Folly Beach Sunset

The entire Rodgers clan came descended on Charleston this summer. They were staying at Isle of Palms. But since IOP and Sullivan’s Island have an ordinance that bans professional photography on their beaches, we met up at Folly Beach. We all had a BLAST! And at the end of the session, we were rewarded with a SPECTACULAR sunset!

Family Portraits at The Sanctuary

Sabrina & John enjoy vacationing at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. But this is the first time they’ve been back with the kids. So they called us to photograph their VERY FIRST family portrait session on the beach. Since it had rained on their wedding day, we also did a mini Trash-the-Dress session at the end…woohoo! šŸ™‚

Kiawah Island Photography

I had a fun shoot with the Mayo family on Kiawah Island. It rained all afternoon and was still sprinkling when I arrived so we were really worried the beach photography session we had planned wasn’t going to happen. But after a few “backup” images in the beautiful house they had rented, the sky opened up and we got all these AMAZING images with the dramatic sky and vibrant sunset.

Historic Charleston Photography

Preston & Rhonda have been friends of ours ever since we met them at Ashley River Baptist many years ago. So it was with great pleasure that I photographed this session with them and their adorable children. My good friend and fellow photographer, Tamara Hart, joined us and got some fun shots of me taking pictures of them. šŸ™‚ Preston owns Carolina Chillers, Inc.

Folly Beach Family Portrait

Jean & Dutch’s family are all originally from the Dayton area of Ohio. As most of you know, that’s where Cami grew up and where we met when I lived there after college. So it was GREAT talking about old stomping grounds and getting to know their family! They were vacationing on Isle Of Palms, but elected to make the trek to Folly Beach for their session. They LOVED the diversity and uniqueness of the beach compared to the more tame landscape on IOP. So they were pleased about their decision. But the best part was, they stopped at the famous Ye Ole Fashioned Icecream, a Charleston icon on this side of town that “happens” to be right on the way back to IOP. šŸ˜‰

Photography on IOP Beach is Illegal

Since Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island have passed ordinances making it illegal to have professional photographs taken on their beaches, we’ve had to find alternative locations for our vacationing clients. I know…it’s hard to believe that ANY town would put a ban on creating beautiful family photos that show the bonds of love, and preserve such special times in a family’s history. But that’s EXACTLY what they’re doing. Here’s a link: http://www.iop.net/FAQs.aspx.

Many of these families are made up of multiple generations, all coming from different areas of the country, who rarely see each other all together like this. And when an older matriarch or patriarch is involved, who knows when the NEXT time will happen that they’ll all be together again?!? So a portrait to commemorate the occasion holds a great deal of weight.

Fortunately for the Henley family, the beach house they rented sat on a beautiful property with lots of nice landscaping. So we were able to photograph their session without them leaving. Here’s a fun one of all the grand kids goofing off. šŸ˜‰ Still, they didn’t get any images on the beach…kind of the whole idea behind renting a beach house! Other families are forced to make the choice to drive all the way to Folly Beach…the nearest town without such a ban on it’s beaches.

Family Vacation

It’s summer time! That means FAMILY VACATION! I enjoy photographing family portraits for folks who are vacationing here in Charleston, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, and Kiawah Island. These are all popular vacation rental sites. If you’re planning a trip to the area, call ahead as summer bookings get snatched up fast..

Kelly & Robbie

I photographed Robbie & Kelly’s wedding several years ago. They’ve referred so many of their friends to us over the years that I get to see them quite often as guests at those weddings when I shoot them. It’s a lot of fun showing up at these weddings and already knowing half the guests…almost like I’m part of the family now! šŸ™‚ Their adorable daughter just turned one. Here are some of the portraits with this beautiful, sweet girl and their family.