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.

New Pretties Arrived Today!

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!

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!

dollcake dresses, photo shoot, photographers in south jersey, best photographers, styled shoot, photographers in new york,

Pretty in blue. These are great for the beach.

dollcake dresses, photo shoot, photographers in south jersey, best photographers, styled shoot, photographers in new york,

Swooning over this dress!

dollcake dresses, photo shoot, photographers in south jersey, best photographers, styled shoot, photographers in new york,

Dollcake rocks!

dollcake dresses, photo shoot, photographers in south jersey, best photographers, styled shoot, photographers in new york,

Pretty as a princess.

dollcake dresses, photo shoot, photographers in south jersey, best photographers, styled shoot, photographers in new york,

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

Read More

Another goodie has arrived!

Another goodie has arrived!

At Shooting Star Photography, we are constantly refreshing our collection with new dresses for our styled shoots. The vintage simplicity of this new arrival is truly charming. Keep an eye out for more stunning additions to our wardrobe for your next styled photo shoot!

At Shooting Star Photography, we are constantly refreshing our collection with new dresses for our styled shoots. The vintage simplicity of this new arrival is truly charming. Keep an eye out for more stunning additions to our wardrobe for your next styled photo shoot!

photographers in south jersey, new jersey photographers, styled sessions, vintage sessions, photographers in new york,

I love gray. It is one of my favorite colors to work with outdoors (except the beach).

photographers in south jersey, new jersey photographers, styled sessions, vintage sessions, photographers in new york,

Super cute kiddo with her “puppy” with the dress in use.

photographers in south jersey, new jersey photographers, styled sessions, vintage sessions, photographers in new york,

another cutie photo with the new dress!

Hey there!

I am loving seeing this weather changing.. the leaves turning and it getting darker... aren't you? As my 5 year old started his "big boy" school this year, it's been an adjustment (although he was in preschool a few days a week previously.)  However, new school year gets me craving for the fall months!!!Boy am I excited for some of the new goodies I have just purchased and will be premiering them to you here.Eek! With these guys... I love when new items come in! I pretty much have new arrivals delivered daily, but hey... why not? It's definitely one of the perks of this job and why I love it so much!!! I LOVE stylized sessions.

A big part of me loves neutral colors because they bring out one's features, there are less color casts that I have to mess around with in post and they photograph beautifully!Here's a dress I purchased in size 2 and size 8!  It's gray and has a boho vibe to it! I love the little tassel touch and the groovy gray color. Yep, I'm all about the boho/groovy lately!I will feature more goodies coming your way! I have also purchased some new floor length ball gowns in numerous colors that I'm sure folks will be happy to wear!  I also have received a few adult gowns in recently!

I will post here shortly!  I'm getting giddy for fall!!!  Can't wait! It's my favorite time of year! Favorite sunlight, favorite colors.. and love the vibrancy this season brings!Stay tuned as I am doing a giveaway on our facebook page for a fall session. If you aren't following or liking... you should do so now! Winner will be chosen shortly!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Read More

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.

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, photographer, photographers in south jersey, SEO for photographers, seo for businesses NJ, SEO help, photographers in sea isle nj, photographers in stone harbor nj, photographers in cape may,

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 edit, photographer, photographers in south jersey, SEO for photographers, seo for businesses NJ, SEO help, photographers in sea isle nj, photographers in stone harbor nj, photographers in cape may,

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

Read More

Golden Hour Glow: A Stunning Sister Photoshoot Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Golden Hour Glow: A Stunning Sister Photoshoot Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Sep 21

Embracing Sisterhood: A Photo Session Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Introduction:

Step into the enchanting world of sisterhood amidst the towering pines of Sewell. Join us on a journey through a mesmerizing photoshoot, where golden hour light and the bond between siblings create unforgettable moments.

Embracing Sisterhood: A Photo Session Amongst Tall Pines in Sewell

Introduction:

Step into the enchanting world of sisterhood amidst the towering pines of Sewell. Join us on a journey through a mesmerizing photoshoot, where golden hour light and the bond between siblings create unforgettable moments.

Setting the Scene: The Majestic Tall Pines of Sewell

Nestled within the serene beauty of Sewell lies a hidden gem - the tall pines that stand majestically against the sky. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow across the landscape, these towering trees become the backdrop for a sister photoshoot filled with love and laughter.

Golden Hour Magic: Bathing the Landscape in Ethereal Light

Golden Hour Glow: As the golden hour approaches, the landscape transforms into a scene of ethereal beauty. The soft, golden light bathes the tall pines in a warm glow, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the bond between sisters. It's during this fleeting moment that we embark on a journey to capture the essence of sisterhood amidst nature's splendor.

Sisterly Love: Moments of Joy and Connection Amongst Tall Pines

Moments of Sisterly Love: As the sisters laugh and play amongst the tall pines, their bond shines brightly in every frame. Whether sharing secrets under the canopy of trees or twirling in the golden light, each moment is a testament to the unbreakable connection between siblings. Through candid shots and genuine smiles, we capture the essence of sisterhood in its purest form.

Preserving Moments: The Importance of Family Photoshoots

Conclusion: As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a final, golden glow over the tall pines of Sewell, we reflect on the beauty of sisterhood and the power of photography to preserve precious moments. Through laughter, love, and the enchanting light of golden hour, we've created memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Natural smiles and this cutie showing off her missing teethers!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Twirling around in the beautiful sunlight.

