Fall is Here, South Jersey!

Fall Photo Sessions Now Available in South Jersey

Capture the beauty of the fall season with our exclusive photo sessions in South Jersey. As the leaves change into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, there's no better time to book a photo session to preserve these stunning moments.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we specialize in creating timeless images that reflect the essence of autumn. Whether you're looking for a family portrait amidst a picturesque backdrop of fall foliage or a cozy couple's session surrounded by the crisp autumn air, our skilled photographers are ready to turn your vision into reality.

Our autumn photo sessions are designed to showcase the unique charm of South Jersey during this magical season. From sun-drenched pumpkin patches to serene woodland landscapes, we'll work with you to find the perfect location for your photo shoot.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to capture unforgettable memories against the backdrop of fall's natural beauty. Contact us today to schedule your fall photo session and let us help you create photographs that will be treasured for years to come.

A boy in the fall foliage with pumpkins. Dressed as a firefighter.

Little princess with her birthday photo shoot in Salem County, NJ.

Yes! Well, it isn't OFFICIAL just yet, but Fall is right around the corner!  September is actually my FAVORITE month here in South Jersey!  I absolutely love this time of year!  In fact, if you love the beach... AFTER LABOR day is the way to do it at the Jersey shore! The weather is still hot, the water is still warm, everything is still open in terms of restaurants and activities... and BEST of all... there are aren't many people! In fact, I'll be vacationing there shortly (even though our parents own a place and are free to go at anytime)... we just don't like all the people and traffic!  Looking forward to spending time with my kids!!Anyway, to get back on subject... Fall is just around the corner...which means sessions will be sought out! We have only ONE weekend date left in 2015 and that is Sunday, October 18th.

Our Fall Schedule

 Every weekend day from here on out is booked until 2016! We've been getting a lot of requests for weekdays (because we have weekday rates) and this is about booked out at this time. We have one day of mini sessions on a Saturday and have only 2 spots left for this date. This will be Saturday, October 17th.  I promise a ton of foliage!!!!  This session is $120 and for one half hour. You will receive 5 digital images with this, if you decide to book, but these have booked up pretty fast!In November, we will have a Christmas Tree farm date for your holiday photos. This is still in the process, but we have booked the location in Mullica Hill. The owner said we are free to use for any date. This will be a weekend date.

I am so blessed that you have used me this year! It's been our first year of business and all our dreams have truly come true!  We are in the process of creating our dream in home studio! It will be complete with a ton of beautiful things and we are currently in the process of renovating as we speak!I am a natural light photographer mostly, however, I do have studio experience and equipment... I just don't take it out this time of year! After all, it's gorgeous out... and there's NOTHING like outdoor photos.. NOTHING!

Studio is great, but there's something truly uniquely special about photos outdoors .However, a studio will allow me to meet with my clients and offer indoor photography when it's too darn cold outside! I do utilize a room right now as my studio, however, we are going to be switching and renovating my big garage! We're really excited for this journey and will probably operate indoors from November to March.We are also attending workshops this year and plan on taking a few next year! I'm currently taking an editing workshop and then will be in Florida in November for a few days for a hands on workshop!

Book Now!

Exciting times ahead! Thanks for making this a great year South Jersey! It's been a real blast working with beautiful families, expectant mothers and little monkeys!!! I hope to make 2016 even more spectacular!!

Happy Shooting, South Jersey!

Dee

Maternity Session at Cooper River Park NJ- Robin Hood’s Castle

NJ Maternity Session at Cooper River Park in NJ!

Another beautiful maternity session in the books. I had the pleasure of doing another gorgeous maternity shoot, here in South Jersey!  Maternity is my ultimate favorite thing to shoot in this whole wide world!  My one true passion is history as I have written books about South Jersey, so I like to incorporate a bit of South Jersey history into my sessions!!!I had discovered between some mutual friends of a place in the Cooper River Park area in Pennsauken (or Collingswood) depending on which side of the river!  There are quite some folklores on this place, but has been in existence for about 80 years and looks like it will be around for quite some time!!!The locals refer to it as Robin Hood's castle!  Now, us South Jerseyans love us some history so am going to add a bit of it here in this blog post!!Now, here is the "REAL" Nottingham's Castle... aka Robin Hood's castle and as you can see they don't compare.  

Capturing Beauty at Cooper River Park, NJ

Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a hidden gem that offers photographers a plethora of enthralling opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Nestled in the heart of Camden County, this park provides an idyllic setting for a photography shoot, drawing both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. It can be a wonderful place especially with the fall colors and warm vibrant tones!

