Winter Maternity Sessions!

Winter Wonderland Maternity Session: Embracing the Magic of the Season

Winter maternity magic in New Jersey.

The beauty of winter is not solely confined to the glistening snowflakes and frost-covered landscapes—it extends to the tender moments of a winter maternity session. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the unique charm and ethereal ambiance that a winter backdrop offers for capturing the radiance and anticipation of a soon-to-be mother.

A winter maternity session provides an opportunity to embrace the magic of the season while celebrating the incredible journey of pregnancy. Imagine standing amidst a snow-covered forest, the air crisp and invigorating, while capturing moments that convey the overwhelming joy and love that surrounds the expectant parents.
The snow-covered landscapes serve as a blanket of serenity, creating a picturesque setting that enhances the natural glow of the mother-to-be. The contrast between the soft white snow and the vibrant colors of a maternity gown or a cozy sweater adds a level of warmth and intimacy to the images.

To make the winter maternity session truly enchanting, Shooting Star Photography LLC works closely with our clients to create a vision that reflects their uniqueness and captures the essence of their journey. Whether it's an outdoor session, with the golden glow of a winter sunset as a backdrop, or an indoor session with the warmth of a crackling fireplace, we strive to create an atmosphere that is as magical as the love that is growing within.

The beauty of a winter maternity session lies not only in the visually stunning images but also in the emotional connection that is formed. As the snowflakes gently fall, the expectant couple can't help but snuggle closer, creating an intimate and heartfelt bond that is immortalized in the photographs.

To ensure the comfort and safety of our clients, Shooting Star Photography LLC provides various options to accommodate the winter conditions. From cozy blankets and warm wraps to tips on dressing appropriately for the cold weather, we go above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

A winter maternity session goes beyond capturing beautiful photographs—it narrates a story of love, anticipation, and the unbreakable bond between parents and their unborn child. The cozy winter sweaters, the tender touches in the falling snow, and the contagious excitement in the air all contribute to creating treasured memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

As we embark on this winter season, Shooting Star Photography LLC invites expectant parents to embrace the magic of a winter maternity session. Let us capture the beauty and sentimentality of this remarkable time, ensuring that these moments are preserved and shared with loved ones for generations to come.

Contact Shooting Star Photography LLC today to book your winter maternity session, and let us create a timeless collection of images that truly capture the essence of this special chapter in your life.

A magical winter session in Shooting Star Photography.

Did you know... that maternity is one of our favorites to shoot? Both my assistant and I (mom, theeee best assistant, ever) truly love it. It is our FAVORITO. Why do we love it so much? Well, it is because it is an exciting new chapter in a couple's life. It's usually a life changing event, once your little bundle joy arrives. Tremendous emotions... everything from fear, to love, to anticipation comes to the surface. I know for me.. it was terrifying.. that you are actually responsible for another human being.. when sometimes you can't even take care of yourself.. and trying to keep it together, am I right? This time is a wonderful time to capture that belly bump silhouette. I know with my children, they enjoy seeing me huge, but seeing the belly they were once inside. This is also a wonderful time for the bubbies.

Those babies get nice and big! Hahahaha!I love maternity.

We have a ton of gowns. All different colors. It's important that dad and kids are involved. Although, it is mostly about you and the bump-a-roo! Our goal is to capture you in a dreamy/ very best light to show off your bump. Our favorite time of year is winter.  It is the best time of light and the best time to shoot maternity sessions. As come spring and those warmer months, you are preparing for the bambino/bambina!   

We know this is a tough time getting around. You can't see your feet anymore, your feet and ankles start to swell... and you feel HUGE!!! But.. I can't tell you how this is an important event to capture and look back on. Once the baby is here, it's go go go. It's nice to do something for yourself and especially great to document this new chapter in your life. Almost as important, as your own wedding day. Moments to look back on. As you get older, time just flies. You have a one year old one moment. and before you know it, they are heading off to college.

Photographs are sometimes all you have, when someone passes.. or for memories. Let us help you capture this bumpalicious time. We will help you get up... and help you move around, hahahaha. We know the struggle is real, but trust me, it's all worth it. These munchkins will be the best thing that ever happened to you! Contact us today to make it happen! Happy Shooting, my friends! Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Philadelphia's premiere maternity photographer  

One Crazy South Jersey Winter!

It has been one crazy winter. Hasn’t it? Having a winter portrait session in South Jersey is a truly captivating experience. The landscape transforms into a scenic wonderland, painting a picturesque backdrop for capturing the beauty of the moment. Recently, we had the pleasure of conducting a maternity session in the enchanting snowy grounds of Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly, NJ.

