What a crazy 2015!

Reflecting on the End of 2015: A Photography Adventure

As we bid farewell to 2015, it's the perfect time to reflect on the exhilarating photography journey we've embarked on throughout the year. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to freezing moments of pure joy in stunning portraits, our lenses have been witness to countless precious memories and remarkable scenes.
The year 2015 has taken us to new heights and allowed us to push the boundaries of creativity in our photography. We've braved the elements to immortalize the raw beauty of nature, and we've celebrated the genuine emotions and connections that bring our subjects to life. Our dedication to the craft has been unwavering, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Our photography adventure in 2015 has not just been about capturing images; it's been about freezing moments in time that encapsulate the essence of life itself. Each click of the shutter has been a testament to our passion for storytelling through photography, and we've embraced every opportunity to craft compelling visual narratives.
As we revel in the memories of the photography adventures that defined 2015, let's raise our cameras high and toast to the countless moments we've immortalized, the lessons we've learned, and the unbounded creativity that has fueled our passion. Here's to the end of 2015, a year that has been nothing short of a thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable photography adventure.

2015 Season in Review of Clients! This fall was incredible!

beautiful ballerina

February of 2015, is when Shooting Star Photography officially opened its doors, here in South Jersey.  It has been an absolutely incredible year of personal growth as well as business growth. I would have never imagined that it would have taken off the way it has.  I've worked HARD.  VERY HARD.  I finished the year with 212 sessions... and even with a wedding on New Year's Eve.  This was suppose to be a part time business. Something to keep me busy and do something I love.  I worked way to much... So I have decided going forward a few things.  A few changes for 2016.

This means not taking on as many sessions as I did this past year. I owe it to myself to have a life and to spend time with my family. I've been married to this computer and going to and planning sessions. It has consumed my life and I want to live it. I want to spend time with my kids and see them grow. They are only 4 and 1 and I feel like I have missed so much this past year. Unfortunately, time you cannot get back!

Our Goal Going Forward List Of Changes

 I am going to work less.

My goal going forward is that I am only going to take on 8 sessions MAX per month and my next few months are already filling up fast.  Having less sessions means less time away, a quicker turnaround time and pure happiness in my part. I won't be married to my computer editing every night or staying up until 3am. I'm exhausted.

2.  I am only going to do what I LOVE to do.

I'll explain. Of course, I have the motto that the customer is always right and I do pride myself in customer service and for providing beautiful images for my clients.  However, if there is something that doesn't fit with what I do.. or what represents my portfolio. I won't do it. This means cake smashes.  I honestly don't like to do them. They get messy.  Cake ends up all over the place. It ruins props, my clothing, everything essentially and it's not something I enjoy doing.

My vision from the beginning was to offer stylized sessions and this is what I am doing going forward. I've invested in some VERY EXPENSIVE handmade high-end gowns. Example:  Anna Triant Couture as one of the vendors I am using. My motto has always been subject and environment.   I like myself, my subject and my environment... That's it.  I'm not a big prop person, nor ever was.  I am all about my subject and that's the vision, I am going to go forward with. I'm not into banners, I'm not into cheesy props so if this is something you want. Unfortunately, I am not the right person for you.

I've learned to say NO this past year.  I don't just take any customer on and it's been that way from the get go. Most of my customers and (I love them dearly.)  Have returned time and time again. As I mentioned above, I haven't even been in business for a calendar year yet and I've had customers come back 4 times already. That right there should show you something.  Customer service and providing an incredible experience is truly what we pride ourselves on. 

3.  Focusing on a Specialty

I will be focusing on a specialty. This means no weddings and no events, no newborns, no cake smashes.  I am specializing in maternity photography, children's photography, family photography and engagement.  This is it. This is what I love to do. As I continue to go forward, I might end up narrowing it down even more. 

 4.  Happy Me= Happy Clients

This is true. This past summer I was busy and then I went right into the fall season never really able to catch-up.  I took too many customers on and I essentially burned out.  I'm truly exhausted. I was even having to turn people away because I knew my workload would be too much.  I'm not going to kill myself and have specific cutoff's for certain dates. For example, to ensure Christmas delivery, I will have a cutoff no later than October 10th. I am going to set clear exceptions.. ( I already have, but even more in detail). 