Serene Natural Beauty

One of the main reasons why Cooper River Park is a perfect location for a photography shoot is the abundance of serene natural beauty that surrounds it. The park boasts a picturesque, tree-lined lake, which reflects the mesmerizing colors of the changing seasons - from the vibrant foliage in the fall to the delicate blossoms in the spring.

Versatile Shooting Locations

Cooper River Park offers a diverse range of shooting locations to suit various styles and preferences. From the paved paths that wind through the park, perfect for capturing candid shots of people enjoying nature, to the charming stone bridges that add a touch of classic elegance to any portrait, there is no shortage of interesting backdrops and landscapes.

Vibrant Wildlife

Photographers with a passion for wildlife will revel in the opportunities to capture vibrant and intriguing creatures in Cooper River Park. The park is home to a variety of bird species, such as herons, egrets, and ducks, providing ample chances for stunning avian photography. Additionally, the park's migratory bird population adds a dynamic element to any shoot, enhancing the possibility of capturing rare and beautiful birds in action.

All smiles and looking beautiful in the park!

Year-Round Attractions

Regardless of the season, Cooper River Park offers year-round attractions, making it a favorite destination for photographers throughout the year. In the summer, the park is bustling with activity, with boaters, bikers, and runners, all adding life and energy to the scenes. In the winter, the frost-covered lake and snow-dusted trees create a magical atmosphere, providing opportunities for breathtaking winter landscape photography.

Easy Accessibility

Sweet kisses and a beautiful loving moment!

Cooper River Park's convenient location and easily accessible amenities make it an ideal location for a photography shoot. The park offers ample parking space, ensuring hassle-free arrival for both photographers and subjects. Additionally, the park's close proximity to major highways and public transportation makes it easily reachable for those traveling from near or afar.
In conclusion, Cooper River Park offers photographers an ideal setting for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. With its enchanting natural surroundings, versatile shooting locations, vibrant wildlife, year-round attractions, and easy accessibility, it is no wonder that Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a top choice for those seeking a captivating photography shoot.

Robin Hood's castle in Nottingham UK not South Jersey.

Robin Hood in actual Nottingham, England. We went to visit a few years ago!

Robin hoods castle in Cooper River Park. I love her smile!

When Robin Hood’s castle was built. It has ultimately been the same for almost 90 years! Isn’t that awesome!

Robin Hood's castle. It’s pretty cool eh? Kids use to play here and pretend they are kings and queens back in the day!

(Actually, the real castle at Nottingham burned down around the last 150 years and this was built as it's replacement).The term Robin Hood's castle was derived up from the local Collingswood kids who use to play here! The name has kind of stuck through the last few decades.Here's a lowdown of our local South Jersey castle.The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 as the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads.   It was a Federal project to help stimulate the economy prior to WWII. 

Almost every community in the United States had a new park, bridge or school constructed by this awesome agency. At its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men!What is cool is there are MANY well intact structures built by the WPA all over South Jersey! Like this one!  Yes, a lot of the parks we see today are from around this time frame especially in Camden County and Gloucester Counties.  It's neat to see some of the history unfolding right here in our backyard that generations have probably enjoyed for decades!!!

Mom and dad soon to be at Robin Hood’s castle in Cooper River Park.

Beautiful maternity session taken at Cooper River Park, in Camden County NJ.

Now, I will probably have to use it for some upcoming shoots as I love the old Pennsylvania stone! Maybe another maternity session who knows? There is plenty of shaded areas of Cooper River park and an old historic house not too far from this location as well! My only one complaint is there is a ton and I mean a ton of geese droppings... so if you don't mind landmines then go for it!

This momma nailed her entire session! From what to wear to dealing with the heat! It was almost 100 degrees this day!  Also, they have now introduced their bundle of joy to the world!!! Congratulations, mama and daddy!!!I hope you enjoyed this history lesson! I love getting to include a little bit of local South Jersey flavor into my sessions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Book Your Maternity Session With Us Today!

South Jersey’s ultimate maternity photographer!

10 Fun Facts About Shooting Star Photography!

10 Fun Facts about Dee and Shooting Star Photography in South Jersey

1. Dee is the talented and passionate owner of Shooting Star Photography, located in the beautiful South Jersey area.

2. Dee has been capturing timeless memories through her lens for over 15 years, making her a highly experienced photographer.

3. Shooting Star Photography specializes in capturing stunning family portraits, dreamy wedding moments, and adorable baby photographs.

