Family Sessions

Capturing families interacting together is the entire reason I started Smiling Down Photography in the first place! I searched long and hard for a local Upstate Photographer who would capture my own family in this style. I’ve been lucky to find several over the years, who are now friends, that continue to inspire me.

Full Session Fee: $299

includes 60 minutes and 40+ images

Mini Session Fee: $199

includes 30 minutes and 20 images

there will be a travel fee for any locations beyond 30 miles from my location

Family sessions are available year round, but if you are looking specifically at a date in October or November in time for Holiday cards, my Fall schedule opens up on August 1st.

Where will the session take place?

Anywhere you’d like, as long as I have permission to shoot! Common locations are Milliken Arboretum, Hatcher Gardens, Cleveland Park, Downtown Spartanburg, Glendale Shoals, First Presbyterian Church, Va Du Mar McMillan Park, Tyger River Park, Campbell’s Covered Bridge, Converse College, USC Upstate Arboretum, Converse Heights neighborhood, Dorman High School campus, and Barnet Park. I also would love to come your private property for a more personalized session!

What should I wear?

The key word is “coordinate”, not match. I always advise Mom to pick out her outfit/dress first. What do you feel most beautiful in? Then find coordinating outfits for your children. Teenagers and spouses look best in solid colors, pulled out from one or more colors from the original outfit. Don’t hesitate to send me pictures and ask for advice! I would also stay away from solid black or solid white tops. These can be hard to photograph in outdoor locations. 

What time of day is best?

Because I am a natural light photographer, we will need to schedule our session within 2 hours of sunrise or two hours before sunset. This will afford us the best light for our session.