The Michelle Leigh Photography Journal

Photography tips, session inspiration, Charleston locations, and stories to help you prepare for your next session.

5 Tips for Beautiful Family Photos in Charleston
By Michelle Leigh Photography


Family photos are about more than smiling at the camera—they’re about preserving the moments, connections, and memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
A little preparation can make your session feel relaxed, fun, and stress-free. Here are my top five tips to help you make the most of your family photography experience.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Choose outfits in soft, complementary colors like cream, sage, beige, dusty blue, or blush. Avoid bright colors, large logos, and busy patterns so the focus stays on your family.
2. Schedule During Golden Hour
The hour before sunset provides the most flattering natural light, creating the warm, timeless look you see throughout my portfolio.
3. Let Kids Be Kids
Don’t worry if your children don’t sit still or smile the entire time. Some of the best photographs come from genuine laughter, play, and cuddles.
4. Choose a Meaningful Location
Whether it’s the beach, a Charleston park, or a favorite family spot, the right location helps tell your story and creates photos that feel personal.
5. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
You don’t have to know how to pose—I’ll guide you every step of the way. The best images happen when you’re simply enjoying time with the people you love.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story?
I’d love to help you create timeless photographs you’ll treasure for years to come. Contact me today to start planning your session!

Contact Michelle Leigh Photography

The Best Places for Family Photos in Charleston, SC By Michelle Leigh Photography
One of the questions I get asked most often is, “Where should we take our family photos?” The good news is that Charleston is full of beautiful locations, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach sunset, majestic oak trees, or the colorful streets of downtown, there’s a perfect backdrop for every family.
One of my favorite locations is Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant. With stunning marsh views, waterfront scenery, and incredible sunsets, it’s a timeless spot for family, maternity, and couples sessions. Golden hour here creates soft, warm light that makes every photo feel magical.
Another favorite is Hampton Park, known for its beautiful oak trees, blooming flowers, and open green spaces. It’s a peaceful setting where families can relax, let the kids explore, and enjoy genuine moments together.
For those who love Charleston’s historic charm, Downtown Charleston offers colorful homes, cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and beautiful architecture. It’s a wonderful choice for families looking for a classic Charleston feel.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with one of the Charleston area beaches. The soft sand, ocean breeze, and glowing sunsets create a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for natural, joyful family portraits. Beach sessions are especially great for little ones who love to run, play, and simply be themselves.
When helping clients choose a location, I always consider your family’s personality, the ages of your children, and the style you’re hoping to achieve. The right location helps tell your story in the most authentic way.

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What to Wear for Family Photos in Every Season By Michelle Leigh Photography
One of the most common questions I receive is, “What should we wear for our family photos?” The good news is that you don’t need a brand-new wardrobe to create beautiful, timeless images. A few simple choices can make all the difference.
The best place to start is by coordinating instead of matching. Choose a color palette with soft, complementary tones like creams, blues, sage greens, tans, or muted pinks. These colors photograph beautifully and allow your family’s personalities to shine.
Comfort is just as important as style. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and allows you to move naturally. Whether you’re chasing little ones, walking along the beach, or sharing a hug, comfortable outfits help create genuine moments.
Try to avoid large logos, busy patterns, and bright neon colors, as they can distract from your faces. Instead, opt for classic pieces with subtle textures like linen, knit sweaters, or flowing dresses to add depth without overwhelming the image.
Charleston’s seasons also offer great inspiration. Light fabrics and soft colors work well in the spring and summer, while rich earth tones and cozy layers are perfect for fall and winter sessions.
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you. The best family photos aren’t about perfect outfits—they’re about genuine connection. If you’re ever unsure what to wear, I’m always happy to help you coordinate outfits that fit your style and the location we’ve chosen.

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The Best Time of Day for Family Photos in Charleston By Michelle Leigh Photography
One of the most common questions I get is, “What time should we take our family photos?”
The answer can make a big difference! The right time can give you softer light, beautiful skies, and those warm, glowing images we all love.
-Golden Hour is My Favorite
Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low and the light is soft and warm.
For family sessions, I especially love the hour before sunset. It creates beautiful backlighting, glowing skies, and that dreamy Charleston feel.
-What About Midday?
Midday light can be stronger and create harder shadows, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take beautiful photos! We can use shade and choose locations that work well with the light.
Ultimately, the best time is the time that works for your family.
-The Most Important Thing
Beautiful light is wonderful, but the best family photos are about connection—the hugs, laughs, snuggles, and little moments in between.
My goal is to make your session relaxed and fun while capturing those genuine moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Ready to Plan Your Charleston Family Session?
Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset beach session or a relaxed Charleston session, I’d love to help you choose the perfect location and time.
Let’s capture the moments you’ll want to remember forever!