4. Dee's love for photography started at a young age, and she has turned her passion into a successful business that brings joy to countless families.

5. South Jersey provides a picturesque backdrop for photoshoots, with its charming beaches, quaint towns, and lush landscapes. Shooting Star Photography takes full advantage of this natural beauty.

6. Dee has a unique ability to make her clients feel comfortable and relaxed, which results in genuine and authentic photographs.

7. Shooting Star Photography offers creative and personalized sessions, ensuring that each client's vision is brought to life.

8. Dee is not only an expert at capturing still moments, but she also has a keen eye for those candid, spontaneous shots that truly showcase the client's personality.

9. Shooting Star Photography is known for its attention to detail, ensuring that every photo is beautifully edited and ready to be displayed as a work of art.

10. Dee's dedication to her craft and love for South Jersey shines through in every photograph, making Shooting Star Photography a cherished and trusted choice for capturing life's most precious moments.

Experience the magic of Shooting Star Photography in South Jersey, where memories are brought to life through Dee's talent and expertise!

My kid trying to pick a winner in the backyard in Woodstown, NJ.

First couples session in South Jersey.

Was my first maternity session that I ever shot!

Here are some more cool facts you might want to know about Shooting Star Photography....  Or maybe not!

Fun Fact

1. I'm a MANUAL FOCUS nut

I shoot everything manually... I'm not talking manual settings on your camera (which if you consider yourself a pro... you should already be doing and know your camera and how to expose properly)....  I'm saying that I shoot EVERY single session manually... MANUAL FOCUS AND MANUAL SETTINGS.I like FULL CONTROL over my photographs and this is why I do this.  Yes, even working with children and families I shoot with manual focus.  People think I'm crazy... My Photographer friends definitely think I'm crazy.... but this is why my images are the way they are.It took awhile to get to this level and I just about nail focus every time (which is even more shocking to some).  I find manual focusing to actually be easier than automatic focus.

2. Bokeh

I'm a bokeh fanatic. For the none photographers out there, it means I enjoy the blurry background and a shallow depth of field.   If you were to look at my portfolio... it's plain as day. Practically, every photograph is this way.  I am always trying to push the limits in photography.  90% of the time I shoot wide open from 0.95 Mitakon (yup, I told you I'm nuts)  and up depending on how wide open my lens can go.

3.  My Business

I haven't been in business for even a year.  Yet, I have managed to do over 64 sessions thus far and 3 weddings.  I have grown so much from even a month ago. However, I am not new to photography.  I started out in landscape photography and have even published two books on history and places to see in South Jersey.  You can find my books in Barnes and Noble and through Amazon!

4. Location! Location! Location!

A lot of folks come to me for my unique locations!  Since I have written my books and even blog about places to see in South Jersey... I've seen some pretty interesting places!  I've been everywhere from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean and everywhere in between.  No stone has been left upturned.  In fact, I receive messages from other local photographers about some of these places.  It's nice to help my fellow togs out!  Yet, I don't give my entire secrets away! Shhhhh... some of these spots are a secret!  My blog is southjerseyexplorer.com if anyone is interested to see where I've been!  You'll see I'm not lying about my travels!

5. Editing

Editing is what I struggle with on just time alone.  Editing is probably the most time consuming aspect of my photography business. I'm not going to lie! My problem is that I personally hand edit all of my images for clients and this takes up an incredible amount of my valuable time.  Most of my fellow photographer friends tell me I should try out presets or actions to help speed up my workflow. Don't get me wrong... I have in the past. I wasn't happy with the results. You still need to tweak these actions or presets to your liking.  Again,  I like the control. I've also invested hundreds of dollars in editing classes by some of the greats in our industry and I don't like putting my skills to waste by using an action!  Editing classes have probably been my biggest asset to this business.  Folks do come to me for my unique look and creativity and that's what I like to give them!

6. Posing

If you were to stroll along through my portfolio, you'll see that my posing is very natural.... and honestly that's what it is.  I do go in with a plan with certain poses I would like to try for my sessions and will do certain poses for a client if they wish, but the images that I turn out to love and what the client usually loves... are the photos with the natural expressions.  There is just something about them.. I do try for the cheesy smiles... but my goal is to get a natural smile and what I mean is the smile you have when you aren't posing... The REAL YOU smile. I usually use my bag of tricks to get it.

