Wrapping up my 9th year of Family Beach Sessions in Charleston

In 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to capture memories along the stunning beaches of the Charleston area, including Family Sessions at Wild Dunes Resort and Kiawah Island. The year brought an exciting array of clients, including extended families, seniors, and maternity shoots, in addition to my cherished small family sessions.

In this guide, I will provide you with all the essential information for booking your beach session with Erin Rose Photography LLC, from the initial planning stages to the final photographs. You'll discover valuable insights on timing, location, weather considerations, wardrobe choices, and much more!

Ideal Booking Periods

For locals...

If you call Charleston home year-round, you may be curious about the best time to schedule a session. The top months for bookings are from April to August, known for warm temperatures, delightful weather, and sunny skies. Longer days and more predictable weather make this the prime period. From November to January, temperatures tend to drop, and chilly winds can make the beach less appealing; following hurricane season, the shores may appear a bit disheveled. While March and April can bring lovely warm days, they are also known for unpredictable rain and variable temperatures, often resulting in foggy mornings. Our hurricane season spans from September to November. While direct impacts are rare, the beaches can experience storm surges, dune erosion, and generally rainy conditions. Some years provide warm and sunny weather during the holidays, while others can be quite brisk. If you're aiming for a beach session in what I refer to as the "off-season," consider downtown Charleston as a backup location.

For visitors...

If you have specific vacation dates in mind, please share them when inquiring about a booking. My main beach season is from April to August, with sessions from September to March assessed on a case-by-case basis due to the unpredictable weather patterns that accompany hurricane season. Additionally, certain beach locations may have varying levels of dry sand depending on tide conditions and the lunar phase—details I will provide if relevant when you contact me.

When are beach sessions scheduled?

All sessions are held from Monday to Thursday, focusing on the beauty of sunrise and sunset. If weather conditions disrupt earlier sessions, Friday sunrises can be arranged as an alternative. Clients are encouraged to choose an initial date along with a backup to ensure a seamless experience in case of rain.

SUNRISE sessions commence approximately 10-15 minutes before sunrise, while SUNSET sessions begin about 30-45 minutes prior to sunset. As these times vary each day, you're invited to check them, and I will confirm both sunrise and sunset times when you reach out and provide reminders as your session approaches.

Please note that these times are fixed and may be adjusted only in response to weather conditions.

Why Choose Sunrise and Sunset, and Why Monday to Thursday?

At Erin Rose Photography LLC, beach sessions are exclusively scheduled during Sunrise and Sunset for several key reasons. If you've explored my portfolio, you’ll notice that the stunning images showcasing exquisite light, dramatic skies, and serene beaches are attainable only within these specific timeframes.

Here are the reasons for selecting Sunrise and Sunset:

Optimal lighting = No squinting - The beach lacks shade, and I've yet to encounter anyone who can keep their eyes open for a photo at other times of day. During Sunrise and Sunset, the sun is near the horizon, eliminating harsh shadows and allowing for full eyes and broad smiles.
Light scattering = Stunning skies - While we can't guarantee a picturesque sky daily, the Sunrise and Sunset hours often produce breathtaking colors, as the sun's light interacts with a greater expanse of the atmosphere. Personally, I prefer Sunrise for its superior sky potential, especially given our lower chances of storms.
Cooler temperatures = Increased comfort - If you’re unfamiliar with summer in Charleston, you might not realize the extreme heat and humidity. During the peak summer months, the heat index can soar above 100 degrees as early as 9 AM and continue until 7 PM. Scheduling sessions at Sunrise and Sunset ensures a more comfortable experience for everyone.
Fewer people = Higher quality images - Our beaches draw many visitors, and despite having an extensive coastline, this can result in crowded backdrops in images taken during the day. While there are still some beachgoers at Sunrise and Sunset, the crowds are noticeably lighter compared to peak hours, making it much simpler to edit people out of your pictures. This is another reason I prefer scheduling sessions from Monday to Thursday when the beach is generally less busy.

