One of the first questions I hear after someone books a session is:
“Where should we take the pictures?”
And honestly? We're pretty spoiled here.
South Jersey gives us everything from wildflower fields and historic downtowns to beaches, gardens, wooded parks and beautiful seasonal locations. And when we cross the bridge into Philadelphia, we get an entirely different look.
After photographing families and children throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia for years, I've learned that the prettiest location isn't necessarily the best location.
The best location is the one that fits your family, your style and the way you want your photographs to feel.
Here are some of my favorites.
Wildflowers, Fields & Nature
Give me gorgeous evening light, a field and some kids who are allowed to actually move, and I'm happy.
Fields and natural locations are perfect if you love photographs that feel soft, whimsical and a little magical.
And nobody needs to stand perfectly still smiling at me the entire time.
Walk together. Pick flowers. Dance. Chase your toddler. Snuggle your kids.
Those little moments usually become my favorite photographs anyway.
South Jersey has some incredible seasonal fields and natural areas, but they can change quickly throughout the year. Something that's exploding with flowers one week can look completely different two weeks later.
Mother Nature apparently does not care about my photography schedule.
That's why I scout throughout the year and recommend locations based on what's actually looking beautiful around the time of your session.
Parks & Classic South Jersey Greenery
Sometimes simple is perfect.
Beautiful trees, gorgeous light and enough space for the kids to move can create some of the most timeless family photographs.
South Jersey has wonderful parks and green spaces throughout Camden, Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties, and they're especially good for families with younger children.
We can get the classic family portrait Grandma wants—and then let everyone loosen up.
Walking. Laughing. Piggyback rides. Kids running.
Someone inevitably tackles Dad.
You know. The good stuff.
Gardens, Flowers & Seasonal Blooms
If you've followed my work for any amount of time, you already know:
I love flowers.
Tulips. Cherry blossoms. Sunflowers. Wildflowers. Zinnias. Cosmos.
If it blooms, there's a pretty good chance I've thought about putting someone in a beautiful dress in front of it.
Floral locations are gorgeous for family, children, maternity, Mommy & Me and Communion portraits. They give photographs that romantic, storybook feeling without needing much else.
The catch?
Flowers have absolutely no respect for calendars.
Bloom times depend on weather, rain and temperature, which means some of the prettiest locations may only have a short window each year.
When they're good, though?
They're REALLY good.
Historic Towns & Urban South Jersey
Not everyone wants to frolic through a field.
I respect that.
Historic towns like Haddonfield and Collingswood give us a completely different look with brick sidewalks, beautiful architecture, interesting doorways, little streets and tons of texture.
I especially love these locations for families with older children and teens because they can feel a little more modern and editorial while still being relaxed.
We can also walk a relatively small area and create several completely different looks.
And if your teenager would rather disappear into the earth than stand in a field holding a flower?
Don't worry.
We'll find them a cool wall.
Jersey Shore & Beach Sessions
There is just something about photographs at the Jersey Shore.
Bare feet. Wind in your hair. Kids running toward the water. That soft sky right around sunset.
Beach sessions are timeless, but they're especially meaningful for families who spend their summers at the shore.
They're another place where I don't want everything perfectly posed.
Walk along the water. Pick up your child. Let the kids splash. Let the wind blow the dress.
We're at the beach. Your hair is probably going to move.
We're going to survive. 😂
And don't underestimate those few minutes after the sun disappears. Some of my favorite beach colors happen when everyone else thinks sunset is already over.
Philadelphia & Center City
And then there's Philadelphia.
This is where we can do something completely different.
Architecture. City Hall. Historic streets. Theater lights. Stone buildings. Side streets and interesting little corners everywhere you turn.
One of my absolute favorite times to photograph Center City is when the sun starts disappearing and the city lights begin coming on.
That's when the magic happens.
You get the last bit of natural light mixed with the glow of the city, and suddenly an ordinary street becomes an incredible backdrop.
So…Where Should We Take Your Photos?
You don't need to know the answer when you book.
Think about how you want your photographs to feel.
Dreamy and whimsical?
Urban and modern?
Relaxed and natural?
Colorful and fun?
Timeless at the shore?
And think about your family, too.
Toddlers usually need room to move. Older kids might love the city. A little girl who wants to wear an incredible dress might be absolutely perfect among the flowers.
And if you have no idea?
That's part of my job.
Tell me a little about your family, show me what you're thinking about wearing, and I'll help you choose a location that works with the season and the photographs you're imagining.
Because at the end of the day, the location is just the backdrop.
Your family is the story.
Shooting Star Photography photographs families and children throughout South Jersey, Philadelphia and surrounding areas, including Camden, Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties.
