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:
Whimsical-Sessions with Shooting Star Photography
Whimsical Photo Sessions in South Jersey. If you're looking for whimsical photo sessions in South Jersey, there are several charming locations that can provide a magical backdrop. Here are some ideas:
Shooting Star Photography LLC: Magical and Whimsical Session Collection
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we are thrilled to introduce our new Magical and Whimsical Session Collection. Step into a world where fantasy meets reality, and where your imagination knows no bounds.
Capture enchanting moments with our skilled photographers who specialize in bringing dreams to life through their lenses. Whether you envision a mystical forest setting, a fairy-tale inspired backdrop, or a cosmic journey through the stars, we are here to make it a reality.
Embrace the ethereal beauty of our Magical and Whimsical Session Collection and create timeless memories that will sparkle and shine like the brightest stars in the sky. Contact us today to book your session and let the magic begin.
Shooting Star Photography LLC - Where every picture tells a story beyond imagination.
A beautiful sister session and dancing in the magical light in Sewell, New Jersey.
We love creating magic with our whimsical sessions! I love making magic for our Southern New jersey Families! We are light seekers and light stalkers.. always providing THE BEST for our customers. It's what sets us apart from the rest in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for whimsical photo sessions in South Jersey, there are several charming locations that can provide a magical backdrop. Here are some ideas of some of the whimsy we love to add to our sessions!
Another beautiful little whimsical fairy.
She’s wearing Anna Triant and made her into a beautiful fairy. These were birthday photos taken in Sewell, New Jersey.
Smithville mansion, in South Jersey, offers everything magical. From formal gardens to a lush forest. It’s great for family sessions and for simple and magical portraits.
As you see with the above session.. we allow our subjects to be relaxed and showcase their true beauty. Part of our signature work and style, is getting natural expressions out of our clients. If looking for cheesy smiles, we may not be the best fit for you. Whether it's fairy sessions, unicorn, princess, city, forest... we like to make it truly magical for our clients. EVERy single photograph we put out the door is genuinely special and different. We truly love fairy sessions. We love the magic it brings. South Jersey plays the perfect backdrop for these types of sessions. I am excited for also bringing some magic to boys sessions this year. We want to make them into pirates and vintage creek sessions and we love vintage for boys. What we are trying to showcase in this post, is that every single session we do is unique to the families we work with. We capture kids for who they truly are. Personalities and everything. NOTHING is forced posed. We like relaxed. The kids stay relaxed.. The parents feel relaxed. When we do sessions, we don't force anything. We let the magic come alive and speak for itself.
South Jersey Photographer
If looking for something different and will stand the test of time, than look no further than this South Jersey photographer! We would love to add that extra bit of magic to your session and to your photographs. We wish for you to enjoy them for years to come!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
South Jersey Photographer
The most magical beach sessions in New Jersey!
The most magical beach sessions in New Jersey! Sea Isle, Wildwood and Ocean City provide the best family beach backgrounds for any type of session!
Sea Isle City, Wildwood, and Ocean City are all fantastic choices for family beach sessions. These beach towns offer a perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to capture playful moments in the sand, stunning sunsets by the ocean, or simply create lasting memories with your loved ones, these destinations have it all.
Jersey Shore Beach Photographer
A portrait session at the Jersey Shore captures the unique blend of serene beauty and vibrant energy that defines this coastal region. As the sun dips low over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sandy beaches, every moment becomes infused with a touch of magic. The sound of crashing waves provides a soothing backdrop, while the salty breeze carries with it a sense of freedom and adventure.
Against this picturesque backdrop, individuals and families come together to freeze time and create lasting memories. The photographer expertly frames each shot, preserving not just smiles and poses, but also the genuine emotions that emerge when loved ones gather in such a captivating setting.
The Jersey Shore's charm lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia for carefree days gone by, while simultaneously inspiring hope for tomorrow's possibilities. In this fleeting moment during the portrait session, all worries seem to melt away, leaving only the joy of being present amidst such natural beauty.
Whether it's a candid shot of children playing in the surf or a tender embrace between partners against a painted sky, each photograph tells a story of connection, love, and the enduring magic found at the Jersey Shore.
Magical beach moments in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.
Playing in the ocean at Ocean City, New Jersey.
Brother and sister moment in Wildwood, NJ.
At Townsend’s inlet in Sea Isle. Kids just playing in the sand.
