Ella - Class of 2019

While I love senior portraits in general, there is something really special about being able to capture senior portraits for someone you’ve known for years. Ella is the older sister of Harley’s best friend from the beach and she was someone who was a regular in our lives back at the beach. Since we’ve moved, there have been a few groups that we have remained close to and Ella’s family is no exception. Even when we are apart for months at a time, it feels like no time has passed at all. It was an honor to be able to capture her senior portraits.

We started out Mounted Ministries. Ella wanted to have some of her senior pictures shot in a field and my friend Cathy was gracious enough to let us borrow the fields at her place. Not only is the landscape and light at Mounted Ministries perfect, but it is an amazing place to spend some time with horses and get closer with God. If your child is looking for a great place to start riding, I suggest you give Cathy a call.

One of the most vivid memories I have of Ella back at the beach was during a student take-over service at Seacoast Vineyard Church. I was just expecting the youth worship band to lead worship. I was blown away when Ella played piano and sang a beautiful worship song that she had written herself. I will never forget the entire congregation falling silent in awe. Ella is so very talented and her love for Christ is inspiring.

We spent some time at my place using music that had been handed down in her family. Ella wanted some portraits that captured her love for music, especially the piano and violin. Thankfully, a good friend of the family allowed us into her home to use her piano (thanks, Savannah!).

The rose garden at Furman University in Greenville, SC was the perfect backdrop for some dance portraits en pointe.

For our last stop, we hit downtown Greenville and wandered around a few block radius. Is is amazing what sort of unique backgrounds and textures you can find in a short walk! While I have shot in Greenville before, I have always focused on Falls Park, so it was a lot of fun for me to explore a few blocks off Main Street and find out what the city has to offer architecturally.

Ella, I hope you enjoy your senior portraits as much as I enjoyed capturing them! Class of 2019, if you’re still looking for a senior portrait photographer in the Greenville or Pickens area of South Carolina, give me a call!

Darian - South Carolina Senior Portraits

I love it when two of my favorite things to photograph collide. I had an amazing time working with Darian and her family to capture her senior and dance portraits.

Darian's mom, Darlene, first contacted me in late 2017 to work out a time for her daughter's Class of 2019 senior portraits. Since we would both be travelling down to Myrtle Beach for the shoot (Darian from Michigan and me from Pickens), we knew we needed to get started early to make this shoot happen. Myrtle Beach has been experiencing unprecidented rain lately, and as the shoot drew closer - I was a bit worried, but the skies cleared just in time for her shoot and remained absolutely perfect for the entire session! Yay!

Darian started off at Salon and Spa 18 where Wing curled her hair into perfection. If you've never met Wing and are looking for a hair stylist in Myrtle Beach, look him up! He is wonderful! I cannot recommend him enough! Darian and her mom knew she wanted portraits that showcased her passion for the violin, but knew it would be hard to travel with hers. The wonderful people at Andy Owens were kind enough to lend her one of their personal violins. I love South Carolinians! Always willing to help! 

We started Darian's session at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. She's been coming to Market Common for years so this location was near and dear to her heart. We had a lot of fun taking portraits en pointe. I absolutely adore the arbor and landscaping of Market Common. It provides such a versatile location and Darian just rocked it!

Darian dances with Karen's School of Dance in Highland, Michigan. She's been with the same studio since she first started dancing. How amazing is that? She's talented and passionate about dance and wants to use dance through the concept of motion therapy to help children with autism. What a beautiful way to continue to dance and help others! 

After wrapping up at Market Common, we headed over to the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park. One of my favorite thing about the park is the beautiful pier and undeveloped horizon. It's so nice to be on the beach and be surrounded by gorgeous dunes instead of tall hotels. 

After some killer shots in the waves in Darian's gorgeous high-low romper, we switched into dance for the remainder of the session. The flowy, bright costumes she selected really popped on the beach. I was amazed how high she could leap even after they soaked in water and became extremely heavy. This is one strong dancer athlete!

Darian, I am so honored you chose me to capture your senior portraits and dance photographs. You are a bright, shining star and I know you are going to do amazing things!

Amy - A South Carolina Dance Session

There is nothing I love more than photographing a super talented dancer. Don't get me wrong, I love families, seniors, and couples, but there is just something surreal and magical about what a dancer can do. Amy did not disappoint.

