Another goodie has arrived!

At Shooting Star Photography, we are constantly refreshing our collection with new dresses for our styled shoots. The vintage simplicity of this new arrival is truly charming. Keep an eye out for more stunning additions to our wardrobe for your next styled photo shoot!

I love gray. It is one of my favorite colors to work with outdoors (except the beach).

Super cute kiddo with her “puppy” with the dress in use.

another cutie photo with the new dress!

Hey there!

I am loving seeing this weather changing.. the leaves turning and it getting darker... aren't you? As my 5 year old started his "big boy" school this year, it's been an adjustment (although he was in preschool a few days a week previously.)  However, new school year gets me craving for the fall months!!!Boy am I excited for some of the new goodies I have just purchased and will be premiering them to you here.Eek! With these guys... I love when new items come in! I pretty much have new arrivals delivered daily, but hey... why not? It's definitely one of the perks of this job and why I love it so much!!! I LOVE stylized sessions.

A big part of me loves neutral colors because they bring out one's features, there are less color casts that I have to mess around with in post and they photograph beautifully!Here's a dress I purchased in size 2 and size 8!  It's gray and has a boho vibe to it! I love the little tassel touch and the groovy gray color. Yep, I'm all about the boho/groovy lately!I will feature more goodies coming your way! I have also purchased some new floor length ball gowns in numerous colors that I'm sure folks will be happy to wear!  I also have received a few adult gowns in recently!

I will post here shortly!  I'm getting giddy for fall!!!  Can't wait! It's my favorite time of year! Favorite sunlight, favorite colors.. and love the vibrancy this season brings!Stay tuned as I am doing a giveaway on our facebook page for a fall session. If you aren't following or liking... you should do so now! Winner will be chosen shortly!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Golden Hour Glow: A Stunning Sister Photoshoot Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Embracing Sisterhood: A Photo Session Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Introduction:

Step into the enchanting world of sisterhood amidst the towering pines of Sewell. Join us on a journey through a mesmerizing photoshoot, where golden hour light and the bond between siblings create unforgettable moments.

Setting the Scene: The Majestic Tall Pines of Sewell

Nestled within the serene beauty of Sewell lies a hidden gem - the tall pines that stand majestically against the sky. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow across the landscape, these towering trees become the backdrop for a sister photoshoot filled with love and laughter.

Golden Hour Magic: Bathing the Landscape in Ethereal Light

Golden Hour Glow: As the golden hour approaches, the landscape transforms into a scene of ethereal beauty. The soft, golden light bathes the tall pines in a warm glow, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the bond between sisters. It's during this fleeting moment that we embark on a journey to capture the essence of sisterhood amidst nature's splendor.

Sisterly Love: Moments of Joy and Connection Amongst Tall Pines

Moments of Sisterly Love: As the sisters laugh and play amongst the tall pines, their bond shines brightly in every frame. Whether sharing secrets under the canopy of trees or twirling in the golden light, each moment is a testament to the unbreakable connection between siblings. Through candid shots and genuine smiles, we capture the essence of sisterhood in its purest form.

Preserving Moments: The Importance of Family Photoshoots

Conclusion: As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a final, golden glow over the tall pines of Sewell, we reflect on the beauty of sisterhood and the power of photography to preserve precious moments. Through laughter, love, and the enchanting light of golden hour, we've created memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Natural smiles and this cutie showing off her missing teethers!

Twirling around in the beautiful sunlight.

This light is just heavenly!

Something more posed. This kid cracks me up, but is a natural at posing!

Another one!

Sisters being nice to each other! :)

Love these girls!

Super cute!

Kiddos playing and having fun in the beautiful sunlight!

Hello there! It's time to share another session on the blog! Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a mini session right here in South Jersey, more specifically in Sewell. These were 15-minute sessions held at a stunning location blessed with incredible light. The lighting at this spot is simply exquisite and never fails to leave me in awe.

This location in Washington Township, Sewell, offers a rustic charm that serves as the perfect backdrop for photography sessions. In an area where options for photographers are somewhat limited, stumbling upon this gem was a stroke of luck. Its east-to-west orientation ensures optimal lighting conditions, making it a prime choice for any photographer.

As photographers, we're accustomed to working in various conditions, adapting to whatever the circumstances may be. While I'm a firm believer in the magic of golden hour lighting, I also understand that perfect conditions aren't always guaranteed. Sometimes, you simply have to embrace the moment and make the most of it.

During this particular session, I had the pleasure of photographing two lovely sisters. Despite the limited timeframe, I'm thrilled with the results we achieved. It's always a joy to see how well sessions turn out, especially when working with such wonderful subjects.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to conduct more sessions at this location, and I'm eagerly anticipating returning, especially as autumn approaches. With the vibrant colors of fall foliage on the horizon, I can only imagine how stunning the photos will be. I've made an effort to capture that essence in the images shared here, but rest assured, there's much more to come!

Stay tuned for updates on future sessions and exciting photography adventures. Until then, happy shooting, my friends!

Warm regards, Dee

All you need is light!

