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.

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Shooting Star Photography 3/25/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/25/15

A Typical Shooting Star Family Shoot

A Typical Shooting Star Family Photo Shoot

Here's another family shoot that was done last fall. I told you I was behind on getting things up on this blog, eh? This family came all the way from Medford, Burlington County. We started at the studio, here at Shooting Star in Salem County, South Jersey and then we went to a beautiful scouted location that is near my home. I love all my locations! These are scouted for their light, their elements. I love rustic, I love barn-styled shoots, I love nature!

This has it all.. Plus, when shooting in midday sun... this place gives you protection from the harsh! It's a win win! I wanted to put together what a typical set or session looks like on here!I hope that you enjoy and really see what goes behind what I do! There were even more images in the final product, but I wanted to put together a bit of variety as what a typical hour session entails. I believe we went under an hour here. Which is what I try to do! I know the kids are only patient for a certain amount of time!!The dog was also included in this fall shoot! Well, because the furry babies are part of the family too!

Daretown Lake NJ a beautiful family session with the dog.

Here's another family shoot that was done last fall. I told you I was behind on getting things up on this blog, eh? This family came all the way from Medford, Burlington County. We started at the studio, here at Shooting Star in Salem County, South — The furry baby with his two sisters!

This was a fun set to do! I am posting a lot of photos from this shoot. I think mom got a total of 60 images from this! That's how beautiful they turned out!I love adding a few artistic elements while keeping the beauty of the imagery intact. My goal is to get everything perfect in camera so that I don't have to sit around and edit everything! I think my total 60 images only took about one hour to edit, which in photography terms, is excellent! Especially, with the imagery I was able to create with this set!I have written books and blogged about places to check out all around South Jersey, so I truly know all the cool and unique spots to photograph at!! FYI, we were the only ones here!

There is also a lake here for those romantic shots that some folks adore!I truly treasure my clients!!! I go in with a great plan... and well, you see how the images turn out! Plus, I am great with kids, having two little ones myself!!! I think that's a true difficulty that some photographers face these days, is connecting with the children!My goal is to provide a boutique-level of service!

From start to finish! I'm here to make the whole experience a fun and professional one! I enjoy communicating with my clients and getting to know them prior to the shoot! It helps in that everyone feels more relaxed and this in turn creates stunning images! I don't know many folks who like to get their photos taken... Do You?I sure don't like my photo taken and I'm a photographer! I have a very down to earth personality.

I make our sessions fun, but with direction so that you get the most out of your session!I am gearing up for Spring and all the lovely families that have scheduled with me!! I purchased some great props and can't wait to utilize them! I can't wait to see what this new year brings for me and for this new business!!! I love South Jersey and working with people here and I hope that shows through these images!!!We are also starting to see some blooming flowers here at the Studio!

I can't wait to share it with all of you! I love having a gorgeous private property as part of my accouterments of offerings! Hope you enjoy these images and got to see what a typical session looks like!!! And maybe got to know me a bit better? Trust me, you'll have a great time and I will make you laugh! I promise!!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 3/24/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/24/15

Another Easter Mini Photography Studio!

Last weekend, we had spring Easter mini's at the studio in South Jersey.

Last weekend, we had spring Easter mini's at the studio in South Jersey. We were suppose to celebrate this beautiful season by going outside, but the weather would not allow it! The ground was too mushy from the snow we received on Friday (I also did a wedding on Friday and am almost complete with the editing). I elected to do them indoors. I had 4 families arrive throughout the day and this was my first session of the day.

I will add more when they get completed! This session here, lasted about 20-25 minutes and were able to get a nice variety of captures within this time frame. I truly believe that kids this age really can't go much longer and this is why mini sessions are the way to go sometimes.

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Ages 1-3 can often times be difficult for parents as well. Mini sessions allow the kids to get some cute photos without having temper tantrums! You all know how this age goes!My Trick? Well, I ask parents to sign a getting-to-know-you questionnaire prior to the session. It helps me to get to know the kids and parents with this. I also let the kids warm up a bit before I start shooting away. I don't immediately go snapping away.