5.  The Experience

Going forward, I don't want folks to walk away with only beautiful images. I want them to enjoy their entire experience. I have hired an assistant to help things run more smoothly.  It's nice to have that help when you are out and about with your clients. I want my clients to be happy and I want them to feel absolutely beautiful. From initial contact, to location, to the final product. It's about the experience for me.

6.  New Market AreaWe will be marketing to the Philadelphia metro area, Chester and Delaware Counties, the state of Delaware, Bucks County, the Mainline and even to Princeton and surrounding areas.Basically, these are my top 6 things/changes for this calendar year. I haven't gone crazy with the pricing. Nor even increased pricing.

Conclusion and New Year

My one hour standard package is still at $270.  I would consider myself still affordable to my clients with what I have to offer. I hope everyone has an incredible 2016.  I am very excited. We will be having sessions in Peony fields, among the cherry blossoms, lavender, gladiolas, sunflowers and daylilies.... even a tree farm.. We have secured some pretty awesome locations, here in South Jersey and couldn't be more excited.  

We can't wait to move forward and to meet new people!!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!!! Let's make 2016 awesome!!!  

It's really going to be a blast!!! 

-Dee   

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   

Another Gorgeous Maternity Session- Daretown Lake- A Salem County Oasis

beautiful mama facebook

Daretown Lake: Salem County's Breathtaking Photography Backdrop

Salem County, nestled in the heart of New Jersey, is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. Within this picturesque region lies Daretown Lake, a hidden gem that photographers can't help but fall in love with. With its unique blend of tranquility and stunning scenery, Daretown Lake offers the perfect backdrop for any photography project.

Serene Waters and Reflections

Daretown Lake boasts a crystal-clear surface that mirrors the surrounding landscape like a flawless looking glass. As the calm waters gently ripple and dance under the golden sunlight, photographers have the perfect canvas to capture captivating reflections. Whether you're an aspiring landscape photographer or a seasoned professional, the mirror-like surface of the lake offers endless opportunities to evoke a sense of tranquility and symmetry in your shots.

An Oasis of Biodiversity

Beyond its captivating reflections, Daretown Lake is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The lush greenery that envelopes the lake is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Photography enthusiasts can expect breathtaking encounters with native birds, such as herons and ducks, as well as vibrant flowers that add pops of color to the frame. Daretown Lake provides an excellent opportunity to document the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

The Changing Seasons

One of the greatest advantages of Daretown Lake is its ability to transform with the seasons. From the vibrant blooms and lush greens of spring to the fiery foliage of autumn, every season brings its own unique charm. As a photographer, you'll find yourself drawn back time and time again, capturing the ever-changing colors and moods that each season bestows upon Daretown Lake. Whether you're looking to photograph a carpet of wildflowers or capture the striking contrast of ice against the lake's surface, the opportunities are truly endless.

Year-Round Appeal

As photographers, we crave versatility in our backdrops, and Daretown Lake delivers just that. Beyond its seasonal splendor, the lake offers a range of diverse features to complement your vision. The surrounding woodlands, towering trees, and winding trails provide a wealth of compositional elements to work with, whether you're aiming for sweeping panoramic shots or intimate close-ups. Furthermore, the varying times of day and weather conditions produce a kaleidoscope of moods, ensuring that no two photographs will ever be the same.

Accessibility and Convenience

Daretown Lake is not only visually stunning but also conveniently accessible for photographers of all kinds. Situated within Salem County, it's easily reached from nearby towns and cities. With ample parking options available, you can effortlessly transport your gear to your desired vantage point. Whether you're a professional photographer planning a shoot or a hobbyist looking to capture the beauty of nature, the accessibility of Daretown Lake ensures that you can easily make the most of your photography excursion.
So, whether you're seeking a serene waterscape, a vibrant nature scene, or a versatile backdrop for your artistic vision, Daretown Lake in Salem County has it all. Its picturesque landscapes and ever-changing elements make it an ideal location for photographers looking to capture the essence of nature's beauty. Embrace the opportunity to be inspired by the stunning Daretown Lake and allow your photography to shine against its iconic backdrop.

Perfect pastel perfection on the bank of Daretown Lake.

Dancing on the street with love for each other.

All the love shared together. In creating their beautiful baby boy!

