One of my favorite things about being an Isle of Palms family photographer is all of the wonderful people I’ve met who visit the Charleston area. We have beautiful beaches and even prettier pink sunsets, so I do a lot of big family sessions for visitors. These sessions always make me crave a good staycation!

For this particular session, we met on Isle of Palms Beach a few days after Hurricane Dorian hit the East Coast. I wasn’t sure what state the beach would be in after flooding or whether visitors would even be able to travel here that week. It definitely took some scouting to find a path to the beach that wasn’t flooded, but goodness this ended up being one of my favorite extended family sessions to date.

They were the absolute kindest family. I’m SO thankful this session (and their vacation!) worked out. Everyone’s outfits coordinated so well and the end result is beautiful, timeless family portraits.

I just love the photos of this sweet boy and his grandma! It’s such an honor documenting these moments for them.

Planning your Extended Family Session

For family sessions I always ask for a list of must have photos- aside from the candids and each individual family unit. This helps me get to know names and learn about special photos we don’t want to miss. For example, siblings, just the boys, each individual family with the grandparents, etc.

Your session also includes styling assistance, so you can have frame-worthy images that will look great in every home or on every wall.

The beautiful mama from this session borrowed from my Client Wardrobe. So many of my visitors find this helpful to reduce stress when you’re traveling. More details are provided during booking!

White Lace Dress & toddler romper: Client Wardrobe

Please note, beginning in 2022 I will no longer be offering extended family sessions.

Caitlyn Motycka is a Charleston Family, Maternity and Newborn Photographer based out of Charleston, SC. Service areas include Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, James Island, Folly Beach, and surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for an Isle of Palms family photographer or one of our surrounding beaches, contact me here!