Chasing Silver in the Sun: A Sisters Photoshoot in Wilmington DE

Intro

There's something magical about a beautiful day in the gardens, filled with laughter, love, and the shimmer of silver. On a particularly gorgeous day, two sisters decided to transform their shared moments into tangible memories within the captivating environs of Wilmington, DE. The dazzling smiles, the shared giggles, and their adoration for all things silver gave birth to a fascinating tale under the sun.

A Glimpse of Mary Coffin Gardens

Tucked away in the bustling city of Wilmington, Delaware, lies a hushed paradise - the Mary Coffin Gardens. Often overlooked, this gem boasts a rich tapestry of emerald greenery, a riot of blossoming flowers, and tranquil nooks ideal for moments of reflection. This splendid sanctuary offers an exquisite canvas for compelling photography. Picture cobblestone trails snaking their way through the flourishing gardens, sunlight dappled through the canopy of leaves, creating a visual symphony for any photoshoot. It is within this verdant oasis that the narrative of our sisters began to take shape.

Sisterhood Defined Through a Photoshoot

The lens of a camera has the power to capture more than just pictures; it can encapsulate emotions, relationships, and moments that are fleeting yet impactful. The sisters' photoshoot was a beautiful depiction of their bond - an intricate web of shared experiences, whispered confidences, playful banter, and unwavering affection. As they frolicked and chased each other amidst the garden's lush greenery, their shared laughter resonated, creating a symphony of joy and companionship that was captured in every photograph. Each snapshot was more than just a beautiful picture; it was a cherished fragment of their shared existence, echoing their camaraderie, their shared past, and their aspirations.

Embracing the Silver Trend in Fashion

Fashion is not just about the clothes we wear, but the stories we tell through them. The sisters’ mutual affinity for silver was brilliantly showcased in their photoshoot. Their accessories glinted in the sunlight, adding a touch of glamour and glitz to their appearance. Silver tones extended beyond their jewelry, embracing their wardrobes as well. Their outfits, in varying shades of silver, gave off a chic and trendy vibe.

What made the silver trend even more enchanting was the setting. Amid the lush greenery of the Mary Coffin Gardens, the sisters’ silver attire shone like stars on a clear night. The vibrant colors of the surrounding flora served as a dramatic contrast to the metallic hues, further amplifying their radiance. The sunlight dancing off their silver ensembles created a mesmerizing spectacle - a sight that could capture any eye and captivate any heart.

More than just an aesthetic choice, the silver trend worn by the sisters was a reflection of their personalities. It revealed their modern outlook towards fashion, their shared love for all things bright and shiny, and their ability to stand out. Their striking attire combined with their vivacious energy made every photo sparkle with life and style. A trend that might seem like a simple color choice became a symbol of their togetherness and their shared style statement. The silver trend, as adorned by the sisters, was thus not just a color, but a captivating tale of fashion, sisterhood, and shared memories.

Capturing Perfect Moments

The essence of photography lies in the magic of seizing those fleeting instances that may seem ordinary yet are truly extraordinary. Each photograph of the sisters was a canvas portraying these ephemeral but precious moments, etched permanently into their shared chronicles. Through the photographer's lens, the infectious joy, profound love, and unbreakable bond between the sisters were masterfully encapsulated.

The photoshoot was less about staged poses and more about catching them in their natural, unfiltered state. Their movements were spontaneous, their laughter genuine, their smiles unrehearsed. It was all about capturing them in the middle of a joyous sprint, or a shared giggle, or a quiet, loving glance. It was about framing them in their true essence, reveling in each other's company, and simply basking in the moment.

These sisters were not just posing for the camera, they were living their story and creating a narrative that the lens was privileged to capture. Each snap clicked at the right moment brought out their shared camaraderie, their playful banter, and their genuine affection for each other. It was about freezing those shared glances, those belly laughs, and those tender moments of sisterly love into timeless keepsakes.

Photography, after all, is not just about capturing faces; it's about capturing feelings, relationships, and those priceless instants that tell a compelling story. The artistry lies in preserving those perfect moments that, in retrospect, become an unforgettable part of the sisters' shared journey. The photoshoot in the enchanting Mary Coffin Gardens was less about the photographs taken and more about the precious moments caught in each frame, crafting an unforgettable narrative of sisterhood and love.

