How to Choose a Family Photographer in Charleston (Plus What to Wear)

Booking a family session can feel more complicated than it should be. Here’s how I’d think about it if I were in your shoes, plus a few honest thoughts on outfits.

Decide what kind of memory you actually want

Some photographers pose every hand and every smile just so. I do the opposite. My style is documentary and unposed, which means I’m photographing your family walking on the beach, chasing each other around the yard, or piled onto the couch at home, exactly as it happens. If you want your gallery to feel like your actual family instead of a stock photo on a website, that’s the style to look for. Ask any photographer you’re considering to show you a full, unedited gallery, not just their ten best highlight shots, so you know what a real session with your family will actually look like.

Pick a location that feels like you

I photograph families all over Charleston and the surrounding areas, on the beach, in your favorite park, under the oak trees at places like Hampton Park, or right at home. Home sessions are especially great for families with a new baby, a big move, or just a season you want to remember exactly as it looked, toys on the floor and all. If your kids are more comfortable in their own backyard than posing in front of strangers at a public park, say so. A good session works with your family’s personality, not against it.

Outfits, keep it simple

You don’t need matching head to toe, and honestly those matchy sets tend to photograph flat. I usually tell families to pick a loose color palette, soft neutrals, or a couple of complementary colors like sage and cream or rust and denim, and let everyone wear what actually feels like them. Comfortable kids make for better photos than perfectly coordinated ones, every single time. If your toddler refuses to wear anything but their dinosaur shirt, let them wear the dinosaur shirt.

Golden hour is your friend

Late afternoon light is soft, warm, and forgiving, and it also tends to line up nicely with nap schedules being over and everyone being a little less cranky. If you’ve got early risers, a soft morning session works beautifully too, especially at the beach before the crowds show up.

Plan for real kid behavior

I’m not expecting your three year old to sit still and smile on command, and neither should you. Some of the best images come from the meltdown that turns into giggles two minutes later, or the toddler who refuses every posed shot but lights up the second I stop directing and just let them run.

Ask about turnaround

You’ll get a sneak peek within days of your session and your full gallery in 2 to 6 weeks, so you’re not left wondering for months.

If that sounds like the kind of family photos you’re after, I’d love to hear from you! Sessions book up fastest in spring and fall, so if you’ve got a season in mind, now’s a good time to reach out.