We almost always recommend sunset for your beach session. That’s when the light is soft, golden, and most flattering — especially on Hilton Head’s wide, open beaches. Sunset gives you that dreamy glow, fewer harsh shadows, and more even skin tones. It also means cooler temps and fewer beach crowds, so you get a more relaxed experience. If sunset isn’t possible, we’ll work with your schedule — but golden hour is definitely the magic window for beautiful results.

Our sessions typically start at 45 minutes and go up from there depending on the size of your group and the type of session. This gives us enough time to ease into natural moments, work with the changing light, and capture a variety of poses and candid shots. We’ve found that mini sessions don’t allow enough time to get the full experience or the quality of images that beach sessions deserve — especially with wind, movement, and group dynamics. The beach isn’t rushed — and your session shouldn’t be either.

We recommend choosing outfits with soft, coordinated tonality — colors that complement each other without being overly “matchy-matchy.” Think muted blues, earth tones, tans, soft greens, or pastels. These tones work beautifully with the natural light and sandy tones of Hilton Head’s beaches. Skip the bold logos and busy patterns. One person can wear a subtle pattern or texture, while the rest of the group keeps things simple — this adds interest without distraction.

Absolutely! Our photographers have experience working with extended families — including groups of up to 50 people in a single session. For larger groups, we use lighting to ensure everyone is beautifully captured, even in changing beach conditions. If your group is over 20, we’ll recommend the best photographer and package to make sure everything runs smoothly and looks amazing. From big beach reunions to multigenerational portraits, we’ve got you covered.

Nope — your gallery includes high-resolution digital files, so you can download and print on your own. But if you’d like something extra special, we offer professionally retouched prints, albums, and wall art through our curated print partners. We’ll handle the details, so your portraits are printed beautifully and built to last. The choice is yours — digital freedom or professionally printed keepsakes.

We watch the weather closely and will reach out if it looks like rain could affect your session. If needed, we’ll try to move it earlier in the day. If that’s not possible, we’ll work with you to reschedule for another time during your stay on Hilton Head Island. Our goal is always to get your session in while you’re here — with the best light and least stress.