Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.

This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.

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Addison Street- Philadelphia/Fall Family and Christmas Sessions are almost gone!

A magical session on Addison Street is the best place to capture some lovely Christmas Photographs. Each tree is lined with twinkling lights in Rittenhouse square. It is a beautiful place to shoot at and safe for children. I love walking around with the families I photograph and finding new nooks and crannies to explore! As a Greater Philadelphia Area photographer, we have so many beautiful locations at every corner. I love it here!

It's that time of year again and it has been BUSY. I am so blessed for each family that has hired me this year. Especially, with corona virus. I know a lot of businesses didn't make it. I've tried to push through even with my own struggles, but if you are reading this. WE ARE HERE, WE MADE IT. Hopefully, 2023 will be even better!

Family sessions are the way of the land and we would love for you to book with us!

Everything has been epic this year! Woo hoo!!! This will be my final fall offer for the year. Every single year, folks sign up for these and they NEVER disappoint! I just love this magical setting in Philadelphia. It's great for little kids and not having to worry about them running out into the street. As always, safety first in this business!

The magical lights make it beautiful. The lighting, no matter what time of day, is exceptional! Here's a full session I did here, not too long ago. YES, these are the types of images to except for a full family session!

Welcome to Addison Street in Philadelphia. Where magical lights twinkle on all the trees and it is a lovely place to shoot at, at any season! It always creates a magical and dreamy look. It’s safe for kids and it is along Rittenhouse. I love walking around and finding new nooks to shoot in!

Enjoy this session below! It’s one of my favorite places in the city of Philadelphia!

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Philadelphia a place of magic. NOTHING like dancing with your daddy!!!!

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Dance to the music and joy of Philadelphia.

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My job is to capture laughter and joy. That is exactly what I try to do. I put 110% into every single session that I do!

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Happy natural captures is my middle name! :)

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Love creating that magic little touch for my families in South Jersey!

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A boy and his magic lantern.

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Love children being their own natural selves!!!! They are only little for so long. It's so important to capture these times!

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Magic on Addison Street!

Handsome sauce in Philly! Mom did a great job styling this guy!

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Dance to the music little lady!!!

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Twirl and be little, little one!

As you can see, this south jersey family session, is just getting started!

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Strike a pose.

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Nothing to see here, just twirling and creating memories with my daddy.

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Dad and his children.

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Mom and her little boy. It's these sweet moments to be treasured forever.

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Brother and sister.

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Mom and her children.

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Family is everything.

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Big brother kisses.

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The cutest family, every!

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Dad and son in their finest!

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Sweet Smiles.

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Pretty Portrait.

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Fun twirls.

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Will you have this dance?

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Time to smile for mom, right? Hehehe

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Addison Street in Philly NEVER disappoints. It’s a wonderful location for any one!

I think this one is my favorite.

As you can see, one of my favorites to shoot at. We got a lot of variety and captures in and got to capture this special time in this lovely family’s love.

I hope you enjoyed this family session. It was a magical day. Great weather, great smiles... and a great family I got to capture.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

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The Pop Shop in Collingswood- Photo Shoot!

Collingswood’s Beloved Pop Shop- And a Photo Shoot!

Family soda pop sessions can be fun for several reasons:

1. Nostalgia: Soda pop has a nostalgic feel to it, reminding many people of happy memories from childhood. It can be a fun way to connect with the past and create new memories with family members.

2. Variety of flavors: Soda pop comes in a wide range of flavors, allowing family members to experiment with different tastes and combinations. This can be a fun way to bond over shared experiences and tastes.

Want to step back in time?

There’s nothing more special then taking the kids to the Pop Shop in Collingswood, New Jersey. It’s basically become a rite of passage, for all the kiddos in the South Jersey area, to at least try once! For myself, in having children, it’s about making memories. I love taking my kids out to eat, on a nice day and offering them a treat. It’s a great low-cost alternative to going out and it does make it a fun children’s atmosphere.

From their famous humongous as a pizza pie pancakes, to grilled cheese and tomato soup, to their soda fountain/ice cream selection. Nothing disappoints on the menu! The kids are in for a true classic treat! 

A must to get is a milkshake and their breakfast for an indulging brunch!

When I had the opportunity to shoot here, I was floored and very excited!!! Their countertop is a vintage 50’s style, that originally, was shipped in, from the Midwest. They wanted it to look like a period in time and they did not disappoint in this venture. The Pop Shop’s interior, thoughtfully decorated in bright colors and truly showcasing the 50’s vibe with classic portraits, showing an era as some would say, the true essence of Americana. 

