Myrtle Beach, SC Photography Services
We only have one rule when booking with us.
Invade each other's personal space like it's your job!
Seriously—get close. Hug, kiss, tickle, climb, tackle, hold hands, or even make out like you’re teenagers again. This session is about connection. The more you show your love and bond, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be. And if we’re lucky, we’ll capture those moments in a way that tells your story perfectly.
What Can Affect Your Session
Photography is all about capturing real moments and turning them into memories you’ll treasure. Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply updating your family photos, a few things can make a difference in how your session turns out.
→ Your Attitude Matters ←
How you show up makes all the difference. Relax, have fun, and don’t worry about being perfect! A session isn’t just about posing for the camera—it’s about being present and letting your personality shine.
A special note for parents:
Don’t stress about the kids. We don’t expect them to be picture-perfect. Some kids love being in front of the camera; others might be tired, shy, or easily distracted. And that’s totally okay!
We know it can feel overwhelming when you’re hoping for that perfect family photo, but remember: this session is about capturing your life right now. Sometimes it’s messy or chaotic, and sometimes it’s calm and sweet. Either way, these moments are yours, and they’re worth celebrating.
→ Your Wardrobes ←
What you wear plays a big role in how your photos turn out. Instead of matching outfits, which can feel a bit too coordinated and take away from everyone’s unique personality, try picking a color palette of 2-6 complementary colors and building outfits around those.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Avoid busy patterns that might be distracting in photos.
Stick to classic, simple pieces that will feel timeless when you look back on these memories.
Focus on outfits that complement each other while still letting each person’s individuality shine.
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My photography and editing style is colorful, rich, and true-to-life. Part of my editing process is bringing forward colors that are already present in the scene but may not be as noticeable to the naked eye.
The camera often captures subtle tones in the sky, clouds, water, sand, dunes, and reflected light that you may not fully notice while you’re standing there. During editing, I bring that natural color and depth back into the image.
Because of this, what you wear has a much bigger impact on your final gallery than you may realize. Your clothing becomes part of the overall color palette of the photograph. It can influence whether your images feel light or dark, warm or cool, soft or bold—and clothing colors can also reflect onto the skin.
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For my photography and editing style, I most often recommend soft pastels and lighter, muted colors.
Think soft blue, dusty blue, blush pink, lavender, sage green, seafoam, soft peach, cream, and other gentle, muted shades.
These colors work beautifully with the natural beach environment without overpowering it. They allow the colors I bring forward in the sky, water, sand, and surrounding environment to work together with your clothing instead of competing with it.
Soft pastels also tend to reflect more flattering tones onto the skin. Because the colors are lighter and less saturated, any reflected color is generally much softer than the cast you may see from a neon or heavily saturated shirt.
A soft blue dress may complement the blues in the water and sky. Blush and soft peach can work beautifully with warm sunset tones. Lavender can complement subtle pink and purple tones in the sky, while sage and seafoam blend beautifully with dunes, sea oats, and coastal greenery.
This does not mean everyone should wear the same pastel color. In fact, I recommend the opposite. Choose several soft colors that complement one another and mix them with neutrals such as cream, light tan, or soft gray.
For example, one person might wear a soft floral pattern containing blush, sage, and cream. Those colors can then be pulled from the pattern and used throughout the rest of the family's outfits.
The result is a gallery that feels colorful without being overpowering, soft without looking washed out, and coordinated without everyone matching.
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Navy blue and white is one of the most traditional choices for beach photos. It creates a classic, nautical look, but it also tends to create a cooler overall gallery.
Because navy is such a deep, dominant color, it can add a lot of visual weight to an image. When several family members are wearing navy, the darker clothing can become a major part of the overall photograph and compete with the softer colors of the beach and sky.
White creates the opposite effect. It is very bright and reflective, especially on the beach. When paired with navy, the strong contrast between very dark and very light clothing can give the images a sharper, higher-contrast feel.
This combination is not necessarily a bad choice, but it is important to understand that it will create a very different final look than a softer color palette. The overall gallery will generally feel cooler, bolder, and more traditional.
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Black clothing creates a much darker and heavier overall tone.
On the beach, where the environment is naturally light and airy, black creates a strong contrast against the sand, sky, and water. If one person is wearing black, your eye may naturally be drawn to that person first. If the entire family wears black, the dark clothing becomes a large part of the overall image and can make the gallery feel significantly moodier.
Black also absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This can create deeper shadows around the face, neck, and underneath the chin, particularly when wearing a black shirt or dress with a higher neckline.
Again, there is nothing wrong with choosing black if you love a darker, more dramatic look. I simply want clients to understand that black will have a significant effect on the overall tone of their final gallery.
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Earth tones include colors such as rust, mustard, olive green, deep tan, brown, burnt orange, and darker beige.
These colors create a warm, rich, and earthy feel. Because my editing brings out the natural colors already present in the environment, earth tones can emphasize the golden colors in the sand, dunes, sea oats, and warm evening light.
The result is generally a gallery that feels warmer and deeper in tone.
However, earth tones can also reflect warmth onto the skin. Rust, orange, mustard, and strong olive tones worn close to the face can add warm, yellow, orange, or green color casts to the skin, particularly in areas where light is already reflecting upward from the sand.
Earth tones can photograph beautifully, but they create a very specific warm and earthy look.
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Patterns can be a great way to bring several colors together, but I recommend using them intentionally.
If one person is wearing a noticeable floral, plaid, or other pattern, use the colors within that pattern to help choose outfits for everyone else. Too many competing patterns can make the image feel busy and pull attention away from faces and connection.
Very small, tight patterns, especially tiny stripes, checks, and repetitive designs—can also create strange visual effects on camera. Larger, softer patterns generally photograph better.
I also recommend avoiding large logos, graphics, characters, and bold wording, as these can quickly become the first thing you notice in the photograph.
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There is no rule that says every family must wear pastels. I want you to love what you're wearing and feel comfortable in your clothing.
However, I also want you to understand that your outfit colors will become part of your finished images. A family dressed in black will have a very different-looking gallery than a family dressed in rust and olive, and both will look very different from a family wearing soft blues, blush, lavender, sage, and cream.
Because my editing style brings forward the beautiful colors that are already present in the environment, even some that may not have been obvious to the naked eye, I recommend softer pastel palettes for clients who want the light, colorful, coastal look that you see throughout my work.
Your clothing doesn't just appear in the photo. It helps create the entire color story of the image.
The goal is to create a cohesive look without losing what makes each of you special!
Check out our Pinterest Board for more ideas on what to wear!
→ Weather ←
Weather plays a big role in how your session turns out, especially at the beach. One thing to keep in mind: it will most likely be windy.
FACT: Perfect hair doesn’t exist on the beach! Embrace the wind, but also have a plan B for your hairstyle—something secure and less likely to blow around too much.
When it comes to clothing, avoid wearing anything that’s overly flowy or prone to flying in the wind. Dressing comfortably for the weather will help you feel relaxed and confident, and that comfort will shine through in your photos.
Remember, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring your session is as enjoyable as it is beautiful!
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One of the most common questions I get is, "What if it's windy?"
The truth is... it's the beach! 😊 Wind is simply part of the experience, and even on days that seem calm, there is almost always some breeze.
For that reason, I ask all of my clients to plan as though it will be a windy day, even if the forecast looks great. It's always better to come prepared and not need those extra items than to wish you had them once we're on the beach.
I recommend bringing:
A brush or comb
Hairspray or styling products with a little extra hold
Bobby pins, clips, or hair ties for longer hair
Lip gloss or lipstick for quick touch-ups
A small mirror if you'd like to check your hair between images
Considering wearing your hair in a ponytail, braids, or a tight bun.
→ TIPS ←
Sessions with Small Children
Here are some helpful tips to make your session stress-free and fun for the whole family:
Bring an extra set of clothes—especially for beach sessions. Let’s face it, who can resist playing in the water?
Pack wet wipes for quick clean-ups of dirty hands and faces.
If your child is wearing a dress, don’t forget bloomers or shorts to keep them covered.
Timing Matters:
Evening sessions are scheduled just before sunset, typically around 7:30 PM or later in the summer. We understand this might be close to or after your child’s bedtime, and we’re happy to accommodate an earlier time if needed. However, please keep in mind that the light is most flattering right before sunset, and earlier sessions may result in harsher lighting conditions.Makeup Tips
When it comes to makeup for your session, remember that less is more for a natural, timeless look.
Avoid glitter or shimmer: These can create intense highlights on your face that may appear unflattering in photos.
Match your makeup to your skin tone: Properly blended makeup ensures there are no visible lines or two-toned skin.
Go easy on the eyes: Thick, dark eyeliner can make your eyes look darker and less defined in photos. Opt for softer, more natural eye makeup to enhance your features without overpowering them.
A subtle, well-applied look will enhance your natural beauty and help you feel confident in front of the camera!
We do not bring props to your session.
You are more than welcome to bring anything that you would like included in your session. All we ask is that you let us know what you’re bringing so we can plan accordingly.
Wardrobe and Hair Tips (Especially for Beach Sessions)
Beach sessions can be magical, but they also come with unique challenges—especially with wind! Here’s how to prepare:
Wardrobe Tips
Choose outfits that won’t misbehave in the wind. Collared shirts and ruffles, for example, tend to flap around.
If you’re set on wearing something with tricky details like collars or ruffles, bring along safety pins to secure them in place. Problem solved!
Hair Tips
Windy days and loose hair aren’t always a great match. Wearing your hair down is totally fine, but it’s smart to have a Plan B just in case.
Bring along some hair ties, clips, bobby pins, hair spray, and a brush to keep your locks looking fabulous no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Those with Glasses
If you wear glasses, it’s important to be mindful of potential issues that could affect your photos. Below are some common challenges we might face and why they can be tricky to address—even with post-processing. In some cases, removing your glasses for the session may be the best solution.
Highly Reflective Lenses
Reflective lenses can create glare, which might obscure your eyes and distract from your photos.Transition Lenses
These lenses change opacity based on lighting conditions, which can result in inconsistent appearances throughout your images.Blue-Light Blocking Glasses
These often create an intense blue or purple reflection, which can also obscure your eyes.
If keeping your glasses on is a must, we’ll work to minimize these challenges during your session. However, being aware of these potential issues will help us plan for the best results!
Be Mindful of the Sun
While that golden glow is beautiful, it's important to be cautious about how much sun you're getting before your session.
Watch for tan lines: These can be distracting in photos, especially if they're too noticeable.
Avoid getting burned: Sunburns are not only uncomfortable but can also affect how your skin looks in the images.
Our editing style is rich and colorful, so extreme tanning or sunburns can clash with the final look we aim for. To get the best results, try to balance your sun exposure and give your skin time to recover before your session. Trust me—your skin and our editing style will thank you!
Please Put Those Cell Phones Away
We totally understand the temptation to snap photos during your session, but we ask that you please put your phones away while we’re working together. You’ve invested in this experience, and we want you to get the most out of it!
Cell phones can be a big distraction, especially when you’re with kids. Little ones naturally look toward the people they know, and if there are phones or cameras in sight, they’ll likely focus on those instead of us. This can make it harder for us to capture the authentic moments we’re aiming for.
Feel free to take all the photos you want before and after the session, but during our time together, we’d appreciate it if you could focus on the experience. Trust us, it’ll be worth it!
If you have any questions, please let us know!