What time of day is best for family photography?

 

I’m a NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER which gives me the freedom to move quickly and not lug around big lighting equipment. I can run around with your little ones for those candid moments.

Finding the “perfect” light is an art and a chase - and oh, I love the chase. So what time is best for natural light photography?

Here’s your guide:

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On a sunny day, this is when the light is the most flattering. It creates golden sun-kissed skin and hair halos.

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The more the sun goes down, the more cotton candy colors on the water.

 
 
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Sunrise

Sunrise is a great time if you still want that golden and pinkish light peeking over the horizon.

The downsides.. (1) sunrise happens quick so be on time! (2) I’m not a morning person..but I can be for you!!

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What happens if we get together any time that is not sunrise or sunset? What is harsh light and why try to avoid it?

The farther the sun is from the horizon, the more contrast or harshness there is between the highlights and the shadows - so uneven shadows can happen under the eyes and nose.

Harsh light is not “bad or wrong” light, it’s just a different style than what I typically shoot.

 
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My recommendation for avoiding harsh light and squinty eyes?

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Some shade is always nice on a balmy Georgia afternoon anyways.

The Golden Isles has a plethora of mossy oaks, palm trees on Sea Island, and even beach driftwood on Jekyll Island that gives us the shade that we natural light photographers love.

The Avenue of the Oaks on St. Simons Island or the Historic District on Jekyll Island are my go-to’s. We can get together any time of day because the huge shadows allow you to stay comfortable and evenly lit even when the sun is highest in the sky.

The top row below was taken mid-morning and the bottom row was taken closer to sunset. Notice how the colors get warmer and the greens get darker the closer to sunset…because Golden Hour!

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What about Overcast days?

It’s out of our hands when the sun shines but FEAR NOT!

I LOVE the even, white light that overcast skies give - especially on the beach! Because…. we can shoot anytime and anywhere. The white sky is one big softbox of soft, flattering light!

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Golden Hour is 45-60 min before sunset and will give us even and colorful light.

Rows 3-4 are lighting examples in the morning (top row) and late afternoon which can have harsher highlights and shadows.. but morning.. noon..night.. what is most important is the love and smiles we capture and preserve forever…

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St. Simons Island Maternity Photography

Time for a baby-moon on island time!

I suggest taking your maternity photos around 8 months to show off that good baby bump!

This oh-so-sweet couple took theirs at The Avenue of the Oaks and then were adventurous enough to follow me through the marshy beach paths.

This was an extra special session because St. Simons Island holds a very dear spot in the hearts of Grace and Jordan…. They are naming their baby boy SIMON! OH, my heart!

Can’t wait to meet your already loved little one, Grace and Jordan!

Wedding Portraits at The Avenue of the Oaks

I get a ton of requests for portraits among our century old oak trees with the romantic Spanish moss. Native Americans called the plant Itla-okla, which meant “tree hair.” :)

If you’re getting married on St. Simons Island and love the Spanish moss, this is THE spot for portraits!

The Avenue of the Oaks is on Retreat Avenue and Canary Drive. Feel free to park in the grass on either side.

 
 

Anne's Senior Portraits | St. Simons Island, Georgia

Senior year was one of the most special times of my life. Filled with nervous joy and excitement fo the future. I love getting to know where my senior’s dreams are headed and encouraging how rad college life really is.

Wherever Anne chooses to go, she’s gonna shine. Loved this fun session at Avenue of the Oaks and Driftwood Drive Beach next to Northbreakers on St. Simons Island.

 
 

June 2020 Family Sessions

I’m more thankful now more than ever for each and every inquiry that comes my way. Thank you for letting me capture and celebrate the most precious thing in life - your family.

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Jekyll Island Historic District and Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons Island

The Avenue of the Oaks and Demere Beach access, St. Simons Island

Coast Guard Station Beach

Jekyll Island Historic District and Driftwood Beach

East Beach, St. Simons Island

Coast Guard Station Beach

East Beach, St. Simons Island

Gould’s Inlet

Driftwood Beach

Coast Guard Station

Avenue of the Oaks

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse

 

Outdoor Boudoir Photography - 3 Pros and Cons - St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island

Let’s get right to it. I love Boudoir. It’s a confidence boost like no other. The outdoors - what’s not to love? Well, a few things.

Here are 3 things to consider when venturing out of the bedroom for some bootilicious self-love.

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Pros of Outdoor vs Indoor:

  1. You can’t beat that sunset light. Golden hour is a photographer’s favorite time of day and provides dynamic colors as opposed to an indoor shoot where light may be limited.

2. Get a variety of backdrops rather than just a bedroom setting. The islands are a nature lover’s dream. Fields, palms, and white sands, oh my!

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3. Not really a lingerie lover? Outside sessions give you the chance to wear (just as sexy) swimwear, athletic wear or oversize sweaters!

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Cons of Outdoor vs Indoor:

  1. Weather is unpredictable and there is a small window of perfectly cool weather in the South. March and April are your best bet. Changing outfits in too cold or too hot weather isn’t ideal.

2. Bugs ughh. The mosquitos come out as early as February and love the wooded grassy areas. While I carry bug spray with me, any itching will make it harder to fully enjoy your session.

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3. People - While I try to pick secluded areas, I cannot guarantee not having a passerby. If you are an early bird, sunrise gives us a better chance of fewer people. I like shooting on or near the beach because everyone there is pretty much naked anyways haha and I keep a towel close by in case I need to throw it on you!

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There you go! My goal is to always give you the best photographic experience, especially with something as special as boudoir. Let’s go shoot, Gorgeous!

Ariel + Colby Engagement | Village Creek Landing

Imagine being this fabulous and in love! Ariel and Colby KILLED their engagement session and it was awesome to see how sweet they are together.

It had been storming all day and while I love a stormy look, I was overjoyed when the sunshine came through just in time to give this session even more of a romantic look.

I love that Ariel chose this incredible venue! Village Creek Landing is one of St. Simons Island’s most beautiful marshside venues. The two tie the knot in January!

 
 

Merissa + Gavin | Ocean Lodge Wedding | St. Simons Island

 

"Old Hollywood glamour at its finest.
Our bride, Merissa, looks like something straight out of an old-time film."

Thank you to the Savannah bridal boutique Ivory & Beau for featuring Merissa + Gavin's beautiful ocean front wedding!

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You can't help but feel a bit royal when walking the steps of Ocean Lodge. Merrissa picked this venue for it's classic elegance. 

 The prayer between the groom, bride. and her grandmother had everyone in tears.

“This [Merissa’s] dreamy look was made complete by the Sasha Veil by Couffia Couture… not to mention the sweetest bouquet of anemones and silver dollar eucalyptus. ”
— Ivory & Beau

This amazing reception had some of the best dancing and the best views including a beautiful, bright, full moon over and the ocean and surprise fireworks!

Congratulations  Merissa + Gavin!

Merissa + Gavin's Engagement Session

Dress/ Veil : Ivory & Beau @maggiesotterodesigns

Hair/Makeup: Felicia Cammon

Groom attire: Gentleman’s Outfitters

Shoes : Ivory & Beau

Food : Ocean Lodge – Steak and Mahi Mahi

Cake : Hollaways Bakery

Florals: Edward on SSI; white flowers (peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas, anemones, babies breath, freesia) and greenery (eucalyptus, Italian ruscus)

Entertainment : Gary with Island Sound

Harpist: Kathy Braswell

Invitations : Serendipity Paperie

Videographer: Triptych Media