I’ll admit it—three years ago, I couldn’t even point to Delaware on a map. No joke. But now? I’m amazed by the sheer beauty and diversity of the Eastern Shore. Driving in from the west, I went from cornfields and chickens to forests and—bam—ocean. If Iowa and California had an East Coast conceived baby, it’d be named Delaware.
The landscapes here in Delaware are stunning and surprising, especially near the beaches. Pine trees in the sand, like at Cape Henlopen. A first for me and a very welcome one at that. This area offers four of my favorite things: sun, sand, surf, and, yes, pine trees.
As a photographer who loves blending people with natural landscapes, I’m incorporating some incredible well know spots, and a few lesser known ones for photo sessions. But before we talk about where to shoot, let’s talk about when.
Timing is everything in photography, and the best time to capture stunning images is during the “Golden Hour”—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The light is soft, flattering, and perfect for creating beautiful photos. I prefer some blue skies and contrast, as opposed to harsh light, but ultimately, we work with what we’ve got.
Whether you’re snapping your own photos or hiring a professional, remember: the right timing can make all the difference. Here is a list of my favorite photo locations:
Herring Point Beach- Located within Cape Henlopen State Park, Herring Point offers a stunning, diverse landscape perfect for photography. With multiple walkable spots and a convenient overlook providing spectacular views right from the parking lot, it's ideal for families—even with grumpy little ones! I am just dying to photograph a wedding photos here!!
Sand Pathway- The sand pathway leading from the parking lot to the beach is a popular location for photos, and for good reason, it’s beautiful! The pathway is partially shaded, and the fencing on either side creates visually appealing “leading lines” which are important in photography. I try to incorporate leading lines whenever possible.
The Seagrass- Seagrass is so amazingly beautiful! This creates a soft, subtle, and almost whimsical look when the sun is low in the sky. I love incorporating Sea Grass for families and children especially.
The Beach & Jetty- The beach is always a family favorite, who doesn't want to walk on the beach with the sun in your hair and water splashing on your toes? Jetty is a unique location, and is one of my favorites because I love the texture of the black rocks with green moss, contrasted against people wearing lighter clothing. Also, in the afternoon Golden Hour people are shaded which is an added bonus. Just be careful if climbing on the rocks, they are definitely slippery.
Forest and Gordon’s Pond Trail- I grew up on a farm with a forest, so these hold a special place in my heart. I absolutely love photographing people in the forest. We have a unique forest system at Cape Henlopen, Forests planted in sand. It’s just neat to have children running around through the trees on sand while snapping photos.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk- The boardwalk at Bethany Beach is another fun location because of the options for creativity. I love using whatever elements are around such as chairs and railings. The beach itself is a great location as well, I just find the tall snow fencing a little cumbersome as there is zero access to Beach grass.
Brittingham Farms- Brittingham Farms is a local farm that is well-known for their fuzzy young lambs in the spring, beautiful and vibrant lavender fields in the summer, and sleigh mini-session photos during the holidays. Iwrote a blog about holiday photos at Brittingham Farms https://www.joshfeeneyphotography.com/blog/bp/ahh-or-ugh-holiday-photos
Whether you are a photographer here in Coastal Delaware, or a family searching for a photographer, I hope this has been informative and helpful to you. If you are searching for a photographer, I would love to work with you. Please visit my website, www.joshfeeneyphotography.com