Some kids get scared of this and of course a stranger clicking in their face is never a fun time! I'll usually do some "test shots" and I tell them this. I will also show the children the shot I took of them. It seems to ease them into it for an enjoyable session all around, for both photographer and mom and dad! It works! I have yet to see it not!I tried out new lighting this time and I'm in love with the soft feeling of it! I will have to give it a whirl for the future. It's also very easy to set up!

Thank you Gary Fong, photography pioneer, on this effective lighting suggestion! Seriously, Mr. Fong, you rock! I really love the soft feel of this new lighting. It's not as harsh as before and I'm EXTREMELY picky when it comes to my photography because I expect and want nothing, but the best for myself and my clients!I'll post some more mini photos here soon! I also have a few weddings (yup, testing that avenue out!) and a few family/single sessions that I need to get up here on the blog ASAP! Plus, update the portfolio. We truly have been busy!!!

We're attempting an extreme marketing campaign by offering very reasonable fees for sessions right now! Since we are a new business, to South Jersey, we are really trying to get our name out there! Please look at our new pricing menu! We are also going the route of a boutique experience, where we will consult with the client in regards to what they wish out of their session.

Also, by discussing our options, props, time of day, types of poses, etc. We also offering a beautiful high-end (yet keeping it affordable) product line. I also have scouted locations all throughout South Jersey... From Camden County to Cape May County, we've got you covered!!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography 3/13/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/13/15

Fall Family Photo Shoot- Woodstown, NJ Edition.

Family Photography is Always so much fun!

I am attempting to get some of my work up on here. I've been truly very busy! I'm writing two books and have been booking for this upcoming Spring and Summer for the photography business! I'm truly glad that the weather is starting to get a little warmer because I love working outdoors! I find that to be the most fun. Studio work is fine, but there is nothing like being outside! I just love most outdoor images. Am I wrong in feeling this way? Here's a family I did back in the fall! We had so much fun! Mom likes a little creativity so we tried to capture that! Our session was done here at our studio in Salem County!

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Family Photography is Always so much fun!

The family is from the Pitman area. Here a few photographs from that session!By doing these posts, it's fun to see the progress I have made in such a short amount of time! I really put in the hard work to learn and educate myself. A day doesn't go by that I'm a student and learning new things! I think this is why I love photography so much, it's a continuing process of love and learning.

You could be a professional for twenty plus years, and still not know everything! It truly is something really exciting to get into and boy, it's a challenge! The good thing is I love a challenge:) I also love seeing how far I've come from when I first started this journey. I love growing! Anyway, enough of my ramblings... hope you enjoy some of these images! Many great things to come! Just you wait!! I am so passionate about photography and I love making people smile! And Whew! I have to get more work up on here, I have plenty more to share!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 3/12/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/12/15

Spring Easter Mini's at Shooting Star in South Jersey!

Mar 12

Capture the essence of Easter in South Jersey with Shooting Star Photography! Our Easter photography sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the beautiful backdrop of South Jersey. Whether you envision candid shots amidst blooming cherry blossoms or playful portraits with adorable bunnies, our skilled photographers are here to bring your creative visions to life. With our expertise in capturing the joy and warmth of this special holiday, we ensure that every precious moment with your loved ones is preserved in stunning, high-quality photographs. Book your Easter photography session with Shooting Star Photography today and let us transform your cherished moments into timeless treasures.

Shooting Star Photography is offering spring mini sessions, here in South Jersey, for March 22nd. A few folks have already booked... so make sure you book soon, if you are looking to reserve a specific time! Our garden is already showing signs of spring, there are so many bulbs popping up, it is going to be beautiful here. I always encourage my clients to peruse around our garden while they are waiting or if they just want to go for a little stroll around while they're here. It's always fun!

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Our mini special is $49, this special includes a 25-30 minute session, 3 hi-resolution digitals to download from an online gallery and 1 8x10. You may order more items and all of our pricing is located on our price tab from the main page. I don't do these very often and am excited to announce that we will be doing spring mini's. My mini's are very rare as they sometimes take a full preparative concept and then the entire planning of the set and even putting up and taking down can be a lot.Mini's are more than technically one session in an entire day, it could be 8-10 families or children that come to see you within that day, so one must have the energy to do them! The equipment and my backup camera, batteries fully charged and memory sticks locked and loaded. In offering mini's, I like to welcome people to my home.