Lauren, director and owner of The Dance Connection, reached out to me about a promotional shoot with Amy. Before chatting with Lauren, I had never heard of in-studio dance conventions. It really is a brilliant concept to bring a convention to your studio that focuses on what your students need without the headache of figuring out travel for everyone involved. If you're interested in learning more, head on over to The Dance Connection's website. Lauren is professional, enthusiastic, and funny. You won't be disappointed.

Amy is one of the Faces of The Dance Connection, and rightly so! This Newberry native is super talented with a great easy going nature that made her a real pleasure to work with. She studied at the Governor's School of Arts and Humanities in Greenville, SC and currently attends Fordham University in New York. 

We shot at my small horse farm in Pickens, SC for a simple, natural background that would showcase Amy.

At the end, we decided to a play around a little with a few smoke bombs. After all, it is always good to exercise your creative juices and try something a little bit different.

Are you looking for fine art dance portraits? Contact us today and book your session. You have worked your entire life to perfect your craft, capture it!

Ashley - Class of 2018

I've been slack. Really, really slack. I just realized that I have not blogged any of my sessions in 10 months! Perhaps it is a coincidence that I also started my Masters degree 10 months ago as well? Naaaahhhhh.....

I am going to make a valiant effort to blog more of my sessions, starting with one of my favorite recent sessions:  Ashley's senior portraits.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Ashley since she was a sixth grader at Forestbrook Middle School. She was a phenomenal student, firecracker attorney on the mock trial team that I co-coached, student-body president, cheerleader, and competitive dancer. She does all this while still remaining humble, kind, and compassionate. This girl is one in million.

Ashley and her mother drove up to Greenville, SC and met me at Falls Park in downtown Greenville. We shot around Reedy River Falls and many of the little nooks and crannies in Falls Park.

Ashley will be attending Clemson University Honors College and you'll see her on the football field as a CU Rally Cat in the fall!

Cute Puppy Pictures - Pickens, SC

About a month ago, I was contacted by Diamond, the owner of a local all natural pet food and dog toy company. Diamond was looking for a photographer to take some photographs of the two cutest puppies in the world, Fuji and Gobi. Needless to say, I was super happy to hang out with these two cute furballs! We met up at Hagood Mill in Pickens, SC for some fun shots.

Trevor - Pickens High School Class of 2018

Meet Trevor, a senior at Pickens High School. I first met his family when we had some trees trimmed at our place a few months back. (Shameless plug...hit up Southern Roots if you have any tree needs - excellent work at a fair price!) Trevor, his mom, and I had a short but sweet senior session at Hagood Mill where we caught some casual senior pictures and some action soccer and Spike Ball shots. Below are just a few of my favorite shots.

Introducing Farm Charm Sessions | Pickens, SC

Farm Charm Photography Sessions

Using the simple beauty of a small horse farm for family, children, and senior portraits.

I am so excited to offer a new session this summer! Introducing "Farm Charm" Sessions - photography sessions held on our small horse farm right outside of Pickens, SC. Farm Charm  sessions are available to all clients:  families, children, seniors, dancers, maternity, and engagement couples. 

Clients can use any part of our farm for their portraits that they'd like including our horses, pastures and fields, barns, spring fed pond, or 1948 Ford tractor. When you book your Farm Charm session, we will discuss what your vision for your session is. Do you want pictures on the horses? With the horses grazing in the background? Picking fresh blackberries in our berry patch? Fishing with an old cane fishing pole in the spring fed pond? On or around the tractor in the pasture? The possibilities are endless.

Sessions include:

• 30 minute photography session
• editing/retouching on final images
• 10 full resolution digital images
• print release 
• Instagram and Facebook sneak peeks
• option to purchase additional digital images, prints, canvases, and other photo products

Farm Charm sessions are available during the months of July and August for an introductory rate of only $100. The price will increase in September. 

