Sunday, December 28, 2025 | By: Erin Rose Photography LLC
Taking it from the top of the year, the period from January to April saw a notable lull compared to previous years, as late Easter in April caused many traveling families to miss the chance to experience the stunning wisteria and azalea blooms that typically grace Charleston in March. Lingering winter temperatures resulted in some very cold mornings with blankets wrapped tightly as we strolled the quiet streets. While I'm sad that I didn't have more families to take advantage of the beautiful blooms I will say that the rest of the year completely made up for the slow start.
As spring and early summer arrived my calendar finally began to fill. Charleston's allure is irresistible, attracting families and graduating seniors eager to preserve their cherished moments. This year, the French Quarters have emerged as the top requested Route, surpassing other favorite spots like South of Broad and Rainbow Row. The sophisticated marble steps of City Hall, the charming cobblestone pathways of Chalmers, and the enchanting nooks adorned with iron gates and quaint alleys provide an unmatched setting for Pinterest worthy portraits.
A highlight of my Route is undoubtedly the corner of Church and Chalmers Streets, a vibrant starting or finishing point for about 95% of my photography sessions. The charming street lights, classic textures, and cobblestones create a perfect backdrop, embodying the essence of Charleston's timeless beauty.
The French Quarters with fall and winter looks also deserves it's own moment here, because the thing I love MOST about this route is how well we can pair it with a variety of looks and color palettes.
Interestingly, one location that hasn't seen much interest this year is the Pineapple Fountain. While this landmark does have its charm, the need for sunrise or sunset bookings tends to make it less appealing to some. Although sunrise is traditionally the best time for capturing this spot's beauty due to its popularity, we’ll have to wait and see if it draws more interest in 2026 or continues to fade from family portrait sessions.
My second least requested spot this year: South of Broad. While this location is a must during wisteria and azalea season it completely dropped off the radar for visiting clients in 2025. With the construction at White Point, The Battery, and throughout the neighborhoods the parking situation was a bit of a nightmare. But with all of that wrapped up I definitely see this location getting a lot more requests as I build this portfolio back up in the coming months.
As we wrap up our exploration of the year's sessions, let's look at the colorful charm of Rainbow Row, a staple of Charleston's photography scene. While this iconic location is undeniably popular for its vibrant hues, I've found that my favorite moments here are often during sunrise, when the golden light transforms the area into a picturesque wonderland. After frequent visits throughout 2025, I welcomed the chance to explore new locations that sparked my creativity in different ways. Rainbow Row will always have a special place in my heart, but I've learned that stepping away is essential for keeping the inspiration flowing. I can't wait to return here in 2026 and capture its beauty once again!