Wills surprise marriage proposal to Emma in historic downtown Charleston, SC
Kate Thornton photographing her daughters 5th grade Hollywood themed school dance
Sitting in morning sun at Charleston’s Highfalutin Coffee Roasters with professional
photographer Kate Thornton, I begin to get the picture. Kate is a collaborator and a helper. She
offers to let me interview her for my Trident Tech Visual Arts Business Procedures course
regarding the career path that led her to be a full-time creative. We sip coffee, bite into banana
bread, and I notice the calming energy she brings to a room. She laughs when I mention her
way of putting me at ease and says, “Oh, yes. I’m very laid back, but hyper-prepared.” For any
given shoot, Kate charges extra batteries. She carries extra cameras, lenses, and flashes. She
knows a session’s itinerary. “Because I’m so prepared for my shoots, I can then be at ease,
say…on the day of a wedding. I prepare so as not to project any hypertension on a special day.
I might say to a bride, ‘It’s okay that your dress ripped. It’s going to be fine and really isn’t a big
deal. Now it’ll be a part of your wedding story.’” Wedding stories aren’t the only visual stories
Kate tells. She also shoots for corporate clients and specializes in individual and family
portraiture, business portraiture, and lifestyle photography. Her commercial photography
business is called Kate Thornton Photography and her wedding and family portrait business is
called Captured by Kate.
When I ask about Kate’s story, I’m surprised to learn she first wanted to be an interior
designer. “I knew I was a highly visual person. I thought maybe I’d design the pretty window
displays at Nordstrom.” While she took some enjoyable photography classes at the College of
Charleston, the first real spark leading her to think about photography as a profession involved
a chance encounter at a concert. That’s when Kate and her friend met a guy
while recording dub tapes who told them, “Yeah, I was the official Grateful Dead photographer.
I traveled around with them for years.” Kate recalls being astounded upon receiving this
information. She thought, “Oh my gosh! That’s a JOB?”
This serendipitous meeting led Kate to adjust her own metaphorical sails. She changed
her course. Already on the College of Charleston’s sailing team, Kate had aspirations of
becoming a photographer who would document Olympic sailing. Like the guy she met at the
concert, Kate loved travel and action. She liked what photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson
called “the decisive moment.” She tells me, “I knew I enjoyed people and documenting real,
authentic things.” When considering how this dream could inform her new choice of major at
CofC, Kate decided to become a journalism major within the Mass Media Communications
department. However, it was a CofC photography instructor, Michelle Van Parys, who told Kate
about the Maine Media Workshops and the Maine Media College, which provided a unique
program where Kate could take the sorts of photography classes she wanted after graduation.
The Maine Media workshops colored Kate’s world, so to speak, introducing her for the
first time to color photography. She mentions, “Up to that point, I’d only ever been in a black
and white photo lab. Digital wasn’t a thing.” Kate returned from Maine to Charleston knowing
she wanted to be a photographer. However, no one in Charleston was hiring at the time. But,
as fate would have it, a CofC sailing teammate from St. Thomas told Kate, “I can get you a job
as a wedding photographer and wedding videographer. Do you want to move to St. Thomas?”
Kate’s inner adventurer kicked in and she moved to St. Thomas with the goal of building up her
portfolio. At first, Kate didn’t want to photograph weddings. “That’s cheesy,” she thought. In
retrospect, she realizes, “It was a great experience. We would go on helicopters to islands. The
helicopter would drop us off with a wedding coordinator and officiant and then it would go
back and pick up the couple. I’d video them coming in. It was really cool!”
Not only did the theory that there’s six degrees of separation between everyone hold
true for me and Kate (Kate knows my Trident Tech advisor), but the world grew smaller when I
discovered she has a connection to Richmond,VA where my husband is from and where he
went to college at VCU. In VA, Kate landed a job with a daily newspaper called The Progress-
Index in Petersburg, VA. Newspapers were one of the first industries to use digital photography
and Kate was originally hired to scan film into a digital archive. Eventually, the paper became
so busy there was a need for Kate’s skills as a photographer and she turned her part-time
scanning position into a full-time photography position. Kate explains, “The work with the
newspaper became my graduate school, where I really learned to use my camera. That’s where I learned how to stop a ball in a dimly lit gym when the ball was being dribbled fast. I think we
were shooting with about a 4 megapixel camera. We’d shoot in jpeg, not even Raw. The
computers then were only used for typing and didn’t have much memory in them, so we had to
keep our images super small. And our images were being printed on newsprint.”
