Why Sunrise or sunset?
Outdoor sessions are best closer to sunrise and sunset. I personally prefer sunrise in the city or sunset at the park.
Charleston is a very busy city with a lot of crowded streets and vehicles that line the sidewalks. It is impossible to obtain images of the beautiful architecture, historic ironwork fences and landscaping when there are pedestrians and cars packed into this ever-growing and popular venue.
You are considering investing in my portraits. As a native Charlestonian and experienced professional photographer, I am sharing how you will receive my very best work. Sunrise is early, I know, but it is just one day and a sunrise session will be more than worth the effort. It's the perfect opportunity to have breakfast at one of Charleston's many fine restaurants and explore the city after your time with me.
If it is not possible to rise early, then please consider sunset at Hampton park. The lush landscape and live oak trees with Spanish moss create the perfect Lowcountry vibe and the park offers a gorgeous variety of portrait-worthy spots as well as free parking.
Hampton Park does have a regular event which prohibits vehicle traffic, and consequently our ability to park there, on certain days. Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Saturdays: 8:00am-12:00pm locals are able to enjoy the safety of a vehicle-free park. The surrounding streets are strictly for residential parking and so choosing those days and times would mean a 15 minute walk from my studio to get to the park. Not impossible, but not ideal.
Whatever we decide together, I am sure that you will ultimately be very pleased with your final portraits and the chance to explore Historic Charleston on a day with clear weather.
Printed Art
You may choose to purchase wall or table art from my private professional lab which will ensure that your portraits are created as intended, or you may simply download your print resolution files and choose a third party print lab. Outside labs may not reproduce your images as they appear in your digital file, some color and quality discrepancies will occur.
Important details
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Environmental sessions can be paid in full when booked or secured with a non-refundable retainer of 250 and a 9% SC state tax is applied to all fees.
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If reserving with a $250 retainer, a special invoice will be sent to allow a partial payment. Final payment will be required before your appointment.
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Sessions are limited to 5 people and pets are welcome if there is a non-family member to be a safety handler. Children should be 10 years + since I work best with those who are older but younger children who are able to take direction and are cooperative can be the exception.
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Sessions outside must be booked at sunrise or within 2 hours of sunset Monday-Sunday. Upon booking, your specific date and time will be scheduled.
- Should you request a session that will take place after the sun sets, a paid assistant will be required.
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Booking may take place up to 4 weeks ahead of the preferred calendar date.
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Rescheduling MUST take place within 30 days of the original session and the retainer is non-refundable in the event of a total cancellation.
Preparation guide
**What to Wear:**
- Choose comfortable clothing that reflects your style and avoids distracting patterns or trendy logos.
- Consider coordinating colors with the group for a cohesive look.
- Layers and textures can add visual interest. This can allow you to remove a layer and change your wardrobe to add variety. You are welcome to have a friend accompany you during your session to hold props or clothing items that will be included in your images
**How to Prepare:**
- Arrive on time or a bit early. Especially important for sunset sessions. Sunset happens quickly and there is NO time for tardiness. Allow extra time for traffic so you are not late.
- If your session goes beyond sunset, off camera flash equipment will be necessary and will require a paid assistant to handle & operate extra equipment. Time is of the essence for sunset sessions if you have elected to decline the addition of an assistant.
- Bring props or accessories if desired but keep them small and easy to carry. You may have to put them down for some poses
- Communicate any preferences you have but do not expect a style that is not in-line with my portfolio
- Stay hydrated and relaxed.
- Leave purses, wallets, and cell phones in the vehicle during the session.
**Preparing Young Children:**
- Talk to your child about the session and build excitement
- Bring snacks, water, and comfort items- understand that those items may end up in your images if you bring them
- Keep pose expectations simple and age-appropriate
- Be patient and flexible to capture genuine moments. It may take time for your child to enjoy being photographed