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

This light is just heavenly!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Something more posed. This kid cracks me up, but is a natural at posing!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Another one!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Sisters being nice to each other! :)

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Love these girls!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Super cute!

photographers in sewell, nj photographers, photographers in south jersey, photographers in philadelphia, photographers in new york, photographers in ocean city, photographers in atlantic city, photographers in sicklerville,

Kiddos playing and having fun in the beautiful sunlight!

Hello there! It's time to share another session on the blog! Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a mini session right here in South Jersey, more specifically in Sewell. These were 15-minute sessions held at a stunning location blessed with incredible light. The lighting at this spot is simply exquisite and never fails to leave me in awe.

This location in Washington Township, Sewell, offers a rustic charm that serves as the perfect backdrop for photography sessions. In an area where options for photographers are somewhat limited, stumbling upon this gem was a stroke of luck. Its east-to-west orientation ensures optimal lighting conditions, making it a prime choice for any photographer.

As photographers, we're accustomed to working in various conditions, adapting to whatever the circumstances may be. While I'm a firm believer in the magic of golden hour lighting, I also understand that perfect conditions aren't always guaranteed. Sometimes, you simply have to embrace the moment and make the most of it.

During this particular session, I had the pleasure of photographing two lovely sisters. Despite the limited timeframe, I'm thrilled with the results we achieved. It's always a joy to see how well sessions turn out, especially when working with such wonderful subjects.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to conduct more sessions at this location, and I'm eagerly anticipating returning, especially as autumn approaches. With the vibrant colors of fall foliage on the horizon, I can only imagine how stunning the photos will be. I've made an effort to capture that essence in the images shared here, but rest assured, there's much more to come!

Stay tuned for updates on future sessions and exciting photography adventures. Until then, happy shooting, my friends!

Warm regards, Dee

Read More

Maternity Photography

Top 5 Reasons to Have a Maternity Session

If you're expecting a little bundle of joy, congratulations! This is an incredibly special time in your life, and what better way to capture and celebrate it than with a maternity session? Here are the top five reasons why having a maternity session with Shooting Star Photography LLC is a must:

Top 5 Reasons to Have a Maternity Session


If you're expecting a little bundle of joy, congratulations! This is an incredibly special time in your life, and what better way to capture and celebrate it than with a maternity session? Here are the top five reasons why having a maternity session with Shooting Star Photography LLC is a must:


1. Documenting the Miracle of Life: Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, filled with anticipation, excitement, and love. A maternity session allows you to freeze these precious moments in time and create lasting memories of the miraculous journey your body is going through. From the gentle curve of your belly to the glow in your eyes, our talented photographers will capture the essence of this remarkable chapter in your life.


2. Celebrating Your Changing Body: Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman's body, and these changes deserve to be celebrated. Our maternity sessions are designed not only to capture the beauty of your growing belly but also to capture the strength, grace, and confidence that radiates from within. Embrace your unique physical transformation and cherish the stunning images that showcase your maternal glow.


3. Including Your Partner and Family: A maternity session is an opportunity to involve your partner and other family members in documenting your journey to parenthood. By including your loved ones in the session, you'll be able to capture the connection, love, and joy that surround you during this magical time. Whether it's an intimate couple's shoot or a family portrait, these images will create cherished memories for years to come.


4. Creating Heirlooms for Your Child: Your future child will love seeing images of their parents during the early stages of their life. Maternity photos serve as a tangible connection between you, your child, and the beautiful anticipation that filled the air before their arrival. By investing in a maternity session, you're creating heirlooms that can be passed down through generations, providing a glimpse into their own unique history.


5. Artistic Expression and Empowerment: A maternity session is not solely about capturing standard poses; it's an opportunity for artistic expression and self-empowerment. Our experienced

maternity photographer, nj, new jersey, maternity, south jersey maternity,

I love maternity photo shoots in Ocean City!

maternity photographer, nj, new jersey, maternity, south jersey maternity,

A collage of our maternity sessions over the past year!

 I noticed this year that I haven't done as much maternity photography as I have liked... and well.. I sincerely want to change that! And changes will be made, South Jersey! I am wanting to move forward and do what I love and what I am passionate about and while I continue to grow and going forth, that excitement  is with maternity photography.  It is my favorite type of photography besides capturing  families and children and I enjoy capturing the essence of this special moment in life! In a effort to book more for big beautiful bellies for next year, I am offering a special for 2017! This is for early bookings in 2016 only.  10 files for $250 and 20 files for $300.  

This will include an  unlimited wardrobe selection and changes within your hour shoot. Within my maternity captures, I also like to include family. This is for immediate family only. However, we ALWAYS go in with a play with every session and get the family portraits out of the way.  

Then we do portraits with mom and her kids, then dad and his  kids.. then dad and mom together and then mom's formals for her maternity session and to capture this time in your life.Also, if you do not have any children and would like to incorporate your furry pet child... bring them along!! I love working with animals!We may even bring a little organic treat for your furry love muffin!As I look into 2017,

I want to thank every customer that has come our way to make this a very successful year and to make their session one of the most fun sessions they have ever encountered.  I love when folks walk away with a wonderful overall experience!If you know anyone wanting to have a maternity capture in this stage in life.

Let them know of my offerings! I have over 30 gown selections and it grows on a weekly  basis.  I have styles and sizes for everyone!!!  We also include any little girls that will be included in the session, their dress as well and we also have numerous head piece offerings! Until we meet again folks!  

Happy Shooting!!! 

Dee 

Read More

Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.