What to Wear for your Charleston Family Portrait

Get Ready to Strike a Pose! What to Wear for Your Charleston Family Portrait

Hey there, fabulous families of Charleston! We totally get it – coordinating outfits for your family portrait can feel like a wild fashion adventure. But fear not! Captured By Kate is here to save the day (and your style game)! So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through this fun fashion journey.

First things first, remember that you and your amazing family are the stars of the show! We want the focus to be on your beautiful smiles and loving connections, not on your wardrobe. Keep it comfy and relaxed – that's the key!

Quick tips to ensure seamless styling and utterly breathtaking portraits:

1. Embrace the Solids: Steer clear of loud primary colors and crazy patterns that steal the spotlight. Instead, opt for solid-colored clothing that compliments each other. Think soft, pastel hues and neutral tones – they never fail to impress.

2. Stick to a Palette: Choose two or three colors that go together like peanut butter and jelly (or sweet tea and porch swings!). Create a harmonious wardrobe palette with clothing that shares similar, soft tones. Trust us, it's the secret sauce for a picture-perfect look.

3. Pants and Skirts, Oh My! When it comes to bottoms, go for long pants or skirts below the knee. This way, we'll keep the focus on your gorgeous faces instead of those amazing legs. Plus, longer skirts and pants allow you to strike poses and bend with ease.

4. Bling in Moderation: Keep your jewelry simple and minimal, my fashion-forward friends. We want your radiant faces to shine, not get overshadowed by flashy accessories. Less is more, and your smile is the real jewel of the day!

5. Pattern Play: Feeling adventurous? Choose one family member to rock a snazzy patterned outfit. Then, dress the rest of the crew in solid colors that match the hues in that pattern. It's like a coordinated dance of fashion harmony!

FAMILY PORTRAIT OUTFIT INSPIRATION:

Blue & White Family Wardrobe Portrait Pallet

Blue and white family portrait outfit inspiration

Green & White Family Wardrobe Portrait Pallet

Green and white family portrait outfit inspiration

Soft Pink, White and Blue Family Wardrobe Portrait Pallet

Soft pastel pink, white and blue family portrait outfit inspiration

Navy, Blue & White Family Wardrobe Portrait Pallet

Navy, blue and white family portrait outfit inspiration

Khaki & White Family Wardrobe Portrait Pallet

Khaki and white family portrait outfit inspiration

So, Charleston families, get ready to slay the style game and create timeless portraits. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun, be yourselves, and let your love shine through. We can't wait to capture your unforgettable moments!

With love,

Captured By Kate

Written by office and photo assistant: Chase Porter

Kiawah Island Vacation Guide

Kiawah has always held a special place in my heart, and not just because I lived on neighboring Johns Island for 8 years. My husband, Chris, and I were married at the Kiawah Island River Course 15 years ago this April! Kiawah truly is a magic place, steeped in natural beauty. From the Spanish Moss shaded trails to the endless white beaches, it is a photographer’s dream backdrop! 

Kiawah Island Family Portrait

Kiawah Island Restaurants

Breakfast

The Hemingway 

Venture off island to The Hemingway for gourmet coffee, southern chicken biscuits and tasty ricotta toast. The elevated cafe offers a quality breakfast menu, full coffee bar and exquisite wine and beer menu. 

Lunch

Tattooed Moose

The Tattooed Moose is the perfect halfway stop between Kiawah and Downton Charleston. It has burgers and beer and a great kids’ menu. It’s shaded by enormous oak trees, and there is plenty of space to let the kids run around and play. 

Jasmine Porch

For upscale southern fare, Jasmine Porch hits all the right notes. Located in The Sanctuary, it is the perfect place for a delicious post-spa lunch or exquisite dining dinner. For a savory southern classic, be sure to order the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese! 

Dinner

The Ocean Room

Indulge in fine dining at The Sanctuary's renowned steakhouse, The Ocean Room. With an outstanding menu and even better view over the ocean, it’s the perfect way to complete a day at the beach or on the golf course. 

Wild Olive

Wild Olive is worth the short 20 minute drive from the island! The authentic Italian eatery leans on local, seasonal and homemade ingredients to ensure their dishes are the absolute best- try the house-made pastas and salami! The vibe is as unpretentious as the food, and the staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. 

Kiawah Island Shops

Rosebank Farms

The Rosebank Farms produce stand is an icon to residents and visitors of Kiawah Island. It’s the perfect place to stop for locally grown produce,  fresh seafood, packaged goods, and fresh flowers. Be sure to buy one of the key lime pies! The stand is owned by Sidi Limehouse, a Johns Island legend. If you see a farmer that looks like Jerry Garcia driving a tractor down Betsy Kerrison Parkway, that’s SIDI!

Kiawah Island Activities

Kiawah Island Resort offers a variety of award-winning activities, from their unparalleled spa and shopping to the world-class golf courses and tennis center. The beach is wide and beautiful, with sea turtles and dolphins and waves that are just right for young kids. Here are a few other activities you may enjoy:

Bike Trails

Explore miles of marshland by bike! There are well-marked bike paths all over the island, connecting the various communities and weaving through the woods. You can even bike on the beach at low tide. There are several bike rental companies on the island, including Kiawah Island Bike Rentals, Seaside Cycles,and Alligator Bike. 

Tidal Trails

Tidal Trails is an outdoor company devoted to providing memorable experiences on the water. You can book a nature tour via kayak, power boat, stand up paddle board or take surf and kayak lessons. 

Visit the Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is the largest living oak, estimated to be nearly 400 years old! It is a gorgeous sight and worth the short drive to John’s Island.

Kids on Kiawah Island

Night Heron Park

Located within the Kiawah resort, this expansive 21 acre park is a nature-lover’s dream come true! There is the fascinating Nature Center, playground, hiking trails, pool, splash pad and more. Check the activities calendar for special events too, like movies in the park or alligator tours.

