Storytelling Through Photography- Personal Family Photography

You are storytelling in this work-Family Photographer in South Jersey

You have one story and then something happens and it changes you.. your perspective and I believe this is where I am now. My perspective has changed recently.

This is the stage where you start to have an understanding and become a master of some sort of training of your eye.Now, finally telling my story, my eye and the story of the subjects that I am capturing... THE STORY through the photographs we create.

I urge anyone in photography to be involved in groups when you start out a bit. What I mean by groups, is Facebook groups catered to professionals/amateurs. Use this valuable info in these groups to hone the technical basics.

Train your eye... but am suggesting to stop there. Take a Damien's class. This will get you started in Photoshop and learning your way around. Watch YouTube videos. You'll find there are 5 ways to do something in Photoshop to get the same result, but learn interesting methods to get yourself there.

Find photographers to follow and love

Then list 5 photographers of completely different styles.Maybe one does family who is up close and personal on their photographs, one does couture, one has mastered lighting (which this is the realm I'm wanting to learn more of myself), one is photo journalistic and maybe one does weddings, but they kill it.. they are consistent and kill it across the board. This is who you need to follow.

These are the folks you can be inspired by.

I finally consider myself an artist. It took me two years to say this.

I think this past year (year 2 in business) has been an eye opener for me. I started out this 2017 year going in the direction I thought I wanted to get into, but I see so many others doing the same things these days and... it's just time to just do me. I don't need fancy dresses or a fancy wardrobe to attain a great image. I feel I have a well understanding of light to get an image I seek out to achieve.

southern new jersey family photographer

Try new things and push yourself

 I feel the need to push myself out of my own barrier now. I want to be on my toes and feel like I lost that a bit this year. I lost the will to challenge myself. Don't get me wrong... I did... challenge myself, but I need to delve even farther and deeper.

I got BORED. Boredom kills spontaneity and anything organic that can arise from and work will become monotonous. I took too much on this last year with clients, not allowing time for my creative self to learn and flourish.

Well, times are a changing and now going forward, will be making that time and taking less client work on.I will be doing more projects to feed my creative soul and I cannot wait. It's full steam ahead. I'm not looking back and am excited to see what lies ahead.

southern new jersey family photographer taking photos of my little girl.

One thing of advice I can give to folks starting out in this business ... never stop being you, DO NOT undercharge/undervalue yourself, never stop learning.... and most importantly.... you're going to learn to say no a lot. It's hard to say no... because starting out, you are so eager to build your business, or to get any business at all. You're hungry to just shoot.

It's okay to say NO.

I said no to clients a lot...this last year I'd have requests for events, parties, weddings, cake smashes... but my heart was just never into them. Even though I did do these ^ because wanted to test the waters and see if I would like them. I know now that I don't like them.. because I at least tried them. So don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Once getting your feet wet, decide on where you wish to go and what you LOVE and take it from there. This is where you'll find your mojo, in the heat of battle trying new things.

But most importantly don't be afraid to say no and if it's a session you don't wish and you dislike, that's okay. It's okay to say no, if your heart is not into it.No one is holding a gun to your head. Always trust your gut. I promise you this, once you start doing what you love, the world soon becomes your oyster. You start attracting the clients you always wanted and dreamed of because that passion shines through in your work and then the magic starts to unfold. It has unfolded for me and my passion for what I do remains strong.

I value myself, my clients and the work I put out there in the universe. I want always my best forward and out there. 

If you read this far^ I give you a standing ovation.  Kudos and bravo to you. I need to log off. More editing to do :) but seriously read what I wrote above, if you are feeling a little lost as a photographer this winter season. 

Breakfast at Tiffany's Shoot!-Philadelphia Photographer

Breakfast at Tiffany's Inspired Photo Shoot in Philadelphia @Tiffany's

Greetings from Shooting Star Photography LLC! We are excited to share that we recently had a wonderful opportunity to capture a Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired photo shoot right at Tiffany's in Philadelphia. The iconic elegance and charm of the timeless classic was brought to life against the backdrop of this historic city.

Our team was thrilled to play with the sophisticated styles and classic glamour reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's iconic character. From the elegant black dresses to the statement accessories, every detail exuded a touch of vintage charm blended with modern sophistication.

The shoot captured the essence of a luxurious breakfast setting, with the beautiful Tiffany's store as the perfect setting. The soft morning light filtering through the windows added a dreamy quality to the photographs, enhancing the overall elegance of the scene.

The models exuded grace and style, perfectly embodying the classic Breakfast at Tiffany's aesthetic. Their poses and expressions conveyed a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication that truly brought the theme to life.