Cape May bay side. Beautiful sunsets can be found here.
Sea Isle City, Wildwood, and Ocean City are all fantastic choices for family beach sessions. These beach towns offer a perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to capture playful moments in the sand, stunning sunsets by the ocean, or simply create lasting memories with your loved ones, these destinations have it all.
Sea Isle City is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and beautiful ocean views. It provides the perfect backdrop for timeless family portraits. With its laid-back atmosphere and smaller crowds, Sea Isle City offers a peaceful and relaxed environment, allowing families to truly connect with each other. The picturesque bayfront area also provides an opportunity for unique and diverse photo opportunities.
Wildwood, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant boardwalk and amusement parks. It's a hub of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for capturing fun and dynamic moments. From riding the thrilling roller coasters to playing mini-golf or indulging in delicious treats at the various boardwalk eateries, Wildwood offers endless entertainment for all ages.
The colorful boardwalk lights and lively atmosphere add a touch of excitement and playfulness to any family beach session.
Ocean City, known as "America's Greatest Family Resort," lives up to its reputation with its inviting beaches and plethora of family-oriented attractions. Its well-maintained boardwalk is perfect for capturing candid shots of families strolling along, ice cream cones in hand. The expansive beaches also provide ample space for children to build sandcastles, fly kites, or play beach games, ensuring that the whole family can have fun while creating beautiful memories.
All three destinations offer a wide range of beachfront accommodation options, making it convenient and comfortable for families to enjoy their beach sessions. They also boast a variety of local shops and restaurants, allowing families to extend their beach sessions by exploring these charming coastal towns.
Whether you prefer a serene and intimate atmosphere, a lively and adventurous experience, or a combination of both, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, and Ocean City have something to offer every family. These locations are guaranteed to provide breathtaking backdrops for your family beach session, ensuring that you will have cherished photographs to treasure for a lifetime.
The Jersey shore can give many varieties of looks for any type of beach shoot.
I LOVE the beach and would say this is the type of photography I thrive in. I believe my work stands out from the rest in regards to beach photography. I have scoured beaches from Central Jersey down to the shores of Cape May.. to the Delaware Bay to offer my clients the BEST and most private beach locations in the industry and area. It's the work that I tend to get known for and win awards for. The pastel colors and skies... the light.. I am quite particular when it comes to my work and the lighting situations that I like to use for my clients.
I am all about giving my best so that my customers have photographs that they will cherish for decades to come. There's something quite special about beach photography. Maybe it's the wind.. the waves.. the calmness.. the light. Most folks, seem to be transformed and more relaxed for these types of sessions. Perhaps, it's the feet dipping into the soft Jersey sand. It's odd that we have different colored sand from beautiful white and soft.. to more tan or river mud in the area, depending on the ecology and area of New Jersey.
I love coordinating colors that will just pop at the beach. I love color and you'll see this a lot in the work I provide. Most photographers, tend to blow out their highlights because they aren't too familiar with beach photography or their lighting. You'll see flash being used at midday. For me, that's unacceptable. I understand that flash is used to help balance out the harsh shadows from the sun of the beach and understand WHY sometimes it is used.
Maybe for certain nap times for the little ones and the reason why needs to be taken at this time... but for me lighting is important. I want soft beautiful light and there's a method to my madness. In regards to the locations I use and my lighting choices. If you would like to book your Southern Jersey beach session for 2018, I recommend so shortly! We only offer a limited amount of beach sessions per year and they are sold out every time!I would love to capture these beautiful moments for you!
Happy Shooting, my friend!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
BEFORE AND AFTER EDITING PROCESS - Southern New Jersey Photographer
Before and After Editing Process- behind the scenes.
As a photographer, it is crucial to show before and after edits of our work for several reasons. Firstly, it allows us to demonstrate our skills and expertise in post-processing techniques. By showcasing the original image alongside its edited version, we can highlight the artistic decisions made and the enhancements achieved. This helps potential clients understand the level of creativity and attention to detail we bring to our photography. Additionally, displaying before and after edits helps in managing expectations. Clients can get a realistic understanding of how editing can elevate and transform an image, ensuring they are satisfied with the final result. Ultimately, sharing before and after edits not only showcases our abilities but also builds trust and transparency with our audience.