Daretown Lake is a gorgeous backdrop for any type of photos!

All smiles!

Hello... daretown lake…

gorgeous warm tone

Yes, I love maternity photography... it is my favorite thing in photography in the whole wide world! I get giddy when people contact me for it. Honestly!  I jump up and down in anticipation because I LOVE to do them! Would you like me to shoot it from the roof tops? Because I will! I have worked hard to PERFECT them.  

Okay, I'll never be perfect  at them because I want to learn constantly and am obsessed with anything photography that I can get my hands on!So when this couple contacted me I jumped for joy! I have to say, I love when clients really take my advice! Whether it be location or even what to wear! This couple nailed it.. They were wonderful!  I believe 10 high resolution digitals came with their selection in what they wanted and I couldn't just give them 10, I think I ended up giving about 20-25!

I had to give them all of them! That's how great this session went! They nailed it!Anywho! I love shooting a few hours before sunset... shortly before the Golden Hour timeframe and then going into it!

I'm OBSESSED with light and love highlights... I know a lot of photographers who don't like highlights or won't work with sunlight like I do... but I think that highlights truly add life to a photograph!!! I know locations when it comes to certain lighting situations and this place generally works in all conditions!!! If it is a sunny day, you have plenty of shaded areas to work with so the sun isn't hitting you directly for those harsh shadows! These two met me at one of my favorite spots in South Jersey! The light here is honestly perfect any time of day!I

LOVE Salem County! LOVE LOVE LOVE.  It is one of the most beautiful counties in South Jersey and why I decided to move here!And yes, I did get the bump!Seriously! This maternity session was to die for! We got so many photos that I could probably edit all 200 of them! The light and mom and dad, just everything was perfection!!!I've been using this location since I started and it has never failed me yet! Some of my best sessions have come out of here!Mom and dad, I wish you nothing, but the best in your future together with your new adorable little baby boy!!!! I hope you send me a picture of him!!! I'm sure he will be beautiful just like the both of you, as you are inside and out!!! Congratulations!!!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Vintage Photography Lenses AKA Glass

Sony Cameras And Using Unique Lenses for different looks

Sony cameras are truly incredible tools for photographers, as they not only offer superb image quality and cutting-edge technology, but also the flexibility to use a wide range of lenses. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sony cameras is their compatibility with adapters that allow photographers to effortlessly mount vintage lenses from 50 years ago, unlocking a world of creative possibilities. The ability to pair these old lenses with modern camera bodies enables photographers to create stunning imagery with unique characteristics. I recently acquired the Helios, a legendary Russian lens renowned for its distinctive and captivating bokeh. The results have been nothing short of magical, as the lens infuses my shots with a dreamy and ethereal quality that adds a captivating dimension to my photography. Check out the mesmerizing samples below to see the captivating bokeh in action!

Helios lenses, particularly the Helios 44-2, possess a distinctive character that sets them apart from other lenses. Their unique swirly bokeh, created by the optical design and construction, has made them a favorite among photographers seeking to imbue their images with a dreamy, ethereal quality. The ability of Helios lenses to produce this captivating bokeh effect is largely due to their optical formula, particularly the curvature of the front lens elements. This creates a mesmerizing swirl in the out-of-focus areas of the image, giving it a truly unique and enchanting look. Furthermore, the Helios 44-2, with its wide aperture and manual focusing, allows for creative control and experimentation, making it a favorite among portrait and artistic photographers. Its distinct rendering and vintage feel add a touch of nostalgia to images, setting it apart from modern lenses. The Helios lens's ability to infuse images with a timeless, magical quality is what truly makes it special and unique, capturing the hearts of photographers looking to add an extra layer of emotion and allure to their photographs.

There's no surprise that I love bokeh! It love beautiful creamy depth of field. If you were to look at my work, it's pretty much all over the place.  I can't have enough “bokeh” when it comes to my photographs!  As you may not know, I started out photographing all my subjects manually. I'm not talking about manual settings on a camera (that's a given for any professional photographer and duh, I utilize that), but I'm talking about I manual focus my subjects... and gasp... even with working with kids.Now, I'm telling you it's not the easiest to do, of course automatic would be the easiest option, but if you have enough patience (which I totally do) than it can be done.  

First time using the helios lens and adapter. It has that swirly unique bokeh look.