As photographers, it was a delight to work in such an iconic location and bring a beloved story to life through our lens. The juxtaposition of classic elegance and urban chic in the heart of Philadelphia provided a unique and unforgettable backdrop for this special photo shoot.

We are eager to share the final images from this enchanting Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired photo shoot and hope that they capture the essence of this timeless tale in a fresh and captivating way.

Thank you for joining us on this creative journey as we continue to explore new inspirations and push the boundaries of our artistry.

Warm regards, Shooting Star Photography LLC

Such a classic black and white portrait. Our Breakfast at Tiffany’s Philadelphia photo shoot!

Close up of this natural beauty!

Twirling around in front of Tiffany’s!

Breakfast at Tiffany's: An Iconic and Enchanting Photography Session

Breakfast at Tiffany's, the classic 1961 film directed by Blake Edwards, has captivated audiences for decades with its timeless charm and sophisticated aesthetic. The film, based on Truman Capote's novella of the same name, tells the story of Holly Golightly, a free-spirited young woman living in New York City, and her unlikely bond with a struggling writer.
With its romanticized portrayal of the glamorous Upper East Side of Manhattan, Breakfast at Tiffany's has become an iconic symbol of elegance and style. The film's visual allure, enhanced by the enchanting presence of Audrey Hepburn, is the perfect inspiration for a photography session that seeks to capture the essence of sophistication, grace, and the allure of the city.

First and foremost, Audrey Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, epitomizes quintessential elegance. Her iconic little black dress and timeless updo have become synonymous with the epitome of chic fashion. A photography session inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany's allows photographers to recreate this stunning look, capturing the beauty and grace of Hepburn's character. The session could showcase the model in a dazzling black dress, with carefully styled hair and accessories, echoing the film's signature style and creating a visual feast for the eyes.

Moreover, Breakfast at Tiffany's offers a wealth of stunning settings that lend themselves effortlessly to photography. Hepburn's visits to Tiffany & Co's flagship store on Fifth Avenue represent not only her own love for luxurious treasures but also the allure of the gleaming city itself. The session could incorporate elements of the enchanting window displays, with the model gazing captivatingly at the sparkling jewelry, capturing a sense of wonder and romance. Additionally, incorporating New York City's iconic landmarks, such as Central Park or Grand Central Terminal, would infuse the photography session with a touch of urban sophistication, transporting the viewer into the heart of the city that never sleeps.

Furthermore, the themes explored in Breakfast at Tiffany's resonate deeply with a wide audience. Beneath the glitz and glamour lies a story of longing, personal transformation, and the search for true love and identity. A photography session inspired by the film can beautifully encapsulate these themes, evoking a sense of mystery, vulnerability, and romance. Photographers can capture the model lost in thought, perhaps perched elegantly on a fire escape, as Hepburn's character often was, revealing an air of contemplation and curiosity.

In conclusion, Breakfast at Tiffany's is an iconic and captivating film that continues to inspire and enchant audiences to this day. Its timeless elegance and portrayal of New York's sophisticated allure make it a perfect source of inspiration for a photography session. By capturing the essence of Audrey Hepburn's character, the luxurious settings, and the underlying themes of romance and self-discovery, photographers can create a visual masterpiece that transports viewers to a world of timeless style and glamour. A Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired photography session is an opportunity to capture the magic of this iconic film and create images that will endure for a lifetime.

 Who doesn't love the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's? Audrey Hepburn in an elegant updo... Classy and sophisticated clothing. It was a dawn of the new age in the 60's. A booming economy after World War II.  The start of the baby boomer generation. I love true elegance. It's what our photography company in the Delaware Valley is all about. This is why we offer the styling and dress selection for all our clients. We have tremendous offerings. From vintage, to classic, to elegant, to maternity.. from headpieces... right down to the socks to wear.

Our goal for 2018, is to provide girls, women and boys this service from head to toe and offer the best boutique offerings in the South Jersey region.I truly believe that what you wear, can make or break your photography session. For me, it's all about the details.   We want you to truly look your best. This young lady came out for a themed Breakfast at Tiffany's shoot in Philadelphia, which is attached to the cosmopolitan Bellevue Hotel.

I find the Bellevue hotel one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. Go in and just look at their bathrooms.. they are even out of this world. A bathroom, folks!!! You could probably literally eat off the floor..  and I find bathrooms disgusting! I'm sure most do. However, this would be an exception.This precious girls mom and I got together for a shoot in the city and we had this concept for a long time. The only thing I regret is not getting the traditional baby blue/Tiffany bag to do a shoot with and utilize as a prop. We planned to and they were closed.

