Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
Sunflower Sessions in South Jersey
A New Jersey sunflower photo shoot can be special for several reasons:
1. Vibrant Beauty: Sunflowers are known for their striking, vibrant yellow petals and large, captivating blooms. Their bright and cheerful appearance adds a burst of color to photographs, creating a visually stunning backdrop that can instantly uplift the mood of the image.
A beauty in the sunflower fields in South Jersey.
Sunflower Sessions in South Jersey
I absolutely love sunflower sessions! They bring me pure joy to each and every single family I work with. There's something very special and becoming of those beautiful yellow, orange and red beauties. It wouldn't be called the Garden State, if we didn't grow them!
You normally can find a range of farms anywhere from North Jersey to South Jersey this time of year. As I am preparing my Maple Shade, New Jersey, studio, I will also be servicing my usual Salem and Gloucester counties in my area. It will be a very busy year! However, I am greatly looking forward as to what is to come!
A sunflower photo shoot can be special for several reasons:
Vibrant Beauty: Sunflowers are known for their striking, vibrant yellow petals and large, captivating blooms. Their bright and cheerful appearance adds a burst of color to photographs, creating a visually stunning backdrop that can instantly uplift the mood of the image.
Symbolism: Sunflowers often symbolize happiness, positivity, and a sunny disposition. Incorporating sunflowers into a photo shoot can evoke feelings of joy, warmth, and optimism. They can serve as a powerful visual representation of these emotions, making the photos more meaningful and uplifting.
Natural and Organic Setting: Sunflower fields provide a natural and organic setting for a photo shoot. Being surrounded by rows of tall sunflowers creates a picturesque and serene environment. The combination of nature's beauty and the human presence in the photographs can create a harmonious and captivating composition.
Seasonal and Timeliness: Sunflowers are typically in bloom during the summer and early fall seasons. Planning a sunflower photo shoot during this time allows you to capture the beauty of the fleeting season and the essence of the particular time of year. It can be a way to commemorate the summer or embrace the transition to fall.
Versatile Themes: Sunflowers can be incorporated into various themes and styles of photography. Whether it's a casual and playful shoot, a romantic couple session, a family portrait, or even a maternity shoot, sunflowers can add a unique and eye-catching element to the composition. Their versatility allows for creative exploration and expression.
Connection to Nature: Sunflower fields offer a connection to nature and the outdoors. They provide an opportunity to escape the urban environment and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. This connection can enhance the overall experience of the photo shoot and create a sense of tranquility and harmony.
When planning a sunflower photo shoot, consider visiting sunflower farms or fields known for their blooming sunflowers. Coordinate the timing of the shoot to coincide with the peak bloom of the sunflowers. Experiment with different angles, poses, and compositions to make the most of the sunflowers' beauty. Whether it's capturing close-up shots of individual sunflowers or incorporating them as a backdrop for larger compositions, the presence of sunflowers can transform ordinary photographs into something truly special.
Sunflower sessions held in Salem County, New Jersey. Near Mannington, New Jersey.
I am offering these last minute sunflower sessions. I had to offer these last minute due to our schedule and what we could allow. However, we are actually running AHEAD of schedule this year. Also, the sunflowers are now in peak bloom in the South Jersey area.
Momma and her little girl in sunflowers in Vineland New Jersey. We work with a lot of growers in the area and always are aware of blooms in the South Jersey area.
Momma and her little girl in sunflowers in Vineland New Jersey. We work with a lot of growers in the area and always are aware of blooms in the South Jersey area.
Dresses by Little Dreamers tutus. Photo session taken in a Sunflower field in Mantua, New Jersey Gloucester County. All these dresses will be on display in our maple shade new jersey photography studio!
Dresses by Little Dreamers tutus. Photo session taken in a Sunflower field in Mantua, New Jersey Gloucester County.
We can provide dresses, if needed for these sessions. Just let us know. We're happy to provide the best experience for all our customers!!! Every session is unique and will be held at golden hour to fit our editing aesthetic.
Another beautiful dress by Little Dreamers Tutus. Love the pink sky added for some extra pop. It is all about the light!!
Another beautiful dress by Little Dreamers Tutus. Love the pink sky added for some extra pop. It is all about the light!!
I hope to see you out Monday or Wednesday next week!
Info can be found here! https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/last-minute-sunflower-sessions-september-28th-and-september-30th
Brother and sister looking out at the sunset in gorgeous South Jersey! Don't you just love fall ya'll? maple shade new jersey, photographers in south jersey, south jersey family photographers, sunflowers in moorestown new jersey
Brother and sister looking out at the sunset in gorgeous South Jersey! Don't you just love fall ya'll?
