to capture the love…. because as they get in high school… lol.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the importance of capturing those lifelong bonds between siblings. If you're looking to freeze those cherished moments between a brother and sister, look no further than our photo shoots in beautiful South Jersey. From the sandy shores of Cape May to the rustic charm of the Pine Barrens, our expert photographers will expertly capture the unique dynamic between siblings in natural and candid moments. With our creative eye, attention to detail, and dedication to providing an unforgettable experience, we guarantee stunning photographs that will become treasured memories for years to come. Let us help you create timeless images that beautifully showcase the bond between a brother and sister. Contact us today to schedule your session in South Jersey!

These two came all the way from Burlington County for our special photo shoot, to one of my secret locations, in Gloucester County! I love all the scouted locations I have discovered throughout South Jersey! I'm playing catch-up with this blog here.  I was so busy this past fall, I had up to 3 photo shoots in a day, that I'm finally getting around to posting some of my work!

Corn fields, anyone?

Cornfields make for an incredibly cool and unique photography backdrop. The dense rows of tall, vibrant cornstalks create a mesmerizing visual effect, adding depth and texture to any shot. The golden hue of the corn against the clear blue sky provides a striking contrast, while the gentle breeze swaying through the leaves adds a touch of movement and life. Whether capturing a whimsical portrait or a rural landscape, cornfields bring a sense of warmth and rustic charm to any image. With their picturesque appeal and natural beauty, cornfields offer photographers an endless array of creative possibilities for capturing captivating moments.

This is slow season in the industry.  I have many backdrops and props for studio shooting, for this winter season, however, nothing ever tops an outdoor shoot, ever! These two were such a true delight to work with! I had them smiling and enjoying the scenery.  I am very happy with the results and mom was too!

Cuteness overloaded.

All the beautiful smiles.

Classic autumn in South Jersey!

This particular site has wonderful leading lines, great shade coverage for mid-afternoon shooting.. Cornfields, rustic fences, a meadow and a stream!  If you were to add a barn, this would be the ultimate location. I picked this particular location because it was autumn and the beautiful colors on the trees were starting to show. Mom wanted fall pictures and that's what I wanted to deliver!

I always give the kids a lollipop when we are finished are shooting and I managed to get a cute little shot of these two in the process!

This was near the stream in our session!

There is nothing more special than witnessing this beautiful bond these two have. There is true love here. Can't you see it? I definitely adore working with children! These two were just lovely.

Here's a few of my favorite photographs from our brother/sister photo session. Hope you enjoy and that it puts a smile to your face!  Like it does for me, every single time!

Kids! Kids! Kids!  I absolutely adore working with kids!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

-Dee

My First Maternity Shoot In South Jersey!

Pregnancy is a crazy time! Many new and exciting things lie ahead!

I love road shots!

Happy for her new arrival! She looks gorgeous!

Stunning at the Westville Wheelabrator site!

Mom is glowing!

I love getting these candid shots!

A little haze an artistic flair was used here!

Another artistic shot!

Mom and daddy to be!

Gorgeous couple celebrating their soon to be new arrival!

Beautiful mama!

And then they kissed!

Can you take a guess at what they are having?

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.

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!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

What Do I Bring With Me To A Photo Shoot?

Happy at Daretown Lake, in Salem County. NJ.

Two cuties at Daretown.

One of our first studio sessions in 2015.

Brother and sister photo shoot in Gloucester County, NJ.

Wisteria sessions will be in full swing soon!

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Consider bringing options that suit the desired theme or style, allowing for variety in the shots. It's also important to bring any specific props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into the photos. Props can add a personal touch and enhance the overall visual narrative.

Lastly, don't forget to bring any necessary touch-up items, such as makeup, hair products, or a small mirror. These will come in handy for quick touch-ups and ensuring you always look your best. By being well-prepared with these items, you'll set the stage for a memorable and successful photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey.

I take being a photographer rather seriously. I know the folks of South Jersey pay good money to have their photographs taken of their family and that these will be treasured forever. I am ALWAYS prepared ALWAYS. For every location that I have scouted in South Jersey, I know where the sun sets and the best places at these scouted locations that will accentuate and highlight my client's best features. I implement an architecture and nature plan.