As the pure white blanket of snow draped the trees and covered the earth, the surroundings created a serene ambiance that effortlessly highlighted the expectant mother's radiant glow. The frozen ponds, glistening in the winter sunlight, added an ethereal touch to the photographs, making them truly unforgettable. The combination of the majestic surroundings and the joyous anticipation of new life made this winter portrait session an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Hi there South Jersey! Boy, has it been one crazy winter... hasn't it?! I am STILL working this winter!!! We had a nice little warm period for a bit until it turned into the New Year and it's been a bit cold ever since!!! I'm still getting caught up on my December gallery deliveries, however, I'm hoping to knock everything out by the end of this week!!I have some very exciting news!!! Just because it snows, doesn't mean it should deter you from shooting!!!

Capturing the Quiet Beauty: Winter Portraiture

Why I love winter portraits! The cold weather encourages intimacy and closeness, making it an ideal time for capturing genuine connections and heartfelt interactions between people.
For portrait photographers, the snow season provides an opportunity to experiment with composition and framing, using the natural elements to add visual interest and drama to their work. Whether it's the delicate snowflakes adorning the background or the striking silhouettes against the wintry landscape, every detail contributes to the narrative woven through the photographs.

Winter has the BEST LIGHT!

In addition, the subdued color palette of winter lends itself to a timeless and classic aesthetic, accentuating the emotions and personalities of the subjects without distractions. The purity of the snow season creates a sense of calm and introspection, allowing photographers to craft portraits that resonate on a deeper level.

Finding Inspiration in the Winter as a Portrait Photographer

One session type that speaks to me for the winter time is…maternity photographs!  My client wanted a beautiful winter wonderland session. In fact, I went so far as to learning how to photoshop one in... but I got lucky.. real lucky.. It snowed!!! And it was the first snowfall of the year!!!! My beautiful snow princess got her wish!!! Here is her photograph taken within this last week!This past week was a pretty incredible week for myself as an artist.  I have worked so hard this year. It's been many hours of blood, sweat and tears honestly.  Many days away from my family and my growing young children...    I have been following a dream. MY DREAM and no one is going to stop me from it. I've worked too hard to let anyone ruin that for me and will continue to push ahead!  

More Inspiring Work

One place, I've always looked up to is this magazine.... Inspire Digital or Not.  The attached is their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/inspirefineartphotographymagazine/?fref=ts 

Now, this page may not sound like anything to you, but my IDOLS have been published and featured here. Everyone from LJ Holloway, Katrina Parry, Tara Lesher, Lilia Alvarado and the list goes on.  The huge game changers of this industry have been featured. Well, I got my wish this week... or I guess my dream finally came through.  I was published FOUR TIMES this week. FOUR.. With four different images. My images use to get rejected and not even get a nomination and this week FOUR featured images.  THIS IS HUGE NEWS to me.

To be featured among the best in the world and with folks I've come to admire... and for only being in this business for less than a year... Yup, February will be my first FULL year in business.  This is big news to me. Big news on how much I have grown and improved. I have moved mountains this last year to get to the level I have gotten to!  It's unreal!!! I have Meg Bitton to thank greatly for this. I will blog about her in a bit.  I took a workshop with her back in December and it was a game changer for myself and where I saw this business going... where its future lies. Meg Bitton is one of the world's greats... and if I'm going to learn.. it will be from the best!!!  

Upcoming Photography Workshops!

I have signed up for another of her workshops for this September with her and Sandra Bianco (another great and very well-known artist in this industry).  Another artist that I will be learning under this year is Elena Shumilova.  She's considered one of the top 5 photographers in the world and I am extremely blessed to have landed into her workshop this year.

This workshop will be two days of beautiful bliss for me!!! I am continuing my education in between workshops. I have taken up a few editing workshops and plan to take a local workshop with some well-known folks in our area.  This year is MINE. I am going after it. I am giving my best and best of all... I am going to be me and let my work shine for myself and for my clients!!!

I am so very excited. PHOTOGRAPHY is where my heart is and where it lies... I couldn't be happier.  It is my joy and I enjoy capturing art for my clients!!! Don't let this winter drag you down... As you see, with the images above, winter can still be absolutely beautiful. You just have to look for it!!! It's there. I am looking forward to spring and looking forward to my gowns and dresses to be utilized!!! Bring it on South Jersey and Philly!!! We'll see you soon! I have a ton of blog posts and sessions that I need to get up here!!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

 Dee    

Shooting Star Photography

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

NJ Maternity Session at Cooper River Park in NJ!

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

Capturing Beauty at Cooper River Park, NJ

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

Serene Natural Beauty

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

Versatile Shooting Locations

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

Vibrant Wildlife

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

All smiles and looking beautiful in the park!

Year-Round Attractions

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

Easy Accessibility

Sweet kisses and a beautiful loving moment!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

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