Photoshoot + Interview: 'The Secret Garden' by Laura Diliberto

Step inside 'The Secret Garden', an ethereal and enchanting photo shoot by the very talented Laura Diliberto.

Shot in Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, this series of images captures everything we love: dreamy pastel dresses, the subtle beauty of nature, and the idea of finding your very own "secret garden", even if it is in the middle of New York City's most populous borough.

Speaking of those gowns, these are the incredibly beautiful creations of Bree Billiter, both the designer and stylist behind this shoot. It's a wonderful thing when such a talented bunch of creatives come together to create magic, so keep scrolling to see our most favourite images from the series, as well as to read an inspiring interview with the photographer, Laura.

Q: Congratulations on your stunning editorial! Please tell us more about the experience you had planning and capturing this series?

A: Thank you so much! I had collaborated with an independent dress designer, Bree Billiter, to come up with this overall vision. We were both looking to shoot a lively Spring editorial with the changing weather upon us and decided to go for a soft aesthetic of pastel colors and flowing dresses. I also live right by Prospect Park and was able to scout some amazing locations right here to shoot in Brooklyn, New York. Even though I live in a city, it's rare that I do shooting which doesn't involve trees, water, or flowers of some kind! I love the beautiful backdrops that mother nature provides us.

Q: What was the inspiration behind this series?

A: The inspiration was definitely the changing seasons and seeing blossoming flowers everywhere! Here we have flowers growing alongside the brownstones and gated fences, as well as a cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Seeing all those colors provides an excellent mood board for inspiration.

Q: As a photographer, what have been the biggest lessons you've learned?

A: I think the biggest lessons I've learned is to keep growing and evolving in your process and work. Don't ever allow yourself to become stuck in old ways. Want to experiment with new tones for retouching images? Do it! Feeling like you need to brush up on business practices? Take a marketing course or read those books! Made a mistake? Don't let it define your value, instead learn from it so you can do better next time. I'm happy for how far I've come at this point as I feel like I've learned so much just with the willingness to evolve. With that said, I also feel like I'm in a new season of growth where I fully expect to be different (as a photographer and business person) one year from now. I'm excited for the future so I can look back and see what I've picked up on!

Lastly, an important lesson I've learned is that it's OK to take a break (from your passion, art, business, etc) if you really need one. Your overall well being and self-care should always be a first priority. About a year ago I found myself putting photography on pause because I went through a major life event (the house I was renting burned down in an electrical fire and I had to move out of the city.) While I was able to salvage basic belongings including my photo gear, I didn't t touch my camera for a while and turned down shooting because I didn't feel like I could offer clients the amazing experience they deserve. Once I moved on from this period of my life though and found myself in Brooklyn, I've put a ton of energy back into photography and it's been amazing! So I'll always tell someone that it's okay to take a break, but then revisit your passion and remember why you started in the first place.

Q: Do you have any exciting, upcoming plans you would like to share with us?

A: Nothing too crazy! I'll mostly be working on expanding my business and client experiences! I've also joined an elopement collective studio this past month, so I'm lined up to start shooting couples who are eloping here in New York City (which I'm excited for!) Otherwise I'm starting to plan a styled bridal editorial soon - combining my two interests of fashion and weddings!

Q: Where can our readers see more of your beautiful work? 

A: I exist on my website and Facebook page, and very recently made a separate Instagram account just for my photo work: @lauradilibertophoto. I was also published on Cake and Lace  this year and hope to collaborate more with wedding blogs in the near future!We want to thank Laura for taking the time to share her stunning work with us and encourage you to check out the individual work of each talented team member below. Enjoy!.Full credits: Photographer: Laura Diliberto (portrait photographer based in Brooklyn, NY) @lauradilibertophoto | Models: Ilona Struzik @whangam / Alexandra Cizek @alliecizek / Zoe Varga @e25e75 / Kat Kakrajcovic @officialkatka | Designer & Stylist: Bree Billiter @breeoriginaldesigns | Makeup: Shayana Cruz @shaythemua_ | Hair: Tia Michelle @_tiamichelle