Carnival Shoot in New Jersey

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Every year, my photography friends and I get together for a carnival photo session! This was last year's. The previous year (2016) style was old time classic. I believe I made a blog post of it in the past!  Girls in almost a victorian look, boys on amusement rides and enjoying cotton candy.  It was a fun time! This past year, was a bit more challenging as this place was the most packed we have ever seen a carnival in New Jersey!  This year, cannot wait as have something sweet planned! I love carnivals. It is reminiscent of childhood. I love the lights and enjoy the laughter of kids with their families having the times of their life! There's nothing in this world sweeter! One thing I did love about this carnival session was how casual it was. If you have noticed, I like capturing kids who they are in the moment. I'm not very much into heavily processed skin or features. I am not into cheesy smiles. I want kids to be kids. I want parents to look back and see a beautiful image, but I don't want them to see their child's actual physical features changed. This is a big thing going on in the industry. Where folks are heavily dodging and burning their subjects, skin is losing texture. It's just not the way I would personally want to remember my own children. I want them to look natural and who they are. It's extremely important to me. I do, however, love a creative and dreamy image. I love color and vibrancy, but I also like simple. The outfits chosen from this shoot were from an Australian company called, Lulu Stars. We also used some tutu du monde pieces which I always find great pieces to add to any photographer's wardrobe. Tutu du monde clothing tends to work with any theme.  Enjoy the lights and colors of this carnival collection photo shoot. I tried to give it a more vintage feel and hope I have delivered. I cannot wait until this year's carnival shoot! It will be a blast!!!  Who knows? We may do a model call. Hopefully, we get a better place in New Jersey this time!!! Not as packed!!! However, the theme is going to be adorable!!! We cannot wait to share!!!    

New Magical Overlays

Hi there photographers!! Do you struggle with greens in post production editing? Are you an east coaster and get some ugly neon green or yellow ugly grass in your photographs? Ugly green forests? Or maybe a field that needs a little color?Well, I have a solution for you!!! It may just work for you.. These work best on images with limited highlights. However, here are some in use by other photographers. Also, folks are loving the sun rays that are included in this pack, too!          If you would like to purchase these overlays you may do so by going here!!! Use code "awesomesauce" for a limited time for 20% off your entire order. We really think you will enjoy this creative collection!!!The new greens and light pack can be found here... https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/magical-overlay-pack Our sky pack can be found at this link. https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/real-sky-overlays I truly hope they will benefit you and your photography artistry! Thanks again!Dee Shooting Star Photography   

Cherry Blossoms This Year~! South Jersey Photographer

Cherry Blossoms This Year!!!

 This year was an absolutely gorgeous April.. Unfortunately, it looks like April was dry.. and there were May showers.. April flowers must bring May showers..My new slogan. May has been a very soggy month. A lot of reschedules, but we made it happen. At least Memorial Day weekend was a blast and we had some fortunate weather!Plus, some amazing golden light images.. As you see below... we had about 18 cherry blossom sessions from April to May this year. We're finalizing the rest of them as we speak. Lots of galleries will be out this upcoming week!!! I am truly blessed to call my home in South Jersey and to be permitted by these beautiful families each and every year to capture their most beautiful children!!! Cherry blossom season is one of my favorites to capture every year. It's when things start to come alive and abundant and that better weather is on the near horizon. We lucked out on some excellent weather for these. I love the cherries. Both pink and white blossoms definitely create some amazing backdrops. I teamed up with Little Dreamers Tutus based in the United States for creating some unique and beautiful designs around these blossoms.  The dresses were unbelievable quality and I am blessed to have Whitney, owner of Little Dreamers create some beautiful gowns for me and my customers. We just finished our peonies for the year and I cannot wait to also share those images with you. We have a very packed 2018 and we are no longer taking anymore clients on for the year. I truly appreciate the customers that have hired us for this sold out year. It's truly been an incredible journey these past three years. I cannot wait until next year as we will be working with more animals and truly being a unique force in the South Jersey photography landscape. We're working on providing some killer options for 2019! If you would like to book a 2019 date or could not get in with us this year, we have a delightful lineup that we are planning for next year!!! Please let us know! We look forward to working with you!!! Happy Shooting, my friends! Dee       

THIS IS A CRAZY INDUSTRY- KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

  

BE THE CHANGE IN WHAT THIS INDUSTRY NEEDS.

I understand art is subjective. However, as artists we are continually critiqued. Some things invoke feeling… unpleasant or pleasant. There is a certain level where one must develop a tough skin… in order to thrive in this business. You need to realize that you won’t always be everyone’s cup of tea. 

When it comes to my own work and personality… I laugh at myself ALL THE TIME. It’s just how I am. I laugh at others, I laugh with others. It’s never really mean-spirited. I have so much to grow and if I post something… I want you to laugh. I want you to feel something. It’s okay to laugh at me. I can take it. Among friends, we laugh at each other. You have to laugh in this business.

   

INVEST IN GOOD MENTORS.

What I am trying to say is this isn’t kindergarten folks.  If you are new to this industry… latch onto folks who will build you up. RUN YOUR BUSINESSES PROFESSIONALLY. Treat customers right. Don’t play mind games. Don’t bully and learn to take critique with a grain of salt. However, sometimes in that critique is where you learn to do better. I listen to feedback from my customers all the time, as I truly do want their experience to be one of a kind.

  

Hire mentors that will help lift you up and not bring you down.. That want to see you continually improve and get better. If you are new and see this sort of behavior… learn to walk away and surround yourself with better teachers and mentors.  Follow positive folks. People who uplift others and not knock them down.

And most importantly.. never ever apologize for being YOU. Be the voice of change in this industry. I hope my little me… can eventually do that.. Help this industry to be better… because right now… it’s a sad state of affairs. However, it’s time to be the voice of change and invest in those who are there to help you grow as artists.

 Light your pathway, fill up your heart and passion. Keep doing you.

The Spunk of A Three Year Old- The Joys of a South Jersey Mom

Oh the joys of motherhood, right? We absolutely love that two to four year old age. This is the age where they challenge you and test your strongest wits.

Having a 3-year-old is a whirlwind of joy, energy, and constant discovery. Life with a toddler is a nonstop adventure filled with laughter, tantrums, and adorable antics. They have an insatiable curiosity, eagerly exploring their surroundings and asking endless questions.

From the moment they wake up until they reluctantly drift off to sleep, their energy is boundless, keeping everyone around them on their toes. Patience is tested as they assert their independence, often insisting on doing things their way. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are countless precious moments of pure bliss and wonderment. Seeing the world through their eyes is a gift, as they marvel at the simplest things and approach every experience with awe. With their infectious laughter and unconditional love, a 3-year-old brings immeasurable joy and reminds us of the beauty in life's simple pleasures.

So we move onto what it is like as a photographer capturing this three year old… fantastical stage.

My three year old is giving me the spunk!

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My precious little.

Dancing in Salem County, NJ

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Snow Princess wearing Anna Triant Couture.

I figured I’d write about my current journey of this monster… I mean princess. The emotional roller coaster at this stage is rather funny. My daughter could be crying one minute to laughter the next. This stage never ceases to amaze me.

Oh... how I love the spunk of a three year old! Since I am mostly an outdoor photographer and it's been BRUTALLY cold outside, this is the time to play around and try new things. I still have sessions even in this brutal cold, but we do have a bit more down time!  have to admit... I am loving this down time.

This year, I have made it a goal to photograph my kids more. 2017, I was so busy that I couldn't see straight and will never work that way again. I love to work hard, but no sleep and being up to 4am every night editing, isn't the kind of life or existence I wish to have. So this year, things will be different.I've cut back on sessions I wish to schedule and am going to be cutting back with mini sessions.

I wish to be more present in my kids' lives. This is my goal and is what is going to happen this year. I wish to also take more photographs of my kids so that I can remember these moments. It's what got me into photography.

For me, it's about going back to my roots and getting to showcase some of the moments with my children that I can NEVER get back.   These are some moments the past few months, I have been able to capture of my little girl. I definitely think I have truly captured her go with the flow personality. She's got a lot of spunk and she's funny.. It's what I love about her. She's not afraid to be herself. You'll catch her putting on a dance at restaurants and feeling the music. With folks laughing and enjoying her spunk, as I do and treasure.

She's everything I could have ever asked for in regards to having a daughter. Just like my little boy is everything I could have asked for. I truly feel blessed to have these two in my life and feel privileged that I am their mom. They're amazing little creatures. I hope you enjoy these images, as I do. 

I feel I have been able to capture her and her essence. Her personality shows through here. This is what I try and capture with every one of my clients. I really don't want a perfect photograph. I want to capture these kids for who they truly are. For this child.. it's spunk and joy and it's what these images mean to me. 

Here are some tips for yourself in capturing your three year old!

Playing in the tulips in Salem County, NJ.

Tips for Photographing Three-Year-Olds

Photographing three-year-olds can be a delightful and challenging experience. These little ones are full of curiosity, boundless energy, and spontaneous emotions, making it challenging to capture the perfect shot. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can create memorable photographs that beautifully showcase the essence of their age and personality. Here are some valuable suggestions to help you make the most of your photography session with three-year-olds:

1. Be Patient and Flexible

One of the most crucial aspects of photographing three-year-olds is being patient and flexible. Children at this age have ever-changing moods and limited attention spans. Be prepared to adapt to their rhythm and follow their lead. Allow breaks, playtime, or even a quick snack if needed. This flexibility will help create a relaxed and enjoyable environment, resulting in more authentic and candid photographs.

2. Establish a Connection

Building a connection and establishing rapport with the child is essential for a successful photography session. Spend some time chatting with them, learning their interests, and understanding their personality. Engage in playful conversations, jokes, or games to create a sense of trust and comfort. When they feel at ease with you, they are more likely to express themselves authentically, resulting in more natural and spontaneous photographs.

3. Choose the Right Location

Selecting an appropriate location is crucial for three-year-old photography. Opt for familiar and comfortable settings such as their home, a local park, or a place they enjoy visiting. These environments will help them feel relaxed and encourage their natural behavior, leading to more genuine and captivating photographs.

4. Capture Candid Moments

Three-year-olds are known for their charming and unpredictable behavior. Instead of forcing them into specific poses, try to capture candid moments. Encourage them to play, explore, or engage in their favorite activities. Candid shots often reflect their genuine expressions and emotions, resulting in precious and heartwarming photographs.

5. Get Down to Their Level

To truly capture the world from a child's perspective, get down on their eye level. This approach allows you to photograph them from a unique angle and create a more intimate connection with the frame. By adopting their eye level, you can bring out the innocence and wonder of their world, enhancing the overall impact of your photographs.

6. Use Props and Toys

Incorporating props and toys can add a touch of creativity and playfulness to your photographs. Allow the child to bring their favorite toys or props to the session. Not only do props help to create a sense of familiarity and comfort, but they also provide an opportunity for the child to engage in a fun and interactive way. Utilize these elements to tell a story or capture the child's interests and imagination.

7. Involve Parents or Siblings

Including parents or siblings in the photography session can create a sense of unity and affection. The presence of loved ones often elicits genuine emotions and expressions from the child. Encourage interactions and natural connections between family members, capturing those heartwarming and precious moments.

8. Timing is Key

Choose the optimal time for the session, considering the child's routine and energy levels. Avoid scheduling the session when they are tired, hungry, or during their usual naptime. Opt for a time when the child is well-rested, fed, and in a playful mood. Planning the session around their schedule will increase the chances of a successful and enjoyable experience.

Remember, photographing three-year-olds is about capturing their unique essence and personality and they sure all have personalities, right? Embrace their energy, spontaneity, and sense of wonder throughout the session. By being patient, flexible, and creating a connection, you can produce beautiful and cherished photographs that freeze these precious moments in time.

Happy shooting, friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

the baby whisperer of three year olds