New Pretties Arrived Today!

Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!

Pretty in blue. These are great for the beach.

Swooning over this dress!

Dollcake rocks!

Pretty as a princess.

Pretty in lavender.

Fall has been INSANITY.  It pretty much is for every photographer... but I have been exhausted and have been traveling all over the country the past month and throughout this current fall season..  it's about to get even nuttier around here, but I'm a rockstar and and I will rock out this season!!! It's okay, as of this past weekend, no more traveling for awhile! So.. this means I get to stay in good Ol' South Jersey for a bit... well, until late November.. but will be HOME!!!

Sessions excite me.. I truly do enjoy working with families and people! It's going to be a great fall foliage season! The leaves are already changing and the weather has been staying pretty mild!Anywho!   I received 4 new dresses in today... The first two, I will showcase.. They are from the lovely DOLLCAKE company located in Australia and I have collected probably about 20 or more of their dresses this past year. I love them..

The reason WHY... Well, they are very, very, durable from kiddo's abuse.  I mean they are kids.. they're suppose to have fun.. get messy right? It is a part of this job and it happens, but these make me swoon everytime a kid wears them!I had my daughter model this for me as it came in today.. So please see attached for in person video.. I apologize for the grain.. as I did take it on my iphone, but figured you may like to see it on a REAL LIFE person.. This is a size 4.. It should fit a size 2 1/2- up to about a 4.. possibly a size 5..

Dollcake is a bit tricky with their sizing from time to time.. but it does allow a bit of stretch and the straps can be configured tight or lose with a ton of leeway. WARNING.. You will hear bribery for lollipops.. in this video.. be forewarned![wpvideo ULkAaqS5] Second Dress.. is this lavender long number.. Also, another gorgeous one.. This I purchased in a size 5. This should fit a bigger 3 year old up to possibly a size 6... A

gain, lots of leeway and can make adjustments!  Here's another live view of the dress.. However, not taken with professional equipment so please don't kill me!More bribery.. and she's "all done. I'm very excited for this year! If I had more time... I would be blogging more sessions and getting them up here, but my goal has been to get them out the door for my clients!  However, I am doing sessions in Delaware and Pennsylvania this end of year and am excited! I love new locations and spots! Hey, I love South Jersey, but it's nice to switch things up from time to time, right?

For those who are signed up to see me this season, I look forward to working with you!!! More goodies coming in too!

Have a great night and happy shooting! Dee

Before and After Photography Edits

Before and After Photography Edits at Shooting Star Photography LLC

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the importance of capturing the true essence of a moment through photography. Our team of skilled professionals combines artistic vision with technical expertise to ensure that every photograph reflects the unique beauty of its subject.
In our "Before and After" series, we showcase the transformative power of our editing process. Each photograph undergoes careful enhancement to bring out the best in every detail, while maintaining the authenticity of the original moment.

Our dedication to precision and quality is evident in the striking differences between the "Before" and "After" shots. From subtle adjustments in lighting and color balance to more intricate retouching, our edits are aimed at elevating the visual impact of each image in a natural and seamless manner.

Whether it's a portrait, a landscape, or a special event, our Before and After Photography Edits exemplify the skill and expertise that define the standard of excellence at Shooting Star Photography LLC.

Before and after edit at the Jersey Shore!

As you can see, I exposed for the subjects and the sky in this one to retain the orange vibrancy as you see in the final image.  I then in post added the sun flare from another photo I took from that very same day and very session, but I did keep most of the detail in the sky and played with the coloring in post. As you can see very subtle changes in post as I am a stickler for getting it right in camera and then adding some of my secret sauce to them. I LOVE capturing a story and is a big deal to me. 

Before and after in the sunflowers in South Jersey. I love vintage style!

One of the things I have worked very hard on this year was editing and taking a ton of workshops! I have been everywhere from South Carolina, to Virginia, New York, Northern New Jersey and beyond for workshops (including a ton of webinars) this year. They mean everything to me and to the type of photographer I wish to become and am working hard to get to.  I believe in education wholeheartedly in this business! I wanted to share a few before and afters up on here to see the type of magic I put into some of my sessions. Some are more simple than others, but hopefully you can see my creative vision that I put into every SINGLE ONE of my images.

My goal is to be the leading fine art photographer in the Philadelphia area and vicinity.  I love my backyard and am very excited for the opportunities that folks have afforded me this past year in a half in business. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love to do EVERY SINGLE day! For this guy here I just warmed it up and added some vibrancy. Nothing major, but small little fixes can make or break an image! As always a good image starts with a great SOOC (means straight out of camera) as we photographers like to say. Here's another one. I did not add a sky overlay.

I hope you enjoyed a little “behind the scenes” of our editing process here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Breaking The Mold As Artists- Take Some Risks!

As a photographer, it is important to try new things to continually grow and evolve in your art. Experimenting with different techniques, styles, and subjects helps expand your creativity and keeps your work fresh and innovative.
Trying new things also allows you to discover your strengths and areas for improvement. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you can uncover hidden talents and develop new skills that can enhance your photography.
Furthermore, embracing new challenges and experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities and breakthroughs in your work. Whether it's exploring a different genre of photography or utilizing new equipment, stepping into the unknown can spark inspiration and ignite passion for your craft.

Ultimately, trying new things as a photographer not only fuels personal and professional growth but also ensures that your work remains dynamic, engaging, and relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

I recall the saying of, "life is not that simple in black and white." That sentence speaks volumes to me. It's profound and has a very deep-rooted meaning. Well, for one life truly isn't. We deal with constant reality on a daily basis and often find ourselves in gray areas of a story or in our own lives. What's truly right? What's wrong?

Often times, toying with our nurture vs nature or common values and what "the media" states is right and wrong and you want to run in the opposite direction as if you were fleeing from fire or the media itself. Hahaha. Burn baby burn. I honestly can't watch the news anymore.With photography, the saying can mean just the opposite. I find black and white photographs to be very simple. It balances out all the distractions and color and leaves you with the emotions or gestures of one's face or can perfectly describe or portray the moment... That exact moment in time. Black and whites also (to me anyway) really capture the light and what was available at the time or lack of (some of those moody portraits can be extracted by flat light photographs). What I am saying is, I feel I've done it all wrong.

I'll explain...Dancing in Cherry HillI find this picture awesome in the way it captured the emotion of dancing/twirling and also how the sunset "highlights" them.Variety is the spice of life, right? Or so they say? I honestly haven't done a black and white photograph for the longest time and have RARELY done them for my clients EVER. Recently, I started to get back into doing more black and whites on my personal images after my year hiatus of hardly converting anything to a black and white format and I have to admit... I was missing out.

Some great moments that I have captured, truly look better as a black and white photo. And... I find it freeing for myself as have been stuck in a color rut or same editing routine and it's good to spice things up once in awhile (see what I did there? Look at the beginning of this paragraph... Oh and if you've gone this far reading... Well, God bless you South Jersey, Delaware, Philadelphia, or wherever you came from .. No seriously.... I just heard you sneeze. God bless you again.)

I finally feel free as an artist lately. I'm trying new things and editing techniques and gasp! Some of those new things include good ol' black and white photography. It's worth giving a shot, eh? I mean... I haven't gotten this far without taking risks and wahoo am feeling alive again.Southern New Jersey PrincessHere's another I took a risk on and is not my usual editing style. This image was actually published today.

Come and join me for the ride because it's going to be fun!! But please... Put on your seatbelt. Hey, I like risks, but never can be too safe, eh?Until we meet again my friends!

Happy Shooting!

Dee

All you need is light!

Light is a crucial element in photography, influencing the overall mood and visual impact of an image. The interplay between light and shadow can bring depth, texture, and emphasis to a subject, creating stunning visual effects. In this image captured in Deptford, the play of beautiful light creates a captivating scene, showcasing the artistry and technical skill of the photographer. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the significance of light in photography and are dedicated to capturing moments that harness its full potential.

Yep, that's right. All you need is great light... LIGHT IS PHOTOGRAPHY. It doesn't matter the location or the subject... without good light.. your images will be horrible. That's the name of the game in this business.  Here's one I recently stumbled on and never posted... but decided to edit this beautiful winter light wonder.This was taken in the Deptford/Blackwood area, here in NJ.  The location was picked for its great light. Here's the thing. Winter is TOUGH.. Everything is dead... Everything essentially. It's cold, damp and miserable. However, the image still speaks because there was pretty winter light and the location that was chosen was perfection for this.

Lately, I've been going back and looking at old work to see if any images may speak to me that perhaps that I never posted and this was one of them. I decided to edit it in my current ways and feel like the image speaks to me a bit. I love the wind in her hair and the rim lighting around her hair and backside and how she is interacting with the dogwood stems.Find the light... and you will have beautiful images. No matter what and where.Thanks for stopping by and have been a bit dead on this blog here and decided to post a bit today!

Ha! Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Addison Street-My Exquisite City Shoot on the streets of Philadelphia

Addison Street: A Hidden Gem for Photo Shoots

When it comes to searching for the perfect location for a photo shoot, Philadelphia offers a wealth of options. From historical landmarks to stunning parks, the city has it all. However, one street stands out among the rest as a hidden gem for capturing unique and captivating images: Addison Street.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Addison Street exudes a charm that is hard to find elsewhere. This quaint cobblestone street is lined with beautifully preserved row houses, each boasting its own distinctive architectural style. The historic architecture of these buildings provides an enchanting backdrop that effortlessly transports photographers and their subjects into a different era.

The street's narrowness adds a sense of intimacy to any photo shoot. As the sun filters through the spaces between the buildings, it creates a play of light and shadow, resulting in a magical and ethereal atmosphere. The interplay of these elements adds depth and dimension to photographs, enhancing their overall composition. Which is why we hosted a shoot out here!

Shooting Star Photography LLC Hosts a Glamorous Shootout on Addison Street, Philadelphia

Shooting Star Photography LLC, renowned for capturing the beauty and essence of its subjects, recently organized an extravagant shootout event on the vibrant streets of Philadelphia. Held on the bustling Addison Street, this photoshoot extravaganza showcased a delightful array of young girls having the time of their lives, adorned in stunning designer dresses. The event brought together a talented group of photographers, each ready to capture the essence of the moment in their own unique styles.

On this splendid day, as the winter sunlight gently bathed the historic streets of Philadelphia in a warm glow, Shooting Star Photography LLC organically transformed Addison Street into a haven of fun, excitement, and glamorous elegance. Photographers from all corners of the city were invited to capture magical moments as the young models radiated joyfulness and spontaneity.

This unique photoshoot was inspired by a desire to blend the world of fashion with the exuberant energy of Philadelphian streets. The team at Shooting Star Photography LLC curated a collection of exquisite designer dresses, tailored to perfectly complement the exquisiteness of each young girl. From flowing gowns to chic cocktail dresses, the outfits were carefully chosen to reflect the individual personalities of the models, enabling their true selves to shine through.

As the day unfolded, the jubilant atmosphere on Addison Street grew infectious. Laughter, smiles, and cheers filled the air as the models moved and interacted with one another, their vibrant dresses contrasting beautifully against the scenic backdrop of the city. Every twist and turn became a possibility for a remarkable shot, with each photographer skillfully capturing fleeting moments of celebration and elegance.

Shooting Star Photography LLC fostered an environment where creativity was encouraged and celebrated. The participating photographers brought their own distinct perspectives, utilizing a range of techniques to encapsulate the vivacity and charm of the event. Some photographers experimented with dynamic compositions, while others played with lighting or evoked emotions through black and white imagery. The result was an awe-inspiring collection of photographs that encapsulated the aura of each unique individual.

