‘TIS THE SEASON - KATE’S FESTIVE FAMILY WARDROBE GUIDE!

Kiawah Island, SC Ocean Course family portrait 

Ho, ho, ho! Rumor has it, Santa’s workshop is buzzing up North, prepping for that jolly, worldwide sleigh ride. The Holiday season is upon us, and it's that magical time for merry greetings and, you guessed it, those fabulous holiday cards! There's something downright enchanting about having your family portrait made smack in the heart of the Christmas buzz. The air's filled with magic, excitement is on the rise, and everyone's bubbling over with holiday cheer. While some opt for warmer days for their family portraits, I say there's pure whimsy in capturing your family portrait right in the midst of the holiday season. Here are my top 6 tips to sleigh your family's holiday portrait wardrobe:

• 1. PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROPS - Let's talk settings! Take time to scout out and decide upon a beautiful outdoor location. Whether you choose the beach, the countryside, or even your own backyard, consider the background. The background will inform your wardrobe. For instance, simple outfits are stellar against busier backdrops. Simple background? Then maybe incorporate plaids and flannels!

• 2. PLAN THAT FLAIR - Set aside quality time to ponder your family's own personal style. Outfits are your portrait's backbone, so choose wisely! Santa's keeping an eye on your wardrobe choices! There is no wrong way to cull your own creativity and pick outfits that you feel accurately complement your family’s personality. 

• 3. COLORFUL COORDINATION - Matchy-matchy? Nah, let's coordinate without cloning! Sync those colors, patterns, and styles. Keep it unique, reflecting your family’s vibe this year. Whether you're glam or laid-back, it's all about showcasing your family's personality, not a picture-perfect match.

• 4. COZY CHIC - ‘Tis the season for snug styles! Add some warmth with textured sweaters or a cozy scarf. Texture is the secret recipe for a spot on the Nice List! Don’t forget those faux-fur throws for that extra cozy touch during outdoor shoots.

• 5. ACCESSORIZE WITH CAUTION - Less is more in the accessory department. Sure, holiday props add flair, but too much can steal the show. Rock your gloves and hats, but let's keep the focus on your family, not the patterns or puffy coats. Also, no plastic Santa gnomes, please. Maybe we can try that route next year.

• 6. HOLIDAY FUN, NOT STRESS - This is about capturing your family's essence. Embrace those candid moments! Cozy winter wear and a splash of cohesive colors are all you need to let your family's true colors shine. Trust me, those spontaneous snaps beat the 'perfectly posed' images every time! It's the Holidays—let’s cherish the moments, revel in our loved ones, and freeze this wonderful chapter in time. Enjoy, play, and relish the childlike joy with you and yours!

Let's capture the joy, Charleston-style! Click, click!”

Downtown Charleston, SC Family Portraits

The Stewart Family, photographed in White Point Gardens.

For over 25 years, we've been family portrait photographers based in the beautiful city of Charleston, SC. We've captured everything from marriage proposals to large family gatherings of over 30 people, and everything in between. We're excited to welcome all the families booking for Fall 2024!

In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know about booking your downtown Charleston family portrait session, from start to finish. We’ll cover the best times to book, selecting the perfect location, what to wear, weather considerations, and more!

Kate Thornton, photographing a family portrait in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, South of Broad Street

When is the best time to book?

If you live in Charleston...

Living in the Charleston area gives you the advantage of booking a downtown session any time of year. However, the ideal months are between March and May when temperatures are cooler, and you can enjoy the beautiful blooms and flower boxes. Fall and Winter are also fantastic, with festive decor starting around October and holiday decorations filling the city by Christmas.

If you're visiting...

If you’re planning a visit, just share your vacation dates when you inquire, and we’ll let you know our availability during your stay. Charleston’s historic areas offer stunning backdrops year-round.

A Family Portrait at White Point Gardesn better know as “The Battery”

What days and times do you take sessions?

Unlike the beach, our downtown sessions are more flexible in timing. For locations near the water, such as The Battery and Pineapple Fountain, we aim for sunrise or sunset to capture that soft lighting. For other spots, early and mid-morning sessions work best, as there are fewer people and cars around. We shoot sessions every day of the week, but Friday through Sunday, we only shoot in the mornings to avoid the crowds.