I want to use a building as a backdrop as an element and I also like to include nature... that way there's a nice mix and variety of different styles and poses in the same shoot. I also like water, trees, grasses, flowers... I like to include it all.When it comes to you, the client, just bring yourself! Seriously. I have everything covered!Sometimes my sessions look like two or three different sessions all rolled into one. Which makes it rather nice! Best of all, my clients are ecstatic when they see the variety they get upon receiving their images.

Most of my clients have ordered canvases for their homes and I take great pride in seeing that they value me as a professional.So... what do I bring with me to my shoot? Practically everything. I am always PREPARED, preparation is key. My camera batteries are charged, I make sure my SD cards are ready to go and empty (meaning deleted), I bring with me the lenses I want to use... and I ALWAYS have a backup camera on hand. ALWAYS.Prior to my sessions, I have things planned out to what I want to do. I also collaborate with my clients in any ideas they would like to incorporate or do within their session.

I provide a nice detailed questionnaire that enables myself to get to know you... Your style, what poses or pictures you want, and any specifics. I am always early for my sessions. I come from a business background. I worked for a Fortune 500 company and my job was working with VP's and CEO's of other Fortune 500 companies. I am a professional, first and foremost. Early is on time and that is always my motto.

However, I also like to get there early to setup my settings and how the light is shining that particular day, that way I am fully prepared for your when you arrive.I also always have a clean blanket on hand, in case you do not wish to sit on the ground, or it has happened to rain the night before, you don't want to get all wet!In the event that kids are involved, I have a method to keep them engaged while I'm taking their photographs.

Working with children takes patience, but it also needs to be fun for them to gain their interest and I do my best to do that! At the end of every shoot, I usually have a little something for them for their "good behavior."I also like to take 5 minutes to warm up to children, show them what I'll be doing. Physically show them. I sometimes will let them take a photo just so they can see for themselves what will be happening. Again, it's preparation...

In this case, preparing the kids for what is in store for them the next 45min to an hour. I don't like going over an hour. Most kids are done within the first 30 minutes so I try to make it as quick and painless for them.As I said, I am a professional first and foremost and I come from a business background.

However, I also have a very energetic personality and this personality MADE me successful when I worked directly with these CEO's and VP's. These are companies we all have heard of and make billions of dollars a profit a year.I sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of product to these corporations. I always delivered and had my ducks in a row before any rollout. I established long-lasting relationships with these clients even after the sale.

I remember having to work with a client to develop trust, for over a year, before they even purchased anything. However, it was that dedication and perseverance that they admired and I made a client for life after that. They were my client until I left that company. I also believe that client ended up not working with the company I left, because I was no longer there and they wanted to work with me and only me.

Honesty and hard work pays off, respecting your customers and clients and providing a valuable service will make you successful in any career. This is what I apply to life in general and I am a woman of my word. ALWAYS.In working with myself, you will know I am always prepared, on time and I will make your experience fun and memorable. I will put you at ease and make you laugh.

The more relaxed you are, the better quality of the photos you will have. There is nothing like seeing photos where folks are uncomfortable. After every session I have ever had, folks say it was the most fun they ever had when working with a photographer. I have a way of directing folks in a way that isn't too bossy and I always have a plan to get to the direction that you (the client) and I want it to go.Hope this information helps for you to get to know me better and how we do things here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Our Studio Is Going Mobile!

In-Home Studio Session: Unleash Your Creativity

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the significance of creating a comfortable and convenient environment for our clients. That is why we are thrilled to offer our exclusive in-home studio sessions. With this personalized service, our team will bring the studio experience directly to your doorstep, allowing you to relax and enjoy a seamless and stress-free photo shoot from the comfort of your own home.

Gone are the days of traveling to a professional studio, lugging props and outfits along with you. With our innovative approach, our expert photographers will arrive at your home equipped with top-of-the-line photography equipment, lighting, and backdrops. We strive to recreate the same high-quality and visually captivating results achieved in a traditional studio, while providing the added convenience and intimacy that an in-home session offers.

Our talented team understands the importance of creating a setting that reflects your unique style and personality. Whether you envision a session against a classic black backdrop, surrounded by vibrant colors, or amidst the warmth of natural light pouring through your windows, we have the creative expertise to bring your dreams to life.
During the session, our photographers will work closely with you to capture your essence and showcase your individuality. We will guide you through various poses and expressions, while also allowing room for spontaneity and natural moments. By creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, we believe that genuine emotions and authentic connections are best preserved in the final photographs.
Furthermore, our in-home studio sessions are not limited to individual portraits or headshots. We offer a wide range of services, including family portraits, maternity shoots, newborn photography, and even pet sessions. We believe that every moment and milestone is worth celebrating, and we are committed to turning those memories into timeless works of art.

