Moments framed in time
Planning Your Session
The best photographs happen when you can relax, enjoy the experience, and simply be yourself.
Whether you're planning a family session, celebrating your engagement, updating your portraits, or documenting a special milestone, I'll guide you through every step of the process. From choosing the perfect location to helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera, my goal is to make your session feel easy, natural, and enjoyable.
Before Your Session
FYI
After your booking is confirmed, you'll receive everything you need to prepare for your session, including your welcome email, photography agreement, Session Questionnaire, and helpful planning resources.
Your Session Questionnaire is an important part of my planning process. It helps me get to know you before we ever meet so I can create a session that's personalized to you—not a one-size-fits-all experience.
You'll have the opportunity to share things like:
- The people participating in your session
- Your preferred location
- The style and feel you're hoping for
- Young children, pets, or any special considerations
- Important relationships or moments you'd love captured
- Anything else you'd like me to know before your session
The more I know ahead of time, the better I can plan, guide, and create images that truly reflect you.
Every session is unique, and my goal is to create photographs that feel natural, authentic, and genuinely you.
Choosing the Perfect Location
What is the vibe you are going for?
The location plays a big part in the feel of your images. Whether you're drawn to the beach, beautiful oak trees, marsh views, or historic Charleston streets, we'll choose a location that fits your vision and your style.
Some of my favorite locations include:
- Isle of Palms beaches
- Pitt Street Bridge
- Live Oaks in Mount Pleasant
- Historic Downtown Charleston
Not sure which location is right for you? I'm always happy to help you choose the perfect setting.
Details
Timing Matters
Beautiful light is one of the biggest reasons my images look the way they do.
For beach sessions, I photograph almost exclusively during sunrise or Magic Hour—the hour before sunset. These times provide softer light, cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer people on the beach, creating the relaxed atmosphere you see throughout my portfolio.
For non-beach locations, we'll schedule your session around the best available light for that particular location to create beautiful, natural images.
What to Wear
One of the most common questions I receive is, "What should we wear?"
After booking, I'm always happy to help with outfit guidance so you feel confident and prepared. The goal isn't to match perfectly—it's to coordinate in a way that feels natural, timeless, and comfortable for everyone involved. I will send you a copy of my Style Guide!
If you're deciding between a few outfits, you're always welcome to send me photos. I'm happy to help!
During Your Session
Don't worry if you've never had professional photos taken before.
You don't need to know how to pose or where to look.
I'll gently guide you throughout your session while giving you plenty of opportunities to interact naturally with the people you're with. Some moments are lightly directed, while others simply unfold on their own. The result is a gallery that feels authentic, relaxed, and genuinely you.
Children don't have to sit perfectly still, and adults don't need to worry about being "photogenic." My job is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable so we can capture real smiles, genuine laughter, and meaningful connections.
Weather
Living on the coast means weather can change quickly, so I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to every session.
Clouds, light wind, or the chance of a brief shower don't automatically mean we'll reschedule. In fact, some of the most beautiful skies happen when the weather is a little unpredictable.
If severe weather, lightning, heavy rain, high winds, or unsafe conditions are expected, we'll work together to determine the best option. Your safety and your experience are always my priority.
After Your Session
When do I get to see my photos?!
Within approximately two weeks, you'll receive a private online gallery featuring your hand-edited, curated images.
From your gallery, you'll be able to:
- View your images
- Select your favorite photographs
- Purchase individual images, image collections, or your complete gallery
- Download your purchased high-resolution images
- Order professional prints, wall art, albums, and other keepsakes through my professional print store
Take your time exploring your gallery and choose the images that mean the most to you.
My Promise
Photography is about so much more than smiling at the camera.
It's about preserving the people, relationships, and moments that matter most.
My goal is to provide a relaxed, enjoyable, and personalized experience from beginning to end while creating timeless images you'll treasure for years to come.
Come ready to have fun, enjoy the experience, and make a few memories together.
I'll take care of the rest.