The setup is generally easier (I can walk right outside the door) and it's a matter of convenience. Also, my garden acts as a beautiful backdrop and I love how private it is. Privacy is what a lot of folks hold dear and folks feel relaxed and at ease here.I am not one for theme's. I like more natural settings, but from time to time, they can be fun. However, I do find the mini's beneficial to parents.

Most kids, don't have the attention span to sit still for too long... after all they are kids, so instead of paying for a full-hour session in which parents know their kids and know some kids can't make it through an hour, that mini's are the most ideal. They are quick and painless... plus, can be a ton of fun!

Yesterday, I took my kids out in the yard to take photographs of the potential setup we will be using. I love my kids and they make the best models sometimes. I also get their holiday sessions in... so it's a win-win on both sides. However, using my kids to model, it gives me a general feel in how I want the set to be designed. I also get to test out lighting in a particular location, or even test the overall design plan with general wear and tear.

I will be fine-tuning this setup. I love some things, like the little stand and eggs scattered throughout, but there are a few other things I will be changing up to make this absolutely perfect for my clients.If the weather is going to be too cold, or it ends up raining that day, we will be doing studio shots indoors with a backdrop and this general setup, so either way, you will have a pleasant day! BUT it is SPRING! Outdoor photos would be most ideal to celebrate the season, don't you think? I guess we will see what Mother Nature has in store for us!

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 3/12/15 Shooting Star Photography 3/12/15

Are You A Photographer Looking To Improve Your SEO?

In today's digital-driven age, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become an indispensable tool for photographers. As potential clients increasingly turn to search engines to find and evaluate photographers for their special events or projects, having a strong online presence has never been more crucial. SEO not only helps photographers improve their visibility in search engine results but also enhances their website's overall performance, leading to higher traffic, greater brand awareness, and ultimately, more clients. By strategically implementing SEO techniques, photographers can elevate their online visibility, outrank their competitors, and attract their target audience, making it an indispensable aspect of their marketing strategy.

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You also don't need to be a photographer to learn from what I am writing! If you are a small business, wanting to improve your rank, no matter what company, specialty, or blog you have, you may find this useful to get your website ahead!I know how daunting it is as a photographer new to the game!

You'll soon find yourself lost in the sea of other photographers on the net. Photography is a very saturated market and you need to truly stand out to get ahead, but if you're on the 4th-15th page, you'll go unnoticed! I'm here to help you get ahead and get you on the first page of Google!

By getting to the top, it allows you to reach more people and to be seen, thus improving your business overall! Here, in South Jersey, there are what seems hundreds of photographers! It doesn't matter if you are a photographer or not!! In this modern-day world, you need an online presence in order to stay ahead and to be a viable business!I am a SEO queen!

No, really! I worked in IT with a Fortune 500 company and sold high-end solutions to other large organizations. I can build server rooms, design networks, build a server, and entire computers from scratch. I also have a website I have been running since 2012 and has consistently been on the first page of results. This page, right here... Jumped from the 12th page (I was lost at Google sea) to the first page in under a month! Yup, you heard that right!!! I am now ranking ahead of other photographers that have been more established in my area, some even for over a decade! You want to learn my secret?I am about to spill the beans!

It's SEO, short for search engine optimization. You need to make your website attractive to google's Googlebots and I'll explain how to do that. Since I'm using Wordpress as my platform, I will explain how I do it with my program. However, you can also do this on WIX and other platforms, but will take a little work behind the scenes... And using CSS. CSS is the backend coding for the general layout of your page, but guess what? Forget CSS, right now! I'm going to show you how to improve your ranking without using that! I currently don't and should. However, I designed my mom's website on WIX and improved her site by using the CSS function. She's now on the top! Getting off track here! Again, forget CSS!

The number one thing you should do is....Create a BLOG!

The first thing as a photographer that you should make sure you have... when you get set up, with your website..is make sure you have a blog! By utilizing a blog, this will get you to the top fast! Also, when you get there, it doesn't take that much effort to stay there. A simple weekly post should keep you on top! Within each post that you do, it needs to be AT LEAST 200 words. I always recommend 300-600. It also has to be unique content.