Where do you take sessions?

Downtown Charleston is full of incredible nooks, from the southernmost point of the peninsula to the French Quarter just north of Broad Street. We have countless favorite spots from our 25+ years of exploring, and we’re always discovering new ones. Hampton Park offers greenery, seasonal flowers, and Spanish moss, while White Point Garden provides a mix of large oaks and historic architecture. South of Broad features neutral tones, brick textures, and iron gates, while Rainbow Row and the French Quarter offer colorful, iconic backdrops.

What do you recommend for children?

Children are usually at their best when well-rested. If you’re on vacation, we recommend scheduling morning sessions for children under 5, as they’re often tired and ready for bed by afternoon. Keeping their sleep schedule in mind is crucial to a successful session.

What do you recommend for larger groups?

Our answer: It depends. Planning a group portrait can be challenging, but we find that an early morning session is often best, especially if you have a busy day planned or young children in the group. Historic areas are less crowded in the morning, and parking is easier. Plus, you can explore the city afterward. However, if your group prefers to sleep in, evening sessions are an option, but keep in mind that summer showers often occur in the afternoon.

What should we wear?

For downtown sessions, it’s best to stick with solid, pastel colors. In areas like Rainbow Row, neutrals, coastal colors, and pastels are ideal to avoid clashing with the vibrant backdrops. For spots like South of Broad or White Point Garden, you can opt for bolder jewel tones or fall colors. Avoid loud, clashing colors, and large logos on clothing—stick to timeless, classic styles.

What if it rains?

Don’t worry too much about the weather—Charleston’s climate can be unpredictable, but we’ve been navigating it for almost 30 years. It’s normal to see a chance of rain every day, but often, the rain doesn’t last long. We monitor the weather closely and make decisions about rescheduling or adjusting start times as needed. Our goal is to ensure we capture your session as planned, even if we need to make some last-minute adjustments due to the weather.

The Stewart Family photographed on Meeting Street

What should we expect during our session?

We guide every session through a mix of posed and candid moments, capturing the unique charm of each location. Before your session, you’ll receive a "Family Portrait Prep Guide" with tips to help you prepare. During the session, we’ll cover a variety of groupings, from full family shots to individual portraits. For extended families, we include generational shots, cousin photos, and any other special requests. We’ll outline our route at the start, but always feel free to ask questions or make requests.

Summertime Kiawah and Seabrook Island Senior Portraits

A High School Senior Portrait on Kiawah Island, SC

Capturing the Summer Glow

As summer draws to a close, the golden light and lingering warmth make it the perfect time to capture senior portraits. There's something magical about the way the sun kisses the skin during those late summer days, giving seniors a radiant glow that symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Whether you're a high school or college senior, here are some tips to ensure your end-of-summer photoshoot captures your unique personality and that coveted summer glow.

1. Dress to Impress: Casual, Dressy, and Fun

When it comes to senior portraits, variety is key. Bring along three different outfits to showcase the different sides of your personality:

Casual: Think of your favorite everyday outfit. This could be a pair of well-worn jeans, a comfy yet stylish top, and a pair of sneakers or sandals. The goal here is to feel comfortable and authentically you.

Dressy: Choose something a bit more polished for a timeless look. A sundress or a button-up shirt with slacks can give your portraits a sophisticated edge while still feeling appropriate for the season.

Fun: This is where you can let your personality shine. Maybe it's a bold color, a quirky pattern, or an accessory that stands out. The fun outfit is all about showing off your unique style.

High School Senior Portrait on Kiawah Island, SC

2. Bring Along a Buddy: Mom, Best Friend, or Both

Senior portraits are not just about capturing how you look—it's about capturing who you are at this pivotal moment in your life. Bringing along your mom, best friend, or both can add an extra layer of authenticity to your photoshoot. They can help you in numerous ways:

Styling Assistance: They can help with outfit changes, ensure your hair and makeup stay in place, and offer advice on which accessories to wear.