Light is a crucial element in photography, influencing the overall mood and visual impact of an image. The interplay between light and shadow can bring depth, texture, and emphasis to a subject, creating stunning visual effects. In this image captured in Deptford, the play of beautiful light creates a captivating scene, showcasing the artistry and technical skill of the photographer. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the significance of light in photography and are dedicated to capturing moments that harness its full potential.

Yep, that's right. All you need is great light... LIGHT IS PHOTOGRAPHY. It doesn't matter the location or the subject... without good light.. your images will be horrible. That's the name of the game in this business.  Here's one I recently stumbled on and never posted... but decided to edit this beautiful winter light wonder.This was taken in the Deptford/Blackwood area, here in NJ.  The location was picked for its great light. Here's the thing. Winter is TOUGH.. Everything is dead... Everything essentially. It's cold, damp and miserable. However, the image still speaks because there was pretty winter light and the location that was chosen was perfection for this.

Lately, I've been going back and looking at old work to see if any images may speak to me that perhaps that I never posted and this was one of them. I decided to edit it in my current ways and feel like the image speaks to me a bit. I love the wind in her hair and the rim lighting around her hair and backside and how she is interacting with the dogwood stems.Find the light... and you will have beautiful images. No matter what and where.Thanks for stopping by and have been a bit dead on this blog here and decided to post a bit today!

Ha! Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Our Stylized Sessions Have Been a Hit!!!

Stylized Sessions: Elevating Family Portraits

When it comes to family portraits, capturing the genuine warmth and connection among loved ones is the ultimate goal. However, incorporating stylized photography sessions can add a unique and artistic touch to family portraits, elevating them to a whole new level. Stylized sessions offer the perfect opportunity to infuse creativity, personality, and flair into family photos, creating timeless and captivating images that go beyond the traditional. Here at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe that stylized sessions provide a wonderful way to celebrate the individuality of each family member while creating a visually stunning and memorable collection of portraits.

This was our feather dress! It had feathers and lots of tulle for mom.

vintage mint green dress for this little spunky lady.

Hi there! As stated a long, long, long time ago on this blog of Neverland... that I would be offering stylized sessions this year... and guess? We did it! We launched it!!! It has been a blast!  I receive sometimes a few new dresses a day that ship in and it's pretty crazy.  I have now over a 100 different dresses in sizes ranging from 12 months up until 14 years old. I have just started receiving and collecting some adult gowns... as one is shown below..  A few more selections have come in a champagne with sequins (its gorgeous, trust me, not ugly) It would fit a size 4-6 individual and has a built in bra.  I also have a black gown for size 12.

Our Wardrobe Selection

 A pink gown that will fit most folks from a size 6-10.  I will feature that down the road.One thing I have noticed this year is the girls and boys, when they are dressed up, they seem to cooperate much more easily.  I honestly believe it is because they are playing dress up and feel like the little princesses or princes that they are.A few things that I need to change this year, is my turnaround time. I am at about 8 weeks now. Last year's was about 10-12 weeks and at least I have managed to cut that down efficiently this year, but would like to try and keep it at a simple 4-6 weeks.  

Even sooner if possible.For the little girls, I have dresses in all sizes and colors and hundreds of hair pieces and crowns for you to choose from.  We bring a little pop up changing tent with us on location and about 4 different dress options that you can choose for during your session.  It's been a hoot and I'm in love!!! A lot of moms and dads will ask what types of shoes their children should bring. I always recommend neutrals, silvers, blacks, whites, golds, something that will still film well on camera.Some new locations I have scouted are in Medford, Deptford, Vineland, Pedricktown, Sewell and Monroeville for this year.

I am now looking into locations in Delaware and the Chester County area to kind of branch out for my clients.  I've got a few private properties that I use as well to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for all.  Thanks for being a huge support for me and my business this year. A few kinks to still work out as have only been in business a full calendar year, but think we're well on our way!!!!

More coming.. even maternity dresses!

 I'm enjoying this roller coaster ride. It's been pretty unreal!!!!  I've been traveling up and down South Jersey and into Philly lately... It's been rough and it's been very busy. Our calendar is pretty full into November this year... for that is a blessing in itself. One goal going forward, is to provide even better customer service then what we are providing now.  We're working out the details for our future endeavor!!!  

Stay tuned! It's going to be fun! Will be featuring more of our selections! About half our inventory hasn't even been worn yet!!! Can you imagine?? Happy Shooting, my friends!!! Dee          

My Photography Session Prep Sheet and Style Guide

The Importance of Prepping for Your Photo Shoot

Prepping for your photo shoot is crucial for ensuring that you achieve the best results and have a smooth, stress-free session. Here are several reasons why prepping is essential:

1. Clarity of Vision

Prepping helps you clarify your vision for the photo shoot. It allows you to define the style, mood, and overall look you want to achieve, which guides all other aspects of the shoot.

2. Logistics and Coordination

Proper preparation ensures that all logistical details are taken care of, such as securing the location, obtaining permits if needed, arranging for hair and makeup, and coordinating with the photography team.

3. Time Management

Prepping helps in managing time effectively. When all the elements are well-planned, it minimizes downtime during the shoot, making the most of the available time and maximizing productivity.

