Unicorns-Smoonicorns

Happy New Year!!!

A look at a unicorn photo session in South Jersey!

As we venture into the new year, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm for our unicorn sessions. Your excitement is truly inspiring!

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering more unicorn sessions in the upcoming months. These enchanting sessions have brought joy to so many families, creating magical memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Whether it's your little one's first encounter with a unicorn or a return visit to capture more whimsical moments, we look forward to providing a magical experience for all. Stay tuned for updates on session availability and booking details.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special moments. Here's to a year filled with wonder, laughter, and of course, unicorns!

Our mini unicorn we used in this shoot!

Unicorns are the best!

Twirling away for her session.

Wow! Has this been a cold month! It's awful. However, I had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I loved every minute of the time we shared together and cannot wait until next year! I hope you also had a very blessed Christmas/New Year's/Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa!We're getting excited for another busy year.

Folks are already booking their beach and fall photos. In which I highly suggest doing so early. We don't like turning folks away! Shooting Star is only taking a limited amount of bookings for the year, so don't hesitate!  We've been playing around with our new equipment and will be offering studio work shortly. Testing a few things out and want to make sure we are 100% good to go and consistent before we start offering it to the public. As always.. we want you to have the BEST and this is what we are about.

Unicorns this month

Why is a Unicorn Photo Shoot So Awesome?

Unicorn photo shoots have become a magical phenomenon in the world of photography, captivating both young and old with their whimsical charm. Here at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we have had the privilege of capturing the enchantment of these breathtaking creatures through our lenses. Now, let us explore the mesmerizing reasons why a unicorn photo shoot is undeniably awesome.

1. Unicorns Radiate Pure Magic: Unicorns are creatures of myth and wonder, symbolizing beauty, purity, and grace. These ethereal beings have the power to transport us to a realm where dreams come true. A unicorn photo shoot allows us to capture their mysterious aura and share that enchantment with our clients. The resulting photographs become cherished memories that evoke a sense of joy and awe.

2. Unique and Memorable Experience: It's not every day that you get to witness the presence of a mythical creature up close. A unicorn photo shoot provides an unforgettable experience, something that stands out in a sea of ordinary portraits. From the moment you meet the unicorn, touch its glistening mane, and experience the magic firsthand, you'll be left with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

3. Imagination Takes Flight: Unicorns ignite the spark of imagination within us. They carry us to a world where anything is possible, where dreams and fantasies come alive. A unicorn photo shoot becomes a canvas where creativity and imagination blend seamlessly, allowing us to capture extraordinary moments that transcend the ordinary. With a range of props, costumes, and settings, our team at Shooting Star Photography LLC can create visually stunning scenes that exude the essence of fantasy.

4. A Symbol of Beauty and Innocence: Unicorns are often associated with beauty, innocence, and purity. Their presence in a photo shoot adds a layer of elegance and grace that is unmatched. These majestic creatures possess an innate ability to captivate, illuminating each frame with an otherworldly allure. As photographers, we are able to capture not only the physical beauty of the unicorn but also the pure and genuine emotions that arise from the interaction between subject and photographer.

5. Connection with Nature: Unicorns embody the spirit of nature, often depicted in lush meadows, mystical forests, or beside sparkling waterfalls. A unicorn photo shoot brings us closer to the natural world, allowing us to witness the camaraderie between these mythical creatures and their surroundings. The images captured during such a session flawlessly blend the ethereal with the earthly, creating a visual spectacle that celebrates the harmony between fantasy and reality.

In conclusion, a unicorn photo shoot is undeniably awesome due to the pure magic they radiate, the unique and memorable experiences they offer, the flight of imagination they inspire, the symbolism of beauty and innocence they represent, and the connection they have with nature. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we aim to capture these extraordinary moments and create a visual journey filled with wonder and whimsy. So, let us embark on this enchanting adventure together and create timeless memories that will transcend the imagination.

southern new jersey portrait

This month, our features are "Just You" photography. Simple portraiture where I have invited a few folks to my own home for simple and classic portrait work. These were sold out. I'm very excited to get started! We also have unicorn sessions that we are rolling out the end of this month. It's looking like we will start to see a warm up. It's definitely needed.

This 7 degree weather is not even for the birds! I want the kids to have a great time! We have some great little gifts will be handing out to the kiddos for their participation in these wintry sessions. Our theme is wintry wonderland. We will have a snow machine on hand and are going with winter blue colors to pop with everything. It should be a great event.

These are sold out, too!  Shooting Star will be keeping the kiddos warm and offering suggestions on how to dress for the day! So don't fret. We we also have furs and capes to keep you all nice and toasty, too!! We look forward to the next upcoming year with Shooting Star Photography. 

Our prices WILL BE going up soon, so it is suggested that you book NOW to save! I wish everyone a very Happy 2018! It's going to be a fantastic year! We're very excited! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography     

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. 

Check out what we have in store this winter!

Magical Unicorn Sessions in South Jersey!

Magical unicorn sessions are a whimsical and enchanting experience where the focus is on capturing the beauty and charm of these mystical creatures. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we bring your unicorn dreams to life through our expertly crafted sessions. Our team is dedicated to creating a magical atmosphere where you can bond with these fantastical beings and create stunning, one-of-a-kind images.

During a magical unicorn session, you can expect a neutral and professional approach as we work to document the unique connection between you and the unicorn. Our skilled photographers are experienced in capturing the essence of these magical moments, ensuring that each image reflects the wonder and joy of the experience.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a bit of fantasy, our magical unicorn sessions are sure to leave you spellbound. Contact us today to schedule your own enchanting session and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Petting her unicorn in the most magical South Jersey forest.

Unicorns are undeniably awesome creatures that capture our imagination with their mystical charm. With their beautiful, ethereal appearance and the mesmerizing shimmer of their single, spiral horn, unicorns embody a world of magic and wonder. These enchanting beings symbolize purity, grace, and strength, inspiring us to believe in the extraordinary. Beyond their ethereal beauty, unicorns are also known for their innate ability to bring joy and happiness, making them beloved by people of all ages. Whether it's in mythical tales or modern folklore, unicorns hold a special place in our hearts as a symbol of hope and fantastical adventures.

Even though you tend to see similar themes in the industry, I try to make those themes unique and my own. It's the distinctive style that folks hire me for. It's something I have strived and worked on and with only 2 years in this business (Yep, incorporated in February 2015), I still have a lot of growing pains to work out. For example, overbooking, charging not my worth with the quality I continue to push out. I purchase these high end designer gowns in the $500-$700 range and then charged $250 a session with all digitals.

This will wear anyone out.. but this is also the story of anyone new in this industry. Who hasn't figured things out and needs to make adjustments as you move forward... to just be overall BETTER.This July we are doing Magical Unicorn Sessions.. in a Winterland theme. Lots of winter greens will be used. Winter capes, furs, the whole nines. Today, after a few issues in getting the correct converter for the output of our heavy duty snow machine, we finally put things through the ringer and everything is working as planned. So for our upcoming unicorn sessions, we will have snow. REAL SNOW. Not a snow overlay.

We want folks to have a magical experience whenever we come to us and we feel this will be an added benefit.  Here's a video of the snow machine hooked up to our vehicle for our test run... It was a success! We can't wait to use it for upcoming sessions! 

Another thing I wanted to stretch on...

With Facebook’s new algorithm of changes that occurred last month, it’s more and more important as not just photographers, but overall small business owners to keep their websites up to date with the most current information. Facebook has made it harder and harder for you to reach your audience because they want you to PAY to be seen.

This is where blogging comes into play. You should be updating on current work, projects, or happenings. Most say people don’t read this stuff, but they do. This is important and vital. I receive a about 30% of my business via web searches. Facebook was the majority last year, however with recent changes, it’s become fewer in between. The reach is abysmal especially when launching specials, mini sessions, or honestly anything across the board these days. This is a dawn of a new age and it’s time to start thinking smarter not harder.You can’t continue on doing the same things if you aren’t getting anywhere.

It’s a new way and era and if you think Instagram may be the answer.. it isn’t. They are also making changes. What you need to focus on is in person meetings and encounters, trade shows, word of mouth (which is HUGE,this is where a majority of my business comes from) or via different marketing means.. like Sue Bryce’s voucher program.

One thing with me is consistency. Consistency is key. RARELY and I say this wholeheartedly.. Rarely do I have a bad session and not like the results. This is how picky I have become though.. in regards to shooting times, locations, outfits.. It’s something you learn and keep learning to bust out the best results for your clients.

It’s been a CRAZY year.. with mini sessions and full sessions, we’ve done about 550 sessions. Which is a tremendous volume especially for an outdoor photographer and whose months are March to November as their busy season.

As it starts to get slower, these next few months I am going to happily share more of this gorgeous sessions. It’s been a pure joy to be the best of South Jersey. Okay, maybe not the BEST, however we feel our work is different and doesn’t look like every photographer out there in the area. It seems everyone is doing the same things. Why be mundane when you can have something different and marvelous. We are all about elegance, light and true emotive captures. We’ve worked hard to separate ourselves and hope this shows in our work. We love every family that comes our way and have worked with the same families… often times 5/6 times per year.

 If you would like the last spot in this winter wonderland unicorn session or more information, you can find this here! Hope to see you here!