7.  I'm a SONY gal!

Yup! No Nikon or Canon gal here. Sony! Gasp! First off, I've always been a rebel.  Second, I LOVE SONY.  My equipment never lets me down.  Since I do manual focusing, my Sonys offer focus peaking which helps to aid me in my work. I probably wouldn't be shooting in manual, if I did not have this function. I have 4 cameras.  Two full frames and two crops...Sony A7RII, SONY A7S, Sony A6000 and the old school NEX 6 that I even believe has been discontinued, haha.

8.  Glass Envy

It's usually not about the camera, but the glass you have and I have a serious addiction! Especially glass with low f-stops.  I love primes. However, I do own the famous 24-70 Zeiss and the  other famous 70-200... but I have primes from 8mm going up to 300mm at this time.  Probably, by the time you are done reading this... I probably purchased new glass. I also have antique envy. What is great about my particular camera is that I can purchase vintage lenses and plop them on my camera with an adapter and they work beautifully!  I'm awaiting for an old minolta to arrive. The beer can lens!However, the two lenses I seem to always have on my camera are the 135mm f2 and the 85mm 1.4.

9. My Favorite Sessions

I work with a wide range of folks... from families, children, engaged couples, people with pets, brides... etc etc...My favorite thing to photograph out of everything I do is pregnant women! Yup, I said it... the cat is out of the bag!I absolutely ADORE and have a passion for Maternity photography.  Don't get me wrong... I love photography in general and working with a whole variety of clients, but I truly love maternity the best of them all!   I honestly don't know why.  I think it's because it's a very special time in a couple's life and especially the soon to be mama's life.  Some parents have struggled for so long just to get pregnant and being pregnant is something they have wished for well practically forever.  Others have struggled with miscarriages, some with infertility.  I feel so blessed when folks choose me to be their maternity photographer. I love telling their story of love and capturing the beautiful essence of motherhood.

10. My Skies

People love my skies!  A cool fact is 90% of the skies I use in editing are actually my skies!  They are not purchased like some other photographers do. If I see a pretty sky, while I'm out and about... I snap it!  I'll then upload and use for later in my work or photos!  As I mentioned above, I've gotten to travel all over South Jersey and some skies I use, are also from my past landscape work!  Also, if I am having a session and I see a pretty sky, I will take two photos... I'll expose for the pretty sky and then expose my subject and just merge them in post.  There is no other way to properly get your sky and subject exposed properly (this is why you see white skies in photos) Unless, you use flash for fill light. It's just not possible!Okay it's late and I'm starting to talk gibberish, but hopefully, you got a little fun insight in what I am all about!  Hopefully, you enjoyed getting to know some neat fun facts!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Another beautiful Maternity Session!

A Day of Love and Light at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ

Nestled in a picturesque corner of Heislerville, New Jersey, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves, stands the majestic East Point Lighthouse—a place that exudes history, charm, and the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. On a recent beachy day, we had the pleasure of capturing the love-filled maternity session of a radiant mom and dad who were all smiles throughout the entire experience.

From the moment we stepped foot onto the sandy shores of Heislerville, the sun seemed to shine just a bit brighter, as if it knew something truly special was about to transpire. The gentle breeze whispered through the tall grass, as if to welcome us to this enchanting location. And there, in the distance, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall and proud, ready to witness this beautiful couple's journey into parenthood.

The soon-to-be parents were an absolute joy to work with, their excitement evident as they arrived hand in hand, their hearts positively bursting with anticipation. The mom-to-be radiated an ethereal glow, her laughter as sweet and delicate as the sea breeze, while the dad-to-be wore a proud grin that simply couldn't be contained. Together, they were the epitome of love and happiness—a living testament to the beauty of this miraculous stage of life.

As we moved closer to the iconic lighthouse, the couple seemed to merge effortlessly with their surroundings. The aged, weathered walls of the lighthouse and the deep blue of the endless sky constituted a perfect contrast to the warmth and tenderness that filled the air. Against this picturesque setting, we captured intimate moments that spoke volumes about the deep connection shared by this expectant couple.

With every click of the camera, we immortalized those cherished moments—moments that will forever remind them of the magical time when their little one was still nestled safely in her womb. The mom-to-be cradled her precious bump with utmost love and care, while the dad-to-be showered her with affectionate glances that spoke of a lifetime of devotion.

The beachy day added its own touch of serenity and tranquility to the session, as the sound of crashing waves serenaded the soon-to-be parents. As they strolled along the shoreline, their footprints left behind in the sand told the story of their journey—each tiny imprint representing the steps they had taken together, and the beautiful path that awaited them.
As the sun began to set, casting its golden hue over the landscape, the couple basked in the warm glow, their smiles growing wider and their love shining brighter with each passing moment. Against this backdrop of sheer beauty, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall, a silent witness to the love story that unfolded beneath its gaze.