Charleston and its beaches were still printed on Kate’s heart. At 25 years old, she
returned to Charleston after working for the paper for two years, ready to begin her own
commercial photography business. In VA she was active with the American Society of Media
Photographers (ASMP) and assisted commercial photographers for extra money while working
at the paper. This is how she began to understand how commercial photographers make a
living. “I kinda fell into wedding photography,” Kate explains. “I was in to fashion. I was visual
and a girl perhaps even dreaming a little of my own wedding.” At that time, there were only
about 15 wedding photographers in Charleston and her office moved several times once she
began photographing numerous high end weddings…from 49 Archdale Street to Canon Street
next to Sugar Bake Shop. Later, she moved to 1600 Meeting Street. She began working from
home when virtual capabilities, Instagram, and online bookings meant not as many clients met
with photographers in person anymore. Still, however, Kate prefers to talk with her clients over
the phone and to meet with them in person. She explains, “Discussions are more effective
because they eliminate a lot of back and forth emails. Figuring out session details together
would be a lot to type and important things might be missed. I like to have conversations with
my clients.”
Our own conversation leads me to ask Kate about one of her great successes working
as a creative. She mentions she recently completed work for Guinness at The Dewberry. Then
her face lights up when she recalls first returning to Charleston from Virginia to seek a job. She
contacted the National Press Photographer’s Association (NPPA) to tell them about her
background in journalism and to seek out a position with the organization. Although the NPPA
didn’t offer Kate a job, they did give her name to the New York Times and Kate became a local
stringer for them for around 12-15 years. Kate completed about eight to ten assignments per
year and jokes, “I’m the reason why everyone from New York moved here, because I’d often
feature Charleston in my work for the New York Times.”
Indeed, Kate has an affinity for Charleston and commitment to her work that feels
contagious. She has chosen to raise her family in Charleston and she loves the way the city
and surrounding beaches provide her a variety of work. She remarks, “I think any business
coach would say you need to pick one thing and be known for that and that’s how you’re
successful. But project variety keeps me inspired and passionate about my craft.”
During our brief interview, stories of Kate’s history and of her craft swirl around us like
cream in coffee. I once again note her laid back demeanor and it’s easy to see why she has
grown a successful local business. She is incredibly personable, yet seems also to have the
patience of a sailor awaiting the perfect puff of wind. Clients who meet with her to discuss their
photography goals are sure to experience this same patience and to feel as I do as she kindly
offers her time to help me with my college project… I depart our interview feeling seen, heard,
guided, calm, listened to and inspired. Indeed, with her excellent communication skills,
expertise, and easygoing charm, it’s easy to see how her clients become happily “Captured by
Kate.”
I collaborated with Luminary, a chic women's clothing boutique nestled in Freshfields Village near Kiawah Island, I recently had the pleasure of sharing some expert tips on how to dress for a portrait sitting this summer. The reels posted on my Instagram account, @capturedbykatechs Head over to my Instagram for a firsthand look at the latest tips and trends in portrait fashion, and get ready to shine in front of the camera this summer!
FARMERS MARKET
Mondays in June, July & August // 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Weekly Farmers Market on Mondays in June, July & August from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Pick from the freshest organic produce, local food products and Lowcountry crafts all summer long.
MUSIC ON THE GREEN
Regular Summer Music Series: Fridays, June-August 6pm-9pm
Join us this summer for our weekly Music on the Green Concert Series on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The free, family-friendly concerts featuring a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, country and more! Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
Memorial Day Weekend: Friday (5/24); Saturday 5/25) 6pm-9pm
Labor Day Weekend: Friday (8/30); Saturday 8/31) 6pm-9pm
MOVIES ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
Wednesdays in July
Join us every Wednesday in July for Movies on the Green. Showtime: 8:30 pm.
Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets for the complimentary event. The outdoor movie series will feature a variety of family-friendly movies.
JUNE
FARMERS MARKET
Mon (3, 10, 17, 24)
3-7 pm
MUSIC ON THE GREEN
Fri (7, 14, 21, 28)
6-9pm
CARS & COFFEE
Sat (6/15) 9-11am
JULY
FARMERS MARKET
Mon (1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
3-7pm
MOVIES ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
Wed (3, 10, 17, 24, 31)
8:30pm
MUSIC ON THE GREEN
Fri (5, 12, 19, 26)
6-9pm
CARS & COFFEE
Sat (7/20) 9-11am
AUGUST
MUSIC ON THE GREEN
Fri (2, 9, 16, 23)
6-9pm
FARMERS MARKET
Mon (5, 12, 19, 26)
3-7pm
CARS & COFFEE
Sat (8/17) 9-11am
LABOR DAY
CONCERT SERIES
Fri (8/30) 6-9pm
Sat (8/31) 6-9pm
Family portrait near the Morris Island Light House on Folly Beach by Larry, our associate photographer
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
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
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
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
Kiawah has always held a special place in my heart, and not just because I lived on neighboring Johns Island for 8 years. My husband, Chris, and I were married at the Kiawah Island River Course 15 years ago this April! Kiawah truly is a magic place, steeped in natural beauty. From the Spanish Moss shaded trails to the endless white beaches, it is a photographer’s dream backdrop!
Kiawah Island Family Portrait
Venture off the island to The Hemingway for gourmet coffee, southern chicken biscuits, and tasty ricotta toast. The elevated cafe offers a quality breakfast menu, full coffee bar, and exquisite wine and beer menu.
The Tattooed Moose is the perfect halfway stop between Kiawah and Downton Charleston. It has burgers and beer and a great kids’ menu. It’s shaded by enormous oak trees, and there is plenty of space to let the kids run around and play.
For upscale southern fare, Jasmine Porch hits all the right notes. Located in The Sanctuary, it is the perfect place for a delicious post-spa lunch or exquisite dinner. For a savory southern classic, be sure to order the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese!
Indulge in fine dining at The Sanctuary's renowned steakhouse, The Ocean Room. With an outstanding menu and even better view over the ocean, it’s the perfect way to complete a day at the beach or on the golf course.
Wild Olive is worth the short 20 minute drive from the island! The authentic Italian eatery leans on local, seasonal and homemade ingredients to ensure their dishes are the absolute best- try the house-made pastas and salami! The vibe is as unpretentious as the food, and the staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu.
The Rosebank Farms produce stand is an icon to residents and visitors of Kiawah Island. It’s the perfect place to stop for locally grown produce, fresh seafood, packaged goods, and fresh flowers. Be sure to buy one of the key lime pies! The stand is owned by Sidi Limehouse, a Johns Island legend. If you see a farmer that looks like Jerry Garcia driving a tractor down Betsy Kerrison Parkway, that’s SIDI!
Kiawah Island Resort offers a variety of award-winning activities, from their unparalleled spa and shopping to the world-class golf courses and tennis center. The beach is wide and beautiful, with sea turtles and dolphins and waves that are just right for young kids. Here are a few other activities you may enjoy:
Explore miles of marshland by bike! There are well-marked bike paths all over the island, connecting the various communities and weaving through the woods. You can even bike on the beach at low tide. There are several bike rental companies on the island, including Kiawah Island Bike Rentals, Seaside Cycles,and Alligator Bike.
Tidal Trails is an outdoor company devoted to providing memorable experiences on the water. You can book a nature tour via kayak, power boat, stand up paddle board or take surf and kayak lessons.
The Angel Oak is the largest living oak, estimated to be nearly 400 years old! It is a gorgeous sight and worth the short drive to John’s Island.
Located within the Kiawah resort, this expansive 21 acre park is a nature-lover’s dream come true! There is the fascinating Nature Center, playground, hiking trails, pool, splash pad and more. Check the activities calendar for special events too, like movies in the park or alligator tours.
For a truly memorable experience, stop by The Goatery, located in the Kiawah River community. Tour the farm, socialize with the friendly goats, pick eggs from the chicken coop or schedule a private yoga class (with goats!). It’s hands-on education at its finest!
Located on Trophy Lakes on John’s Island, Aqua Park is a ridiculously fun floating playground. Climb, jump, slide and swim during the warmer months.
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!