This session was done on a whim!I used a different focal length for this shoot. I traditionally like to use my 200mm 1.8L lens, but I decided to pull out my 55mm Zeiss, which I fall more and more in love with every time I use it! Ifind it works beautiful in tight areas and less chromatic aberration, across the board aka CA in the industry. I tend to work with both Sony and Canon bodies anymore, but traditionally I love Sony bodies in the city. I just think they perform better in low light situations.

If you would like to plan or book your Breakfast at Tiffany's shoot.. in Philly.. I would love to plan something for you! I could see even two sisters going all out in black (which I love black clothing in the city, fyi) decked out in the classic black glasses.. cigarette lighter (which I have a few on hand to use as props) and gorgeous princess-inspired updo! Let us create something special and magical for you and your beautiful family!  

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

NJ portrait photographer

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   

Business Owner? Update Your Location On Facebook!

The Importance of Updating Your Location on Your Business Page on Facebook

As a business owner, it is crucial to stay ahead of the game in today's highly competitive digital landscape. One crucial aspect of maintaining an influential online presence is consistently updating your location on your business page on Facebook. Here's why:

1. Increased Visibility

Updating your location is instrumental in increasing the visibility of your business. When potential customers search for services or products in a specific area, Facebook algorithms consider location as a determining factor in showing relevant search results. By updating your location, you ensure that your business appears in relevant local searches, increasing the chances of attracting new customers in your vicinity.

2. Enhanced Credibility and Trust

Keeping your business location up to date on Facebook adds an element of credibility and trust to your brand. Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that display accurate and current information. By providing your exact location, potential customers can verify your authenticity, establishing a level of trust that encourages them to choose your services over competitors.

3. Seamless Customer Experience

Updating your location ensures a seamless customer experience, enhancing customer satisfaction. When customers visit your business page on Facebook and find accurate location information, they can easily navigate to your premises, reducing the chances of confusion or frustration. A seamless customer experience improves positive brand perception and encourages repeat business.

4. Targeted Advertising and Geotagging

By updating your location, you enable Facebook's advanced advertising features and geotagging capabilities. These tools allow you to target specific audiences based on their geographic location. With accurate location information, you can tailor your marketing campaigns to reach potential customers who are most likely to convert, maximizing your return on investment in advertising.

5. Leveraging Local Events and Trends

Keeping your location updated empowers you to participate in local events and trends effectively. By accurately identifying your location, you can tap into the pulse of your community, aligning your business activities with local events, festivals, or other opportunities. This proactive engagement with local happenings enhances brand visibility and fosters community connections, potentially driving more business through word-of-mouth referrals.

6. Maintaining Consistency Across Platforms

Maintaining consistency across your online profiles is essential for branding and user experience. By updating your location on your business page on Facebook, you ensure consistency with other online platforms, such as Google My Business or Yelp. This consistency helps build a strong online presence, making it easier for potential customers to find and recognize your brand through multiple channels.
In conclusion, updating your location on your business page on Facebook is of utmost importance for various reasons. It boosts your visibility, enhances credibility, facilitates a seamless customer experience, enables targeted advertising, allows for geotagging, helps leverage local events, and maintains consistency across platforms. By taking the time to keep your business location up to date, you position yourself for success in the highly competitive digital marketplace.

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stop the madness

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There's a current and absolutely crazy trend going on in the photography world right now!  Fellow photographers are actually changing their names on Facebook RAPIDLY... just based on hearsay alone!  Sue Bryce, famous photographer and awesome business person, is said to have been the originator of this madness.. However, this fact is untrue.  She had a Creative Live class yesterday and the Facebook world literally went bonkers!  For the last 24 hours people's feeds and notifications have been on the fritz!  Many folks received notifications via Facebook like the one below....Folks, are doing this because they believe this will help with their SEO and so folks can get on the top of searches..

All you need to do is do this... below so people can essentially find you!

Facebook only allows business pages to change their name once and many will now be stuck with this name change for a good while. Just by changing this... see on edit address is only really what you need. She did not mean for folks to change their names.. She just wanted folks to make sure they list their location.Essentially, Sue Bryce broke the Facebook internet! It created a stir and craziness I've never seen before in the photography world! I'm glad she finds it humorous! I did after the first few notifications and thereafter it started to drive me mad!Keep up the good work, Sue.. Fellow togs... don't go jumping into something you haven't done your research on that can affect your business!  Now some folks are actually going to be stuck with this new name change.I think it FINALLY died down now, but did it drive you bonkers like me? Haha!