Before and After Edit
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, witness the transformative power of editing in our before and after images. Our skilled editors enhance the raw beauty captured in each photograph, bringing out the best in every shot. See how subtle adjustments can make a world of difference, elevating ordinary snapshots into extraordinary works of art. Trust us to perfect your precious memories and turn them into timeless masterpieces.
Southern New Jersey portrait photographer, family photographer in new jersey
Before and After Editing Process- behind the scenes.
As a photographer, it is crucial to show before and after edits of our work for several reasons. Firstly, it allows us to demonstrate our skills and expertise in post-processing techniques. By showcasing the original image alongside its edited version, we can highlight the artistic decisions made and the enhancements achieved. This helps potential clients understand the level of creativity and attention to detail we bring to our photography. Additionally, displaying before and after edits helps in managing expectations. Clients can get a realistic understanding of how editing can elevate and transform an image, ensuring they are satisfied with the final result. Ultimately, sharing before and after edits not only showcases our abilities but also builds trust and transparency with our audience.
Every year, we generally use my friend's peony field in Gloucester County, NJ. Most folks ask... what is a peony? A peony flower resembles huge rose flowers... They bloom for maybe two weeks tops and they are extremely fragrant. Peak time is generally at height around Memorial Day weekend. There's a few farms in the area. Our Outer Coastal plan in New Jersey allows great growing conditions of plants and vegetables and is why it is called the Garden State. However, this past year with the weird warmup we had in the winter.. Bloom times were heavily affected. We had to cancel our annual peony farm sessions this year.
A lot of bloom times were affected. Peach crops were apparently going to also be affected another year in a row. It was a strange spring. I hope that 2018's spring will be much different.I wanted to show a little bit of what we do behind the scenes on the editing process. We don't just take a photo and hand it over to you. We lovingly go over every single image to make it truly shine. This is why we take the time we do, to have them back to you. I am at home working most nights until 3 am to 4 am in the morning.
Our schedule is very busy and this part time business, has turned into almost a 24/7 operation.I have trained under some of the best of the industry to give my clients the very best. I believe in education and that is key at all times to continue to grow, learn and provide the best for customers. I am constantly learning new things. In regards to the peony sessions, I rarely show my before and afters... but wanted to show you what things look out of camera and what your final product may be. Some of our specialty sessions, like our unicorn sessions.. tend to be even more work. I don't believe in changing children's faces or features. I have seen this done many times in our industry. Everything, tends to get "cooked to death" as I like to say or completely Photoshopped to death.
My goal is just enhancement. EVERYTHING is edited by hand. Peony field. Southern New Jersey. Before and after editing process.Top left is out of camera. It was actually overcast and raining during this session. Full image is the final edited product in which my clients received. I would say not my BEST WORK. However, it still goes to show the in depth process of what we do.I want my clients to look back on their photos (years from now) and see art and beauty, but see their children and themselves as they truly are. I don't like to lose skin texture or affect features.
This is why we take the time we do to make sure each and every photograph that you choose in the editing process.. looks like a superstar, but not overly processed. We also stylized this shoot. The color white and vintage ALWAYS looks beautiful virtually anywhere. It reflects timelessness. Most likely, you won't look back at this image in 5 years and say it is out of style or clothing choices.. what was I thinking? This image was taken two years ago and still just as beautiful today!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
NJ Portrait Photographer
Upcoming Unicorn Sessions! South Jersey Photographer
Experience the enchantment of a unicorn session in the picturesque landscapes of New Jersey. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe in capturing the pure magic and whimsy that surrounds these mythical creatures. Step into a fairy tale world as you adorn our exquisite dresses and sparkling tiaras, transforming into a princess ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure. We will skillfully capture your moments of wonder and awe as you interact with majestic unicorns, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Let us enchant you with a unicorn session that will transport you to a realm where dreams come true.
South Jersey Photographer- Unicorn Sessions A Captivating Experience!
Experience the enchantment of a unicorn session in the picturesque landscapes of New Jersey. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe in capturing the pure magic and whimsy that surrounds these mythical creatures. Step into a fairy tale world as you adorn our exquisite dresses and sparkling tiaras, transforming into a princess ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure. We will skillfully capture your moments of wonder and awe as you interact with majestic unicorns, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Let us enchant you with a unicorn session that will transport you to a realm where dreams come true.