DO NOT USE purchased templates, or copy from anyone else!

First off, it's plagiarism essentially. Google does not like duplicate content! If they see a website with the exact wording, etc... You will be dropped to the bottom of the list!! Yes, they have these capabilities to detect this! Second... Make sure your blog heading is relevant to what you are going to be talking about and who you wish to target! A lot of my headings have photography, South Jersey, photo shoot because I am trying to cater to my market area.

Google indexes this accordingly.PermalinksThere is also a permalink extension. Usually with the date that you will be posting. Make sure you change your link name! For example, may have 2015 family etc. I change my link to 2015 south jersey family photography. I'm attempting to get Google to detect my link and index it accordingly! It works! I changed my permalink to cater to what I am going over in this blog!https://shootingstarsouthjersey.com/2015/03/26/photographer-seo- See permalink! This is the link you would share to others, if you were to copy this page!

Website Name!

Also, if you look at my website name, it states shootingstarsouthjersey.com, this is an attempt for Google to recognize my area and index my website into my targeted market! It was no mistake doing this and creating this website! If you are writing up a list on your blog.. Let's say... Top Things People Say To Photographers... Make sure every number and caption is at least bold...It is considered a header and Google puts more effort into recognizing that and helps to move you higher in their indexing game! However, don't go overboard!! Google also notices if you are attempting to manipulate their indexing algorithms! They sometimes know that you are trying to improve your SEO and will penalize you for this!! Dropping you further down the list!

Tags & Categories

Utilize your tags and categories!!! I can't say this enough, but again, don't overdo it, Google knows if you are trying to get ahead. If your article is only 300 words... Use 4 tags! 400 words 6 tags tops, 600 words 8 tags tops! Now you may be asking me what tags are and what in the hay is she talking about? Okay, I will give you examples!!! My target market is South Jersey. It's a section of New Jersey and considered the Philadelphia suburbs. My target and photography specialty is family and children and my goal is, if people are searching for a photographer in South Jersey, to be on that first page.

My tags that I will utilize are... and even look how I put this in use in this post here! Photographer in South Jersey, South Jersey photography, family photography, South Jersey, NJ, kids photography, Salem County photographer, Family photographer south jersey

I'm assisting Google in indexing my website accordingly. Also, people searching for a photographer in South Jersey, I will come up when folks search! I'm targeting my general market area! Utilizing your categories will also help and is somewhat similar! These are the rules of thumb in improving SEO. Don't go overboard on your tags, create relevant and unique content, update your blog about once weekly and you will be on your way to the top!

Update Your Site Often!

Google also likes if you update your site often. It shows them you are active with your website and keeping things fresh! For both google and client interested! Time and time again, I have gone on to local photographer's websites and they have not updated their blog for 6 months! It doesn't look good from a client perspective or good with Google! Some clients may think that you actually jumped ship and are no longer doing photography!Google does not like stagnate websites or ones who haven't been touched in a while.

Updating your site WEEKLY is key! It is also a good suggestion to update your portfolio with your latest work or to proofread some of your posts/pages. I make a point to sit down every Tuesday to go over'update both my websites!There are other ways to improve SEO by sharing your link on other sites, or others sharing your link, on their website or vice versa (returning the favor), but Google is changing how this operates and is often a sleazy way to manipulate your SEO and get to the top. I don't like doing this! And google is noticing!

Use Your Alt Text and description... When You Utilize Images on your blog!

This will help to get your images indexed as well as help with your overall website! I ALWAYS caption my photos too! It helps and works! My goal is to just create unique content, utilize some headers and tags and keep looking ahead. This is all you virtually need anyway!If you keep writing, folks will start sharing your link anyway! By getting to the top, it has given me more leads in regards to my business and more business!!! It's worth a shot! Try it out for yourself and would love to know how it has helped you!

Again, I have two websites at the top... This one here in particular, I am still improving.. However, I am new to the game. I've been in business since October 2014! I have jumped other photography sites that have been in the business for years! From page twelve, to page one, in just a month by using this formula right here! My other website has been in the #1 spot since 2012! Local photographers don't get any ideas, lol! I update my blog often and I will always be here!! I'm not going anywhere, hehe!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee