Jekyll Island Historic District - Millionaires Village - Family Photography

 
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Crane Cottage

"Richard Teller Crane, Jr. built Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island in 1917 it was the most expensive and elegant home ever built on Jekyll." glynngen.com

Cherokee Cottage

1904. Cherokee was built by Edwin Gould for his in-laws, the Shrady's. It was later owned by Dr. W. B. James, a former President of the Club. There are engaged columns amidst three doorways featured in this Italian Renaissance style cottage. glynncounty.com

Villa Marianna

Villa Marianna was constructed in 1928 for Club member Frank Miller Gould, a second-generation member. Architect Mogens Tvede used a blend of Spanish Eclectic and Italian Renaissance in the style of this cottage. jekyllisland.com

Hollybourne Cottage

Hollybourne Cottage was built in 1890 by Club member Charles Stewart Maurice. The style was called Jacobethan or pseudo-Jacobean and was an early example of an eclectic Tudor style popular from 1890 until 1940. jekyllisland.com

Villa Ospo

Villa Ospo was designed in 1927 for Walter Jennings. Jennings had joined the Club in 1926, and quickly rose to a leadership role, assuming Presidency. jekyllisland.com

The Oldest Oak tree on Jekyll Island

Next to Crane Cottage, this majestic giant is a must see.

 

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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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

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.

Katie + Ward | St. Simons Island Wedding | McKinnon Airport Reception

My prayer is that my business presence and images reflect the personality of the couple I am working with and the joy of their wedding day - giving attention to all the hard work and detail that went into making their day memorable - to make sure that the bride and groom's story is told like the grand romance it is. My job is made pretty easy and fun when I have couple's like Katie and Ward whose love for each other, God, their families, and St. Simons Island is so evident. Show them so love below and enjoy their wedding story. 

The prayers of these women are strong, true and representative the Father's heart, bringing peace on what could be a jittery time. Only joy was present. 

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There's a photo album from the bride to the groom on the swing? The swing she played on as a kid? And she's gonna sneak up behind him as he's reading it. Oh, that's ROMANTIC as ALL GET OUT.  And just when you thought it couldn't get any more romantic...Ward surprised her with a live painter for their reception. Ahhhwwww.

Some of the cutest shots from Katie and Ward's engagement session was also on a swing!

Katie's vision for the wedding was everything enchanting, exciting and southern with muted neutrals.  Pretty sure she pulled it off.

Amongst the marshes of Glynn, Katie and Ward married.  Big, beautiful storm clouds rolled in just before the ceremony. Katie was patient, waited out the rain, and after all of the sweet guests pitched in drying the chairs, married her soul mate under the storm clouds. It couldn't have been more lovely. 

I about jumped out of my car when I pulled up to the reception. Look at that sunset. Every photographers' golden dream. 

Katie grew up around the McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport and what a beautiful backdrop it made for their sunset portraits!

This was the first event held in this hanger and boy, did they do a fabulous job. My favorite parts were probably the hanging greenery and the working SWING! 

Katie and I got to reconnect and recreate some photos with our GP girls that we mentored the summer we worked together. I even jumped in for a photo!

The night ended with a grand sparkler exit where the couple boarded a plane and flew off to their happy ever after.  

Katie and Ward, thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this

new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I

absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day.

Engagement Session

Hair : Alana Becky at Uberzoot Hair Co.

Makeup : Judy Crouch

Dress:  Bridals by Lori and mother's veil

Shoes : The Pampered Foot

Florals :  The Vine and Randy Cribb

Ceremony Program: Bess Ratsimbaharison

Ceremony Music : Charlie Judd

Violinist: Morgan Stokes

Entertainment : Loose Chain

Live Painter: Elaine Burge Art

Food : Tasteful Temptations

Cake : Erin Scoggins

Invitations : Home made by Aimee Otte

Tables : Amelia Events

Coordinator : Allyson Moline

Videographer : Joshua Gellerstedt

Second Photographer : Laura Angela Photography

 

 

Family Christmas Session - Sea Island

I am so thankful for this wonderful family and the chance to take their holiday photos!'

I've spent a bit of time at the doctor this past year. I've always been generally and gratefully healthy.💪
 But my family seems to pick up strange illnesses that become puzzles for physicians. I'm no different and I hate talking about it. But more and more have been asking "are you sick?" Which makes you feel like you're not wearing enough makeup. 💋
 
Sitting here in another waiting room, anxious to find out what's wrong with you, sucks..like really sucks. Especially when they don't have an answer. Once again.😾
But man, life is good. Not a day goes by that something beautiful doesn't happen. I mean, look at those sweet faces above. I'm so thankful to be surrounded and supported by loving faces. Getting to photograph and cherish moments like this makes the sickness subside and serves as a reminder that it's ok to reach out and ask for some love. I'm good at concaving into myself when days are dark. But I wouldn't wish that on anybody. 🙊

So, I guess I'm just saying thank you for letting me capture your smiles and warm kisses. Thank you Jesus for beautiful sunlight and new days. Making images with gorgeous sun flares and laughs will continue to be my happy space 🌞

End of weird life update. :)