Styled Engagement Session at Lamar’s in Downtown Charleston

Couples

Jun 5

Putting artistry and community back into focus for photographers ✨

📸 Community is vital for photographers, and giving photographers the recognition they deserve is a challenge. That’s the spark that ignited The Davis Marketing Agency to take action. This Charleston-based full-service marketing agency worked with photographers and local influencers to create a one-of-a-kind engagement-themed soiree, and it was NOTHING like what I expected!

I first came across the styled session on Instagram stories - one of the local photographers I follow here in Charleston reposted it. Attending one of these types of styled sessions usually costs too much money as a photographer. So this was my VERY FIRST STYLED SHOOT — EVER. I had no idea what to expect, and I almost didn’t even go. But I had a good feeling about it and decided to show up, and I’M SO GLAD I DID. Here’s why!

I’ve never attended a styled shoot because I always imagined it where I’d morph into this paparazzi machine — fighting for angles and the models’ attention amongst 20+ other photographers. No thanks. Not my style. Normally I work 1:1 with my clients to kindle a relationship, talking to them about what their hopes and dreams are, making them feel comfortable and confident and excited about their results. My clients are not professional models who were born in front of the camera!

So, why did I go? Mainly to push myself outside my comfort zone. To do something I’ve never done before just to see what it was like. I figured I could show up and observe, and took away the pressure I felt to go for the results, for the portfolio images. I promised myself that once I got there and IF I felt comfortable, then of course I could bring out my camera. And the BIGGEST reason I went was to meet and network with other local photographers.

When I showed up at the event venue, I felt overwhelmed. Anxiety flooded my nervous system. I hadn’t done my usual pre-session planning since I had no idea what to expect! But I was warmly greeted and ushered inside the door. And I immediately found a new bestie! The event was extremely well-run, and each photographer got a 5-minute time window to work 1:1 with the models. The other photographers could stand behind them, and take whatever pictures they wanted. So it wasn’t the free-for-all I imagined at all. Everyone was super friendly and collaborative. I connected with so many amazing, talented photographers and we can now all easily support each other.

And I captured some amazing photographs! The models made it easy, of course, but WOW! I am so impressed with The Davis Marketing Agency for hosting such an incredible event, building a unique network of creatives, and giving photographers a chance to be recognized and celebrated for their talent. 👏 Bravo, team, and I’m very much looking forward to doing the next one! 👏

DETAILS
When — May 2024
Where — Lamar’s Sporting Club
Session — Engagement Portraits

Host — Davis Marketing Agency
Model — Tay Major
Model — Kortney Wessels
Hair — Amy A Loope
Makeup — Bee Pretty Esthetics
Dress — Bella Bridesmaids Charleston
Suit — Liam John USA
Florals — The Annie B Shop