In capturing this beautiful maternity session at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ, we were reminded of the power of love and the enchantment of new beginnings. The lighthouse served not only as a beacon of hope and guidance for passing ships but also as a symbol of the couple's unbreakable bond—one that would guide them through the uncharted waters of parenthood.

As we bid farewell to this breathtaking location, knowing that our photographs would forever be treasured by this expectant couple, we left with hearts full of gratitude for being able to document such a touching and memorable day. The smiles, the love, and the beachy backdrop all came together harmoniously, leaving us with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty found in the simplest, yet most profound, moments of life.

Their first baby coming into this world. Ashley and I are old high school friends!

Beautiful Ashley!

East Point Lighthouse made for a beautiful place to shoot in Heislerville, NJ.

The beautiful baby bump!

I love incorporating the dads in maternity sessions!

Up close of the baby bump.

Mom and dad with baby to be!

On the Delaware Bay!

Mom and dad on the beautiful beach of East Point Lighthouse.

Last photo of the evening!

This is another great location that I love to utilize! The site is historic and the color tones give you that true "Beachy" feel.  There is also a beach and other areas that make this a magical place to shoot at.  The light is generally great after 4pm and I'm a bit of an odd one. I like to work with more light.. rather than Golden Hour.  I find that Golden Hour does work with certain locations, but not all. That after 6pm... light can become a bit flat... and I am not a flat light person at all!  I love bright and airy light!I use to photograph at this place back in my landscape days!  It truly speaks South Jersey to me.  In fact, I believe it's one of the oldest lighthouses remaining in New Jersey.  The rustic brick and it's sheer beauty, make this site absolutely breathtaking!What I also love about this site.. is that you don't have to travel all the way to the Jersey Shore (quicker commute time),

You never run into traffic, the sun sets on this side since it is the bay.  There is a beach area, gorgeous grasses and even an area to do some incredible street shots.  It kind of has it all... Plus, hardly anyone is ever here to ruin your shot! You practically have the place all to yourself!!!  You may encounter a fisherman or two, but they are usually very friendly and kind!  I've even been asked if they want them to move to get a great shot!  It's truly incredible the kind of love among fellow men that you will find here!

These two got in just in time for their session because not more than 2 days later little Evan was born!!!!I've done a few sessions here thus far this year and I have loved it every single time! Most of all, when I see my clients step out of their vehicles they have a huge smile on their faces!  That's when I knew I've done my job in scouting the PERFECT location for their beach session!

As you can see in this session... NO one else is around.. And this was on a weekend! This is just a tidbit of our session! We got a ton of incredible shots!  I truly love maternity photography and it is a specialty that I keep wanting to dive more into! So.. if you know anyone who is pregnant, South Jersey! Send them my way... As you can see, I don't disappoint!!!Don't wait! Book your beach session today! We are currently booked out until July 9th!  Hope we speak with you soon! We also have other gorgeous beach locations to offer you!

Happy Shooting, my friend!

Dee

Dear Starting Out Photographer

Advice for the new and budding photographer. Hang in there.

Some of my first work.

My kids.

The angles were real.

More “fun angles.”

Some hate mail that I have received. I can post this publicly as this was posted to the blog here publicly. This was an actual supposed FRIEND who I worked with in the past (that we found who was with a reverse IP search. He is a photographer himself.

I often times look back and see how far I've truly come in such a short amount of time. This is a post I've been wanting to write for a few weeks now and now I have the kahunas to finally write it.  If I were to turn back time... this would be some of the things I would want to tell myself.I started taking photos of friends and family on October 11, 2014. At this time, I only collected "donations."  Some would donate and others weren't as keen to donating, but it was about growing, learning and building a portfolio. The whole experience!

 In February of this year, I started out legally, incorporated my business, insurance, sales tax.. the whole nine.  I am really new to this game... However, I have grown tremendously and still learning. Most folks hire me for my unique locations and style here in South Jersey... They like my customer service and how I make this process... easy peasy..I have learned a lot and have gained a ton of knowledge in a short time... and I look forward to learning and growing more!  However, here is a letter that some new folks in the game may find useful!

These were my first "portraits" in regards to photography.. Go ahead and laugh!  Remember, we all have to start somewhere!  I thought I could share with you!

Dear Starting Out Photographer,

Wow, you have a long road ahead of you. You really have no clue what lies ahead of you, do you?  You think you do... but you don't.  You have a passion for this, but have so much you need to learn.  You think you are the bomb dot com right now, but as you get further in this game you finally wake up like a brick smacked you right in the face and realize... you have so much to learn. This takes you back and at this time... you'll want to give up. Sell your equipment and just give all your hard work up.You are probably confused on what to charge right now as you're trying to get your name out there.

You'll hear from other photographers that you'll need to go over your cost of doing business, but you can't get one client through the door... whether you charge a lot or charge very little. You're going to want to pull your hair out at this time, as this is the most frustrating aspect to the game.You are going to start to realize, at this time, that this is a very cutthroat industry.  It's very dog eat dog. There are HUGE EGOS.

You'll learn you're all alone in this and that's okay... after all, it is your business after all. You'll get messages that your work sucks, you're going to be laughed at by other photographers in regards to your work, and these folks will be very mean. You may cry, get defensive, and get angry.

 I'm just telling you it's going to be okay. You're going to learn to develop a tough skin.  Trust me. I've been there. Some of their advice you will learn from, others you won't... and that's again.. Please take it with a grain of salt.You will second guess your own style.. as others will not agree with it.. and it will put you on a tale spin further down the rabbit hole and you'll be lost even further.

You'll be ridiculed by others about your equipment and that it "isn't good enough" I started out with a NEX-6 and then an A6000, since then I have upgraded to a full frame "professional camera", but that's what I had to work with at the time... They'll tell you this equipment won't do the job. You'll see all the latest and greatest gear out there... and want it all.. New actions and presets (which you'll soon realize are a waste of money), new lenses, a new camera body, off camera flash, studio equipment and backdrops, floordrops, reflectors.. and you will think to yourself... oh, I got to have those.

But guess what? You really don't need most of these.  You'll soon learn it's about using what you've got and using it to the max. Learning your equipment as if it is an extension of yourself.Guess what? No matter how far you'll MAKE IT... even the big names get ridiculed! Just suck it up and develop your tough guy/gal skin!  You will need it new photographer!You'll learn that it isn't just a click of the shutter...

You'll be thrown into marketing and the business side of things. There will be contracts and following up and designing sets... learning customer service.  Creating, designing and maintaining your website for SEO purposes.. (that's cutthroat in itself), Facebook, client calls and consults, buying props.. maintaining equipment, purchasing equipment, editing software, backing up, online galleries.. deciding where you want to order your prints from... Yes, it starts to get overwhelming!  

You'll soon realize that this little part time gig you have going for yourself, is more a full-time gig and it can start to take up a majority of your day!You'll see other new folks soaring and their business just taking flight.  This will upset you because you know you can create just as good of work and you'll see others who have been in the business for years and still have a lot of improving to do.  It doesn't matter!!!!  You'll learn it doesn't matter and just focus on yourself!

Eventually, you are going to realize... none of the above matters and to do your own thing. You'll realize that everyone has a style... some folks love clean edits.. some folks like crazy edits and colors...

As you continue and push ahead, you will see folks are now hiring you and respect you for your work.. Your creativity will start to come back and you will find your passion again.This is the time you will start to flourish.  I promise! This is when you will know your true worth and what to price yourself at.

This is when you will build your confidence and you'll learn to tune out most other photographers. You'll be doing you.. the way it was suppose to be all along!  Get out there and do you! It's time! You CAN do this! Trust me!

My moment was a few months back, I stopped listening to what others told me.. I continued on to learn and educate myself. I started to surround myself with local photographers who have the same values and hold the same values. This is when I found my happiness in this again.  After I started doing me, is when other photographers would email or message me in regards to locations, lenses, my editing process, and started to admire my work.I have a long way to go, but I finally feel happy on the path to which I am going in.

I will always continue to learn and grow as an artist, but there was a time I wanted to give it all up! I've learned to not let anyone rain on my parade and neither should you! Keep doing what you love to do... regardless of equipment.. regardless of what others say.

Remember, it's not the camera that takes a great photo.. It is you after all. People will hire you based on your art. Find you. Find your style and be you.. the sky is the limit after that... I promise!Remember and say this to yourself.......

EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER OUT THERE STARTED SOMEWHERE!

They didn't just start clicking and become pros.. It took them a lot of time (sometimes decades) and effort to get to where they are today.I, myself, have a long road to go.. LONG LONG JOURNEY... but I'm finally liking and enjoying the road to get there!

 However, check out this work and what is in my portfolio currently.. it is a night and day difference in less than a year's time!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee