Tis' The NJ Photographer Busy Season

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

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

What is the Photography Busy Season?

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

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

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

Ho Ho Ho It’s Busy Season South Jersey!

Merry Christmas to all from Smithville!

Hello Engagement couple!

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

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

Trying to Pencil Clients In Has Been Hard!

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

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

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

New Year Ahead!

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

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

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

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee   

What to Wear Tips

Some excellent key points in here and a must read!

I figured I needed to write a better post on what to wear.  As you may not be aware, the camera picks up on everything!That little zit on your forehead well, on camera it will look like a volcano erupting on your face, that double chin is going to look much much worse... Those love handles... Well... Sorry to say this, but they will look 100 times worse.I am going hardcore with this post, but my job as a photographer is to make you and bring out the best in YOU... Beautiful you.  Here are some tips for getting the best out of your session. 

This is great! My clients know how to dress!!! 

1. Do not wear tight fitting clothing, it will make you look larger than you are. Any bulge you have will make you look like a sausage stuffed in a sausage casing.  Wear loose fitting and flattering clothing.  Something you can move around and breath in and not worry about adjusting for every scene you will be in.

2. Clothing can make or break your photographs.  The best thing to wear is white or neutrals. This will emphasize more of the subject you and lighter clothing brings a softness/reflector effect to the skin. These colors work for practically any landscape environment... Well, everything but snow.

3. Other colors that work well are jewel tones.  Jewel tones are flattering on any skin type... Whether you are pale or have brown skin.  They also look great in practically any landscape.4

. When I say jewel tones, I'm talking  about your sapphire, emeralds, Quartz and teals. They look stunning on ANY person and all skin types.  They especially pop in the fall environment.

5. Texture- there is a reason you see girls in tutus or lace in a lot of photographs.  Textures give depth and they film well. Weather it's something beaded or something furry.  They look great on camera.

The Big NO NO's!

My typical no no's are: 

1. Black or very dark colored clothing.  They do not look flattering and only work well  if doing a more moody effect.

2. Dark makeup. It may look pretty in person, but can have you looking freaky on camera.  Light makeup and a more natural look always looks best.

3. Bright colors and heavy prints. Lighter prints are okay.  Anything too crazy is going to be too distracting and it honestly looks awful in most situations.  Bright colors often times give color casts on skin which is why I usually don't recommend them.

 As I've progressed further along in my photography career, I've become pretty picky.  I'm very detailed oriented.  I will even tell you if a hair is out of place if I am taking your photograph and help fix it. Or makeup on the teeth.... I honestly am only wanting my clients to look their best and show them in their best light.  People pay good money in getting their portraits taken and you don't want that money going to waste on a poor wardrobe choice.If you can stick to some of the key points above, you'll be golden for your photo session or ANY session nonetheless!!! 

Happy Shooting my friends! 

-Dee

Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Photography

Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Photography

Holy moly, what a year it's been! It has truly been an incredible photography journey for Shooting Star Photography LLC. From capturing beautiful family moments to the pure innocence of newborn babies, our lens has seen it all here in the heart of New Jersey.

The joy of freezing those timeless moments for families to cherish forever, the heartwarming smiles, and the genuine emotions captured through our lenses have made this year utterly unforgettable. Every session has been a unique adventure, showcasing the love, connection, and joy that families share.

We've had the honor of witnessing the special bond between parents and their newborns, preserving their earliest moments in stunning photographs. There's something truly magical about capturing the purity and innocence of these precious little ones, and it's an experience that continues to fill our hearts with joy.
As we look back on this fantastic journey, we're reminded of the countless priceless memories we've been trusted to preserve. The trust placed in our hands to capture these fleeting moments is a responsibility we hold dear, and we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what we love.

As we turn the page to a new year, we carry with us the lessons learned, the memories made, and the excitement to continue this incredible journey. Thank you to all the families and little ones who have allowed us to be a part of their story. Here's to more beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences in the year to come!

It has been an INSANE last month! I have worked every single day except for today (which was rained out) and another day that I took off this month. I have to say that I am truly grateful for all of it, as it has been an absolute BLAST capturing the fall foliage in our stunning South Jersey backyard!!!  Oh and I'm very exhausted, but as I like to say... "I'll sleep when I'm dead."A few new things and changes! We are reevaluating our pricing list for next year. We will be attending a few workshops within the next few weeks and feel our work is worth a bit of an increase!  Sorry, guys! It is a business after all!  I know bah humbug, right?

A second thing is that I've been enjoying capturing families and couples more and more! Practically every single day I am out and about capturing memories for families and the kids seem to have a blast by the end of the session! This means a lot!I'm still sending out my thank you cards, but a little bit behind as well as a little behind on the editing, but I am working hard! Trust me!I've also hired an assistant to come out on my shoots since I've been so busy! I really have to say that it has totally been worth it, having that extra set of hands. Plus, it's great security. I can leave my gear bag with my assistant, my assistant can help me get folks in order with the shoot... and also, it's a big ice breaker...

As my assistant is my mom!  Yep, good ol' mom. I do pay her to be with me by my side, but her assistance has helped me two-fold and I am forever grateful for that!Also, another good news. We will be having our Christmas mini sessions on November 28th. There is already a wait list for this, so it will go out fast. I'm receiving emails daily. This will be it for the rest of the year as I need a little break and want to study up, take workshops and rest up for what I have planned to do next year!

Second, I was recently among my peers among some of the best photographers in the world. I am a bit flabbergasted and shocked to be honest with you, but my peers really seem to love the little girl with the leaves.  This has been a request with every photo session since that day. It's actually a lot of fun to do! I see throwing snowflakes in the near future!  

Here's the link if you wanted to check it out for yourself!https://www.facebook.com/Shootingstarsouthjersey/posts/562487303916058I have two maternity sessions lined up for this week and weekend and it's my favorite thing to capture so I'm very excited about that.  

All in all it's been a great year and I feel really blessed to wake up every single day and do something I love to do. That is something special right there!Well... I guess I'll see you around South Jersey! I'm heading off to go edit! I have been traveling from Atlantic County to Burlington County and everything in between lately.

However, I wouldn't change it for the world!

Happy Shooting, my friends!-Dee

Our photography Anniversary! Coming up on a year since started portfolio building!

Celebrating One Year of Capturing Memories!

It's hard to believe that we're already celebrating our one-year anniversary at Shooting Star Photography LLC! Over the past year, we've had the honor of capturing countless precious moments, from joyful weddings to heartwarming family portraits.

The first family session we ever did. It was on October 11th 2014.

Celebrate our First- Year Anniversary!

On October 11th, 2014, Shooting Star Photography LLC embarked on its first official photo shoot, capturing beautiful moments for a lovely family. Since then, our journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the past year, we have tirelessly dedicated ourselves to expanding our skills, knowledge, and experience in the realm of photography. Through ongoing education and numerous practical experiences, we have refined our craft and developed a deeper understanding of our clients' needs. Furthermore, our growth has allowed us the incredible opportunity to meet and connect with the wonderful community of South Jersey. It has been an incredible journey, and we look forward to many more years of capturing cherished memories and expanding our horizons.

This above October date will always be remembered.  It hasn't even been a year yet and I'm forever grateful!  I've come tremendously far.  When I look back,  I look at this image and say... okay, that's not TOO Bad.. I see where I could've improved. I've spent a ton of money on equipment this year... I've added about eleven lenses to the collection, two new camera bodies, lighting, backdrops, props, software, education, insurance and the list goes on! It's incredible what can be done in an entire year and to even see your style change from this to what I have currently.

The families I've worked with, the moms to be, the children.. they all have special meaning to me and I am blessed to have been a part of it.  Blessed to have been given the opportunity to capture photos that families will hold dear for generations to come. Photos that mom and dad can look back on and see their little babies... and see how much they've grown today.I'm extremely excited for what lies ahead.  I'm now booked out through December with limited openings in between and can't believe I've been able to accomplish this since February 2015 when the business was incorporated

Below, is a collage of all the images we’ve taken over the past year. 

Can’t believe it has been a whole year being a in business! Thank you so much!

The Year Ahead

For this fall 2015, I have a lot planned. I am attending a workshop in Florida for a few days, to get better and will be working with a photographer who specializes in maternity photography (which is the avenue I am pursuing as a specialty in South Jersey), I will be creating designed sets, clothing and purchasing maternity gowns.  Basically, I am going all out and giving it my all!I will continue on with editing education.  I'm always trying to improve myself and get better! I have spent a ton of money on education and it's been my most valued asset!  I hardly ever use presets or actions for my photographs and that I'm blessed with!There are many photographers who rely on these and I don't!  I'm going to continue with my vibrant and bokehlicious edits and hope to keep looking ahead!!!I guess I should say... thanks for making this a great year... but it hasn't even been a year yet!! Haha! Look out South Jersey! Here I come!!! Can't wait to see what is ahead and to meet some interesting people while enjoying this incredible journey!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee  

Mommy & Me Mini Session!

Mommy and Me Photo Shoot in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

There's something really special about a mother and daughter relationship!  There's a certain bond and understanding as to the emotional side of things. The relationship you have with your mother is probably the best relationship you will ever have in your life.  The relationship sparks your future relationships, as well as it affects how you will choose to parent one day!  Mothers and daughters are what this world is made of and makes it special! I love my mother and I cherish every day and moment I have with her! 

We recently had the pleasure of capturing a heartwarming mommy and me photo shoot in the charming town of Cherry Hill, NJ. As the camera clicked, the love and bond between the mother and child shone through every shot. Against the picturesque backdrop of Cherry Hill's pristine landscapes, the mom's nurturing nature and the child's innocent joy created a perfect harmony. From tender hugs and giggles to shared secrets and stolen glances, this photo shoot captured the essence of their precious relationship. These portraits will be cherished reminders of the beautiful moments that unfolded on that sunny day in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Mom and daughter smiling away for their beautiful portrait session in Cherry Hill, NJ.

This little cutie was a photography ham. I loved her!

The two amigas… mom and daughter smiling pretty!

Holding hands on Chapel Ave, Cherry Hill among the cherry blossoms.

Another pose for this cutie.

We had to see how “tall” she could get on her stool

Among the tulips in Cherry Hill, NJ.

The Chapel Ave… Cherry Hill cherries!

Hi smiling one!

Last shot among the cherry blossoms in Cherry Hill!

All of my locations are scouted and I have scoured all over the South Jersey area to provide the best for my clients!  Anywho, back to this session!  This was a mini session that was done here in South Jersey among the gorgeous cherry blossoms!  These trees are the same as the ones in Washington D.C.!   I was so excited to offer this type of session this year and can't wait to do it again, next year! Woo hoo!  

My mini sessions usually sell out fast, since I do not offer these too often! As this one was! I had a great time meeting these two gorgeous ladies!  And we had an absolute blast in our time together! My big thing is doing pastels lately. I love soft a vibrant colors!  And love being different from other photographers in the area! I am sure these photographs will be truly cherished for years to come with these two! We got a ton of great photographs from this session (I just decided to pick a few at random to post up on here).  I hope that you can enjoy them as I have! I find it to be my greatest joys in working with people and capturing the true emotion and essence of folks!

 I have a way of relaxing my clients so that they feel comfortable and at ease and this shows throughout my work and with my photographs!I truly can't wait to do this event  again next year, South Jersey!  

I have a few more I would love to get up here and to show you all from this session! I've truly been very busy and I guess that's a good thing!  I can't wait to show you what is to come and other sessions that I have done and have not posted yet!I see myself doing this cherry blossom session for many years to come!  

These blossoms go on for a few miles and folks come from all over to see and enjoy them!

Until we meet again, my friends!

Happy Shooting,

Dee