Wild Dunes Family Portraits | South Carolina Beach Photography

Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina is a gorgeous backdrop for any family portrait.  Actually any beach setting is amazing but this feels like my beach, my comfort zone.  You know when you vacation somewhere over and over again, it starts to feel like home too.  That’s how I feel about Wild Dunes.  We rent there as much as we can – which is not often enough – and so Isle of Palms feels like home.  It’s absolutely stunning there.  The warm tones of the sand are so beautiful against the blues and grays of the ocean and sky. It’s almost like a painting at times. I love photographing it, especially with families. I also love beach sessions because for most kids sand means fun. A morning on the beach – even when dressed for pictures – is exciting to kids young and old. Their natural curiosity peeks and it’s fun to just follow their adventures, capturing expressions of joy and wonder as we go. Ok, maybe the dads would rather be sleeping, but look at the smiles. They were having a great time too!

Any morning on the beach is a great morning for me but this was extra special.  It’s not often that I get to photograph friends who live in New York City and San Francisco.  We vacationed with both families during this trip and lucky for me, they both booked family beach sessions in advance. I may or may not have had to pull them out of bed this morning, but I know they love the images now and will treasure them forever.

Click here to see more of our lifestyle and candid vacation pictures from this trip and find even more gorgeous vacation sessions in my vacation photography.

The East Coasters at Wild Dunes

The West Coasters at Wild Dunes

Abbe McCracken is a natural light, on-location portrait and lifestyle photographer serving Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas of Matthews, Ballantyne, Weddington and beyond.  She specializes in family, child and event photography.