4. Comfort and Confidence

Being well-prepared helps everyone involved in the shoot feel more comfortable and confident. Whether it's the model, the photographer, or the entire crew, knowing that everything is organized helps reduce stress and fosters a more relaxed, creative atmosphere.

5. Equipment Readiness

Preparing includes ensuring that all equipment is in working order, charged, and packed. This minimizes the risk of technical issues disrupting the shoot and allows for seamless transitions between different shots.

6. Creative Direction

A well-prepped shoot allows for more focus on the creative direction. With logistics and technical details taken care of, there's more mental and emotional space to explore and experiment with different poses, angles, and expressions, resulting in more dynamic and compelling photographs.

Yep, things are changing around here. I am a picky photographer. I have to be. This is my livelihood and honestly, I want folks to get the very best out of their session when working with me!  It's good to be picky! I am a bit of a snob when it comes to light too. I love light and I have strict standards to when I like to shoot outdoors to give the very best and to put you in the best light... NO PUN INTENDED.Here's my general guide... Yes, it's long... but you want the best in the Philadelphia and New Jersey region, right? 

Shooting Star Photography Styled Session Prep Sheet

Since I am offering stylized sessions, this is a great list of information on prepping you with your photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography.

Maternity Preparation

I bring about 3 gowns for you to choose from.  Please no flip flops as they do not photograph well. Closed toe shoes, boots, going barefoot, or neutral colored sandals are preferred and photograph the best.I will also bring some headpieces to choose from.  Please wear your hair to your liking. I prefer hair down either straight or curly.

Undergarments

Please bring nude boy shorts or underwear.  Preferably a nude strapless bra or nude bra in general.  I do not provide these items due to hygienic purposes.

Makeup

Please keep makeup as simple as possible. Dark/heavy makeup do not mix well for outdoor portraits as you will be moving around and will probably sweat a little.Please bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. We include immediate family (if you have other children) and the father in the beginning of your session so please plan your outfit accordingly.  Towards the end, we will ask you to change and do some formal shots with the father and then the formals of yourself. We will have an assistant on hand to help you with whatever you need.

Children's Prep Sheet

At this time, I only have dresses and gowns for girls ages 1-14. We do have a few boy's items. Please inquire.We pull about 3 items for a half hour shoot and about 5-7 items for an hour shoot. We currently do not provide a current list of dresses in our inventory. We do like to freshly cycle them so that we aren't photographing the same dress all the time.Please arrive 15 minutes early so that we may dress you in a wardrobe prior to the start of your session.Make sure child is wearing neutral undergarments. Is clean. Trust me, I know how kids can be. I have two myself. Also, check for any boogers.  I know it's gross yes, but editing out boogers is no fun either.Please bring a few pairs of dress shoes as we do not provide this for our clients. Preferably, white, silver, gold, black or neutrals as they can go with anything.Makeup, I do not recommended makeup on any child as I like them to be children. I do not alter appearances as other photographers do and will not alter a child's appearance other than skin correction.We also have a wide arrangement of headpieces to choose from.

I will not liquify ribs, alter ears, eyes, give nose jobs or slim a child. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE WHATSOEVER. I want your child to have a fun experience and feel like a princess.  They will be treated as one!Please bring some water and snacks so that we can take breaks throughout the session and your child can take a few moments for themselves.

Family Sessions

At this time we do not have a full inventory to style an entire family session. However, we can provide you with some great tips.Attention to detail is everything, including socks! Especially for men, we can see your socks in certain posing placements. Also, please keep phones out of pockets and hair ands off of wrists.  We will also do a quick check before we start our session.Wear neutral colors, pastels or jeweled tones. Prints are okay, but nothing too loud.Textures film well. So if you have silks, chiffons, feathers, tulle, these are great choices to wear on camera!As above, no heavy makeup.

Keep it light and fresh. Bring some snacks and drinks for the kids and please make sure they are well-rested prior to their session.You can always shoot me a text or email, if undecided in a wardrobe selection. We are here to help!Wardrobe selection,  as well as light, are the two most important roles in your photographs.  Believe it or not, location plays the third role, not first. Please trust me on locations that I provide.

FYI, You will probably think I am showing up like a bum to your session. I normally wear tights, boots and either a blouse or sweater. You will see me mostly rolling around in  the dirt (yes, I am very dirty after each session) or you will be seeing me trampling through mud. I take this job very seriously for my clients! My assistant is usually in much more presentable attire. Please don't judge me.

Now Time For The Fun!

All sessions will take place about an hour to an hour and a half prior to sunset. On particular beaches, we may start about a half hour prior to sunset and work with the light when it has set. No exceptions. I am very strict when I shoot because I like to provide my clients with the best!I do not double book days.  I only do one session per day, which is why it is very important to pay your retainer and lock in the date you want. As dates book up quickly, even weekdays.

In the case of inclement weather, we will reschedule and if we are unable to reschedule, you will receive your retainer back.I hope

I have provided you with a great list going forward! I am a bit picky, but this is why people choose me. These are memories you will have forever and attention to every detail is very important to me!Please feel free to reach out with any other questions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee