Ashlyn: Easley, SC Dancer

Y’all, Ashlyn is a hoot! Of course she’s super talented - you can clearly see that from the pictures - but she’s also super charismatic and spunky with a contagious laugh! In between each take she’d crack me up with a crazy face or pose. Shooting with Ashlyn is FUN!

We were originally supposed to shoot in the mountains by a glorious little river - but the weather was not cooperating. Ashlyn was super flexible (both in dance and changing ideas at the last minute). We decided to shoot in the historical part of downtown Easley since there was a lot of opportunity for cover in case of rain. Let me tell you - Ashlyn rocked it!

We took our time, dodging in and out of rain showers, and this girl never showed a sign of fatigue!

Ashlyn has been dancing for over six years - since the wee age of five. Her absolute favorites are jazz and musical theatre and she loves anything that entails her flexibility and her back work.

Just for fun…. a couple of Ashlyn’s outtakes - she’s a hoot!

Pickens County, SC Photography Locations

I’m often asked what locations I recommend for photography in Pickens County. This blog will highlight a few of my favorite locations including the pros and cons and other things you should know before choosing to take pictures at that location. Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment with any questions or to include information I might have inadvertently left out!

Hagood Mill

Hagood Mill is located north of the city limits of Pickens at 138 Hagood Mill Rd, Pickens, SC 29671

Hagood Mill is a gorgeous spot for photos. Its main feature is an 1845 grist mill with a working waterwheel. In addition to the mill, Hagood Mill has several old log cabins that have been relocated from homesteads, nature trails, a creek, bridges, and an open field.

Pros:

1. Tons of variety. With in a short walking distance you can get a lot of different backgrounds creating a diverse photoshoot.

2. Lots of opportunity for shade. If you’re not shooting during golden hour, shade is a photographer’s best friend. Since Hagood Mill is tucked in among some really tall trees, no matter what time of day you take photos there, you have ample opportunity for perfectly developed portraits.

3. It's pretty centrally located and easily accessible for those coming from anywhere within the county

4. If you are NOT a professional photographer, it is free to visit and take photos here.

Things to Keep in Mind:

1. On the third Saturday of every month, there is a festival here. The festivals are amazing and I would mark your calendars to attend one, but I would not try to take your family portraits on those days, as they are heavily attended.

2. If you are professional photographer, or you are having your portraits taken by a professional photographer, there is a site fee. Hagood Mill charges an annual photo pass fee of $75 or a one-time use fee of $25. I do not have an annual pass; clients who choose Hagood Mill as their location will incur a $25 site fee.

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is located northeast of Pickens city off Highway 11. The physical address of the park is 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671. While the park is best known for its unique mountain featuring a large rock outcropping, Table Rock State Park offers a lot more than just a mountain.

Pros:

1. Variety: Within the park you can utilize the lake, mountain views, creek, waterfalls, and bridges.

2. Table Rock State Park is not overly busy. While there are areas of the park that are busier than others, it is easy to find quiet spots for your photoshoot.

Things to Consider:

1. Cost. If you have a South Carolina State Park Pass, then entrance into the park is free. Otherwise, you will pay per person. $5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free.

2. Remoteness. For many people, the remote location of Table Rock is a bit out of the way.
   

Long Shoals Wayside Park

Long Shoals is located off Highway 11 north of Pickens city - a few miles east of Keowee-Toxaway.

This ten acre park is absolutely stunning! It features a lot of rock formations along the Little Eastatoe River. While it does not offer as much variety as other locations in the area, it offers enough. There are so many unique rock formations that feature gorgeous colors. In addition, there is a small sandy beach, a pool of water that makes for nice reflection shots, and nature trails.

Pros:

1. It’s free.

2. Unless you’re visiting on a hot Saturday in the summer at noon, it is not a very crowded park. Since the park does feature a natural rock slide, on hot summer days, you will find a lot of families using the rock slide. After the heat of the day subsides, the park is fairly empty.

