Dog Photography St. Simons Island

CAN YOU BRING YOUR FUR FRIEND?

As long as I can get some cuddles in, all dogs are welcome on photoshoots.

I grew up on a farm with 6-7 dogs at a time. Yes, you could say we were animal people!

I have a squeaky toy in my bag just for pups to look excited for the camera. It’s best to bring an extra person on your shoot to hold the dog while he/she is not in the photos.

 
 

Summer Village Landing Creek Wedding St. Simons Island

Meghan and Jacob’s big day was celebrated on the marsh and was everything you could hope for in a sweet summer wedding. I loved Jacob’s cowboy hat and Meghan’s great-grandmother’s dress. Weddings that incorporate great personal touches are always the best.

Once the heat set in the suits came off and the Hawaiian shirts came on. (My kind of party!) Not to mention, my favorite food truck @porchssi catered! The night got even more romantic when a rainbow showed up. Wishing these two the best! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Venue @villagecreeklanding
Hair & Makeup @the.haircottage

 
 

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:

blog+%282%29.jpg

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

Maternity-75.jpg
Rainey_Gregg_Photography_St._Simons_Island_Georgia_California_Wedding_Portrait_Photography_2453.jpg

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

 
 
blog%2B%25283%2529.jpg

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!!

August-96.jpg

~

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.

 
st+simons+island+photographer
 

My recommendation for avoiding harsh light and squinty eyes?

blog%2B%25284%2529.jpg

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!

~

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!

blog+%285%29.jpg

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…

blog+%287%29.jpg




 

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.

~

 

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