Hampton Park Family Photography

In between relentless humidity and unpredictable rainstorms, I recently had a family contact me about family portraits while they were in the Charleston area.  After tossing a few location ideas around – some more tourist-filled than others – we decided to shoot at Hampton Park near the Citadel.  If you are interested in a session but can’t decide where to go, Hampton Park is a really smart choice.  With blooming flowers (even after azalea season is over), live oaks, pretty architecture, and myrtle-lined paths, it offers a lot of different scenery in one area .  In fact, I often wonder why more people don’t choose to go there.  Maybe they don’t realize what a little gem it is?

When I met my client’s family – who happen to live close enough that I’d consider us neighbors of a sort – I quickly felt comfortable around them.  I have no shame in admitting that I do get nervous before sessions, particularly if I’m meeting new people.  And I consider myself somewhat extroverted in nature!  This family was so relaxed, and funny, and happy to be together, though, that feeling at ease really didn’t take long at all.  (And I knew it would be that way when I read her answers to my client questionnaire.)

Have you ever thought about spending a big holiday – like Thanksgiving – with another family?  Could you fit right in?  If someone accidentally dumps a bowl of stuffing, or the kids get into the pumpkin pie early, or the turkey is overdone – will everyone just laugh it off because – “Hey, we are together, and just enjoying each other and our time together is what matters?”  Plus, you know, the occasional exchange of inside jokes, or bad jokes, and maybe even a few dirty jokes.  …Please tell me that isn’t only my family?!

I have a few friends whose families are like that, and I imagine a big dinner would be similar to that with this family, too.  Their photos are just fun – from the bright, casual clothes they wore (A++) to the way they connect with each other.  I wouldn’t dare ask for more.   They are terrific.