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…

And then venue…oh, this venue! When I visited Castle Ladyhawke the first time for Olivia’s bridal portrait session, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are so many rooms and nooks and crannies for amazing photos, including a library, 3-room bridal suite, knights’ chambers for the groom, grand staircase, carriage house, garden shed, and a hidden room behind a bookcase just for vendors! We had so much fun creating Olivia’s portraits, and I could not wait to get back up there for the wedding!

Maybe you are a budding photographer looking to buy your first DSLR. Or maybe you are the parent of a kid who has an interest in photography. Christmas is just a little over a month away, and I know for a FACT that Santa loves to give cameras to people for Christmas! But what’s the best type to ask him for? I’ve been asked this question by so many people, I thought I would share my advice here!

Photography gear and equipment can YEARS to acquire—it can be incredibly expensive, and sometimes you might not know where to start. So, I decided to create a blog post with some of my favorite accessories that have made my life as a photographer so much easier! Some are fairly inexpensive, and some you may already have in your home! And if you think it’s completely random, read the little blurb about how I use it. You might learn something new!