New Year.. New Things!

Happy 2018! Boy, was 2017 a crazy year... However, I am bored... so it's time to start challenging myself and doing NEW things and we are doing just that! 

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we embrace the fresh start that comes with a new year. As we embark on this journey into 2018, we look forward to exploring new opportunities, honing our craft, and capturing unforgettable moments for our clients. Whether it's trying out innovative techniques, delving into different photography styles, or pushing the boundaries of creativity, we are excited to see where this year takes us. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities in the world of photography!

Here will be our offerings this year!!!

 We just upgraded to top of the line equipment, so better resolution and better image quality as we go forward! This is the camera of the year and so many praises on how beautiful images are. We are so excited to give the BEST to our customers! 

• We will be offering studio sessions.. as we just upgraded this as well! Where we may even come to you,  in your own home!  Our goal for these are classic portraiture with a semi artistic twist.

• Race Track sessions, for boys and girls! With a vintage race car!

• Safari sessions where we will have zebras, wallabies, llamas and possibly a monkey..

• Creek sessions on our beautiful property with a boat!

• Cherry blossoms.. where we have teamed up with a designer! All custom dresses provided. Never worn or seen before!

• These will be held two different months^

• Mommy and me special sessions with hair and makeup provided!

• Tulip Sessions

• Peony sessions

• Greenhouse sessions

• Vintage Mini Pony sessions

• Wild Rudbeckia sessions

• Wildflower sessions

• Engagement sessions (we are starting to do these again!)

• Vintage Farm sessions- where children will get to interact with animals.

• Longwood Garden Sessions and will be held all year round (heaven on earth)

• Rooftop garden sessions

• Central Park Sessions! In the fall!

• We purchased this today!!! We're already gearing up for Spring!

Love dollcake and have many of these in our client closet!

BETTER TURNAROUNDS- we will be at 2 weeks and have hired and trained a retoucher! Plus an office assistant!

New locations. From Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania to Central Jersey... as well as our usual Philly and Southern New Jersey locations.Most of these sessions will be run a little differently this year and only two sessions per day (our usual can be 8-20 people per day). Except for mommy and me (where we are renting a studio in Philly).We will also be offering.. Photography classes as we've had requests. These will be basic classes in order to learn how to go manual with your camera and learn to read about light.Next year, our theme is more timeless/vintage. We want you to enjoy your images for years to come!Thank you everyone for an amazing 2017. Our 2018 is going to be incredible and will be our 3rd year in business!

Happy New Year!!! This year is going to rock!!

We're very excited! 

Hope to see you in 2018!!!   

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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

Unicorn Sessions-Photography is EASY. Not.

Unicorn magical sessions in south Jersey

Unicorn photography is a unique and specialized skill that requires a keen eye, creativity, and technical expertise. Capturing the enchanting essence of these mythical creatures demands the ability to harness and enhance their mystique through the lens. Unicorn photography requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and perspective to bring out the ethereal beauty in each shot. The responsibility lies in the photographer's hands to emphasize the magical qualities of the unicorn while capturing their grace and allure. To possess the skill of unicorn photography is to possess the power to transport viewers into a world where dreams come alive, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that only these majestic creatures can awaken.

Photography is simple everyone can do it.

I am going to explain to you in rich and lavish detail.. It is not. In fact, it's been one of my hardest jobs of my life. It's time to get a little personal and about business here! :)

First off, I got into photography while running a travel blog many moons ago. I worked in corporate America previously. You can google me if you want, you'll see me pop up in a few news articles and probably see the books have written. Bleh bleh bleh.. right? I am boring you. Hold on!

I LOVED taking photos. Didn't know much about light and would just snap this, that, and the air. It honestly didn't matter. I didn't edit them either. I just loved it. For me, it was the thrill of exploring that particular place or landscape and taking a picture as a token that I've been there.

Well... out plops my son and then my daughter. At this point, I decided to flip tables, change things up a bit and to photograph them. These important moments because they change SO FAST were important for me to capture. So like many photographers, I got into portrait photography because of them.

This little lady enjoed being photographed with her puppy the unicorn.

Again... easy peasy, right? Hold your horses, will ya?

I started taking photos and learning my camera settings. Learning about light. Lots of trial and error. Friends saw these photographs and wanted their pictures done. Now, at this time... I thought I was dabomb.com. I wasn't. I was terrible. I'm now doing some of my friend's photographs and thinking hmmm.. this is easy maybe I should start a business....

And I did. Decided to incorporate my business in February of 2015. At this time, I STILL thought I was awesome. 

There were no clients. It was crickets. I'm like oh $45 is too expensive... let me lower them to $35 and give a ton of images. I continued to blog and at this point is when things got busy for me. I was taking workshops and learning online. I was building my lens collection. My work was starting to get noticed.

Then things got super busy. So by end of fall season.. I am practically ripping my hair out. $100 sessions (yep, raised them from those whopping $35 sessions) and I am spending 2 hours on one photograph editing. A total waste of time and resources. Time away from my own kiddos she family. It was awful. At this time, I continued to book like crazy and am virtually winging it and going day by day.

So tax time comes around... and this was my ah ha moment. Seeing how much money owed and realizing I wasn't charging enough to even make minimum wage and that I technically wasted so much of my time for PENNIES. I was seriously working for PENNIES and this was the second year. The numbers don't lie.

The first year, was even worse I was basically paying myself to work. I put the family virtually in debt because always wanted the latest and greatest shiniest things. You eventually realize you don't need those things.

We always need to get a nice pet in too. With our beautiful unicorns.

So come 2017... those few years have learned and learned well. I had to make a decision to either start making a profit... or I need to quit.

What I am trying to say is this. There are so many folks that end up burned out in this business. They have no real plan. They love what they do, but they often lack on the business side. They have no business plan m or marketing set in motion. They lack motivation because it can be a frustrating and very confusing start.

Now, one thing with myself. I am a go getter. I always had a plan. My plan wasn't enough when I started.I was super busy and was afraid to raise my pricing to where I should be priced at with my talent and worth.

I made it a point to offer a full session experience this year. Offering high end custom made gowns for my company.

We also tackled on limited series sessions. Such as unicorns, mermaids and princess castle sessions. Because I was so busy.... I ended up hiring my mom to come onboard full time to be my assistant. I love working with my mom. Not many daughters can say this and I'm sure would love the opportunity to work with your own mom.

I noticed office work starting slugging behind. When that happens, customer service starts to slip... so have had to hire an office manager to keep things running smoothly, so that we can provide our customers with the service they expect and honestly the best. We don't like offering anything less than the best...asWe are completely full service.

So... for now and going forward we have a concrete plan. I have a team at my disposal to insure I give my clients the best and they are your team, too. We have your back.

This is not an easy job, I work 24/7 at every waking hour to make my business better. No one told me going into this, that I would spend most of my time on the business end and not shooting/editing. A huge misconception most photographers have getting into this.

What I am saying is if you want a well-organized and run photography business. That will WOW you from beginning to end in the Philly area.. you've found it. We're right here. We're not going anywhere. We've only just started!

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

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