A Beautiful Day to Remember

As the sun started to dip below the horizon, casting a serene glow over the Mary Coffin Gardens, the sisters stood side by side, their hands intertwined. Their hearts were brimming with a trove of treasured memories made throughout the day. From the glint of their silver attire sparkling under the sun to their echoing laughter that blended harmoniously with the garden's serene soundscape, every moment was etched in their hearts. The day was more than just a photoshoot - it was an enriching journey seeped in shared joy, camaraderie, and the unspoken language of sisterhood. It was a celebration of their mutual love for fashion, especially their fondness for the enigmatic charm of silver. Each giggle shared, each playful chase, each quiet, affectionate glance was a testament to their beautiful bond. The day was all about cherishing the beauty of the present, living each moment to its fullest, and creating beautiful memories in the process. As they looked back at the day, their hearts swelled with contentment. Their photoshoot in the serene, idyllic setting of the Mary Coffin Gardens wasn't just an event on their calendar. Instead, it was an unforgettable chapter in their shared journey, a vivid memory they would revisit time and again. Each snapshot taken, each moment shared under the sun was a cherished memory, a beautiful memento of their sisterly bond. As they left the gardens, their minds were filled with the day's experiences - a day of joy, shared fashion statements, and the magic of sisterhood, forever etched in their hearts. It was, indeed, a beautiful day - a day that would always shimmer in their memories like their cherished silver.

Welcome to this magical garden series for 2019! We have obtained a permit to shoot at the Mary Coffin Gardens in Wilmington, Delaware. If you haven't heard of this place, you need to check it out. Mary Coffin was the main designer at Winterthur Gardens and you see this carried over to this estate. She also worked on some gardens at Longwood.

Join me for a day of whimsy at this magical place. I have two spots left and this is our last offering of the year at this special limited series rate.

We will provide dresses and headpieces and we will have fun in the gardens.

If you would like to book this magical garden experience, please see the link above for more information. We would love to see you here!

There is one thing I am obsessed with. I always have been. From a young age to now an adult. It's one thing that has always brought me joy. It's flowers. Anything relating to flowers, I'm quite obsessed.

I obtained a Master Gardening Certification back in 2005. I love being able to identify bloom times of perennials and now am teaching my children how to identify these plants, just by their leaves. I have had gardens all my life.

From vegetable gardening with my father, to creating my own little magical "french courtyard" when I became an adult and lived in Havertown, PA. I took down an old dilapidated brick garage. Chiseled and sanded off the mortar of each and every brick. Used the brick to create walls around the property fence line and then even created brick flower beds. I had every variety of plant you could imagine, as my little courtyard garden was like a secret garden. Jasmine filled the air. Every Sunday night, we would light up a ton of candles. Listening to Frank Sinatra Sundays on the radio.

When I moved back to New Jersey, we bought a little house. All 1100 square feet. It was a blank canvas, so I got to work! Creating Rose of Sharon hedges for privacy on our little stone patio and boxwood and lilies.. everything lilies.. from easter lilies, to daylilies, to asiatic and oriental varieties and lots and lots of lavender. I had a small space, but made sure I made it my little heaven.

Our family was expanding and so it was time to move from our tiny house and we settled in Woodstown. We saw the house in the winter all snow on the ground, but I new the garden would be extraordinary in the spring. It was pretty much the reason I wanted my house. The garden use to be on state garden tours. It's terraced leading down to a stream. This is now my new paradise that I call home and you could never ask me to leave. I love it.

As you can see, I have surrounded myself with flowers all my life. I couldn't be happier. This is the joy I also like to share with every client that comes through the door.

This is why this magic garden series is special to me. It brings me back to my original garden... encapsulated within stone. It reminds me of my travels to England and France and the beautiful gardens that you seem to find anywhere you look. It brings me back to a time of garden leisure and sophistication. It's one of my favorite places this year to shoot at.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Spring Is Almost Here!

Spring Will Soon Arrive

As the winter frost begins to thaw and the days stretch a little longer, we are reminded that spring will soon arrive. The promise of new life and vibrant colors emerges with each passing day, rejuvenating our spirits and awakening the world around us.
With the arrival of spring, nature comes alive in a symphony of blossoms and melodies. The once barren branches of trees burst forth with delicate buds, and the earth awakens from its slumber with an explosion of fragrant blooms. The air becomes filled with the sweet scents of fresh grass, blooming flowers, and earthy petrichor, inviting us to venture outdoors and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.

As the season transitions, we find ourselves shedding the layers of winter and embracing the warmth of the sun. It's a time for renewal, growth, and rejuvenation—a time to cast off the old and embrace the new. We plant seeds of hope and watch as they flourish, mirroring the growth and transformation within ourselves.

