St. Simons Island Beaches - My favorite photo spots!

  1. Gould’s Inlet on Fifteenth St. East and Bruce Dr.

Pros : easy walk to the water + sea oats, a place to wash your feet, still beach even at high tide (usually)

Cons : parking fills up on busy days

 

SUNRISE

SUNSET

 

2. Driftwood Drive (next to North Breakers St Simons Rentals)

Pros: Boardwalk with pampas grass during the summer and fall, walk through a marsh grass field

Cons : marsh area floods after rainy days, longer walk to the beach, no place to wash feet

 
 

3. The Coast Guard Station Beach on First St. and Bruce Dr.

Pros : Plenty of parking, restrooms, and gorgeous greenery

Cons : busier part of the beach

 
 

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

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!