jennifer & matt- downtown charleston

My most recent session took place in Downtown Charleston, close to the Battery. As I continue to build my portfolio, I reached out on Facebook to see if any couples would be interested. Jennifer was tagged on that post and we began to message one another.

She is a wife and mom to two teenage boys (truly they do not look like they have teenage boys!) and I was able to see their love for an hour. These two have been married for almost 18 years and truly were so beautiful together. I've said it before, but seeing the love between couples is so inspiring to me.

I think my favorite part of this session was getting to know Jennifer a little bit before the session began. We talked several times before we met, each time was her sharing a little bit about her, her husband, and boys. Another time was to share her insecurities. This is such a terrifying and vulnerable thing to do (especially with someone you don't know at all).

Knowing this, it was my job as the photographer to minimize those as much as possible. My goal was to make them both comfortable.

Of course, before the session I was a little nervous because it was a couple who I never met before! So, of course, there were some nerves on my end. Through the entire session, as we walked around the beautiful Charleston area, I continued to ask questions and create an easy-going interaction with them. This really helped me take their pictures and I know they truly felt more comfortable. For any young photographer with pre-session nerves, that would be my biggest recommendation.

One of my favorite parts during the session was walking along the water and asking them to twirl and move freely together, as if I wasn't even there. Jokingly, Matt suggested that they dance. Right at that moment a car came by blaring music and they candidly started dancing and I couldn't stop smiling at them!

It was certainly perfect timing and made for these sweet, candid photos (that also truly showed their true selves).

As I reflect on this shoot, I can't help but smile. They helped grow my portfolio, but also my confidence. I enjoy capturing these candid moments that truly reflect relationships between couples. I am seriously a sucker for sweet sunset/golden hour/creamy photographs.

If you're reading this, THANK YOU! I appreciate your support during this time in my life and I would love to take portraits for any upcoming need!