Until we meet again South Jersey... Happy Shooting!
With love XOXOXO,
Dee
Portraits in the Snow. Beautiful Light Found in South Jersey.
Beautiful Snow Portrait Photography in New Jersey
There is something truly enchanting about capturing portraits in the snow. As delicate flakes gently cascade from the heavens, they create a dreamlike ambiance, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland. The mesmerizing white blanket serves as a magical canvas, enhancing the beauty of every subject. The crisp chill in the air adds a rosy glow to cheeks, making smiles shine even brighter. Against the serene backdrop, the vivid colors of scarves, hats, and mittens pop with vibrancy, creating striking contrasts. Snowflakes delicately kiss eyelashes, evoking a sense of whimsy and enchantment. In the realm of winter portraiture, the photographer becomes an artist, skillfully capturing the ethereal magic that lies within snowy landscapes.
Capturing children's portraits in the snow is an exhilarating and endearing experience that truly encapsulates the joy and wonder of childhood. As the snowflakes gently fall from the sky, creating a pristine white canvas, the children's rosy cheeks and bright smiles light up the wintry landscape. Each photograph becomes a timeless moment frozen in time, a testament to their innocence and boundless energy. Against the backdrop of snow-covered trees and sparkling winter light, the children's playful nature is showcased as they build snow forts, throw snowballs, or embrace the beauty of the season. With every click of the shutter, the magic of childhood and the ethereal beauty of the snow merge, resulting in portraits that are full of warmth, delight, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Addison Street is a beautiful setting for snow photography.
Snowing at Weymouth Furnace.
Wow! We did not expect this, for this year! Boy, have things changed and quickly! It was going to be a great year for Shooting Star Photography. A lot of changes were made. A new studio location was about to be open. Then... in a matter of days.. ALL of our lives changed. Which seemed to happen overnight. We changed our clocks forward, but if only we knew what the week would be ahead, after the change. I don't think anyone could have ever predicted such craziness.
Most small businesses are shut down and not permitted to operate in these crazy times. I feel for anyone going through the struggle right now. The stimulus package will not help most of us small business owners.
Who knows when this will end. Some states have shut down schools for the rest of the year. My neighboring state, of Delaware, has shut down everything until May 15th. These are very scary times that we now live in and a lot of us are stressed, due to the unknown.
A beautiful portrait taken in downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey
All we can do is band together to do what needs to be done. Help each other in these times. Be kind.
I don't know what is to happen with my business in the future. I have been able to operate for the past five years. Who knows what will happen? I am unable to take on any sessions right now. This is our busy time of year and most of us small business owners do not qualify for any stimulus $$$$. Most of us are operating (because we still have overhead/operating costs) on savings at this point. I know wedding photographers that have been left bankrupt from this. Due to weddings being cancelled. I know studio owners that may have to close their doors. It's a sad situation for all us small business owners right now. We just need to truck on by and stand together. This won't last forever.
Stay in there. Use this time wisely. Brush up on skills. Eliminate and go over expenses. We're all in this together. Stay strong!
Our Magical Sessions!
Did you know unicorns are not found in Greek mythology? They are actually in accounts of their natural history! For Greek writers, they were convinced that unicorns were real. Not only were unicorns written about in Greece (Mesopotamia), they were also written in texts in the ancient text myths of India and China. The first mention of unicorns are written in 2700BC!! Unicorns are described as a creature of great power and wisdom. It's no wonder why adults and children love them!There is nothing more spectacular and fulfilling then to make a child smile! A pure, genuine, happy smile. No fakery, just kids being themselves. It's every artist's dream to achieve that in their work. It's what I strive for in EVERY SINGLE SESSION. I want the best for my clients, every single time. When I get inquiries from parents that are looking for birthday photos with the classic cheesy smiles, it's just not in line with the work we do. We turn folks away. It's about managing expectations. We don't want you to waste a cent on something that is not us and something we cannot deliver. Life is too busy to waste! 
