family portrait

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

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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.

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How to Photograph your Children on Vacation

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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! 

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2024 Folly Beach Vacation Guide

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Family portrait near the Morris Island Light House on Folly Beach by Larry, our associate photographer

Charleston Spotlight on Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a fun, funky little beach island that has not changed much at all in 20+ years. The waves are bigger than any other beach, so it draws a local surf crowd. The main commercial hub, Center Street, is only a few blocks long and is packed with the kind of tee-shirt shops you might expect from a beach town. There are also tons of delicious restaurants and fun bars hidden all around. It’s a bit grittier than the surrounding islands, but that’s exactly how locals like it. 

Folly Beach, SC family portrait by Larry, our associate photographer

Where to Stay on Folly

While there are tons of beach house rentals and B+Bs dotting the island appealing to families and groups, The Tides Hotel is a great place for romantic getaway or if your group prefers a hotel. It’s directly in the center of the island, beachfront, walking distance to restaurants and shops. It has a great restaurant, Blu Beach Bar and Grill, where you can grab lunch or dinner overlooking the beach (or a cocktail at the tiki bar outside!). 

Engagement portraits near the Morris Island Light House by Larry, our associate photographer

What to Do on Folly

Escape Room

The new Escapade escape room is incredible! There are two challenging puzzle rooms that fit groups of up to 6 people. There’s even a Harry Potter themed room that’s awesome for kids. 

State Park

Folly Beach State Park is a great beach park for the whole family! With easy parking, restrooms, showers and even a snack bar, it is incredibly convenient with small children. There are ramps (hello, beach wagons and strollers!), lifeguards and dressing rooms. The park covers the western tip of the island and is a beautiful beach for swimming, playing, fishing and sunset walks!

Playgrounds

Pirates Cove Playground is located on E. 5th between Erie and Hudson. It’s a pirate-themed playground for all ages, with a climbing structure and tall lighthouse slide for big kids, a smaller ship structure for little kids, and swings for everyone! Wave Watch Playground is another fun, gated playground located on the opposite side of town. Situated at the end of West Cooper Avenue, it’s a colorful playground with clean bathrooms and even a little lending library. 

Pickleball 

Folly Beach is becoming obsessed with pickleball! There are 4 courts at the Pirates Cove Playground tennis courts (bring your own net for 2 of them).

Folly Beach family portraits by Larry, our associate photographer

Where to Eat

Coffee: Center Street Coffee

There may be a line, but Center Street Coffee serves up the island’s best lattes and pastries to start your day. 

Snacks: Bert’s Market

Open 24/7, you can find almost anything at Bert’s Market! From tasty breakfast sandwiches and a lunchtime deli to bottles of wine and late night ice cream, it has saved us time and again. Stop by on your way to the beach for a cup of boiled peanuts and a corndog!  

Lunch: Chico Feo

Stop by Chico Feo after a morning at the beach for an unforgettable experience. The outdoor-only, dirt-floor-and-picnic-tables restaurant and bar serves a small but tasty (seasonal) menu of tacos, noodle bowls, pulled pork and kimchi sandwiches, and more under the palms, usually to the live tunes of a funky local band. 

Dinner: Jack of Cups

 Jack of Cups is the unassuming gem of Folly Beach, drawing foodies away from Charleston for “globally inspired comfort food.” The restaurant has a full bar and a large back deck, so there’s plenty of space to spread out with a bigger group or the whole family. 

Folly Beach family portraits by Larry, our associate photographer

Charleston Portrait Photography Venue Rates

Charleston has received tremendous publicity in recent years, with Condé Nast Traveler naming it the best small city in the United States. To put it simply, Charleston is a charming city, replete with multiple beaches, cobblestone streets and historical sites. When choosing a location for your quintessentially Charleston family portrait, we suggest considering some of our city’s famously beautiful gardens and plantations. Myriad historic venues are also available to rent, including the William Aiken House and the American Theatre. Read on to learn more about venue rates, hours of operation, and scheduling protocols.

Family portrait at The William Aiken House

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS - America’s oldest public garden

  • FEE: $ 200/day flat rate 

  • HOURS: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; willing to stay open earlier or later upon request

  • SCHEDULING/POINT OF CONTACT: Caroline

    • P: 843-571-1266 (ext.2300)

Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing

MIDDLETON PLACE 

  • FEE: $ 175/day flat rate (includes admission for 4 people plus the photographer) 

  • HOURS: 

    • Open Sundays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    • Option to stay past 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays

    • On Sundays photographers can stay through sunset (unless a wedding or event is currently taking place)

  • SCHEDULING: Required to submit a signed contract and payment at least 3 business days prior to day of photoshoot

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Molly Sherman

Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove

MCLEOD PLANTATION - A famous and well-preserved Gullah/Geechee heritage site that serves to recognize generations of enslaved people

  • FEE: $100 per hour between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. and $200 per hour after 6 p.m.

  • HOURS: Photo shoots must take place Tuesday-Sunday 7-9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

  • SCHEDULING: All professional photo shoots (including, but not limited to, group or family portrait shoots) and all photography involving equipment other than a hand-held camera or cell phone must be scheduled in advance with the park office. 

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Call 843-762-9514 to schedule

Family Portrait at The William Aiken House

THE WILLIAM AIKEN HOUSE

  • FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour 

  • HOURS: Open Monday - Wednesday for photoshoots:

    • Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    • Tuesdays & Wednesdays:  9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • SCHEDULING: 

    • *Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*

    • Call Jillian to schedule 

    • Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian

Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing

BOONE HALL PLANTATION - Rated #1 Plantation in the Lowcountry by USA Today

  • FEE: $500 for an annual Photo Pass

    • Photo Pass allows for a maximum of 4 guests (5 total individuals including photographer)

  • HOURS: Open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • SCHEDULING:  Must make reservations in advance by reaching out to Sarah Kate

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Sarah Kate

    • P: 843-884-4371 (mainline) 

      • *ask to be connected to Sarah Kate for scheduling 

The Bride - Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove

LOWNDES GROVE

  • FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour 

  • HOURS: Only open Monday - Wednesdays for photoshoots:

    • Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    • Tuesdays & Wednesdays:  9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • SCHEDULING: 

    • *Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*

    • Call Jillian to schedule 

    • Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian

The Bride and Groom - Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove

THE AMERICAN THEATRE

  • FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour 

  • HOURS: Only open Monday - Wednesdays for photoshoots:

    • Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    • Tuesdays & Wednesdays:  9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • SCHEDULING: 

    • *Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*

    • Call Jillian to schedule 

    • Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian

CHARLESTOWN LANDING

  • FEE: $12/Adult; $7.50/SC Senior; $7/children aged 6-15 years old; Free for children 5 and younger

    • *No props or staging permitted on property*

  • HOURS: 

    • April 1st - October 31st: 9 a.m., - 6 p.m. daily

    • November 1st - March 31st: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

      • *Everyone needs to be in the park 5 p.m. and then off by 6 p.m. when the front gates are locked

  • SCHEDULING: N/A

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt

Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing

FOUNDERS HALL

  • FEE: 

    • $500 for 4 hours 

    • $200 for 2 hours (special Captured by Kate rate)*

  • SCHEDULING: *Requires a minimum of 1 months notice*

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt, Events Coordinator

Family Portrait at The William Aiken House

WINGATE PLACE 

  • FEE: No fee required (so long as it does not require a staff member to be on site)

  • SCHEDULING: *Must give a minimum of 2 weeks notice prior to scheduling a photoshoot*

    • *Schedule 3 to 4 weeks in advance during Wingate’s off-season (July and August) when they have large venue projects going on that may affect the appearance of the grounds 

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Sarah Rickman

LEGARE WARING HOUSE

  • FEE: 

    • $500 for 4 hours 

    • $200 for 2 hours (special Captured by Kate rate)*

  • SCHEDULING: *Requires a minimum of 1 months notice*

  • POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt, Events Coordinator

 

Send a Message

Fill out the contact form on our website. If it’s between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm M-F, we are usually in the office. Send us a text, or preferably, give us a call! 843 442-0802. We love to chat!

Discovery Call

We like to connect over the phone. We want to hear your ideas and vision for the photos. We make recommendations based on our 20 years of photographing in the Charleston, SC area and we get you pricing.

Tailored Proposal

After our call, we will both sign a contract, you will make a payment, and then you will be on our calendar! Now you can relax and take a deep breath, knowing you've hired a professional team with years of experience!