To ensure the success of your in-home studio session, we recommend selecting a designated space that offers ample room and natural light for the shoot. This could be your living room, bedroom, or even a well-manicured garden. Rest assured that our photographers will work with you to maximize the potential of your chosen area, utilizing their expertise in composition and lighting to create stunning images.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. Our in-home studio sessions are designed to provide the ultimate convenience while capturing cherished moments with unparalleled creativity. Book an appointment with us today, and experience the joy of a truly personalized and intimate photo shoot, right in the comfort of your own home.

Little babe into this world!

Cutie for Christmas. In home session.

Yup, you heard that right, South Jersey!  We are going to take our studio on the road.  We will be offering studio packages in your own home!Here is why!We want to make it easier on mom!  We know that after coming home from the hospital and that first year can be a pain to travel anywhere!  If not breastfeeding, you have to pack milk, or a bottle, food, a diaper bag, change of clothing, etc. It can get exhausting sometimes even just having to go to the store, is a bit of an inconvenience.  Having to lug around a car seat or going to the grocery store is always a blast, isn't it?  I put myself in my clients shoes!

If I can offer something that makes being photographed a better experience, well that's what I want to do!Trust me! I understand! Having been there myself and still in the same shoes! I have an eleven month old!  However, she's getting much better at carting around.  I find the first 6 months to truly be the hardest!I feel that if I can offer in-home sessions, it's just a more relaxed atmosphere for mom and for baby!

I will be offering a mobile studio with a backdrop choice and will bring a floor drop and some extra lighting and props.I do have some requirements though.  The room must get some natural light or be adequate enough and the room must be large enough for my mobile studio to fit.This will be an additional fee in accordance to my sessions.

Since it does put a bit more wear and tear on my overall equipment for transport and time for setting up.However, if wanting a lifestyle session or experience this is included in our session fee!  Since there is no huge equipment to be setting up!Please contact us today. Our fee for this service is minimal considering what we are able to offer!  I want customer service to be a huge component to my services, so if I can help alleviate some stress and put you at ease... Well, I'm in!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Another Photo Session At The Studio! Fall Session Woodstown, NJ

Smile for the camera kiddos!

I want to pinch those cute cheeks!

If I can get mom and dad to laugh during our session, then I've done my job!

Sitting on our stream in Woodstown.

This kid wanted to show me his leaf! Hahaha

Love this shot of the family and the dog!

Nestled in the picturesque town of Woodstown, New Jersey, lies an enchanting backdrop for a fall photography session. As the leaves transition into vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold, the quaint charm of this small town is magnified. The rustic wooden bridges, surrounded by the tranquil waters of local ponds, offer a perfect spot for capturing moments of love and joy. The historic buildings, with their timeless architecture, provide a classic and elegant touch to any photograph. Crisp autumn air fills the atmosphere, invigorating the senses and adding a touch of nostalgia to the session. With the magnificent foliage as a frame, the natural beauty of Woodstown makes it an ideal location for capturing cherished memories that will be cherished for years to come.

I am still playing catch-up here in getting some of my work posted!  I've been so busy!  I just started an editing class and learning so much and with the business and the kids, it can get exhausting, but busy is always good in my eyes!  I just purchased new props, new equipment, new business cards, new practically everything!  I am excited for what 2015 will bring and am all ready for it!Here's a session I did last fall.  This was taken in our garden at Shooting Star in Salem County (however, we're very near the border of Gloucester County). 

This family came all the way from Marlton to join us for a brother session and a family sitting for autumn photos... and when I say the family... the whole entire crew, including the dog!  Pets are family too! I always welcome a friendly furry member or child as part of our sessions!  I always bring a fresh bowl of water and a little treat for your pet! Also, the kids always get treats too! 

I am all about the experience in that it should be a fun and memorable session!  Who really likes getting their photographs taken? I am a photographer and I don't even like getting them done! So if I can make my clients relaxed and happy and enjoy themselves, well... I've done my job! Here are some photos from that session! The boys were great to work with and I finally got some nice photos by our stream! I was wanting to do that for awhile! The dog was the best behaved dog, I ever met and mom and dad were such a joy!  Hope you enjoyed these photos!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee