Meet Ashleigh, Class of 2023
Ashleigh and her family vacation to Charleston every year from Missouri, and as her senior year approached she decided this year's vacation would give a perfect reason to have her senior portraits done in Charleston. What could be more unique than that? Summer vacation is a perfect time to plan your senior portraits in somewhere unique, and being that Charleston is the top tourist destination on the East Coast explains why I've had SO many of them year after year!
First Stop: The Iconic Rainbow Row
Ashleigh actually had another photographer's images pinned on Pinterest so I was able to get an idea of where she wanted to go, and the backdrops she was most hoping for. I always plan our route based on what my seniors decide to bring for outfits and with my oh-so-handy pop up changing tent we're able to make changing clothes and accessories on the go a breeze. We started at the iconic Rainbow Row at 8:00am, which is about the latest I recommend starting there in the summer months. Not only are our summer months super hot and humid all hours of the day, since our sunrise is just after 6am we aim to start early to avoid the tourist crowds and walking tours. There was a scaffold right in the middle of Rainbow Row so we shot just a few here where I could easily crop it out, then moved around the corner to Elliott Street.
Next Stop: Charleston's City Hall
Ashleigh's MUST STOP spot was right here on Broad Street at the Charleston City Hall. Their marble steps and round port windows are eye catching and so perfect for single subjects. I love that we did the white dress here, it's so timeless and simple, but makes a cold statement of contrast. The amount of variety just at the front of this building is ridiculous, and so easy to create a whole look in just one spot.
Next up: Chalmers Street of the French Quarters
Behind City Hall is Washington Square Park and the iconic cobblestone of Chalmers Street, which was our next stop because nothing screams "CHARLESTON" louder than this. I had just a couple of ideas for the white dress here, but after that it was time to go bold again with Ashleigh's hot pink romper. On Chalmers there is a pink building on the corner with the prettiest hot pink crepe myrtles in bloom and when I saw that romper, it's all I could think about! Part of why I love this city is the amount of variety here in a small space, but even more than that, the bold color choices and amazing looks you can create with just the side of a building. It's truly a magical place with such an editorial look on every corner. I knew that pink on pink would be a bold risk, but it absolutely paid off!
Iron gates are a must when having your pictures taken in Charleston, by the way. Iron gates date back to Charleston's early years, and is something that can be seen all over the city. Many of which were created by blacksmith Philip Simmons who spent 78 YEARS in his profession in Charleston before passing away at age 97. Look him up, his work is incredible!
Our Final Stop: Church Street
Once Ashleigh moved to her final outfit of red and white I knew I needed a slight change of scenery and lighting. We shot a couple of variations against a building on the corner of Chalmers and Church but then crossed back over Broad to finish up. Here there are some pale blues, greenery, just what I needed. I wanted to go bold and primary for this final outfit.