Tips for Photographing Children

When it comes to capturing those perfect moments, children's moods can greatly influence the success of your photography session. The best results often come after children have had a restful night's sleep or a sufficiant nap. While you're exploring the beauty of Charleston, it's important to remember that busy schedules can lead to tired little ones by day's end. Understandably, it's tough to keep up! With late sunsets during the summer, it's common for kids to miss out on the fun and end up feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, scheduling session times around sunrise is highly advisable for children under three. As a parent, you know best when your little ones are at their happiest, so consider their routines when planning your photography session with me.

Sunrise or Sunset for Larger Groups

The answer varies based on your circumstances. Organizing a portrait session for a large group can be a daunting task. It's essential to ensure that everyone has ample time to prepare and look their best. While waking up early may seem challenging, particularly for families with packed schedules or young children, it can truly be beneficial to schedule at least one early morning session during your trip. Early mornings at the beach offer tranquility with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and reduced chances of rain. This time can also result in a more relaxed experience, allowing your group to complete the session early and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Conversely, if your group tends to be night owls, a sunset session may be more suitable. Keep in mind that sunset times can fluctuate due to weather and clouds, and I might need to adjust your session time if conditions turn unfavorable. However, afternoon sessions provide more flexibility, allowing you to plan and prepare without the urgency of an early start, which can be ideal for some families.

Important Consideration for Grandparents and Individuals with Limited Mobility

When planning your beach session, it's essential to take into account all members of your family, including grandparents and those with mobility challenges. While our stunning Charleston beach offers a picturesque backdrop, navigating the soft sand and dunes can pose difficulties for some. The squishy sand combined with the height of the dunes, which serve to protect our coastline, complicates matters further. Consider the overall distance, any inclines, and the challenge of walking on deeper sand for those participating. Although some public beaches provide boardwalk access, they often involve lengthy walks, stairs, or additional trekking through sand to reach our photography spot. If you believe this might be a challenge for someone in your group, it’s best to discuss it openly with them. You may want to explore alternative options, like a land location downtown or near your accommodation, or choose a different venue altogether.

Choosing the Perfect Beach Attire

This is a common question I receive, and it’s an important one to consider! For the best results, I suggest starting with a coordinated palette of 3-4 colors and prioritizing outfits for the women in the group. Women often have a more challenging time finding something that they feel comfortable and confident in, so focusing on their attire first is key. A good rule of thumb is to incorporate at least 1-2 neutral colors into your palette, such as white, grey, or beige. When it comes to beach photography, light colors like pastels and coastal hues look stunning. Opt for subtle patterns or florals, keeping them minimal to prevent clashing. For families, I recommend having only one person wear a patterned or floral piece, ensuring that the portraits maintain visual harmony.

Once the women have selected their outfits, you can build the rest of the family’s looks around what they’ve chosen, staying within the established color palette. Draw inspiration from a woman’s dress or a floral design to ensure a cohesive appearance among the family members.

In general, I advise against overly bold choices unless that matches your personal style. Stay clear of overly bright, clashing colors like orange or red, and be wary of cartoon graphics on kids’ t-shirts. Aim for basic, timeless pieces instead.

Material and texture are also essential considerations! The beach can be windy, and lightweight fabrics may cling unflatteringly. Avoid fabrics that will wrap around your body in the breeze. Instead, opt for thicker, more structured materials for shirts, dresses, and shorts. Embrace a relaxed vibe by leaving shirts untucked—barefoot is the way to go! Explore the examples below and chat with your family about what colors resonate with you for your portraits. Remember, you don’t all have to match exactly; adding some color is wonderful!

It’s important to remember that beach conditions often involve wind. With wind comes movement—of hair and clothing alike. Since wind speeds can be higher during sunset, I recommend testing your outfit in front of a mirror with a fan to see how it lays when blown. It may sound silly, but it's essential to understand how your clothing interacts with the wind.

I’ve included images from some of my favorite sessions showcasing outfit pairings. Pinterest is an excellent resource for exploring color palettes and finding complementary tones. Additionally, I have a selection of dresses in my Client Closet that are ideal for mothers preparing for a beach session if you need inspiration! Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Here’s a fantastic Pinterest guide for coordinating outfits: https://pin.it/gqldzjy6fxxlnh

What to Anticipate During Your Session

I take pride in guiding each session through a carefully crafted routine that blends posed shots with authentic family moments. With years of experience working with families of all sizes at beautiful Charleston beaches, I've honed a method that optimizes our time together while capturing stunning images that highlight your unique family dynamics. Timing is crucial, especially with natural light, and I'm always happy to accommodate any special pose requests—just let me know what you have in mind!

For sunrise sessions, I invite families to arrive approximately 15 minutes before first light. This early start allows us to capture breathtaking silhouettes, a highlight of my portfolio that transforms your family into art. These striking portraits make wonderful additions to your home décor. Following silhouettes, we transition into traditional posed setups, capturing the full family as well as individual groupings such as parents with children, siblings, and extended family configurations. We often incorporate candid moments along the beach, culminating in playful scenes along the waterline with splashing and laughter.

For sessions scheduled around sunset, I’ll reach out closer to our meeting time to confirm due to potential changes in cloud coverage. Flexibility is key for sunset sessions to ensure we capture the perfect light. We begin with posed images by the dunes, positioning the sun behind you, and gradually move towards playful and candid shots closer to the water as the sun dips below the horizon. We wrap up the session with some fun splashing, ensuring everyone stays dry for the majority of the shoot while ending on an exciting note.

What if the weather doesn't cooperate?

I encourage my clients not to worry about the potential for rain unless I bring it up. For those familiar with Charleston or the nearby Florida coast, you're well aware of our daily rain patterns. However, clients from northern or western regions often need reassurance. Charleston's unique position affects wind patterns and storm systems, often resulting in a forecast with at least a 50% chance of rain during your stay. This is perfectly normal. While it may rain daily, rest assured that these showers are typically brief. Drawing from my experience and utilizing trusted weather apps, I can gauge the best scenario for our session and offer guidance. Additionally, should the weather take a turn and result in a washout, it's common for clients to secure two dates on my schedule.

I monitor the hourly forecast, wind conditions, and radar leading up to our session. I ask for your trust as I navigate these variables. While I am not a meteorologist, I've been living and working in this area for a decade, and I understand how quickly conditions can shift. I diligently check weather updates in the hours prior to our session, allowing me to make informed decisions about two hours ahead of time. There are instances where storms unexpectedly materialize, so your trust in my judgment is essential. Generally, a rainout is our only reason for rescheduling, given the changing nature of the weather. If there’s a chance to avoid rain, we’ll proceed with your session as planned. Sometimes we may shift our start time to take advantage of cloud cover or timing with tides. My commitment is to capture your family's session as intended, understanding that weather is ultimately beyond our control.

HURRICANE SEASON in Charleston peaks between August and the end of October, bringing heavy rains and high winds that can impact our shoots. If a hurricane threatens our plans, we can easily reschedule for an alternate location or week if that suits your schedule, or even defer to next summer at no additional cost. In this case, your entire retainer will remain valid, and you will receive the same pricing for your chosen package. Should you wish to proceed with your session during a storm, we will adjust the date or location to optimize our chances of capturing your beautiful moments. However, if cancellation becomes necessary without a future session booked, you will receive $200 back from your $300 retainer as outlined in our contract.

Session Location Alternatives

In instances of severe wind or high tides, I will recommend alternative locations for your family's posed photos. This approach helps manage expectations and ensures that we achieve the best outcomes for your session. High winds can disrupt hair and clothing, dry sand may pose risks to small children and pets, and it can potentially harm camera equipment. Therefore, in these conditions, I may suggest relocating to a different spot or conducting the session at your rental property. Some areas, particularly at Wild Dunes Resort and Isle of Palms, have faced significant erosion due to storm surges, resulting in limited usable beach space during high tide until revitalization efforts are underway. While I cannot change these factors, my extensive knowledge of local beaches ensures I can guide you toward the most suitable options for a successful photography session.

Final thoughts: Bring some towels.

I think the MOST FUN thing you can do at the end of your session is let loose and jump the waves. It's not for everyone, sure, but it does create some lasting memories and some amazing images your family can look back on to really remember your visit to the beach. Embrace the wild!

Be sure to also check out my Charleston Welcome Guide

Charleston Welcome Guide

So what do you say, ready to book your beach session?

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