Charleston is seriously one of those places that gets better with each season! From spring’s blooming flowers to fall’s colorful leaves, this city has it all when it comes to stunning backdrops for family photos. Whether you’re aiming for a breezy beach shoot or a cozy fall family session, there’s no bad time to capture memories here. So, let’s dive into how to make the most of seasonal family photos in Charleston, from the best times to book to what to wear!

Spring: Embrace the Blooms

When to Book:
Spring in Charleston is a dream! With mild temps and the city’s famous gardens, like Magnolia Plantation, in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for family photos. Aim to book your session in early to mid-April when everything is at its peak!

What to Wear:
Spring means soft pastels and light, airy fabrics! Think flowy dresses, soft blues, blushes, and creams that pop against all the blooming flowers. Layer up with a denim jacket or cardigan if it gets a little chilly. Coordination is key, but don’t feel the need to match perfectly, go for a color palette like soft pinks and blues to keep things looking fresh!

Summer: Sun-Kissed and Casual

When to Book:
Summer in Charleston means sun, heat, and long days! If you’re planning a shoot during this time, aim for early mornings or evening golden hour to beat the heat. June through August are super busy, so book ahead to lock in your spot!

What to Wear:
Comfort is EVERYTHING in the summer heat. Stick to light fabrics like linen, cotton, and flowy dresses. Earthy tones and neutrals (think whites, tans, and soft blues) look amazing in summer sunlight. If you’re heading to the beach, throw in some cute hats and sandals for that laid-back Charleston vibe!

Fall: Picture-Perfect Color

When to Book:
Fall in Charleston is absolutely beautiful—perfect for family photos! The leaves start changing color in late October to early November, and the cooler temps are a welcome change. Book your session during this time for the best mix of vibrant foliage and cozy vibes!

What to Wear:
Fall is all about layers, baby! Cozy sweaters, scarves, and jackets are a must. Earthy tones like deep reds, mustard yellows, and rich browns work great against the colorful backdrop. Jewel tones like emerald or navy can add a nice pop of color. And for that rustic, fall look, throw in plaid or denim, perfect for Charleston’s autumn charm!

Winter: Cozy, Elegant, and Timeless

When to Book:
Winter in Charleston is mild but still chilly enough to give a cozy vibe to your photos! Late December through February is ideal, especially if you want to take advantage of Charleston’s holiday decorations. It’s a bit quieter in the city, so it’s also a great time for a more intimate shoot!

What to Wear:
Winter photos are all about elegant layering. Think stylish coats, scarves, and boots. Velvet, wool, and chunky knits are perfect for this season. Deep colors like navy, burgundy, and emerald work well with Charleston’s muted winter tones, giving your photos a rich and timeless feel.

General Tips for Coordinating Outfits Across Seasons

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match:
   Go for a color palette, but don’t worry about everyone wearing the same exact outfit. Mix and match textures and patterns to keep it interesting!
2. Comfort is Key:
   Kids (and adults!) will have a much better time if they’re comfortable. So, make sure everyone is feeling good in what they’re wearing so you can focus on having fun!
3. Keep it Simple:
   Avoid super busy patterns or big logos that might distract from the family itself. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns for a timeless look!
4. Plan for the Weather:
   Charleston’s weather can be tricky—hot in the summer, breezy in the spring, and cool in the winter. So, always bring layers and check the forecast in advance!

Charleston offers something beautiful year-round for family photos, whether you’re taking in spring’s blossoms, summer’s beach vibes, fall’s colorful leaves, or winter’s cozy charm. With the right planning, a color-coordinated wardrobe, and a little help from the city’s stunning backdrops, you’ll have memories captured in the most gorgeous way possible.

Ready to book your family session in Charleston? Let’s make some memories together! Reach out by clicking here and let’s get started!

To see more of my work, click here! To book with me, click here!

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Kind Words

We can’t say enough great things about Janice. We recently has a fall mini session with her and had the best experience! Janice and her assistant were organized, efficient, and quickly captured the hearts of our young kids which made for a fantastic 15 minutes of photos. The location and timing for the mini session was perfect. The platform Janice uses for images is easy to use. She is a wonderful communicator and has a gift of professionalism while also establishing connection with the family. I highly recommend Janice and her mini sessions – especially if you are scheduling family photos with kids!”

-The Stewart Family