P.S. I can list these facebook notices because they are all public pages..

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Top 5 Reasons To Work With Me (Only Click Here... if you are awesome)

Enjoying lollipops!

Playing with pumpkins.

There are a gazillion photographers out there and they all look all the same, they put out the same product and well, it gets a little boring, but there are a few things that will set me apart and why you (yup, you're awesome, did you know that?) would want to work with me!So.. I gathered up a spectacular top 5 list and hope you enjoy the quirky humor and maybe have a good laugh?

1. PersonalityThat's me, Mrs. Personality. In fact, I was class clown for many years in my youth and even had aspirations of being on Saturday Night Live "when I grew up."  I light up a room and make people laugh and feel at ease. I swear they made that song... "They call you Mr. Personality because you're so ugly"  about me! Humor is a huge component of my life and I'm able to laugh even in the darkest moments.  I realized very young that life is too short and one must live it and enjoy it! You should know that I'm endlessly cheerful and full of giddiness!I have two kids myself and apply this humor into everyday life with them. My kids are laughing and happy all the time and are very well-behaved and adjusted little monkeys. I apply this love and humor when I work with kids and babies. Many folks are amazed how I get the kids to cooperate and even can get a genuine smile out of a child who doesn't like to smile much. I'm not afraid of making myself look like a fool to get those beautiful photos! I truly have a way with people and I love people!You are seriously going to have a great time during your session!  Everyone that I have worked with says it is the most fun they ever had being photographed! That means being relaxed and having the time of your life! Seriously, I love capturing life and smiles! My clients are just like you!  Happy, cheerful and funny!

2.  I'm A Big Nerd.

I don't know what happened to me and I use to be considered "cool", but something happened and switched in my adult life! Haha! I enjoy Dr. Who, I can laugh at the Big Bang Theory and understand what comes out of Sheldon's mouth. I know weird facts that a lot of people don't know, I like going on adventures (like hiking an old pirate highway here in South Jersey where the Pirates were known to roll their rum barrels on) and discovering unique places all over SJ (I share them on my South Jersey History & Adventures Website),I'm a wanderlust and have traveled all over the world (heading to Ireland this year). I like reading and have a large library in my home and like to collect books. I love gardening. I am a huge nut! Give me a Latin name of a plant and I'll tell you all about it.  I have one of the most beautiful private gardens in South Jersey and welcome my customers here all the time for sessions. It's my Garden of Eden and I love to share it.However, being a wanderlust has allowed me to find really neat locations for my customers!! I strive to be different and to offer a different experience! Yup, a huge dork... Told Ya!

3. PeopleI

love people and am actually one of those who actually loves working with people. This is why I believe I was bred for being a photographer. You won't get any unnatural, awkward photos from me.  Fake smiles... Sheesh, no way that's not even in my vocabulary! I am a bit like a chameleon (as have been told by friends) in which I can fit in with the corporate president/CEO types (I worked with a Fortune 500 company) and can hang with the average "working man."I have friends from all walks of life! From doctors, pharmacists, to CEO's, to the friend that works at Walmart. I love people and I'm not one to judge's anyone's character. I truly believe every one is uniquely special and I treat every client with the upmost respect and as a queen! I think this is why people are comfortable in working with me. My bubbly personality and my attention to detail!

4. Attention to Detail/Preparation

I am one of those who is ALWAYS prepared!  I always bring a backup camera, batteries, memory cards with me. I plan out each session and discuss with my clients which direction they are trying to achieve and what they truly want out their session. I think it's my true attention to detail.. That makes me a bit of a perfectionist and I'm the hardest critic when it comes to my work. I strive for great communication and customer service.  I also send every customer a thank you card after each session. When you choose me, you are getting my experience  (I’m reliable, organized, and great under pressure.)You don't want to go bowling with me though, I'm lucky to score in the 30's), but I'm a great cheerleader! Before your session day, I work hard to make this experience easy! From locations, to what to wear and offering tips of advice... I'm here for you along the way (and even after)!

5. I'm Here For You!

Yup, that's me! I'll be here for you every step of the way from start to finish. If you're camera shy, a little goofy/awkward behind the camera, no one will ever notice... If you work with me! I'm all about the experience in what I can give my customers. It's all what it is about and a positive/fun one in that!  I have yet to have any boring sessions.  They are all so much fun!

Does this sound like something you are looking for? If you think that I what I offer is perfect for you, please contact me via this form right away!https://secure.jotform.us/form/50975540422151