Folly Beach maternity photography

In the midst of daily rain and thunderstorms here in the Charleston area, I had a family in my neighborhood schedule a beach maternity session.  I’m sure other photographers (and their clients) can sympathize with me here: this weather has been BOGUS for sessions.  It’s especially difficult when you are working with vacation days, or the tide calendar, and even traffic.  The day before this session, I sent out a hesitant email  — there was a 70% chance of storms for the next evening, but that often — and by often I mean nearly always — changes, so I’d message with updates day of session.

And, predictably, it did change!  Each time I checked my phone the chance of rain the percentage dropped, and by late afternoon I was getting ready to go.  Better yet, the temperature was LOVELY.  I couldn’t ask for more when dragging a pregnant mom to the beach in JULY.  Both my boys were born at times of the year where I wasn’t hugely pregnant in the summer (and boy am I grateful for that), but I can imagine…  Doesn’t she look beautiful, though?  So happy – and soaking up every last minute of their family of three before their baby boy arrives!  I so remember those days – being anxious about how everything would change, and then once it did, realizing that your family’s opportunity to share more love with another tiny human is just the best.

At this point of the summer, I am truly missing golden hour and good golden light — it has been sparse.  BUT!  I always tell people, awesome clouds and a stormy-ish sky is a good trade-off.   The reflections in the waves/water here are amazing– and it totally gave me a beach bug.  I ended up taking my boys out (on another stormy day) later, to scratch the itch.

If you look at the photos below, I think you’ll see why, too.  And if it makes you want to go to the beach, I’m not going to feel guilty about it.  Grab your towel and a blanket!