Senior Pictures on the Beach | Isle of Palms, South Carolina

When Lauren asked me to photograph her senior pictures on the beach, I said yes, yes and yes! I love Isle of Palms and so does she. Both of our families spend a lot of time on the island so making her session dreams come true was easy. We photographed this Senior+Family Session on the beach and around Wild Dunes Resort. As you will see, it is the perfect location for light and airy portraits. Lauren looks stunning and the light illuminating her from behind was absolutely perfect. It’s hard to believe when looking at these images, but we dodged rain all day. We even had to take a rain break mid-session. It happens … and we rocked it anyway.

Indiana University Class of 2026

Meet my beautiful friend Lauren. She’s been in our lives for many years now and I was so honored to create these pictures with her. Lauren is graduating from Providence High School (PHS) in Charlotte on June 13 then heading to Indiana University in Bloomington (IU) this fall. She will be a third generation Hoosier! Lauren’s maternal grandparents met at IU when her grandmother was selling donuts for her sorority, and Lauren’s parents were married at a small historic chapel on campus. Needless to say, the family connections run deep. Lauren can’t wait to wear the iconic red and white candy stripes! She is considering a sports/brand media major like her dad. We are all so excited for you Lauren!

Here in Charlotte, Lauren is a rock star leader and athlete. She is President of her Temple Beth El Youth Group and serves in many leadership roles at Providence High School. She is on the Executive Board of the PHS Leadership team and serves as the Special Events Social Chair. In addition, she played varsity tennis all four years of high school, leading the team as Captain both her Junior and Senior years. She also received the team Leadership Award … twice! Lauren is happy to have had a semi-normal senior year with highlights including the Homecoming football game, all Spirit Week activities (many of which she organized!) and Tennis Senior Night, honoring her and her graduating teammates.

Lauren is planning to spend the summer as a camp counselor at Herzl Camp in Webster, Wisconsin with a stop at her happy place (and favorite beach) Isle of Palms. Without further ado, let’s look at this gorgeous girl on the gorgeous beaches of her happy place. Here are some highlights from our session. Thank you Lauren and family for trusting me to document you all during this special time. Everything from the location to the looks was on point! IYKYK.

Candid and Casual Senior Portraits at Wild Dunes Resort

Headshot of a senior girl on sitting in front of the dunes on Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Senior portraits on the beach and in Wild Dunes Resort
Gorgeous candid senior portrait of a girl on the beach with dark hair blowing in the wind, sun is backlighting her hair
Senior portraits on the beach, light and airy with backlighting
Senior portraits on the beach, light and airy with backlighting
Senior portrait at Wild Dunes Resort
Senior portraits on the boardwalk to the beach, Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC

Family Portraits, Hugs and Walks on the Beach

Family portrait on a boardwalk leading to the beach from Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC
Picture of a high school senior sitting on the beach with her younger brother
Father and daughter portrait, plus siblings sitting in the sand laughing at each other
Family walking on the beach and laughing
Mother and daughter portraits on the beach
Father and daughter hugging on the beach, Wild Dunes Resort in the background
Sunset picture of a mother and high school senior daughter walking on the beach at Isle of Palms, SC

Behind the Scenes

We had a helper you may recognize. It’s fun when mom gets to photograph your best friends!

Behind the scenes candids, Senior Portraits at Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms SC

Click here to see more senior sessions from the blog including urban and green spaces in and around Charlotte, North Carolina.

Abbe McCracken is an award-winning Charlotte, North Carolina photographer specializing in joyful family photography and high school senior portraits. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) and is ranked among Charlotte’s best family photographers and best portrait photographers. Abbe holds mastery certifications in Senior Photography, Child Photography and Baby Photography.

Charlotte NC Professional Photographer Abbe McCracken

meet Abbe

Welcome to my blog! I’m a child and family photographer based in Charlotte NC.

 

Parents always ask, “what if my kid doesn’t listen?” My answer: that’s actually perfect. Don’t tell your children I said so, but personalities shine when listening ears fail. I welcome the silly. I want the giggles. I watch for honest smiles, real connections and stolen family moments.

 

This applies to your big kids and high school seniors too. Wink, Wink.

honest smiles

real connections

candid moments

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

[email protected]

404-550-0812