The Kwanzan Trees of Tilton Park

     These days, as COVID-19 continues to keep us at a distance in Delaware, I have to satisfy my photographer urge to be behind the camera with still life in and around my house.  Or my family.  (But they haven’t given in to many of my photo pleadings yet.)  The other day, I picked up this small cherry tree branch on the ground across the street from my house.  I LOVE these trees.  I believe they are Kwanzan Cherry trees, you can read more about them here.  Every year they fill Tilton Park with the beauty of their dark and low twisting branches and flowers.  In the last week, the blossoms have been at their peak.  (See below – they are even beautiful in black and white!  I think the contrast really accentuates how gorgeous the trunk/branches are)

Blooming Progression

Last year, in mid-April, I decided to try and capture the different stages of growth as the Kwanzan trees began their yearly budding. The following images were take at the same spot, each 2 days apart. Look at the change in the fullness of the background!

The Logo Story

Shortly after taking these images, I began serious discussions with my boss about purchasing the wedding and family portrait side of his photography business. (Creative Image Associates) Not going to lie, buying a business is stressful! So much goes into it. So many questions and so many details. Thankfully, there are fun elements too! I loved thinking through the different ways that I would make this business my own. Branding myself with a logo was one of the first steps.

I started thinking about somehow using these blossoms that I love as a starting point for ideas. For me, it wasn’t just “oh I really like these flowers – let’s go with that.” It was part of something bigger. It occurred to me that using a spring time blossom in my logo made tons of sense given the work that I primarily do. Spring is a time of new beginnings. What are all of the weddings, senior sessions, maternity sessions, etc. that I capture if not the beginning of some new stage of life? (side note: that is one of the things I love most about my job as a Delaware Photographer – being invited to capture these milestones and steps in people’s stories)

So why use this particular spring flower? I’ve already told you how much I love these trees. I feel a bit spoiled that I get to enjoyed them every year from my front porch. My family and I live in The Cool Spring/Tilton Park neighborhood of Wilmington. (Guys, it is the BEST neighborhood in the city in my humble opinion). So why not use something that ties so closely to this place (and it’s people) that I love so much?

The Design Comes to Life

I had two very talented designers work on my logo in its different stages. I love what they came up with. It’s pretty simple – the ‘C’ for Creative Image with flowering buds growing on the top.  I’m really happy with it’s simplicity and femininity.  Even happier with what it represents.  

It’s been quite a journey these last 8 months as business owner! The Fall is always insane for photographers. Purchasing immediately before that season maybe wasn’t the best plan. God got me through it, and I (as usual) loved working with and serving my clients in that season. Now we find ourselves in the midst of the COVID crisis. I miss connecting with people from behind the camera. I’m sad that I can’t capture milestones and new stages for my clients right now. That day will come again, though. I look forward to a full and flourishing business (just like those trees outside my front window) when this is all over!

Thank you so much for stopping by today and reading a little about this Delaware Photographer. I don’t do personal blogs that often, so this was definitely a different one for me! Glad you stopped by 🙂