Family soda pop sessions can be fun for several reasons:

  1. Nostalgia: Soda pop has a nostalgic feel to it, reminding many people of happy memories from childhood. It can be a fun way to connect with the past and create new memories with family members.

  2. Variety of flavors: Soda pop comes in a wide range of flavors, allowing family members to experiment with different tastes and combinations. This can be a fun way to bond over shared experiences and tastes.

  3. Creative expression: Soda pop sessions can provide a creative outlet for family members, allowing them to experiment with different mixtures and presentation styles. This can encourage a sense of playfulness and experimentation, leading to fun and interesting results.

  4. Shared experience: Sharing a soda pop session can create a sense of togetherness and shared experience. It can be a fun way to spend time together, connecting over a shared love of a particular beverage.

Overall, family soda pop sessions can be a fun and unique way to spend time together, creating memories and connections over a shared love of soda pop.

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At the counter at the Pop Shop in Collingswood. A family retro step back in time!

VIntage Pop Shop Session in Collingswood, New Jersey! At the vintage 1950's counter!

If you aren’t from the area, it’s a great little spot to take the kids and explore all that Collingswood has to offer.  Stroll through the town to the many parks, the speedline and incredible restaurants (Il Fiore, my favorite:)

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Enjoying a milkshake with brother and sister. Capturing moments!

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The Pop Shop in Collingswood, NJ is always a delight. WE love photo sessions here!

"juke box heroes" Love what the Pop Shop in Collingswood is all about!

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Two cuties and making memories with milkshakes!

We definitely made some memories this day. We got to drink some milkshakes and have some fun! The owners were kind enough to let us to come in to shoot.

It's time to make memories, South Jersey! Let 2021 be the year to enjoy and treasure. Moments in time. The childhood years are important. I would be honored to capture these moments for you!

Thank you for stopping by:)

Dee Giumetti

Owner of Shooting Star Photography

South Jersey Photographer

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Happy Birthday! Capturing Magical Birthday Portraits in New Jersey!

Celebrating a child's birthday with a portrait session is a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some reasons why it's important to do so:

1. Marking milestones: A child's birthday is a significant milestone that should be celebrated. A portrait session is a great way to capture the child's growth and development over the years, creating a visual record of their life journey.

2. Creating memories: Children grow up so fast, and a portrait session is a way to freeze time and capture the special moments of childhood. Looking back at these photos can bring back memories and create a sense of nostalgia for both the child and their parents.

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Celebrating a child's birthday with a portrait session is a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some reasons why it's important to do so:

  1. Marking milestones: A child's birthday is a significant milestone that should be celebrated. A portrait session is a great way to capture the child's growth and development over the years, creating a visual record of their life journey.

  2. Creating memories: Children grow up so fast, and a portrait session is a way to freeze time and capture the special moments of childhood. Looking back at these photos can bring back memories and create a sense of nostalgia for both the child and their parents.

  3. Boosting self-esteem: A portrait session can help boost a child's self-esteem and confidence by making them feel special and important. Seeing themselves in beautiful photos can help them feel proud of who they are and increase their sense of self-worth.

  4. Creating family heirlooms: A portrait session creates beautiful, high-quality photos that can be passed down through generations, becoming family heirlooms that tell the story of the family's history.

Overall, a portrait session is a great way to celebrate a child's birthday and create lasting memories that the family can cherish for years to come.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT AT ANY AGE?

I’m at the point in my life where I no longer feel the need to compare myself to others. I’m at the age where we start to see signs of age start to creep up on our faces.. and guess what? It doesn’t bother me anymore. I am embracing age.  At any point in life, we should celebrate our age. Whether you are 5 or 55, it's important to capture these moments. Whether you think you are young or old, we will only be our youngest that we are today. Remember that, in 10 years from now, we will look back and say, "How young we were."

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Celebrating birthdays is what we do! Capturing the beauty at any age! South Jersey's best photographer!

I use to workout like crazy and be thin. Now, I have learned to just be happy with who I am and workout for health.... not to lose another 20 pounds. Which I did lose a lot of the past year. Maybe too much weight.   I’ve learned to love all the negative things I use to hate and be more present in the moment with folks, than worrying what I look like. I can now go out of the house without makeup and even 6 years ago that was an abomination. I no longer care what people think about my appearance and this is huge for me. 

Celebrating a special birthday in South Jersey!

I find joy in the smaller things and it's the little things I find important in capturing. The moments. They are fleeting. It's all about creating memories for you and your children, or for yourself. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY. My job is to just help you remember these important moments and to capture them. Make something special and monumental.

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Let us create something magical for you!

