As mothers, it’s safe to say that some of our most treasured possessions are family photographs. New babies, family milestones, special achievements, momentous occasions: we love the opportunity to beautifully capture these memories. There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when looking back on the photos of your squishy newborn, or that first picture of your new family. It is our hope that this resource will make it easier to find the perfect photographer to capture the memories you make. We hope you enjoy working with them as much as we do!
A special thanks goes out to all of the sponsors who helped make this guide possible. If you would like your business included in this guide, let’s chat!
I call my style of photography Artistic Lifestyle, where I aim to capture the true spirit of your family while adding my own unique creative look to your images. I have photographed hundreds of families since starting my business here in Charleston in 2011. However, an exceptionally large part of my clientele I have known for many years and have had the pleasure of watching their families grow. I offer top of the line quality digital images, prints and canvases as well as the ability to choose only the images you wish to have or purchase and print them all. I want nothing more than to create images your family will love and cherish for years to come!
Specialties: Lifestyle Family Photography
I’m a CANDID lifestyle photographer. I have been photographing families in downtown Charleston, the IOP, Kiawah Island, and Folly Beach for 15 years. My portrait sittings start out posed and get more candid at the end. I like to start with the whole group together then groupings and individual portraits. Prints and high-resolution files available.
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Specialties: Family Portraits, Underwater Portraits
Hey there! First off, thanks for checking out my work… if you’re here, I appreciate you!
Milestone photography is a true passion of mine and I’m here for all the excitement, baby bumps, giggles, chubby cheeks, sparkly eyes… all. the. things! With nearly 8 years in the photography business I truly feel this is my calling.
I offer a private indoor studio, filled with everything needed for a successful newborn and first year milestone session. Want to take your maternity & family sessions outdoors!? Let’s do it! We can meet at one of our gorgeous locations around town and make your vision a reality.
My style is classic & timeless. Ultimately, I want you to feel confident that in 20 years, you will love your images even more than you do today!
Can’t wait to meet you!
-Ashley
Specialties: Maternity, Newborn, Family, Smash Cake, First Year Milestones
Castelo Portrait Art is owned and operated by Maria Sampaio, an artist of over 15 years who loves creating THE perfect portrait. The studio is located in the West Ashley area of Charleston, SC and specializes in Children, Family & Pets. Castelo is also the proud owner of “A Charleston Santa Experience” which is the largest, most spectacular & magical Christmas experience to see Santa in Charleston – celebrating the wonder and magic of Santa!
Maria’s expertise in composition, lighting, posing, and color harmony helps her create art that is timeless and becomes elegant heirlooms that will be passed down from one generation to the next. Maria believes in celebrating life – a family’s love, history, and legacy. “I want clients that treasure family above all else, because that is what I treasure most,” Maria says. Maria also treasures the imagination and innocence of children, which is why she also creates whimsical fairy tale images of fairies and mermaids that celebrate play and fun.
Maria loves photography, but her true love is painted portraits. She painstaking creates each painted portrait, paying attention to every tiny detail, so that when it hangs in a family’s home forever, it is a sweet reminder of their love and a time they wish they could visit again. Children grow so fast.
Maria Sampaio is a Master Artist, Master Photographer and Craftsman. She is an active member of PPA and travels often teaching other artists around the country about her craft – the art of being a Portrait Artist.
Specialties: Children, Families, Pets
Hello, I am Alena with Alena Photography. My journey to photography started with my oldest son- always chasing to capture the perfect moment. As a mom of three, I understand how fleeting the moment is and I love freezing those special times for parents to remember. You wait for your baby to be born for 9 months, kiss them a million times everyday but babies are only newborns for a short period. The memories fade, but photographs stay with you and your family for a lifetime. My studio is conveniently located in West Ashley serving Charleston, SC. Newborns, maternity, and babies are my favorite subjects to photograph!
The day you become a parent, your whole life has a new meaning. It’s this significant change that overwhelms you, thrills you, and scares you all at the same time! You have new goals, new dreams, and the most amazing new love in your heart. There is so much hope. I had my last baby just four short years ago and know first-hand what an experience it is! My purpose and mission is to define those first moments and that meaning in an image—to touch your soul with your own emotion about what it means to become a parent. I consider it a great responsibility, honor and it is my passion to do so…
Specialties: Maternity, Newborn, Smash Cake, Family
Since childhood, I have been in love with taking photos, and as an adult I decided I would pursue that passion. I have been photographing for going on 7 years here in the lowcountry, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I range from births to weddings, and everything in between. My goal is to capture memories, not just photos. I enjoy interacting with my clients and forming relationships that last a lifetime. My clients are like family to me, and that is my favorite part about my career.
Specialties: Weddings/Events, Family Sessions