Come on! What are you waiting for? Grab this opportunity to update your family's and children's photos for only $100. Class of 2018, knock out those senior portraits for only $100! This is the perfect opportunity! Contact us today to book at necessary824@yahoo.com or (843) 424-1652

Cortni - Pickens High School Senior Portraits

Cortni:  Pickens High School

Hagood Mill           Pickens, SC

Meet Cortni. Flute player, Pickens County native, future pediatric nurse, big sister, SC Marching Band State Champion, Pickens High School Class of 2017, and an absolute knock out. We met at Hagood Mill in Pickens, SC for Cortni's session and spent some time taking advantage of this amazing location.  Below, I've included some of my favorite images from Cortni's senior portrait session.

A few years ago, I ordered some colored smoke bombs to use for a styled angel shoot. I used the white and red ones, and stuck the rest in my "prop closet." When I was planning Cortni's shoot, I dug through the closet and happened upon the remaining purple, blue, and teal smoke bombs. I had no clue if they would even still work after so many years, but brought them along just in case. I'm so glad I did because they definitely worked and they were a fun way to wrap up Cortni's senior session!

Pickens High School Presents "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"

I had the pleasure of seeing some really talented thespians at Pickens High School perform their rendition of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe this past Friday. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the theatre. Before I settled on an English degree, I was a drama major in college and performed in many college and small town productions. I adore being transported to other worlds and escaping reality for a few short hours - and I am always blown away at how much talent young people today have, and the students of Pickens High School were no exception! 

Chloe Dalton (White Witch) and Anthony Owens (Aslan)

I hope you enjoy several of my favorites from the evening - all cast, crew, and families can grab their free digital copies of these images at the bottom of this post!

Dr. Ashley Butler (Misses Macready)

Dalton Collins (Mr. Tumnus) and Izzy Wallace (Lucy)

Brook Fincannon (Troll), Dalton Collins (Mr. Tumnus), and Jacob Crenshaw (Maugrum)

Chloe Dalton (The White Witch) and Isaac Farsht (Edmund)

Brook Fincannon (Troll)

Izzy Wallace (Lucy), Thomas Hooper (Peter), Claire Hudson (Susan), and Isaac Farsht (Edmund)

Cassidy Lewis (Mrs. Beaver), Izzy Wallace (Lucy), Zion Howell (Mr. Beaver), Claire Hudson  (Susan), Thomas Hooper (Peter), and Isaac Farst (Edmund).

Chloe Dalton (The White Witch), Isaac Farst (Edmund), and Brook Fincannon (The Troll)

Zion Howell (Mr. Beaver) and Cassidy Lewis (Mrs. Beaver)

Hannah Suarez (Squirrel)

Zion Howell (Mr. Beaver), Zane Sickels (Centaur), Anthony Owens (Aslan), Thomas Hooper (Peter), Woodland Animals:  Tonia Ford, Makenzie McConnell, and Peyton Nimmons

Entire Cast

Chloe Dalton (The White Witch) and Jacob Crenshaw (Maugrum)

Chloe Dalton (The White Witch)

Brook Fincannon (The Troll) and Anthony Owens (Aslan)

Entire Cast

Thomas Hooper (Peter), Claire Hudson (Susan), Anthony Owens (Aslan), Isaac Farst (Edmund), and Izzy Wallace (Lucy)

The hardest part about doing a production like this is figuring out what to do with yourself when it's all over. The amount of hours, sweat, and tears that are poured into these productions is unreal. It changes you forever. I'm so thankful that Pickens High School has a wonderful arts programs. Arts are so important to education. I wouldn't want to imagine a world without art in it. Period. 

Cast, crew, and families, to grab your free copies of the images from the production, click here to go to the gallery. From the gallery, you can download the images to any smart device or computer. 

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a senior portrait photographer in the Pickens, SC area, give me a call!

Hannah - Seneca High School Senior Portraits

First, you must know that Hannah is a RIOT. I laughed so hard through our shoot that, by the end, my cheeks were sore. It's been a long time since my face hurt like that - and I must admit it was good for the soul. 

Hannah wouldn't dream of limiting herself to being funny though - she's also a varsity cheerleader, chamber orchestra member, die hard Clemson fan, and future psychologist.

We had a wonderful time exploring some of the nooks and crannies of the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson, SC. Even though there had been a freeze the week before, the flowers were blooming and spring was definitely in full force. For those who aren't familiar with the botanical gardens, they are located in downtown Clemson, right near Clemson University and just over the border between Pickens county and Oconee county. The gardens are gorgeous and feature a really neat earthen bridge, an old hunting cabin, some historical homes, and a ton of trails, ponds and flowers. If you haven't visited, I would highly recommend it!

I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from this Seneca High School, Class of 2017, senior's session.

Are you looking for a senior portrait photographer in Pickens, Oconee, or Greenville county? If so, give us a call today!

Sara - Seneca High School Senior Portraits

I had such a great time with Sara and her mom, Becky, this past weekend. It's always fun for me to shoot in a new location and shooting at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens was no exception! 

Sara is a hilariously sarcastic and super talented young lady. After spending the weekend at the All State Chorus Clinic, she still managed to have enough energy to hike all over this gorgeous garden located in downtown Clemson.

We questioned whether or not it was a little bit wrong to shoot this soon-to-be USC freshman's senior portraits on Clemson's territory....but, hey...... she rocked it.

Here are a few of my favorites from this Seneca High School Class of 2017's shoot:

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a senior portrait photographer in Oconee or Pickens counties, I would love to chat with you! 

Pickens Senior Portrait Session Winners

First, WOW! I was not anticipating such a hard decision. Pickens, SC is truly blessed with such amazing young people!

With that said, I could not pick just one senior. I am sincerely sorry that I couldn't gift all who were nominated a free session. I truly feel my heart was led towards these specific nominees. The following three girls from Pickens High School will receive a free senior session:

Savannah Sanders

Cortni Albertson

Chelsey Ross

Girls, I will be in contact with in the week, but feel free to contact me directly in the meantime.

I can't wait to meet you all!

-Stephanie Necessary

Courtney Dance Portraits in Oconee County, SC

After taking a good few months off to relocate to the gorgeous mountains of the South Carolina upstate, I am so excited be in the swing of things again. A few months back, Courtney and I took some time to explore Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County, SC  - just a few miles outside of the quaint little town of Westminster, SC. 

The gorgeous fall colors, falling leaves, and soft light were a photographer's dream! Don't get me wrong, I loved living at the beach for all those years - but there is just something about the mountains in fall. There's no doubt that you're in God's country.

Courtney has been dancing at Foothills Dance Conservatory in Seneca, SC since she was a wee little girl. She is such an amazing dancer and has such a quiet spirit about her. Her laugh in infectious!

Here are a few of my favorites from our session together:

If you're looking for a dance, family, or senior photographer - don't hesitate to contact us. Necessary Photography serve Pickens, SC and surrounding areas - including Oconee and Greenville Counties.

Nominate a Pickens County Senior Today!

Nominate a deserving Pickens county senior today for their chance to be awarded a free custom senior session.

At least one Pickens County senior (class of 2017) will receive a free custom senior portrait session with Necessary Photography. Session will include consultation, an hour session, editing/retouching, and digital copies of the final 30 images.

Selection of senior will be based on the student's involvement in his or her school and/or community, academic achievement, and financial need. 

To nominate a senior today, all you need to do is fill out a short Google form that you can access through the button below. All nominations are due by midnight Friday, February 24, 2017. 

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to give back. 

Student(s) who have been chosen will be announced on Necessary Photography's Instagram, Facebook, and blog on Monday, February 27, 2017.

Burrells Ford Trip

One of my very favorite places in the world is the upstate of South Carolina. I adore artsy hustle and bustle of Greenville and the simple beauty of the surrounding mountains. We travel to the upstate several times a year to relax and enjoy the other side of South Carolina. Sometimes, we wind up in a hotel near Falls Park in downtown Greenville, but more often we prefer the seclusion the mountains and trails have to offer. Hands down, our favorite place to camp is Burrells Ford. 

Burrells Ford is a gorgeous, primitive campground nestled along the South Carolina/Georgia state lines. The campsites are large, private and like no other. From the parking lot, you have to hike down a steep trail road to reach the sites dotting the Chattooga River.

One of our favorite hikes while camping at Burrells Ford is the trek to King Creek Falls. King Creek Falls is a gorgeous 70 foot falls. It's a pretty easy and fun hike. 