My daughter. She’s drooling here, but the light in the bokeh is rather pretty. I like it.

Testing out the helios lens has been fun. You have to have your subject perfectly in the center to get the effect you want. Definitely a swirly craziness!

The Unique Charm of Helios Lenses

My thing is I like full control over everything I photograph.  I also think it adds to my overall look of my images. People love the depth of field, yet the softness of my backgrounds. Going manual has helped to achieve the look I always wanted!!! There's no surprise that I like vintage glass, as I like to shoot in manual, I can pretty much shoot with lenses that are over 50 years old with the right adapter to my camera. I have focus peaking which helps tremendously when I shoot. In fact, I couldn't shoot the way I do, without it.  It would be full automatic for me.

I recently picked up the Russian Helios 44:2 58mm. This lens I've put through some test runs and it's rather neat and bizarre at the same time.  These are dirt cheap on ebay and decided to give it a shot.  So here are my first test runs with the lens.

Since it has doughnut bokeh and it is a defect in the lens to give you that swirly bokeh, you need to find the sweet spot with it.  I've found it works better for up close subjects AND only one subject. If another subject is add the swirly bokeh tends to pick up on one of the subjects, making it look rather weird!!!I'm not sure I will ever bring this out on shoots, as it's kind of hit or miss! I find the bokeh a bit distracting at times and this is the bokeh queen talking!

My Final Thoughts on the Helios Lens

It's a bit TOO crazy for my general liking!  I'm going to run it through some more test runs! Maybe I'll bring it out for an occasional photo shoot from time to time.  I think a nice maternity baby bump photo would be kind of cool with this!I know I'll continue on trying new things as that's what makes us special as photographers!!! I love going outside the comfort zone! I'd say to try this lens out. It's a cheap find and I've seen some interesting effects out there with it!

Happy Shooting, South Jersey!  Try it out. The petzval will give you the same effect!

Dee

Maternity Session in South Jersey!

Beautiful Maternity Session in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Hi South Jersey!

We had an awesome time a few weeks ago!

We had a full day event of Cherry blossoms in one of my scouted locations! This was a maternity session I shot during this mini session! And boy did mom rock it out!  I am trying to get more things up here on this blog, but business has been busy.. which is a great thing!!   I love spring and I love cherry blossoms.

I came upon this site a few years ago while working in the area and just had to do a photo session here.  This was a sold out mini session that I offered!  There are miles and miles of these beautiful trees lining the street.  It's absolutely to die for! Folks come from all around to photograph these lovely trees.  They are the same trees they use in Washington D.C.

Here are some photographs from that maternity session!  I hope that you will enjoy!  I cannot wait to do this again next year at the same beautiful location!  Mom was lucky to have these done in time as she went into labor just a few days later!   My favorites were these!!  Not bad for only 30 minutes of shooting time, eh?!

A beauty among the beautiful blossoms in NJ.

Kisses to the belly bump among the cherry blossoms in South Jersey.

Relaxing and smiling for their new bundle of joy among the cherry blossoms in NJ.

Mama to be at her maternity shoot with her husband. Love her heels!

Strike a maternity pose in New Jersey.

Mama to be looks beautiful for her maternity session in Cherry Hill, NJ.

New Jersey maternity photo session in the cherry blossoms.

Beautiful mama maternity session with her husband in Cherry Hill, NJ.

I've got a ton of maternity shoots in the pipeline and one more that I have to add and get up on here! It was just as lovely as this session here!  I have so many things I want to try and the creative juices are just coming alive lately!!   Can't wait to show them!!!   I am also going to be photographing the little bambina that arrived shortly! I guarantee this baby is gorgeous... Well, look at mom and dad!! Holy moly!  

Capture the beauty of motherhood amidst the delicate charm of cherry blossoms in Cherry Hill, NJ! We are thrilled to offer you the perfect backdrop for your maternity photo shoot, where you can embrace the serenity and love that awaits your growing family. The blooming cherry trees in all their splendor will create a dreamy and captivating setting for your treasured memories. Let Shooting Star Photography LLC accompany you on this joyous journey and freeze this moment in time with our expertly crafted images. We can't wait to capture your radiant glow and the anticipation of the new addition that's about to bloom in your life. Get ready to cherish these pictures forever!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee