New Arrivals!!

Shooting Star Photography LLC - Client Closet Showcase

We are thrilled to announce the latest additions to our client closet, curated to add flair and elegance to your upcoming photo shoot! Our new wardrobe pieces are designed to elevate your visual storytelling, providing a diverse range of styles to suit various photography concepts.

Women's Collection

Explore a stunning array of new dresses, gowns that exude grace and sophistication. From timeless classics to modern trends, our women's collection features a mix of flowing silhouettes, intricate lace details, and bold patterns, giving you the perfect ensemble for any portrait session.

Children's Collection

For our youngest clients, we have introduced charming outfits and adorable accessories that capture the innocence and joy of childhood. From whimsical dresses to dapper little suits, our children's collection is filled with delightful options that will make their photo shoot experience even more memorable.
Remember, these wardrobe selections are complimentary for all our photo shoot sessions, providing you with an opportunity to indulge in a delightful fashion experience at no additional cost. When you book your next session with us, you can explore our client closet and select the perfect attire that resonates with your personality and vision for the shoot.
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe that every detail contributes to creating an extraordinary photography experience. We can't wait for you to experience the magic of our new wardrobe additions, and we look forward to capturing your unique story through our lens.
Your moments. Our passion. Let's create something beautiful together.

Showcasing our client closet.

This weeks feature is this peplum style vintage dress that we just purchased in both red and blue.

I am going to start showcasing the available dresses and gorgeous ball gowns that we offer as a courtesy for our sessions!!! I will show a collage with numbers and you can even choose this in part of your bookings with Shooting Star Photography.  This way you can select what you would like for your daughter to wear!!!  Wahoo!!!This is a freshly new arrival and thought would be perfect for my daughter to model!

I will post the sizes and colors that are available in the selection provided. My first dress highlight is this guy!  As I continue on with the blogging and adding dresses, you will see the collage fill out more with our selections. This dress number 1 is available in both red and blue and works with sizes 2-3. It's a lovely summer and light cotton dress.  Great for the little one's comfort. Stay tuned for more pretties and for our number 2 feature shortly! I will continue to update and showcase what we have to the collage.  The is the first post of hundreds of our offerings.  Can't wait to showcase the red in use too!!!

Would look cute pretty much in any session. I can imagine a beautiful meadow, lake, stream, wildflowers... It's such a pretty and versatile piece. Also, we have numerous headpieces to go with these dresses. As always, we offer styling of our selection as a courtesy to all of our Philadelphia and Delaware area clients!

You are also free to wear whatever you wish!!! Thanks for stopping by and happy shooting my friends!!!

Heading out shortly to Moorestown for a session! 

Best, Dee

Our Stylized Sessions Have Been a Hit!!!

Stylized Sessions: Elevating Family Portraits

When it comes to family portraits, capturing the genuine warmth and connection among loved ones is the ultimate goal. However, incorporating stylized photography sessions can add a unique and artistic touch to family portraits, elevating them to a whole new level. Stylized sessions offer the perfect opportunity to infuse creativity, personality, and flair into family photos, creating timeless and captivating images that go beyond the traditional. Here at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe that stylized sessions provide a wonderful way to celebrate the individuality of each family member while creating a visually stunning and memorable collection of portraits.

This was our feather dress! It had feathers and lots of tulle for mom.

vintage mint green dress for this little spunky lady.

Hi there! As stated a long, long, long time ago on this blog of Neverland... that I would be offering stylized sessions this year... and guess? We did it! We launched it!!! It has been a blast!  I receive sometimes a few new dresses a day that ship in and it's pretty crazy.  I have now over a 100 different dresses in sizes ranging from 12 months up until 14 years old. I have just started receiving and collecting some adult gowns... as one is shown below..  A few more selections have come in a champagne with sequins (its gorgeous, trust me, not ugly) It would fit a size 4-6 individual and has a built in bra.  I also have a black gown for size 12.

Our Wardrobe Selection

 A pink gown that will fit most folks from a size 6-10.  I will feature that down the road.One thing I have noticed this year is the girls and boys, when they are dressed up, they seem to cooperate much more easily.  I honestly believe it is because they are playing dress up and feel like the little princesses or princes that they are.A few things that I need to change this year, is my turnaround time. I am at about 8 weeks now. Last year's was about 10-12 weeks and at least I have managed to cut that down efficiently this year, but would like to try and keep it at a simple 4-6 weeks.  

Even sooner if possible.For the little girls, I have dresses in all sizes and colors and hundreds of hair pieces and crowns for you to choose from.  We bring a little pop up changing tent with us on location and about 4 different dress options that you can choose for during your session.  It's been a hoot and I'm in love!!! A lot of moms and dads will ask what types of shoes their children should bring. I always recommend neutrals, silvers, blacks, whites, golds, something that will still film well on camera.Some new locations I have scouted are in Medford, Deptford, Vineland, Pedricktown, Sewell and Monroeville for this year.

I am now looking into locations in Delaware and the Chester County area to kind of branch out for my clients.  I've got a few private properties that I use as well to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for all.  Thanks for being a huge support for me and my business this year. A few kinks to still work out as have only been in business a full calendar year, but think we're well on our way!!!!

More coming.. even maternity dresses!

 I'm enjoying this roller coaster ride. It's been pretty unreal!!!!  I've been traveling up and down South Jersey and into Philly lately... It's been rough and it's been very busy. Our calendar is pretty full into November this year... for that is a blessing in itself. One goal going forward, is to provide even better customer service then what we are providing now.  We're working out the details for our future endeavor!!!  

Stay tuned! It's going to be fun! Will be featuring more of our selections! About half our inventory hasn't even been worn yet!!! Can you imagine?? Happy Shooting, my friends!!! Dee          

First Holy Communion Session With An Epic Longwood Gardens shoot!!!

As we all know, April and May were pretty wet months... here in South Jersey. I have had to do a ton of rescheduling due to our wonderful Mother Nature.  I knew that the time of our session, it would be rather rainy out, so I suggested we do Longwood Gardens in the Conservatory for a photo session.. and boy was I happy we made that decision because these photographs came out PHENOMENAL.I find it truly inspiring what we have here in our Delaware Valley.  We have so many vast options and locations to choose from... from mountains to lavender fields to the Jersey shore. It's a joyous wonder how beautiful our backyard is!!!!

First holy communion photo shoot at Longwood Gardens!

Enjoying the conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

Longwood Gardens: A Captivating Wonderland for Photo Shoots

Introduction
Longwood Gardens, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with stunning man-made landscapes. For photographers seeking an unforgettable photo shoot location, Longwood Gardens offers an abundance of breathtaking backdrops. Here's why Longwood Gardens is unquestionably an awesome place for a photo shoot.

1. Diverse and Vibrant Gardens
Longwood Gardens boasts a diverse collection of meticulously cultivated gardens designed to captivate the senses. From vibrant flower beds and perfectly pruned topiaries to tranquil water features and enchanting woodland trails, the gardens offer an endless array of picturesque settings for photo shoots. Whether it's the iconic Italian Water Garden's elegant fountains or the dazzling Orchid House, Longwood Gardens provides a plethora of options to suit every photographer's vision.

2. All-Season Appeal
One of the remarkable aspects of Longwood Gardens is its year-round allure. In every season, the gardens offer a magical landscape that provides unique opportunities for captivating photographs. In spring, vibrant blooms blanket the gardens, making it an ideal time for capturing nature's renewal. Summer brings lush greenery and outdoor concerts, creating a lively ambiance. Fall transforms the gardens into a kaleidoscope of rich autumnal hues, while winter showcases the splendor of dazzling holiday lights illuminating the gardens' enchanting paths.

Sweet kisses for making communion!

3. Versatile Indoor Spaces
Longwood Gardens isn't limited to its exceptional outdoor beauty alone. The conservatory and indoor spaces offer equally magnificent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. The four-acre indoor conservatory, home to an extraordinary collection of plants, serves as a haven for exotic flora enthusiasts. The Main Fountain Garden's grand architecture and ethereal water displays create a majestic setting for photo shoots regardless of the weather conditions. These indoor spaces provide versatility and artistic inspiration, ensuring that a photo shoot at Longwood Gardens can be successful rain or shine.

4. Endless Scenic Possibilities
Photographers thrive in environments that present an abundance of possibilities, and Longwood Gardens certainly delivers. The vastness of the gardens lends itself to endless exploration, allowing photographers to discover hidden nooks and expansive vistas. Whether your aim is capturing delicate details up close or bringing depth to your compositions with vast landscapes, Longwood Gardens provides the perfect canvas.

We included the whole crew in this lady’s first holy communion session at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square.

5. Professional Support
Longwood Gardens understands the needs of photographers and provides valuable support to ensure their success. The photography policy at Longwood Gardens permits both amateur and professional photographers to share the beauty of their images. They encourage photographers to inquire about advanced access hours, workshops, and special events tailored to their needs. The expertise and guidance provided by the Longwood Gardens staff can elevate any photo shoot to new heights.

Last beautiful photo of the day!

Conclusion
Longwood Gardens is undeniably an awe-inspiring place for a photo shoot. Its stunning gardens, versatile indoor spaces, year-round appeal, endless scenic possibilities, and professional support make it an irresistibly attractive choice for photographers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, Longwood Gardens promises an unforgettable experience, resulting in breathtaking photographs that capture the magic of this extraordinary destination.

Seriously! IF cuteness could kill, eh?  IF you are looking for a cool location on a rainy day... THIS is the place for you in the Delaware Valley. Heck, even a sunny day it would be beautiful!!! Thanks for being a big support South Jersey!  I love you! You rock!!! I am excited for upcoming beach mini sessions and a field of gladiolas!!! Stay Tuned! IT will be epic!!! Thanks for riding along! I love capturing families, maternity and basic portrait sessions!!!  I am DYING to do a maternity session here!!! DYING!!! Please contact me if interested!!! We would utilize both indoor facilities and outdoors! Did you know they have a meadow of wildflowers? Gah!!!  Also, found this gorgeous meadow of wildflowers in Medford, NJ of all places! Can't wait to share my locations with all of you and show more future sessions!!! Wahoo!!! 

Happy Shooting my friends!!! 

Dee

New photographer? Get your White Balance in check!

White balance is a crucial aspect of photography that should never be overlooked by photographers. It plays a significant role in ensuring accurate color representation in our images. By adjusting the white balance, we can correct the color cast caused by different light sources. Whether shooting under natural sunlight, fluorescent lights, or tungsten bulbs, each lighting condition introduces a distinct color temperature. Setting the correct white balance not only brings harmony to the color tones but also enhances the overall mood and atmosphere of the photograph. It allows photographers to maintain the intended colors of the scene and accurately convey emotions and stories through their images. Ultimately, white balance is an essential tool that empowers photographers to capture the world in its truest form.

Taken in Salem County. Mom and her little girl!

Happy 4th and taken in my backyard in Woodstown.

Sooo... You want to edit like a big girl or boy boy...??As we all know, taking pictures BEHIND the camera is about 10% (some would even say less) of our job and the other would be what goes on behind the camera.  The other 90%.Well, this topic will be on editing alone. If folks are wanting to get a nice artistic look or edit in an artistic aspect, it all starts with a good Sooc image (straight out of camera) without that... You can throw it away. The more you strive to get it right in camera, the better off you are going to be.A lot of things can be marginally (sometimes majority fixed in Raw), but the one thing you can't fix is focus. If your subject is super soft and out of focus... That goes right into the garbage bin, unless you want to keep your "blurry image" for an artistic effect.

If you blow out your highlights, it's much more difficult to bring that detail back in post then it is to underexposed a tad to retain more detail.  Now, all this really is a preference in now you shoot. Of course, if you prefer a brighter/airy look you may be blowing out your sky and background a bit more. I tend to underexposed a teeny bit or try to expose for skin tones as to keep skin looking the best as possible when it comes to post. Without good skin (light, color, composition) the image can also be a dud. 

No one wants an Oompa Loompa image.So we have covered focus and exposure. The other important factor in a good image is your white balance.  Without proper exposure and white balance and if you try and go into editing, you're just polishing a turd. No matter what you do, it's going to still look like poo.Understanding proper exposure and white balance are the key elements (and of course focus being number one) when it comes to photography. If you can strive for getting it the most perfect you can in camera, your life will become much much easier. All creative edits start out with a real clean image..

Proper white balance and exposure have been adjusted and after that, it's game on for the fun stuff. So just keep this in mind when you shoot.  I use to set my own white balance using a filter, but I've learned that kelvin gets me great results and now utilize this, instead of auto white balance.  I also utilize focus peaking and a highlight priority in camera, so that I can better nail focus and to not blow out my highlights.I can't tell you how many photographers I see out there that just are not aware of even white balance and it destroys their image.  I see kids looking blue, magenta, orange, gray a lot and with a simple understanding of white balance, this can be corrected.  Proper white balance is going to make or break your photos!I have trained my eye over this short amount of time and have developed certain pet peeves with working and white balance has unfortunately, been one of them.  For anyone new to this field, study it long and study it hard. This will help you to be a better photographer.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee