Smiling parents holding their laughing baby during a spring family photo session in a Charleston garden

Charleston’s charm shines year-round, but when it comes to family portraits, certain seasons and times of day can make a big difference in the look and feel of your photos.

Whether you're planning a beach session at Folly, a garden stroll downtown, or an intimate backyard session at home, this guide will help you choose the perfect time of year to capture your family in the many beautiful backdrops Charleston offers.

Spring (March – May)

🌸 Blooming flowers, perfect temps, dreamy light

Spring is one of the most popular times for Charleston family photos—and for good reason. The weather is warming up but not yet humid, azaleas and jasmine are in bloom, and golden hour light is especially soft and flattering.

Imagine this:

Family adventures searching for fairies and alligators at Magnolia Plantation with gorgeous azaleas everywhere
Boat days, kids learning to throw a cast net or crabbing from the dock
Backyard gardening with your little helpers, yellow rain boots splashing through puddles in the road

📍 See my guide for what’s blooming in Charleston »

Best for: Classic Lowcountry garden sessions, beach portraits with soft light, extended family gatherings around spring break

Summer (June – August)

☀️ Golden sunsets, beachy fun, longer days

Charleston summers bring warmer air, salty breezes, and longer daylight hours—perfect for playful family sessions at the beach, in your backyard, or on the water. Because of the heat, most sessions are scheduled for sunrise or sunset when the light is magical and temperatures are most comfortable. If you’re not a fan of the humidity, we can always do something fun and relaxed at-home or in-studio for the air conditioning! In-home lifestyle sessions are such a great way to capture life as it is right now, especially for babies and toddlers who might tire quickly in the summer heat.

Imagine this:

Running through the sprinkler in the backyard, enjoying popsicles on the porch after
Building drip castles at the beach, chasing seagulls, splashing in the surf
Evening bike rides through quiet neighborhoods
Indoor session options (studio or home) to avoid the heat while staying stylish and relaxed

🧺 What to wear for a beach session »

Best for: Family beach portraits, sunrise marsh sessions, adventurous families who don’t mind a little sand

Fall (September – November)

Young woman walking outdoors in the dunes on Sullivans Island during golden hour, wearing a patterned red blouse and ripped jeans, smiling with long hair illuminated by sunlight.

🍂 Soft light, golden tones, cozy family vibes

Fall in Charleston is a local favorite—it offers all the golden tones without harsh cold. The humidity drops, crowds thin out, and the light becomes rich and golden. You may not see traditional fall foliage, but the warm Lowcountry tones make up for it.

Imagine this:

Cozy sweaters, boots, and beautiful autumn light near the marsh or under the Spanish moss
Picking the perfect pumpkin at Boone Hall or Legare Farms, filling the front steps with hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Strolling along the boardwalks of Sullivans Island, the pink muhly grass catching the sun’s golden rays in the evenings

📷 Book your fall family session early »

Best for: Holiday card photos, layered outfits and cozy textures, beach or historic home backdrops

Winter (December – February)

Mother and 6 month old son snuggled together reading Christmas stories during a peaceful photo session at-home under the Christmas tree

✨ Quiet charm, soft skies, and peaceful settings

Winter is Charleston’s best-kept secret. This season brings peaceful locations, minimal crowds, and beautiful muted tones perfect for cinematic portraits. Plus, you can dress your family in knits, layers, and textures that add visual depth to your portraits.

Imagine this:

Baking holiday cookies from grandmother’s special recipe, reading books together by the Christmas tree
Cool evenings roasting oysters and marshmallows in the backyard
Winter beach walks bundled up on nearly empty beaches finding starfish and unique shells
Downtown window shopping under twinkling lights, hot cocoa in hand

🎄 Planning holiday cards or albums? Here’s how I help »

Best for: Families who want to capture baby’s first Christmas with all their decorations at home, extended family gatherings over the holidays

Pro Tip: Focus on Golden Hour

No matter the time of year, golden hour (the hour or two just after sunrise or before sunset) offers the best lighting for family portraits. It’s soft, warm, and flattering—and it adds that dreamy, glowy feel to every image.

Want help choosing the right time? Contact me to plan your session »

Final Thoughts

There’s truly no “bad” season for photos in Charleston. Each time of year offers something special—and I’ll help you make the most of it based on your vision, location, and family’s comfort. Whether you're envisioning a coastal sunset Folly Beach session while the family’s all together, or a classic fall family session under Spanish moss, we’ll find the perfect setting and season together.

💌 Ready to schedule your family photo session? Let’s get started »