There’s something so special about having photos that capture the essence of life in your own home. Whether you’re snapping casual family moments, documenting a milestone event, or capturing images of family gatherings, your own home can be a wonderful backdrop. It can also serve as a great location on rainy or cold days, when outdoor photography may not be possible! But getting great photos at home isn’t always as easy as just picking up a camera. Whether you’re working with a professional photographer or going the DIY route, there are a few key things that can help you make sure your photos look polished, beautiful, and authentic.

Here are some tips for getting stunning photos at home, covering everything from lighting and decluttering to camera settings and professional help!

I have been photographing weddings for 13 years this month. I did not go to school to be a wedding photographer—this second career sort of fell in my lap when I got my first DSLR, took a few classes, and people started asking me to take their family photos. When my husband’s cousin’s wedding photographer bailed, they called me, and three days later, I shot my first wedding! I was terrified; I literally had no idea what I was doing! But it was so much fun; I loved capturing all the special details and moments of the day. That’s when I fell in love with wedding photography, and I have never looked back! I recently booked my 100th wedding, so I thought it was a good time to share some things I have learned about getting ready for a wedding day in case there are any photographers out there just starting out who are preparing to shoot their first wedding and have no idea where to begin!

A few months back, one of my dearest friends, Erica, asked me if I would take some dance photos for her daughter, Hazel. It was December, so it was already pretty cold out. She asked if I could do some studio-type photos inside, and even though I have some studio equipment, I don’t have a studio or space big enough to set up my paper white backdrop. However, they have a basement in their home with a big open space, so I said I’d bring over my backdrop and lighting equipment and we could have a little fun!

If you are a wedding photographer wondering whether or not you should invest in bridal shows, my advice is to just go for it! Maybe don’t start out by jumping into a huge, regional show, but there are bound to be local venues or coordinators who host smaller shows, and that is a perfect way to start. You don’t have to spend a ton of money—and your booth doesn’t have to have a lot on display! A “look book” is the best thing to show off your work, and maybe a laptop with a slideshow. The most important thing is to be YOU—share your passion, experience, and how you approach a wedding day. Be prepared to be on your feet most of the day—wear comfortable shoes! Bring snacks to keep up your energy! During down times visit with other vendors—those connections can often be the biggest perk of participating in bridal shows! You might meet your next referral source, or better yet, make a new friend.

This past October, I was once again called to capture the magic of another Fowler family wedding—this time, it was for Blakely’s brother Ethan and his bride Cheyenne. While their wedding wasn’t quite as “Halloweeny” as Jordan and Blakely’s, it certainly carried a hauntingly beautiful, almost ethereal vibe, with details that seemed pulled from a ghostly dream.

Logan and Caiden got married on October 5, 2024 at Cedar Creek Ranch, in Waxhaw, NC. It was a perfect sunny, warm, October day! Cedar Creek Ranch is a gorgeous barn on an open space at the end of a wooded drive, with a bridal suite, pond with water features, several spaces for ceremonies, and a huge reception tent! It’s the perfect spot for a couple wanting a venue that has plenty of space, amenities, and a rustic yet sophisticated vibe!

In the wedding industry, there’s a definite controversy over feeding vendors. Some clients/coordinators suggest vendor meals, and others opt not to feed their vendors at all. But I’m here to tell you that hangry vendors do not perform well! You really should plan to feed your vendors, or at least the ones who will be at your event for the entire day, and here’s why.

You just got your photos back from your photo session, and you’ve shared them on your socials so that everyone can oooh and ahhh over them. Now what are you going to do with them? Are they just going to live in a phone, cloud, or hard drive forever? Or will you do something to feature them in your life for years to come? Framed prints, wall displays, canvases, and albums can become cherished keepsakes that help your images live on for you to enjoy for years to come! There’s just something truly magical about holding a tangible piece of your memories in your hands. Let me share with you some reasons you should print your photos:

As I was writing a blog post with tips for planning weddings a while back, one of my suggestions was to have a bridal emergency kit with you on the day of. As a photographer, this is something I always carry with me, and it has come in handy more than a few times! So I decided to expand upon that post and create this one outlining some important things to put in your bridal emergency kit. (This would also make a fantastic bridal shower or Christmas gift for a future bride!)

In today's digital age, it is easier than ever to snap a photo and share it instantly with the world. However, there is something special about holding a physical print of your cherished photographs, or better yet, framing and displaying your precious memories. While home printers and one-hour photo labs offer convenience, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider leaving photography printing to the professionals. Let’s explore the advantages of entrusting your printing needs to the experts!

It’s no secret that I love color. When my children or students ask me what my favorite color is, I have a hard time answering, because I love them all! Canaan & Kyle’s Dugaren Vineyard wedding was so full of color, I could not help but feature it. Just a little over an hour away from my home, Dugaren has a beautifully crafted building with both indoor and covered outdoor areas, a big open vineyard surrounded by beautiful trees, and the most amazing bridal AND groom suites! And on June 8, the weather was warm, but not too hot, and sunny…a perfect summer day.

At a recent family session, I started thinking about how educating families on what to expect at their family photo sessions would be helpful as well, so I decided to put together some tips for the whole family AND family photographers to help create as stress-free of a family portrait session as possible. And like any good teacher, I love an acronym to make things easier to remember! So, I am going to teach you how to PLAY at your family sessions.

We began this Beaufort engagement session by wandering down Bay Street, across to The Lewis Reeve Sams House (currently for sale!) and Steven Elliot Park with the cannon across from Woods Memorial Bridge. Then we headed back through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, and finally, we headed across the bridge and ended the evening at sunset amongst the oaks and along the Beaufort River at Whitehall Park. It was a bit breezy (par for the course along the coast), but thankfully, it wasn’t a million degrees! It was a beautiful evening for an epic Lowcountry sunset engagement with a gorgeous couple…what photographer could ask for more?

You’re heading into your senior year, and it’s time for that rite of passage: senior photos! But where do you even begin? Read on for some ideas that will help you and your photographer plan the best senior portrait session to reflect your personality!

Babies change so much in the first year, and those first several weeks are often a blur…so document those sweet newborn moments, from the scrunchy stretches, yawns, little fingers and toes, and even the little pouty faces! While some families prefer more posed portraits that can be captured in a studio, others prefer in-home newborn sessions, also called lifestyle newborn sessions. These are best for providing a more relaxed and intimate setting, allowing photographers to capture genuine moments that reflect the love and joy of your growing family in your own, comfortable space. To ensure that your session is a success, here are some tips to help you prepare…