I want to talk about out our magical unicorn sessions. We love them. It's not just a photo shoot to us, it's an experience for all who are involved. We bring two racks of dresses, headpieces and of course, the showstopper... the unicorn! You have a ton of princess dresses to choose from. We bring a changing tent so that you can have your privacy and get ready. All you need to do is show up! Everything is on location.Safety is huge for us. We have extra insurance because we are working with a live animal. We also contract with an experienced professional/handler who is also insured. The ponies we work with are experienced. Most are twenty plus years old and their behavior is pretty predictable at this stage in their life. The ponies we use, are use to being around children. A lot of them do pony parties and riding lessons. It's important that safety comes first in every single unicorn session we do. It's why we have an age limit for these types of sessions. Our goal is to not only provide you with beautiful imagery, but we want your children to feel safe and to have a magical experience! We really love creating these sessions for our customers. We have one date left this year. It is a rescheduled date. If interested, please email us, or fill out our contact form! We'd love to work with you! Happy Shooting, my friends! DeeShooting Star PhotographyNew Jersey Photographer
New Jersey Winter Wonderland Sessions
New Jersey Winter Wonderland Sessions- Capturing the best subjects, with the best light!
This time of year is THE BEST to have a session!!!!! Winter light is extremely soft and pleasing. It makes your skin look soft and beautiful. My subjects look more magical, due to the pastel light. I know it may be a little cold outside, but if you can withstand it, this is honestly the best time to have a session. When you approach the spring and summer months, lighting becomes a bit more harsh, especially in the spring. Spring light can be a bit more difficult to work with as there are no leaves on the trees, so it's hard to filter the light. You sometimes end up with a more harsh light, depending on the location. For winter sessions, we have you covered. From furs, capes, winter dresses... we have it all! The locations we choose in winter are a bit different from our offerings in the spring and summer, due to better lighting conditions this time of year.
Why is a winter photography session the best?
Winter light casts a magical spell on portraits, making them truly enchanting! As the sun hangs low in the sky, its gentle rays filter through the crisp winter air, creating a soft and ethereal glow. The quality of this light during winter is like no other—it's delicate, diffused, and creates a beautiful luminosity on the subjects. Photographing portraits in winter light feels like painting with light brushes, adding a touch of warmth and a hint of romance to every image. The low angle of the sun offers long shadows, adding depth and dimension to the portraits, accentuating the contours of the face and creating a captivating interplay between light and shadow. So, grab your camera, bundle up in cozy layers, and let the winter light work its magic on your portraits!
How are process works: We take care of EVERYTHING. Honestly, all you need to do is show up. I have an assistant (my mom) and we get you dressed, get your headpieces going. Then off to shooting in this beautiful winter light. You tend to find us traveling all over the Delaware Valley Region. From waterfalls, to the pine tree forests.. to city this time of year.We tend to be a stylized emotive storytelling photographer. We kind of sit back and help direct you, but we want you to have real moments between one another. Especially, with families, as that is our goal.
We capture REAL smiles, not the, "say cheese" kind. Every location we choose, we style around it. For example, I am sure you don't want to wear something extremely formal on the beach or black.. it won't look right. You want to go for those pastels, lights, brights.. and jewel tones. Black is more suited for city, or forest conditions. NOW is the time to book your winter session as our spring through fall is booked out. We would love to work with you and give you an amazing photography experience!!!
Happy Shooting, my friends! Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Southern New Jersey Photographer
Session are coming along nicely!!! Able to open up a few more beach dates!!
Hi there!!! It's been a whirlwind summer already! The beach air, summer wind, mist of the ocean, waves echoing in the background. It's EVERYTHING this time of year and what the Jersey shore is all about! I love being a Jersey Shore photographer. Some of my favorite beaches are along the coastline from Ocean City, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Sea Isle, Barnegat, LBI, Cape May, Stone Harbor. I truly love this time of year. Beach photography is definitely what I was born to do and I love capturing every single moment of this time of year! The wind in your hair, the cool breeze coming off the coast, the sun shining and glistening off the waves. The beach smell. There's always that beautiful and sweet beach smell. The feel of soft sand on your feet... the water splashing around your toes. The children laughing and playing, college kids enjoying their young adulthood, parents with their babies creating their first memories, grandparents who have retired and now have a beach house to bring generations of their families. THIS is what the summer is about at the Jersey shore. Nothing else can honestly compare in the country this time of year. THIS IS OUR TIME.. and what honestly New Jersey shines for. We've already started our beach sessions and this is our first edit of the season! I am greatly in love! I can't wait to edit more family's galleries. The photos that have been captured these past few weeks have been nothing but stellar. I can't wait to create more as the 2018 season progresses!!! I truly appreciate those families that have continued to hire me year after year to create these beautiful memories!!!
If you would like to reserve a 2018 beach session, you may do so by going here!!! We would love to work with you!! https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-beach-sessions Thank you for an already amazing year, South Jersey! Plenty more is coming your way!