Contact Michelle Leigh Photography

What Happens After Your Photography Session?
The session is over, but your photography experience isn’t!
Once we finish your session, there are a few steps that happen behind the scenes before you receive your final images.

1. I Carefully Choose Your Images
After your session, I go through all of the images and select the best moments from your session. I look for genuine smiles, sweet interactions, beautiful expressions, and all those little moments that tell your family’s story.
2. Your Photos Are Professionally Edited
Once your images are selected, I carefully edit each one to create a consistent, natural look while keeping your photos true to the moment.
I want your gallery to feel beautiful, timeless, and like you.
3. Your Gallery Is Delivered
Your finished gallery will be delivered through my online gallery system and is password protected for your privacy.
You’ll receive an email with your gallery link and password when your images are ready.
Your gallery will typically be delivered within 4–7 days after your session.
4. Enjoy Your Photos!
This is the best part!
Once your gallery arrives, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and relive your session. Download your favorite images, share them with family and friends, and start thinking about which ones you want to print and display in your home.
Your photos aren’t just meant to live on your phone—they’re meant to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.
Ready to Create Your Own Gallery?
From the first email to the final gallery, my goal is to make your photography experience simple, relaxed, and enjoyable.
Let’s capture some memories together!

Contact Michelle Leigh Photography

Why the Little Details Matter in Event Photography:
When you think about event photography, you probably think of the people—the smiles, laughter, hugs, and big moments.
But some of my favorite images are the little details.
Beautiful florals, thoughtful table settings, unique décor, and those small touches that make an event feel completely personal all help tell the story of the celebration.
It’s All in the Details-So much time and creativity goes into planning an event, and those details deserve to be remembered. As a photographer, I love capturing not only the people and candid moments, but also the atmosphere and details that make each event unique.
The flowers will eventually fade, the tables will be cleared, and the décor will come down—but photographs allow you to remember exactly how it all looked and felt.
Charleston is filled with beautiful events and incredible attention to detail. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, celebration, intimate dinner, or wedding-related event, I want to capture the moments and the details that make it special.
Because sometimes, the smallest details tell the biggest story.

Why Candid Photography Often Becomes Your Favorite:
When you look back at your photographs years from now, it may not be the perfectly posed smile that brings back the strongest memory.
It might be your child’s laugh, a spontaneous hug, a glance between loved ones, or a silly moment that wasn’t planned at all.
Those are the moments I love to capture.
Beyond the Perfect Pose
There’s a place for beautiful portraits where everyone looks at the camera, but some of the most meaningful photographs happen in between those moments.
I love giving you a little direction while leaving room for genuine moments to happen naturally. Walk, talk, laugh, play, and simply enjoy being together.
The result is photographs that feel like you.
The Little Moments Matter
A laugh, a hand held, a quiet glance, or a child simply being themselves can turn a photograph into a memory.
Whether I’m photographing a family session, special event, or branding session, I’m always watching for those genuine moments happening around me.
Because sometimes, the photograph you didn’t know was being taken becomes the one you love the most.

From Big Moments to Little Details: How I Tell the Story of an Event
When you think about event photography, you probably picture the big moments—the speeches, celebrations, laughter, and group photos.
But an event is so much more than that. It’s the flowers, the table details, the room before guests arrive, the candid interactions, and all the little touches that make the celebration uniquely yours. Capturing the Whole Story:When I photograph an event, I’m watching the entire story unfold. I capture the people, details, atmosphere, and emotions that come together to create the experience. From the excitement before the event begins to the candid moments throughout the evening, each photograph becomes another piece of the story. The Details Matter so much thought goes into planning an event. Florals, décor, food, tablescapes, and personal touches deserve to be remembered, too. Years later, those details can bring you right back to how everything looked and felt that day.
Just a Gallery:My goal is to create photographs that take you back to the entire experience—not just what happened, but how it felt.
Because when the flowers are gone, the tables are cleared, and the event is over, your photographs are what remain.