Family vacations are an excellent time to get together, slow down, and create memories that will last a lifetime. What better way to preserve those moments than with extended family photos in Hilton Head Island? That’s exactly what the Schaerr family does each year. They pick a new vacation spot, gather their loved ones, and capture their time together with family portraits. This year, Hilton Head was their destination of choice, and I had the absolute pleasure of photographing them during their stay in Sea Pines.
Adapting to Last-Minute Changes After Hurricane Debby
Originally, we planned to take their family photos at Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines, a stunning location filled with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It would have been the perfect backdrop, but Mother Nature had other plans. Hurricane Debby had come through just days before our session, and when I arrived at the cemetery, I found that it was closed due to the storm.
With 30 family members eagerly anticipating their session, I had to think quickly. I walked around Harbour Town in Sea Pines and found the perfect alternative, a beautiful tree covered in lush greenery with plenty of shade. It provided that classic Lowcountry charm and the nearby picnic benches let the kids relax while waiting their turn for pictures. Ultimately, it worked out perfectly, and I love how the images turned out!
Coordinating a Large Group for Family Photos in Hilton Head Island
Photographing a family of 30 might seem daunting, but with my background in wedding photography, I knew how to approach it. We first started with the largest group, a full family portrait with everyone. Seeing everyone together, dressed in a perfectly coordinated color palette of blues, greens, and whites, was impressive. Getting that many people to match can be challenging, but they pulled it off effortlessly!
From there, we moved on to photos of the grandparents with all the grandkids, which is always such a heartwarming photo. Then, I photographed each individual family unit, making sure to capture a mix of portraits. From some of the kids together and, of course, just the parents. I always prioritize getting a few shots of just mom and dad because, let’s be honest, once kids enter the picture, couples rarely get professional photos together. These moments are just as important, and I love giving parents images that reflect their love and connection.
Switching Up the Background from the Beach
I especially loved this session because the Schaerr family wanted to switch things up and do something different than a beach setting. Don’t get me wrong, I adore beach sessions, and you can’t go wrong with an ocean backdrop. However, using a location that highlighted a different side of Hilton Head’s beauty was refreshing. Harbour Town is a charming area with plenty of lovely spots to explore, from boutique shops to waterfront restaurants and, of course, the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.
As a Hilton Head photographer Sea Pines, I love working in locations that offer a variety of backgrounds. Whether a family wants a beach session, a session under the mossy oaks, or a mix of both, I always find the best spots to create beautiful, timeless images.
A Sweet Ending to Family Photos in Hilton Head Island
One of the best things about working with families is seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they know they did a great job. After finishing their photos, the Schaerr family treated the little ones to ice cream at a nearby shop. A well-deserved reward for their patience and smiles! It was such a fun way to wrap up our time together, and I loved seeing how much these portraits meant to them.
At the end of the session, I couldn’t help but think about how special it is that this family takes photos every year. It’s such a fun tradition, and I can only imagine how meaningful it must be to look back at past sessions and see how much the kids have grown. Family photos in Hilton Head Island aren’t just about capturing what everyone looks like in the moment; they’re about documenting the love, laughter, and connections that grow year after year.
Planning Your Own Hilton Head Family Session?
Whether you’re visiting Hilton Head for the first time or it’s a beloved vacation spot for your family, having professional portraits taken is one of the best ways to preserve your time together. As a photographer specializing in family photos in Hilton Head Island, I love capturing families in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and full of joy.
If you’re considering a session, I’d love to help! I recommend the best locations based on your vision. Whether that’s the beach, the oak-lined paths of Sea Pines, or a mix of both. And if you need help coordinating outfits, I’ve got tips to make it easy. Reach out here, and let’s start planning your perfect Hilton Head family session!
