From the Elegant to the Whimsical
I was honored to be invited into the home of a past bride and groom to capture some sweet moments with their newborn, Archer. Newborn sessions can sometimes require a lot of patience, but Archer was ready for his close up. Look at those sweet smiles!!
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
I feel honored, thrilled, and spoiled every time I get to capture a love story - especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community. To all my queer family and friends, my island is your island. You are SO loved. You are SO beautiful and I stand with you ALWAYS.
Madison and Tyler at the Jekyll Island Historic District.
Feldman family on Sea Island
Desai family on St. Simons Avenue of the Oaks and Gould’s Inlet Beach
Christopher Family at the Sea Island Cloister
Samantha and Alex at Crane Cottage at Historic Jekyll Island Hotel
Lee and Patel Families at the Coast Guard Station Beach on St. Simons Island
Took a little trip to Hawaii in my own backyard. 🌺 Hannah and Matt tied the knot at this dreamy SSI home. 🌺 couldn’t help falling in love with these two 🌺
🌺 @vinegardenmarket
💄 @emmacollinsbeauty
So glad to have walked around scenic Jekyll Island shooting Riley’s senior portraits. We explored Jekyll Island Club hotel and played on a rope swing that has been an island feature since Riley’s mom was a senior.
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:
On a sunny day, this is when the light is the most flattering. It creates golden sun-kissed skin and hair halos.
The more the sun goes down, the more cotton candy colors on the water.
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!!
~
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.
My recommendation for avoiding harsh light and squinty eyes?
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!
~
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!
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…
Capturing confidence and curves
Give a lover an unforgettable gift or treat yourself to an experience all about you.
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!
There’s no more magical place to get your senior portraits done than the jewel of the Golden Isles - Jekyll Island!
These magical trees are just a causeway ride away.
My favorite oaks are in the historic district next to the Jekyll Island Club and Crane Cottage.
We’ll meet at the conveniently placed parking lot at The Wharf restaurant on 370 Riverview Dr.
We’ll have the best time under the mesmerizing Spanish Moss.
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.
The Avenue of the Oaks
100 Retreat Avenue, St. Simons Island
Sometimes a sunset shoot is past your little one’s bedtime or the beach is just too hot in the summertime, so thankfully, St. Simons Island offers these picturesque live oaks that offer shade and make every shoot dreamy any time of year!
Here are 3 of my favorite locations on St. Simons Island, Georgia!
~
Coast Guard Station Beach
Avenue of the Oaks
Lovely Lane and Epworth by the Sea
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.
Why in-home, lifestyle newborn photography?
Newborn photography is about patience and going with the flow. Even if they are fed, changed, and get a nap in - sometimes tiny humans are just not in the mood for photos and that’s ok. It’s those in between moments - the soothing and the cuddling that are so special. The sounds they know, the smells they are used to and the routine they love is what gives us those happy baby moments.
When should we get together?
1-2 weeks after the baby is born is typically when “newborn” photoshoots take place when the baby is sleepy most of the time and they are more malleable for swaddling or wraps.
1-2 months is when they show a little bit more personality and open their eyes more. By this time, they should be more accustomed to a routine so you can plan when they will be the most sleepy or happy.
$600
30-90 minutes of shoot time 60-70 images
Digital Downloads + Print Release included
Up to 3 outfit changes
All of the best shots (2-3 versions of each pose/grouping)
Delivered via ONLINE GALLERY where you can freely download the edited images, order prints, or share for personal use
Turnaround 2-3 weeks ($200 two-day rush fee option)
50% due upfront via online invoice // 50% due day of the session
10% off future session
Now offering a 10% active military discount (single portrait sessions only)
Serving St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick, Georgia.
Travel fees are 55 cents per mile to and from St. Simons Island + $100 per hour of drive time
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Visiting the island? Don’t have a room with lots of window light?
My St. Simons Island condo/studio is also available!
My favorite Sea Island sessions start at the gorgeous resort - The Cloister for it’s oak trees, gardens, and Mediterranean architecture.
Then we head across to the street to The Beach Club where the powdery white sand and sea oats are sights right out of a magazine.
The Beach Club
The Cloister
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
The summer rain showers held off just long enough for Alex and Taylors oceanfront ceremony. This was a magical day!
Venue: King & Prince
Planning and Florals: Edward on St. Simons
Hair / Makeup: Felicia Cammon
Dress/ Veil: Sweet Elegance in Decatur, Ga
Entertainment: MVP, band from Atlanta
Videographer: Cherena Films
The proposal: how, when, where?!
On Dec. 28th, we were heading downtown to meet his parents for dinner. We called them on our way and they claimed to be running a little late. So Taylor had the idea of going by Sanford Stadium to see if they still had their lights for Christmas up. When we got to the stadium we walked in and that’s when Taylor got down on one knee!
