March 2017

I've been bad. Like really bad at taking pictures of Landon lately. Mostly due to growing his baby brother, but I've also been a little uninspired lately. I decided to pick up my camera and shoot anyway. Catching Landon in the most beautiful morning light jumping for dust was exactly what I needed to feel inspired again.

This last picture is not one I'd usually take. I'm reading through a photography class focused on taking "everyday pictures" at home. Normally I would see this as clutter but this class is making me look and think harder. One day when the boys are grown, I'll miss little jackets hanging on my kitchen chairs.

Beach Session Tips

Sessions at the beach are beautiful, but they require a little extra prep work! Here are some tips to keep your session as stress-free as possible.

We have to shoot around the sun's schedule
You'll notice that the session start times are really early or pretty late in the day. At the beach, the only way to get nice, soft lighting (trust me, you'll want it!) is to shoot around the sun's schedule. It's just one day of having to throw schedules off, but you'll love the results. 

Not sure if you're willing to get up before the sun? Here are a few things to consider:
Did you know the beach is usually less windy in the morning? The temperature is usually cooler than the end of a hot southern day. Less people are at the beach which means less distractions for little ones. 

Don't be afraid to get sandy & wet
I love beach sessions because it gives us the chance to create some amazing images in the water. Please don't be afraid to get wet! We will start with all of the dry pictures so we can end your session having fun splashing in the water. 

The beach is windy but we're going to embrace it
Keep in mind when styling your hair that the beach is usually windy.

Plan a fun outfit
At the beach, you can totally get away with a fun outfit! And you're totally off the hook for shoes because we aren't going to wear any! You should have received a Welcome Guide, but here are a few beach specific tips.

Moms- I love maxi dresses at the beach. The way the wind catches them creates an ease to your look. I would avoid a short dress since the beach is windy. I'm a sucker for floppy hats in a few pictures.

Dads - shorts and cotton t-shirts are always nice. If you wear a button down shirt, roll the sleeve for a more relaxed look. 

Kids - I think the beach gives you the opportunity to dress your kids in a fun outfit. A sweet dress for girls or suspenders (no shirt required) for boys always look nice. Hats are also a nice touch to wear in a few pictures.
(Note: I do have bonnets, ruffle rompers, bloomers and shorts. Let me know if you'd like to borrow something from the client closet!) 
 
As always, neon colors and logos do not photograph well.
 

Things you might want to bring for your session: 
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Bobby pins
An activity (a toy sailboat, bubbles, etc. We can brainstorm ideas together.)


Things to pack in your car for after your session: 
Several towels
A change of clothes for everyone
A treat for well behaved kids
*Most beaches do not have showers. Plan accordingly!
 

A gender surprise | Charleston Newborn Photographer

6 pounds 4 ounces of the sweetest little boy. Mom and dad didn't know what they were having until the big day (although mom did have a hunch it was a little boy).

A Sunset session in Hampton Park | Charleston, SC Maternity Photographer

Such an amazing couple! I left feeling like I had known them forever and I cannot wait to see them again + one sweet little baby!

Hampton-Park-Maternity-Photographer

A Historic Charleston Maternity Session

I always have giddy energy before doing a session in downtown Charleston. You never know what you're going to get - most days there are dozens of tourists exploring our beautiful city, sometimes you'll see 10 different brides taking their bridal portraits, and you might even see the pirate lady walking around with a group of students giving tours. Lately the weather has kept me guessing as well. When the day finally rolled around for this family's maternity pictures, we got the most beautiful February day to document baby girl #2's sweet little bump. 

Mom missed out on maternity pictures with her first as big sister decided she was going to come early. As we walked around chatting about preparing for her second baby, I could tell mom was relieved to have made it this far along. 

If you follow me on Facebook, you probably saw the story about the horse. Big sister (who I had to call Elsa (from Frozen) the entire session) wanted a picture with a horse so bad. We kept trying, but between cars and a moving target, we kept missing the moment. At the very end of the session, we were finally on a quiet street when we heard a horse clicking down the street. The stars aligned and WE GOT THE PICTURE! The carriage driver even stopped so big sister could pet the horse. It was such a special moment to end the night. And with that, here are the pictures from the wonderful night in downtown Charleston... 

A sleepy 4 month session | Charleston Newborn Photographer

I just added studio mini sessions to my offerings and I am so glad I did! This was the perfect session type for this little 4 month old boy who was full of smiles... until he passed out in my fur (or "puppy" as his 2 year old sister liked to call my rug). 

Mom was disappointed that she missed out on newborn pictures so we made to to document every detail of her sweet baby. 

4 month Milestone Session | West Ashley Child Photographer

You might remember this little lady's maternity session, fresh 48 session or her newborn session (yes, I love to photograph this little one). Can you believe she is already 4 months old? It's been so much fun to watch her grow up 

This last picture was just a quick "for a friend" snap, but I ended up loving it. As moms, we are often behind the scenes (soothing or feeding babies) so I think we all deserve a picture of us in action. And the way they are looking at each other melts my heart.