Kiawah River Goatery

For a truly memorable experience, stop by The Goatery, located in the Kiawah River community. Tour the farm, socialize with the friendly goats, pick eggs from the chicken coop or schedule a private yoga class (with goats!). It’s hands-on education at its finest!

Aqua Park

Located on Trophy Lakes on John’s Island, Aqua Park is a ridiculously fun floating playground. Climb, jump, slide and swim during the warmer months.

Discover Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of South Carolina’s hidden gems. Only 7 miles long, it flies somewhat under the radar compared to Sullivan’s Island or Kiawah, which attracts far more attention (and visitors!), making it more lowkey and less crowded  Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for families and vacationers year-round, and tons of beach house rentals line the coast. Isle of Palms has a nostalgic beach town vibe, is super bikeable, and boasts an absolutely stunning beach. The best things to do on the island involve a beach chair and a good book. 

Restaurants

Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe

The Sea Biscuit Cafe is everything you want from a beach town diner: friendly staff, cute cottage location, mouth-watering southern breakfast. It’s open for lunch too and both are delicious.   

Lunch: Long Island Cafe

For an upscale lunch, stop by the Long Island Cafe for some tasty french-southern fusion dishes. From the outside, it is small and unassuming, tucked away in a stripmall, but locals know what a treasure it is. The seafood-heavy menu gives many southern classics a modern twist. 

Dinner: The Obstinate Daughter

While there are plenty of casual dinner options on the island, it is absolutely worth the short drive to Sullivan’s Island for a truly spectacular dinner at The Obstinate Daughter at least once during any Isle of Palms stay. The seasonal menu features homemade pastas, pizzas and fresh raw seafood. 

To Do

County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area. 

Isle of Palms Marina

The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway.

Ben & Jerry’s

It may not be local, but the IOP Ben & Jerry’s feels about as small town, beachy ice cream shop as they come. Walk up from the beach in your swimsuit or bike over barefoot, order from a window and find a park bench to eat. Summer perfection!

The Windjammer

The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music. 

Remember to book your family portrait before your trip! Call 843 442-0802 or fill out my contact form to schedule. My summer 2022 dates are filling up fast!!

Prints and Digital Files FAQ

I often get calls or texts after releasing a gallery to my clients saying, now what?

Let's start from the beginning. A gallery is the final product of all my photoshoots. It is an online website that allows you to view your edited files and order prints.

I offer prints as small as a 4x6 ($8) and as large as a 20x30 ($263). I also offer canvas, metal, standout, gallery frame, metal frame, wood frame, bamboo frame, wood prints, and acrylic prints. If you enjoyed your photoshoot, this is a great way to support my small business. I receive a percentage of the total price.

Your gallery will look different on every type of device: cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. So it is hard to say exactly where to click to order prints. The best way to view your images is on a big screen. Look for the shopping cart icon or the PRINT STORE. Click this to see all of your options.

You can also make a favorites folder using the heart icon. Just type in your email address, and your folder will start. To access the folder in the future, click on the heart icon at the top of the screen. You have the option to name and create multiple favorites folders.

What about digital files?

If your package came with digital files, or you paid in advance for digital files. You will receive a pin code in your; "Your Gallery is Ready" email to download the files. Look for the down arrow under the big photo at the top of your gallery. Click that and enter your email and pin code. You will be given the option to download the files to your computer, Dropbox or Google Photos.

If your package did not come with digital files and you would like to purchase them, you can do so through your gallery from the shopping cart icon or PRINT STORE. If you are a part of a large group (such as a family portrait) where multiple households need to access the digital files, it is best to Venmo me directly. I can provide a pin code to share with the group rather than ordering from the gallery and only downloading to one computer.

My Venmo is @capturedbykate Also send me an email letting me know you Venmoed me $300 for the digital files. That way I can confirm I received your Venmo and get you the pin code ASAP.

If you are ordering a large format family photo to hang on your wall. I would love for you to reach out to me before you place your order. I am happy to make any touch-ups you request and upload the revised version to your gallery for ordering. I want your prints to look amazing!!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I am easily reached on weekday mornings. Thank you for your order!!

Pandemic Porch Portraits in Charleston, South Carolina

Last week I offered FREE Pandemic Porch Portraits to all my past Wedding and Family Portrait clients in the Charleston area. I had an overwhelming response and my schedule filled in one day. I decided to do this over my children’s spring break as a way to get out of the house, connect with old friends and entertain my kids.

I would love to continue these in the near future. Send me a FB message if you’re interested. https://www.facebook.com/kate.c.thornton

The Kasack Family, Happy 10th Birthday to Sadie!

My children Claire 8 years, Mary 7 years, Sadie 5 moths is asleep in the car.

The Hoffman Family, I photographed her Bridal Portraits around 15 years ago and have photographer their family portraits too many times to count.

The Lainhoff Family

The Kreminski family, I photographed Maternity Portraits for them on Folly Beach with both kids.

The Lummus Family, I photographed their Engagement Portraits and Wedding around 3 years ago at Wingate Plantation. The baby is due May 2nd!

The Colins Family, I photographed their wedding at the River Course on Kiawah Island 12 years ago.

The Jeter Family, I photographed their wedding 12 years ago at the Mills House and have photographed bth family and newborn portraits for them.

The Berge Family, I photographed their wedding at Pepper Plantation around 9 years ago.

The Hawkins Family, I photographed family portraits, her bridal portrait and wedding at the Carolina Yacht Club around 8 years ago.

The McQuade Family, I photographed Amanda and Preston’s wedding at the River Course on Kiawah Island 2 years ago.

The Young Family, I have photographed their family photos too many time to count.