Contact us today at Shooting Star. WE cover all areas of South Jersey, Cherry Hill, Washington Township, Medford, Woodstown, Mullica Hill. We would love to create something magical for you and your family!

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Boys Photography Sessions in South Jersey

Let's celebrate the boys... or let's hear it for the boy! We not only photograph girls, but we photograph whole families and little boys, too! WE celebrate the whole family and memories are our middle name. At Shooting Star Photography, located in Maple Shade, South Jersey, our goal is to make your wishes and dreams come true.

All of us want to be liked, praised, validated and accepted – this is just how we exist as social creatures. Sometimes, our drive to be well-respected can compel us to do things that hardly even make sense in the grand scheme of things – the end result for myself and my business, is just making people feel good. My goal is to have every single person walk away happy and feeling beautiful.

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Boys vintage photography session in our Maple Shade studio!

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Brothers in a flower field in Gloucester County New Jersey. Vintage sessions are our jam!

No matter how small the issue is, all you have to do is actively listen to your customer's feedback in order to bolster the good feeling inside your client! Let us create something spectacular and unique for you and your family!

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We love even capturing the adult and teen years. Boys photography sessions in New Jersey are my jam.

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We have a working relationship with a vintage hanger and airport. Boys sessions are always awesome here!

We welcome you in booking your boys photography session. Whether it is for a birthday, or if you wish to just capture some memories and magic, we encourage you to reach out. Let's create something special and let's hear it for the boys of South Jersey!

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Magical Christmas Family Sessions in Cape May, New Jersey

The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere

One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.

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Just in front of one of my favorite historic houses in Cape May, New Jersey.

I truly love working with all the amazing families that hire me year after year. From magical portraits, to custom family sessions on a private property, to studio sessions, we love working with families to create a rather unique experience for everyone that comes our way!

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Love this little guys bow tie and outfit! Mom dresses this kid to the nines!

Love capturing families every single Christmas!!

I truly love capturing the true essence and MAGIC for all my Philadelphia and South Jersey customers. It's all about a unique experience for all my families. I just want you to show up and smile and we take care of the rest!

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Posing in front of the Bed and Breakfast hot spots in Cape May, New Jersey.

Love being able to capture memories for my families of South Jersey!

Whether it is the Jersey shore for a beach session, a downtown photography shoot in Philadelphia, or a magical forest location in South Jersey, we have you covered. We have private locations as well as hundreds of public shooting locations that we can suggest for the best portrait experience for you and your family.

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Love the gas lamp look of Cape May, New Jersey.

Magic created on the sidewalks of Cape May, New Jersey

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Posing in front of all the cottages in Cape May, New Jersey.

Mr. Handsome Sauce at the Jersey shore. In front of the famous "cottages" in Cape May!

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On the beautiful streets of Cape May, New Jersey. Christmas is the best time at this beautiful shore resort in New Jersey.

The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere

One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.

Stunning Beach and Natural Landscapes

Cape May's unique location offers a delightful contrast between its charming small-town feel and its stunning beach and natural landscapes. This combination creates a diverse range of backdrops for Christmas family photography. Families can be photographed against the backdrop of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and crashing ocean waves, capturing the essence of a seaside Christmas celebration. Additionally, the surrounding natural landscapes and Cape May Point State Park provide a beautiful setting with lush greenery, scenic trails, and wildlife, offering even more options for capturing unforgettable family moments.

Festive Events and Activities

During the holiday season, Cape May hosts a variety of festive events and activities, making it an ideal backdrop for Christmas family photography. The town offers holiday-themed trolley rides, where families can enjoy a cozy tour of Cape May's beautifully adorned streets. The annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours provide an opportunity to explore the town's historic homes, which are lavishly decorated for the holidays. Families can also attend tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and Christmas concerts, immersing themselves in the festive spirit and creating memorable experiences that can be captured against the backdrop of the town's festive decorations.
In conclusion, Cape May, NJ is a great place for Christmas family photography for several reasons. Its charming small-town atmosphere, stunning beach and natural landscapes, and a wide range of festive events and activities all contribute to creating a magical backdrop for capturing cherished family moments during the holiday season.

I LOVE CAPE MAY!

There's nothing more magical then letting things just happen and being in the moment. That's what we try to do accomplish. Everyone with natural smiles.

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Cousins getting their Christmas portraits in Cape May, New Jersey!

Loved capturing these cuties. Parents are the owners of Scoopy's two ice cream!

We'd love to be considered for your next family portraits. Contact us today so that we can create something magical for you!

Until we meet again!

Happy Shooting!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography- South Jersey Photographer

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Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.