The arrival of spring also evokes a sense of joy and optimism. It's a time for outdoor gatherings, leisurely strolls, and basking in the gentle caress of the sun's rays. The world seems to come alive with energy and vitality, infusing us with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the days ahead.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, let us take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty that accompanies this magical season. Let's embrace the sense of wonder and possibility that comes with each budding flower and each warm breeze. Spring will soon arrive, and with it, the promise of new beginnings and endless opportunities.

Twirling in the spring garden.

Little spring baby with pearls… on the moss in the garden.

We had some fun in the snow this winter! Love a snow photo shoot!

Our Current Status With Bookings

Hi folks! You may have been noticing that these last few days have been rocking!!! Seventy plus degrees outside!  The birds are singing and the sun is out! Woo Hoo!  I thought this winter would slow down a bit this year, to last year's abysmal time, but it hasn't. I've been fortunate to work consistently this winter. This spring is starting to look a ton more nuts!I am doing a lot of First Communion sessions.  

A lot of folks seem to really want an updated/artistic look to their traditional communion poses that you normally see (and to be honest a lot of these poses are kind of outdated as if they were taken in the 1990's it's time to bring some sauce back)! We'll incorporate a few of the traditional poses into our sessions, but also give it some of that Shooting Star magic that we all love!  The girls will get to be dolled  up in their first communion gowns and then I am going to dress them up in some of the gowns I have!

Communion and Family Sessions seem to be a popular start of the New Year

 I'm also wanting to incorporate any family/siblings into these sessions, so they should be fun! I'm very excited as I'm getting new inventory in every single day! I've got over 20 more gowns arriving soon, headpieces, and I ordered my first gown for women!   And Oh my goodness!!! I cannot wait until you see them!!!!  Our next HUGE concept shoot will be in Philadelphia next month! We're also booking out until June, so if you wanting to book.. Book now. Our last year was booked out for the entire year by August. I wouldn't want for you to lose your spot! 

Since we had a nice day today, I got to do some cleanup in the garden and enjoy the warm sunshine... so I made this cheesy video. There are a lot of photographs missing, but I truly do love where I live and to be able to offer it to my clients.The only thing I ask is please don't come knocking at my door, when you don't have a scheduled appointment or didn't call first.  I had someone come to my home yesterday and it scared me!!

Oh and try to get out to the Philadelphia Flower show this week!!! It's pretty amazing this year! The bartenders make some pretty mean Bloody Mary's too!!!! It's an interesting concept this year and I love it!So that's pretty much what is new for me! A few shoots this weekend and it's starts to get crazy after that, with shoots during the week and weekends!! So if I haven't responded, you know what I'm doing and I will get back to you as soon as I can!!! 

Happy Shooting My Friends!!!

Dee

New Year, New Goals!

Shooting Star Photography New Year Goals

As we step into 2016, Shooting Star Photography LLC is thrilled to announce our new photography goals for the year. With a focus on growth, creativity, and client satisfaction, we are dedicated to reaching new heights in our craft. Our goals for this year include:

1. Expanding our Portfolio

We aim to diversify our portfolio by exploring new photography styles and genres. From portrait and landscape photography to event coverage and commercial photography, we are committed to broadening our expertise to cater to a wider clientele.

2. Elevating Client Experience

At Shooting Star Photography, client satisfaction is of utmost importance. This year, we aspire to enhance the overall experience for our clients by offering personalized service, efficient communication, and exceptional results that exceed their expectations.

3. Embracing Innovation

Embracing technological advancements and new photography methods is crucial to staying at the forefront of our industry. We plan to invest in the latest equipment and techniques to deliver cutting-edge visual content and innovative solutions to our clients.

4. Community Engagement

We are determined to give back to the community by participating in local events, sharing knowledge through workshops, and collaborating with fellow artists. By actively engaging with our community, we hope to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for aspiring photographers.

5. Sustainable Practices

As stewards of the environment, we are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our photography processes. From using eco-friendly packaging to minimizing waste during photo shoots, we strive to lessen our environmental impact and promote eco-conscious photography.
Through these goals, Shooting Star Photography envisions a year filled with creativity, growth, and meaningful connections. We look forward to capturing memorable moments and creating stunning visual narratives for our clients while pushing the boundaries of our artistic capabilities.
Here's to a captivating year of photography ahead!
[End of Response]

My little sunset baby.

Rainbow baby birthday wishes!

My daughter in her trenchcoat!

Brother and Sister Photo Shoot at Elephant Swamp, NJ.