This year, we decided to do a mini shoot of my husband at the falls. He had recently earned his black belt in Goju Ryu karate and we felt the peacefulness of the falls was the perfect place for a karate shoot. It rained throughout the day, but the skies cleared just long enough to grab a few shots in the icy Chattooga waters.

Aspen definitely approves :)

If you're into camping and the outdoors. I would highly recommend that you check out this gem in Oconee County, SC.

Madison: Dance Portraits in Myrtle Beach, SC

When I first began to think I might be interested in trying dance photography, Madison graciously allowed me to take some photographs of her to see if it was indeed something I was interested in learning more about. Since that initial session, I've fallen in love with dance photography and learned a great deal.  I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with her again and apply all the knowledge I've gained over the past two years.

Madison dances at Coastal Dance Center in Market Common, so it was only fitting that we began our shoot in Market Common. One of my favorite spots at Market Common is the columns at Valor Park. The columns create great depth, and the light hits them perfectly in the evening.

After Market Common, we headed over to Myrtle Beach State Park to grab some dance shots on the sand.

I wanted to try some pointe shots on the beach as well, but sand is not exactly the most stable surface to dance en pointe. I devised a plan......and for less that $5, we were able to rig it where Madison could dance en pointe on the sand! Hooray!

Surfside Beach Family Beach Portraits

I had such a great time with this gorgeous family. I absolutely adore it when extended families like this get together to vacation together. It's so important to reconnect and make new memories. 

We decided that Surfside Beach Pier would be perfect for their family beach photography session. Surfside Pier has easy access to the beach and gives you a little variety for a beach session because you have the pier to shoot around as well.

Necessary Photography is a Myrtle Beach, SC based photographer that specializes in fine art dance photography, senior portraits and other portrait photography like this family beach session. If you are looking for a photographer to capture your family while you're on vacation in Surfside Beach, SC or the surrounding area (Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove), please give us a call!

Pawley's Island Family Photography: The Freeman Family

I have been so blessed to be able to watch these beautiful girls grow up in front of my camera lens. The grandma and I used to work together (she's in the wonderful world of retirement now) - and I have always looked forward to photographing her son, Courtland's, beautiful family when they come into town. This time they came with a new, gorgeous bundle of joy and it was such a pleasure to meet her!

The gorgeous, serene pointe of Pawley's Island was the perfect backdrop for these family photos. I absolutely adore Pawley's because the beaches are absolutely stunning, the dunes are tall and the sea oats plenty. You will often find a flock of pelicans like we saw that night. It's just a gorgeous stretch. Plus, it offers the best sunset on the Grand Strand!

Necessary Photography is a Myrtle Beach based photographer that specializes in fine art dance photography, senior portraits and other portrait photography. If you're looking to book a family beach photography session in Pawley's Island or the surrounding area, please give up a call!

Myrtle Beach Head Shots and Portfolio Update: Chloe

I just adore this young lady! I guess you could say she's been my photography muse over the years. Many years ago, when I was a young new photographer - one with a lot of want but not a lot of creative know how - I ran across a photo where she was dressed up in this awesome anime costume. I reached out to her for a photo shoot and the rest is history. She's been Beatrice, the Black Butler, the Mad Hatter, a Dark Angel, donned a mask and ball gown, and tromped through a forest of mosquitoes and broken toilets (another story for another day). It's been an honor to watch her grow into this gorgeous young lady over the years. I'm so thankful she trusted me many years ago and continues to trust in my artistic vision. I had a great time (as always) capturing her head shots for her sophomore year in college. I'm warning you now, you will see her name in lights.

Garden City Beach Family Beach Portraits

What an amazingly fun, large family! When Pam contacted me and told me about her family's plans of coming down to Garden City Beach, SC to give the extended family time to spend with one another and reconnect, and she wanted to get some family portraits done, I was super excited!  They rented a few beach houses from the great folks at Garden City Realty so we planned to meet up at the beach right near one of the houses. 

We had a fabulous time getting some family photos of individual family groups as well as the while group of over 40! They were funny, sweet and sarcastic - my favorite combination!

Necessary Photography is a Myrtle Beach based photographer that specializes in fine art dance photography, senior portraits and family beach photography. If you're planning a vacation in the Myrtle Beach area (including Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Surfside, North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove) and you're looking for a photographer to capture your memories at the beach, give us a call!