Unicorns are often celebrated for their mythical and magical allure. Their symbolization of purity, grace, and enchantment captivates the imagination of many. With their majestic horn and iridescent mane, unicorns spark joy and wonder in both children and adults alike. The allure of unicorns lies in their ability to transport us to a world where endless possibilities exist, where dreams come true, and where magic thrives. The enchanting charm of unicorns is a delightful reminder to embrace the whimsical side of life and indulge in the fantastical mysteries that the world has to offer.
Little girl in a blue dollcake dress… smiling for a unicorn portrait session in New Jersey!
As we get into the cooler weather, here in South Jersey, we have some exciting sessions coming up! We're giddy with excitement! The first one that is up is UNICORNS. That's right. In two weeks, our once again, 3rd time sell out of unicorn sessions will take place. Many girls and boys will gather for this beautiful fall-inspired.. yet pastel theme. Our unique "unicorn" will have her own unique look as well. New horn, beautiful floral halo. Etc. Etc. Etc. New flowers.
New pretty much everything for this shoot. I think it's going to be gorgeous with the already changing leaves outside. As this will be another dreamy magical forest location!We're excited to hold these and can't wait to do these next year! I have also purchased unicorn inspired gowns to go along with this September's theme!
Stay tuned as we post more information as Fall comes along! It's going to be a rocking end of year! No one does it better in South Jersey as we truly do make it a distinctive session for every boy and girl and with every single session we do. We give 100% from start to finish. We do this because we really do love what we do. To me sessions are all about bringing magic to a child's eyes and making each and every child feel special! If you would like to get on next spring's list for the magical unicorn experience, feel free to reach out!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Owner of Shooting Star Photography
Excited for 2017 Fall Sessions! Daretown Lake, NJ
Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.
Fall Family Portrait Session at Daretown Lake, Salem County, New Jersey
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we capture the beauty of family moments against the picturesque backdrop of Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Our neutral approach ensures that every emotion and expression shines through naturally.
With the golden hues of fall foliage surrounding the serene waters of Daretown Lake, your family portrait session will be a timeless masterpiece that you can cherish for years to come. Our experienced photographers know how to capture the essence of your family bond in a relaxed setting, allowing your personalities to illuminate the frame.
Let Shooting Star Photography LLC preserve your family's joy, laughter, and love during this enchanting fall season at Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Book your session with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Family photo at Daretown Lake, in Elmer.
cutie patootie.
Pretty lady in front of the Daretown lake mill.
Daddy with his kiddos.
Now, we got a smile!
Hello red head!
The classic sibling shot. Loved this Daretown Lake Session!
Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.
Through our lens, we will capture the laughter, the shared adventures, and the unconditional love that radiates from within, ensuring that your family fall photo session becomes a cherished heirloom, capturing a fleeting moment in time. Choose Shooting Star Photography LLC for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of Daretown Lake, NJ.
EEEEEK! This weather is getting cooler and cooler and it has been extremely gorgeous outside! I am so excited for upcoming fall photos in the South Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware Areas. "They" aka forecasters for fall foliage predictions are expecting things to change a little earlier this year! Last year, fall extended in the first week of November! I recall the leaves not changing until the end of October! This year, they are expecting things to change and peak around mid October in our area.I guess we will see how things go! However, I am already starting to see some leaves changing colors around where I live in Woodstown, NJ (I travel all over) and am seeing among my travels to sessions all across the Delaware Valley, some foliage already starting to show! It's kind of strange.. It's still technically summer!
A little secret.. I MAY open up a few more sessions. I am trying to get caught up with the final galleries from the summer first and then will determine if I am able to open up a few more spots. Right now, we are booked full for the year (since I want to have photos completed for folks this year, in a timely fashion.) Here's a few images from a fall family mini session from last year!! I believe first family to choose images with our new policy! We upload the good, the bad, the ugly from our session...
EVERY image taken and then post them online for you to pick your selection and which images you would like edited. Can't wait to see what this year brings!!! I've already started working with families and hopefully, will post soon! :) I'm adding a few more great locations to the mix in the whole Delaware Valley/Philly area for folks who travel long distances to see me! I'm excited! We got to work at a great location in Pennsylvania the other day and it has so much to offer! Fyi, new dresses and gowns are coming in daily and am very excited what 2018 is going to bring our way! Stay tuned.. You may see a fall session or two pop up and grab it while you can!!!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
NJ portrait photographer
