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.

~

 

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

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A REALLY LARGE FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION

Your annual family portraits do not have to be a pain in the behind - even if you have TWENTY+ people. Big or small, family portraits should be something to look forward to.

I work FAST and FUN so kiddos don’t lose interest and no one is in the heat/cold too long - while still ensuring we get all the shots each family unit or couple requires.

This is my usual shot list which takes 30-45 minutes:

  • Everybody (still group shot + laughing and walking)

  • Grandparent(s) and grandkids

  • Grandparent(s) and adult children

  • Grandparent(s)

  • Each Family

  • Each kid with each parent

  • Each Couple

  • Each group of siblings

  • All kids together

  • Individuals of each kid

After this, it’s playtime!

“I highly recommend Rainey! We are an extra-large family of 35, ranging in age from 1 week old to 85 years old. Rainey did an excellent job of keeping us organized and made sure to get all of the photos we wanted. She has a great demeanor, and could not be more pleasant to work with. We absolutely love our photos, and would definitely recommend Rainey for large or small group pictures. You will not be disappointed:)))”
— Patti Gosch

Gosch Families at The Beach Club on St Simons Island, Georgia June 2020

 
 

What to Expect at a Family Portrait Session

Your annual family portraits do not have to be a pain in the behind - even if you have 10+ people. Big or small, family portraits should be something to look forward to.

I work FAST and FUN so kiddos don’t lose interest and no one is in the heat/cold too long - while still ensuring we get all the shots each family unit or couple requires.

This is my usual shot list which takes 20-30 minutes:

  • Everybody (still group shot + laughing and walking)

  • Grandparent(s) and grandkids

  • Grandparent(s) and adult children

  • Grandparent(s)

  • Each Family

  • Each kid with each parent

  • Each Couple

  • Each group of siblings

  • All kids together

  • Individuals of each kid

After this, it’s playtime!

Jekyll Island Club Waterfront Lawn

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons Island

Coast Guard Station Beach, St. Simons Island

Epworth By the Sea, Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins, St. Simons Island

Avenue of the Oaks, St. Simons Island

Avenue of the Oaks, St. Simons Island

Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons Island

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!

 
 

Feb - April FAVORITES 2019

It’s been quite a busy and blessed year so far. Here are some of my favorite shots from 2019 so far - starting with my first ever Hindu wedding ceremony on Jekyll Island with Island Sound. This couple was so excited to marry each-other twice in one day.

 
 
 

I got together with one of my besties to get some promotional shots for Valentine’s Day. The perfect time for boudoir!

 
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My next wedding of the year was Lindsay and Matthew’s at Epworth by the Sea beautiful Lovely Lane Chapel on St. Simons Island.

 

On February 22nd Julia and Daniel came all the way from Colorado to elope under Georgia’s beautiful oak trees at Gascoigne Bluff.

 

Island Sound sent me down to Casa Marina to film Kate and Will’s ceremony. I fell so in love with this beachy, Spanish inspired venue! Here is a little spinet.

 
 

Blair and Blake’s March 9th wedding was my first time shooting a wedding at The Vine’s gorgeous Greenhouse. All my floral and white backdrop dreams come true.

 

I was SO HAPPY that the azaleas were in bloom for Megan’s maternity session! These gorgeous colors are only here for a short time in the spring and oh, doesn’t she look beautiful with them!?

 

Megan and her daughter Reagan were the winners of my most recent Instagram giveaway. Get these girls modeling agents!

Eveline celebrated her 60th birthday with a family trip to St. Simons Island!

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Laney Jean at just two weeks in her perfectly pink nursery.

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The Albuquerques celebrate their anniversary on the beach!

The bugs were terrible on the beach this day, but this happy family did not let that dampen their smiles!

This must have been the windiest day Hilton Head has ever seen, but just look at these good sports!

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Can’t handle how stinking cute this family is!!

A family vacation and anniversary celebration at St. Simon’s Island Lodge!

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Sometimes stormy skies can create the most beautiful backdrops!

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Hope and Tesh celebrating their 10 year anniversary with their son on St. Simons Island! Love that they brought the umbrella from their wedding.

Family days in the sun…

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Can’t believe Finn is already 6 months old!

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What a beautiful family! All the family from Nebraska, mom and daughter came to celebrate dad’s graduation from FLETC!

 
 

After shooting Tiffany’s maternity session, I was SO excited to meet baby Joanna!

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Then there’s this sweet little man who just wanted to make every stick a fishing pole!

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Here’s a little peak into Stephanie and Ben’s lovely, lovely, lovely Jekyll Island wedding. The ceremony was at Faith Chapel and reception at the Westin.

Olivia + Michael's Engagement | Downtown Savannah

How and where did he propose?

Michael woke me up with an hour and a half timeline to get ready and pack a bag. He surprised me with a trip to Savannah and he proposed in front of the Forsyth fountain and planned a day of Christmas fun.

Describe your engagement ring and anything you love about it:

I love glitter and my ring is glitter in diamond and rose gold form. I love my ring for the vintage flair and sparkle.

What led you to choose your wedding venue? What makes it special?

I wanted a relaxed Southern vibe on the coast without feeling like I was in Florida. The Wyld encompasses all of that.

So excited for their Wyld wedding!