Unicorn Session Information

Remember we travel the entire Delaware Valley region.. all of South Jersey (Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Pitman, Jersey Shore, Cape May, Vineland, Moorestown, Marlton, Medford... Philadelphia suburbs mainline Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, and up to Bucks county (north) and as far west as Lancaster, Northern Delaware, Parts of Central NJ (for example Princeton area), and northern Maryland. Let us create something magical for you!  We're in for a huge 2018!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee  

Another Beautiful Maternity Session!

Maternity Session on Broad Street in Philadelphia

A serene maternity session unfolded on the bustling Broad Street in Philadelphia, capturing the essence of motherhood amidst the city's energy. The expectant mother, accompanied by her two young children, radiated a timeless beauty and grace against the urban backdrop.

As the photographer expertly framed each shot, the children's joyful spirits added a touch of playfulness to the session. Against the backdrop of iconic city architecture, the family connection shone through, creating an unforgettable tableau of love and anticipation.

The juxtaposition of the maternal glow and the metropolitan pulse of Broad Street lent a unique charm to the photographs, showcasing the beauty of new beginnings against the backdrop of a vibrant cityscape. The images captured during this maternity session serve as a timeless memento of a family immersed in love, set against the dynamic backdrop of Philadelphia's bustling streets.

Mom and her two children capturing this special moment in their lives. Bringing in another sibling to the mix. Notice how we coordinated their outfits to go together, but did not go matchy matchy.

Maternity Photographer in South Jersey

Broad Street can offer the perfect location for your maternity session. It’s a great spot to shoot at in Philadelphia.

Sweet hugs for mom. She just wanted to be held by her mommy.

Great portrait of mom on Broad Street.

Isn’t she absolutely stunning?

One more for the mix!

I think someone fell behind me… hence the look on her face. She’s a trip!

Sisters being sisters.

Top Two Reasons to Have a Maternity Portrait with Your Kids

As professional photographers, we highly recommend capturing maternity portraits that include your kids. It is a delightful opportunity to not only document this special phase of your life but also create everlasting memories. This photo shoot we did on Broad Street in Philadelphia. It is a fantastic backdrop for maternity and couture photography. Here are the top two reasons why you should consider having your maternity portrait with your kids:

1. Celebrating the Journey Together: Including your children in your maternity portraits allows them to actively participate in celebrating the arrival of their new sibling. Pregnancy is a significant milestone not only for you but also for your children, as it signifies the growth of your family. By involving them, you are enabling them to share in the joy and anticipation of your expanding household. These portraits will serve as cherished keepsakes, reminding your children of the excitement they felt during this unique period. As they grow older, they can look back on these images and feel a deep sense of connection and love for their siblings.

2. Siblings Bonding and Connection: Maternity portraits with your kids offer a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with their unborn sibling. During the photo session, they can touch your belly, interact with the baby, and even share special moments of love and tenderness. This experience allows siblings to forge a bond early on, creating a foundation of affection and care that will continue to grow as they grow older together. Maternity portraits featuring siblings provide a visual representation of this connection, capturing their relationship at its beginning stages.
At Shooting Star Photography, we recognize the importance of family dynamics and the role siblings play in shaping each other's lives. By having your maternity portrait with your kids, you are not only preserving precious memories but also celebrating the joy and love that your growing family embodies. Let us help you capture these beautiful moments, ensuring that they remain cherished for generations to come.

 Have I told you I love maternity photography? I tend to shout this from the rooftops... all the time! If I could do maternity photography every single day.. I honestly would be happy and content in my career. Seriously, this is one of my favorite times to capture in life. This is the time where our bodies are changing and we tend to feel pretty awful at the end. I felt like a whale and never got them done, but I do wish I did. I want women to feel beautiful.

This is my goal with every session. I want those insecurities to not even be a second thought. I love including the family in this special time to be a part of the celebration of new life arriving. New members to their families. Allow us to celebrate this time with your family and to have these memories to hold onto forever. Let us celebrate this joy that is arriving. Our goal is to capture these sweet moments. To truly capture the essence of your family and to have these beautiful heirlooms to look back on for generations. 

So bring on those baby bumps! I want to see them! I want to capture them! We have over 25 maternity gowns to capture this most incredible time in your life. We want you to feel absolutely beautiful in your own skin. So if you are looking for the BEST maternity photographer in the Philadelphia area.. I am your girl.

I have been considered the top 25 maternity photographers in the Delaware Valley two years in a row (I wasn't even aware of this selection or reward). They reached out to me and said it was due to market research. Congratulations to this mama who brought into this world another beautiful baby girl! Contact us today and we'll be glad to get you started!! We'd love to capture this time in your life and include your family!  

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

BEFORE AND AFTER EDITING PROCESS - Southern New Jersey Photographer

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