Things to Consider:

1. The river must be accessed by a pretty steep trail. I would not recommend this location for anyone who has balance issues or is physically unable to make the trek. While it is not a long trail, it does get the heart rate up.

2. The rocks, rock slide, and water can make for a dangerous combination. I do not recommend this location for families with small children. It is important to exercise caution when at this location, especially on wet rocks.

Clemson University

Located on the border of Pickens and Oconee County at 105 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634 , Clemson University’s campus is a beautiful location for portraits.

Pros:

1. It’s free.

2. There is so much variety here. From the gorgeous columned architecture of the admissions building, to the lawn in front of Tillman Hall, to the landscaped areas near Death Valley, there is an endless supply of locations.

Things to Consider:

1. Clemson can be CRAZY busy. It is important to keep in mind things like….construction on campus, classes, events at LittleJohn, and home games. With that being said, even when it is crazy busy, it can be done. These senior photos were taken the week before graduation. The campus was hopping and there were tons of seniors out and about having their photos taken. As you can see, with patience and a good angle, it can look like you have the place to yourself.

2. Death Valley…In order to have access to the stadium, you need a connection. There are so many wonderful places on campus to use - so don’t discount Clemson if you don’t have a connection - but it’s important to understand the limitations as well.

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

The South Carolina Botanical Gardens is located on Clemson’s campus at 150 Discovery Ln, Clemson, SC 29634.

Pros:

1. It’s free.

2. Variety. There are so many cool areas! There are some really neat bridge structures, a pond, a stone arch, gardens galore (even a cactus garden), a train caboose, a log cabin, and a historical home. Too be honest - there is so much variety here that it can be used over and over again and never look the same.

3. Despite being a popular location, the garden is so large, you can always find a quiet area for your shoot.

Things to consider:

1. On Clemson home game days, I would allow for more travel time.

2. The garden is very large. It is important to think about which areas you’d like to utilize when planning your shoot - especially if your group includes small children or those with physical restrictions.

3. Check their hours and special events when planning your shoot.

Other locations:

In addition to these listed above, there are other wonderful locations in Pickens County to consider, including downtown historic Easley or Pickens, the new Doodle Trail park in Pickens city, the Hagood-Mauldin house, The Reserve at Lake Keowee, and even my own small, private horse farm.

Hagood Mauldin house

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

My farm

What did I miss? Is there another great location that I left out?

Annamaria: Class of 2019 | Academy of Art, Science and Technology

Annamaria

Meet Annamaria. This is is Ahhhhmazing! She’s a senior at the Academy of Art, Science, and Technology in Myrtle Beach, SC. Annamaria will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall. Since her brother is currently at Clemson University - I imagine there will be some fun rivalries in in the family come fall.

We decided to meet up at Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville. If you’ve never been to Falls Park, you must go! It is simply gorgeous! It was the perfect backdrop for Annamaria’s shoot. Fall Park has such vibrant colors and offers a ton of variety. We captured some great shots on my favorite bridge, by the old stone steps, and right at the falls.

In addition to traditional senior portraits, we had to capture one of Annamaria’s favorite pastimes…dancing! Annamaria loves classical ballet - including pointe - and contemporary dance as well.

If you or someone you know is looking for high school or college senior portraits, give us a call. We specialize in unique senior and dance portraits throughout the south east including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

Dorothy and Tommy | Engagement Portraits | The Reserve at Lake Keowee

Dorothy and Tommy

Engagement Portrait Session at The Reserve at Lake Keowee

I had such a wonderful time with Dorothy and Tommy at The Reserve at Lake Keowee to capture their engagement portraits. Aren’t they they an absolutely beautiful couple!?!?

The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a gorgeous neighborhood nestled along the banks of Lake Keowee in Pickens County. We chose to shoot around the market area and The Great Lawn.

On the way out, we were lucky enough to find this gorgeous sunset with the mountains in the background. The sunlight at the Reserve at Lake Keowee is to die for!

Tristan and Isabella: Pickens High School | Class of 2019

Meet Tristan and Isabella:

Pickens High School Class of 2019

Members of Pickens Bands

AAA Marching Band State Champions

Anthony: Class of 2019 | Pickens High School

Meet Anthony!

Class of 2019 at Pickens High School

Future Clemson Tiger (Class of 2023)

Pickens Bands Member

AAA Marching Band State Champion

Future Biomedical Engineer

Cheyenne: Pickens High School | Class of 2019

Meet Cheyenne!

Class of 2019 - Pickens High School

Member of Pickens Bands (AAA Marching Band State Champions)

Trumpet Section Leader

Future Nurse

Savannah | Pickens High School | Class of 2019

Savannah is absolutely amazing! This firecracker is a part of the Pickens High School Marching Band (2018 AAA State Champions!!), percussion leader, Teacher Cadet, and as funny and sarcastic as they come. Oh - and she’s beautiful.

Savannah is heading off to Clemson University in the fall!

Lori and Alexis: Class of 2019 Clemson University

Meet Lori and Alexis! Both of these girls will be graduating soon from Clemson University as a part of the Class of 2019.

Lori, pictured below with the adorable Reece, is a biology major, Clemson Rally Cat, and future nurse!

Alexis is wrapping up a summer internship and will be graduating with a degree in travel in tourism. She plans on working in Greenville to design a variety of weddings and special events.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to capture these girls’ senior portraits for their graduation from Clemson! We had a blast all over campus capturing the traditional Clemson senior portraits as well as a few fun ones just for them! We started off at the admissions building.

After shooting at Clemson’s admissions building, we headed down to the iconic sign and Tillman Hall.

Since Lori is a Rally Cat we were able to use Death Valley for some of Lori and Alexis’s senior portraits too. It was a bit surreal being in Clemson’s stadium completely empty.

Harley: Pickens High School Class of 2019 (Part I)

Harley

Pickens High School Class of 2019

Well, I have to admit this day came sooner than I thought it would. I can’t believe I am sitting here at my kitchen table blogging the first round of my own boy’s senior portraits. This post contains some of my favorites from when Harley and I took some time to shoot around the beach when we were there about two weeks ago. Even though the rest of the family has totally embraced our new life in Pickens, the reality is that a large part of Harley’s heart will always be in Myrtle Beach. So, it was important that we get some senior portraits of him at the beach.

Last year, Harley discovered how much he loves guard. He is currently in his second winter guard season with Pickens High School and he was in the guard during this fall’s marching band season (AAA State Champions, baby)! So, of course, we had to get some flag shots on the beach.

The nice thing about having a senior portrait photographer for a mom is that you can have multiple sessions all over the place, so stay tuned for more of Harley’s senior portraits.

Carlie: Senior Portraits - Class of 2019

Carlie: Class of 2019

Okay. First thing you need to know is I love this chick.

A little over 7 years ago, she first hopped in front of my lens. She was a lot shorter….my photography skills weren’t quite what they are now, but she tolerated them :) See below for proof…..she still had those killer blue eyes though!

This is the chick that introduced me to the exciting world of dance photography and I’m forever grateful to her for that. I was excited to hook up with her in Myrtle while we were in town for the weekend to shoot a few senior portraits for her before she graduates and heads down to the College of Charleston.

Carlie….remember me when you’re famous <3

Are you looking for a senior portrait photographer in South Carolina? Reach out to me! I’d love to talk to you and plan a killer session in the South Carolina upstate: Greenville, Easley, Pickens, Seneca, etc.

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.

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, or our small spring fed pond. 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? On or around round bales of hay 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 year round for $125.

Come on! What are you waiting for? Grab this opportunity to update your family's and children's photos for only $125. Class of 2019, knock out those senior portraits for only $125! This is the perfect opportunity! Contact us today to book at necessary824@yahoo.com or (843) 424-1652

**Note that the 1948 tractor is no longer available for use - we sold it to purchase a more reliable tractor - while you’re welcome to use the new one - it' doesn’t have nearly the charm of the old one.

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!