By hosting this shootout event, Shooting Star Photography LLC aimed to perpetuate the magic of fashion and photography. This event offered a platform for photographers to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another, igniting fresh artistic inspiration and strengthening the photography community in Philadelphia.

As the sun began to set, casting an ethereal glow upon the cobblestone alleys of Addison Street, Shooting Star Photography LLC's shootout drew to a close. In the laughter and shared memories of this extraordinary day, a tapestry of perfectly captured moments emerged, showcasing the beautiful fusion of fashion, art, and the bustling energy of Philadelphia.

For those who missed this remarkable event, do keep an eye out for future endeavors by Shooting Star Photography LLC. With their innate ability to weave elegance, spontaneity, and creativity into their work, there's no doubt that their next venture will be equally awe-inspiring.

One of the reasons Addison Street is truly a standout location for photo shoots is its distinctive aesthetic. The facades of the row houses are adorned with vibrant window boxes overflowing with colorful blooms, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a storybook. The visual appeal of these charming details provides endless creative opportunities for photographers to capture breathtaking images.

Another significant aspect of Addison Street's appeal lies in its peaceful ambiance. Removed from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas of Philadelphia, this quiet street offers a respite from the noise and distractions often encountered during photo sessions. The serene environment allows both the photographer and the subjects to fully immerse themselves in the creative process, resulting in more natural and authentic images.

Furthermore, Addison Street also benefits from its convenient location. Situated near several popular attractions, such as Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it provides the opportunity to incorporate diverse settings within a single photo shoot session. From green spaces to urban landscapes, the versatility of nearby locations adds variety and depth to the images captured on Addison Street.

In conclusion, Addison Street in Philadelphia is a hidden gem for photo shoots due to its unique blend of historic charm, stunning aesthetics, and peaceful ambiance. Its enchanting architecture, coupled with the narrow cobblestone lanes, creates an atmosphere that transcends time. For photographers seeking a location that offers creative opportunities, while maintaining a sense of tranquility, Addison Street is the perfect choice. Its conveniently located surroundings only enhance the overall appeal, making it a must-visit destination for any photography enthusiast.

Twirling away in her Anna Triant dress on Addison Street in Philadelphia!

my sister my best friend!

Just having the time of her life!

Four cuties freezing their hineys off in Philadelphia!

Fierce is her name! Love it here on Addison Street!

Little cutie.

Kid knows how to bring it.

Just having a blast? Need we say more?

Happy giggles on Addison Street.

This took some bribery to kiss her sister.

I think this is my favorite from the day!

Cute smile.. do you need anything else?

Sweet little secrets!

There comes a time when you just want to let your creativity soar as a photographer.  You end up planning every single little detail... from the location, to the time, to the wardrobe... even down to WHO you wish to photograph.  All these come together and align into something magical. And magical it was!!!!This was a beautiful April day. There was virtually no traffic on the street. However, it did get a little bit chilly at night.  We had parents stand by with jackets and warm blankets. And the magic happened!!! I brought together some local photographers in the South Jersey area and we had a blast!!!  

It was my first time ever doing a model call and it went wonderfully!!!Here are some photographs from this shootout!!! We had a fabulous time! I couldn't be more happy with how these turned out in my first creative series!!!

Also, this is the PERFECT location for a photo shoot.  The street is situated direction East to West, which makes for that beautiful golden hour light you see in these photographs!!  

I LOVE PHILADELPHIA and that urban look!!!I am all about light as a photographer! I can't get enough of it!!!  When you work with me... I give you my BEST and thousands of dollars I have spent to perfect every photograph in workshops that I have attended... I only pick the BEST to work with in the industry as well!!!  With even 5 more workshops that I will be attending this year alone!!!

Thank you South Jersey!! For keeping me in business!!!  I've been very very busy and sold out for the year and I appreciate EVERYTHING and your support!!!Remember!! ALL of what you see here is available for your special session!!!You rock!!!  

Thanks again!! And Happy Shooting!!!

See you soon!

Dee