Emotional Support: Having someone who knows you well can help ease any nerves. Plus, they'll be there to share inside jokes, making you laugh and helping your true personality shine through in the photos.

Extra Hands: Whether it's holding reflectors, props, or just helping you navigate the location, an extra pair of hands can make the session smoother and more enjoyable.

The presence of someone close to you will not only make the shoot more fun but will also help you feel more relaxed, leading to more natural, candid shots.

3. Time It Right for the Perfect Glow

Late summer afternoons offer the best natural lighting for portraits. The sun is lower in the sky, creating a soft, golden light that's incredibly flattering. Aim to schedule your photoshoot during the "golden hour"—the hour or two just before sunset when the light is warm and diffused. This time of day will highlight your skin's natural summer glow, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to your photos.

If you're an early riser, the hour after sunrise offers similar lighting conditions. Whether you choose sunrise or sunset, timing your shoot to take advantage of this light will ensure your photos have a natural warmth and glow that can't be replicated.

Seabrook Island, the perfect location for a high school Senior Portrait

Capturing the Summer Glow on Seabrook Island, SC

How to Photograph your Children on Vacation

I was feeling nostalgic, so I decided to take my three daughters – Claire, 12, Mary, 11, and Sadie, 4 – out to Folly Beach for some sunset lifestyle photos. Here are a few tips I have for capturing the essence of your children and freezing time, if just a bit. 

Lifestyle Photos of my children: Claire, 12, Mary, 11, and Sadie, 4 at Folly Beach, SC, Summer 2024

1. Timing is key - aim to shoot early in the morning or near sunset for the best lighting and to avoid squinting in the sun.

2. Set limits - dedicate about 20 minutes each day to taking photos to prevent burnout and allow you to fully enjoy your vacation.

3. Let them be themselves - encourage natural expressions by letting your children be themselves and interact with them in a fun and engaging way.

4. Get on their level - squat or kneel to create a more intimate composition and capture their expressions at eye level.

5. Focus on the details—instead of just smiles, pay attention to unique details like hands, sand between toes, or their oh-so-valuable seashell collection. 

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and create lasting memories with your family! 

2024 Isle of Palms Vacation Guide

Spotlight on Isle of Palms, SC

Less than 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is a pristine island with a nostalgic beach town. It is easily bikeable and has just enough to keep you on the island for a weeklong vacation. Only 7 miles long, it is a bit more lowkey and less crowded than the surrounding islands and beaches. There are tons of incredible beach houses to rent, making it a premiere destination for visiting groups and families.  

Isle of Palms Family Portrait, Access 25 Beach Path

Where to Stay

Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for vacationers year-round. The beachfront resort encompasses several hotels and rental properties, incredible amenities such as tennis and golf, a spa, restaurants, pools and more!   

What to Do

Fishing Charter

Isle of Palms is perfectly situated for fishing charters! You don’t have to boat too far to find redfish, spotted trout, sharks, lady fish, and black drums. The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway. Contact Barrier Island Fishing Charters to schedule your excursion. 

County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area. 

Golf

Isle of Palms is a top golfing destination! Wild Dunes Resort boasts two spectacular courses, touted by Golf Digest as some of “the Best in the State.” The best news? The weather is so warm on IOP that you can play all year round!

Where to Eat

Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe

The Sea Biscuit Cafe a quintessential beach town diner with friendly staff and delicious breakfast staples. The tiny restaurant has been an Isle of Palms fixture since the 1960’s! 

Lunch: Coconut Joes

For lunch or dinner overlooking the beach, Coconut Joes is a local favorite. Enjoy fresh salads, fried seafood, live music, and a panoramic view of the white sandy beach from the rooftop bar. It’s a lively, casual spot just perfect after a day in the sun. 

Dinner: Coda Del Pesce

One of Charleston’s best kept secrets, Coda Del Pesce (“Coda” to locals) is an absolute gem of a restaurant. Fine dining Italian fare with a focus on fish, the view is worth an early dinner reservation alone. This is executive chef, Ken Vedrinski’s second successful local restaurant after famed Trattoria Luca, which sadly closed in 2020. 

After Dinner: The Windjammer

The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music.