Emmah’s Destination Senior Pictures in Charleston SC
There’s just something magical about senior pictures in Charleston, South Carolina. The combination of cobblestone streets, historic homes, beach sunsets, and Spanish moss-draped oaks makes for beautiful galleries! It was the perfect setting for our recent destination senior session with Emmah, (who turned 17 the week of the trip!) We packed up our gear, brought along my mom Diane, Lane, and Brittany, and headed out for an unforgettable trip filled with photos, food, and all the little moments in between.
Downtown Senior Pictures Charleston SC
After a day of traveling from Williston to Charleston, a couple of detours, and a delicious dinner at Poogan’s Porch, we called it a night. We hit the ground running on our first full day! Day two of our trip started at the Charleston Farmers Market where we shopped local vendors. We picked up matching rings, and I snagged some art (including a Pink Figgy print!). After dropping my mom at her House of Colour appointment, we regrouped for a little more shopping and a quick pizza stop.
That evening, we kicked off Emmah’s first shoot with a sunset session in downtown Charleston. Highlights included Chalmers Street, the Dock Street Theatre, and flash portraits after 8 PM for a moody nighttime vibe. Emmah’s look—a black leather-look mini skirt, one-shoulder top, leather jacket, and boots—was absolute fire. We ended the night at Rudy Royale with fried pickles and deviled eggs.
The Pink Figgy
We were up before the sun for Emmah’s Pink Figgy sunrise shoot by the ocean. SHer white dress and heels, followed by jeans and a floral top, paired perfectly with the theme! The Pink Figgy is a favorite session inclusion of mine when I’m in Charleston because it’s so feminine and fun! From there, we continued the vibe when we stopped by Rainbow Row, King Street, and the Charleston Place Hotel before grabbing breakfast at Bagel Nation (worth the wait!). The colorful architecture and historic buildings in Charleston are something I’ll never get tired of and one of the main reasons I suggest it to my clients for destination sessions. Not only does the background photograph beautifully, Charleston is just a different atmosphere altogether in person.
Later that afternoon, we braved the heat for more King Street shopping, and I found a few wardrobe gems. We wrapped the day with a haunted graveyard tour—fun, spooky, and surprisingly informative. (Bonus memory: poor Emmah ended up with 80+ mosquito bites!)
Folly Beach Photos
After grabbing coffee at Bad Bunny, we explored the dreamy Magnolia Plantation. The Spanish moss, iron bridges, and oak-lined paths were like something out of a storybook. That evening, we switched up the scenery when we drove to Folly Beach for Emmah’s final shoot. She brought a pineapple swirl dessert as a prop (adorable), paired black jeans and a tank at the pier, and finished with barefoot sunset shots under the pier. Emmah crushed the session! And I love that we were able to switch up the scenery because Charleston isn’t just beautiful, it’s versatile. We ended the night with snacks and laughs back at the Airbnb.
Wrapping Up Senior Pictures in Charleston SC
We squeezed in one last shopping stop before airport chaos hit. (And I do mean chaos: missed turns, TSA hiccups, and a canceled flight out of Minneapolis). We scrambled for a hotel and finally made it home the next morning, tired but full of stories. Trips like this are what make senior travel sessions so memorable! It’s not just about beautiful backdrops (though Charleston has plenty). It’s about the adventure, the laughs, and the time spent with incredible families. Emmah was a total rockstar, and I can’t wait to share the final images.
Get to Know Emmah
What is your favorite thing to do?
Read or bake
What is your favorite movie?
Princess Diaries
What is your favorite drink?
Sweet tea
What is your favorite snack/candy?
Hot Tamales
What is your dream job?
Pastry chef
What is your favorite scent?
Vanilla
What is your favorite color?
Pink
What is your favorite place on Earth that you’ve been to?
Paris
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Ireland
What is your favorite place to shop at?
Altar’d State
What is your favorite restaurant?
In-N-Out
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My dog, my phone, and my curling iron
What is your favorite food?
French fries
What makes you happy?
Being with my friends
How would your friends describe you?
Outgoing, passionate, caring
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am going to NDSU for exercise science
What is your favorite team?
MSU dance team
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Strawberry cheesecake
What is your favorite dessert/cake?
Macarons
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
Senior Travel Photographer
Hey, I’m Kellie! I’m a Williston, North Dakota-based senior photographer who loves turning senior sessions into full-on adventures. My calendar is officially open for the Class of 2026, and if you’re dreaming of a travel photoshoot that’s as unforgettable as your senior year, I’d love to help make it happen. From destination backdrops to heirloom-quality products, your experience will be every bit as special as the photos we create together. Contact me here to start planning your travel session and check out the packages I offer for senior photos!
Not quite ready to book? Join my waitlist to be the first to know when new sessions open—spots are limited, and waitlist clients always get first dibs.