A few years ago, my husband introduced me to digital cameras. It was this tiny Nikon point and shoot. I couldn't get a picture in focus. My photos always looked like a mess and were totally out of focus. I mean like total motion blur and could see the motion type of blur.I use to get so frustrated that I would tell hubby, "here, you take it. I can't work this thing and it's making me angry." Prior to this, I dabbled in film with a Nikon from the 1970's/early 1980's. I loved taking photos with that camera, but I hated loading the film. Again,  I would get frustrated. It wasn't until I got to explore the depths of South Jersey that photography became a learning process for me. I'd see my friend Carla take some pretty amazing photographs of landscapes and my other pal, Barry would talk about framing and light. He has a way of taking right out of camera shots that are pristine.At this time, I became a student, but I thought I was cool. I upgraded from the "blurry" digital camera to another point and shoot a Linux.

Then things got a little more serious though. I dabbled in HDR (god how awful was that fad), learned framing and my photos got better (I still did landscapes etc.).I then purchased another camera and my first dslr. This camera really pushed me to learn. My husband purchased it after our daughter was born to try and capture some moments for ourself.

Tis the New Year and New Learning!

The funny thing is... This was just a little over a year ago. In fact, the date that I got this camera was 10-11-2014. It's been a complete whirlwind since this time. From photography classes, to learning photoshop and Lightroom, to workshops. It's been an insane learning curve this past year.I normally tire on things. I conquer and then move on to the next thing. I think photography has kept my interest because you can't conquer it. It's virtually impossible. There's so many aspects, avenues and genres you could never get bored with it. From crazy lighting, to boudoir, landscapes, weddings, studio work, styling, props... It's an pretty incredible creative outlet, in which you could never truly get bored.

There's always something to learn or to try and master that you could live 10,000 lifetimes and still be a student in this game.I think a lot of photographers give up due to frustration and it's frustration on all levels. They see others' work and say to themselves, "I can't compete with that." And it kind of takes ahold of themselves. Or they see this market as overly saturated and basically throw in the towelOthers are too cheap and don't value what they bring to the table and their expertise. You will get burned out doing $50 sessions. I mean that's a fact. Now, when you factor in transportation meaning wear and tear on your vehicle... Plus gas, insurance, props, your software, camera , a little over 30% goes to Uncle Sam and then countless hours editing...

Fall Sessions Are Coming to Life

Well.. You basically paid the customer to take photos of them. You actually lost money. That's a fact and reality. I think others give up because they do value themselves, but find it hard to compete with others, nor do they have a proper marketing strategy. They struggle with getting the word out.Now, when I started my business in February of this year, I focused on 2 things. One was.. Be different.Stand out.I can look at a loads of photographers in my general area and they basically all look the same. It's like looking at big mushy jello sticking together... I have trouble differentiating from one to the other to be honest. My goal was to not be like them. To be me and do something different to stand out.My work may not be everyone's cup of tea, but one thing I do have going for me is that my style is pretty unique in South Jersey. You can look at my work and be like..

That's Shooting Star's, that's Dee's. And I'm busy. Always busy. I also think that a lot of photographers forget to shoot for themselves because they are wanting to please their customers, but in doing this, they are playing it safe. I think photographers get burned out because they lose that creativity for what brought them to this profession in the first place.And boy, trust me. I was there this past fall and Christmas. I am still trying to get caught up on work and I can see how folks get burned out in this business. It's important to to have rest and have time for yourself. You need this to keep sane. It's a very demanding profession, but most normal folks don't see that.

We spend countless of hours behind a computer screen daily and it can be daunting. There are times where I've been going 14 hours straight and still don't see an end in site. I'm on the computer daily and there are times where I'd like to go complete Office Space on it. I truly do.I've learned to limit myself and my time on the computer. I'm only permitted up to 4-6 hours editing/day and that's it. This has helped to keep my sanity during this busy season and of course on days I don't have sessions.

Crazy Photography Days!

On sessions days, I may be lucky to hit 4 hours, if that sometimes.This year has been a tremendous whirlwind. I've had time to reevaluate things moving forward. I've decided to not take on too much work. This past fall, I was so busy that I even had to turn multiple potential clients away. I hated doing this as I don't like having to say no to people. So some I did fill in when I know I shouldn't have because it was too much.I've learned my limitations and I'm not afraid to say, "No" and this is okay!A few changes going forward. Limited session dates, stylized sessions. Girls in amazingly crafted ball gowns all handmade. Boys dressed to the "t" in vintage wear.

New concepts and locations. I am really excited moving ahead in my business.  I hope you can come join me in the New Year! We are going to be servicing the Main Line/Philadelphia Markets as well as Delaware!!! Big things, going forward!! Stay Tuned!!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends! _dee