Affectionately known as the ‘Holy City’, Charleston’s rich history and stunning natural scenery and unique city charm make it a favorite place to visit for travelers from all over the country. Residents of Charleston are proud of their famous Southern hospitality and warm, inviting disposition that makes the city much more alluring to visitors. Whether for residents or visitors, Charleston has no shortage of incredible locations that can be used for professional portrait photography. Those looking for family portraits, couples’ shoots, or personal branding routinely use the services of a trusted portrait photographer in Charleston. From senior portraits to Christmas portraits Charleston has an ideal setting for any context. This article will discuss some of the city’s top fun and unique locations and surrounding areas for portrait photography.
Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain
This unique feature of the Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston. Historically, pineapples were seen as an exotic sign of luxury, as they could only be found in South America. Pineapples (or their image) have come to be known as a symbol of hospitality, and for many residents and visitors, this symbol is iconic of Charleston. This unique fountain is a favorite pick for visitors to take photographs, but a well-timed visit with a portrait photographer Charleston could yield fun and quirky portraits.
The Battery
A well-known location for professional photographs, The Battery was first built as a city defense wall. Now a famous landmark and promenade, The Battery attracts as many visitors as locals for stunning waterfront walks and the chance to admire the architecture of the antebellum mansions that line one side of the street. Between these exquisite, historical homes on one side and the Charleston harbor on the other, there are dozens of opportunities for fun, unique portraits for families, couples or individuals. The Battery may also make the ideal backdrop for Citadel graduates given its connection to the military.
French Huguenot Church
Home to over four-hundred places of worship for people from diverse denominations, Charleston truly earns its monicker of the ‘Holy City’. The French Huguenot Church, located in the French Quarter of the city, was completed in 1845. The beautiful building’s considerable age and impressive architecture make it a popular attraction in the city – and a much photographed one.
This church could serve as a dramatic background for an engagement shoot, christening or family Christmas portraits in Charleston.
Morris Island Lighthouse:
Located at the South end of the entrance to Charleston Harbor, this iconic landmark could provide the perfect location for any type of portrait photography. Nautical-themed events or family greeting cards could be captured at this location, making for unique portraits that especially symbolize Charleston. Lighthouses also carry a lot of symbolism, including hope, security, navigation through challenging times and the importance of staying on course. This symbolism could be beautifully tied to engagement, anniversary or graduation photographs.
Rainbow Row:
Rainbow Row, one of Charleston’s most iconic attractions, is a collection of 13 Georgian-style row houses from the 18th century. Known for its vibrant facades and rich history, Rainbow Row is a popular setting for photographs of couples, families, and individuals alike, whether tourists or locals. Professionally captured portraits against this unique backdrop can celebrate any milestone or occasion and make for a fun and memorable experience for both subject and photographer.
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, the ideal time to photograph Rainbow Row is early in the morning, just after sunrise. Located in the South of Broad neighborhood, near the French Quarter, this area also offers many charming streets and historic sites to explore, enhancing the experience and providing even more beautiful backdrops for photos.
Philadelphia Alley:
This cobblestoned street is lined with flowers and trees and has an antique old-town charm to it. Perfect for a romantic engagement or anniversary portraits, this quaint alleyway could also make the perfect setting for senior photos, or unique portraits for personal branding. Philadelphia Alley could also be a fun location for holiday-themed photographs: Halloween, Christmas, or even 4th July décor and outfits could be great fun for a family or group of friends. The beautiful greenery that lines the alley make this a special setting for portrait photos of young children – whether to commemorate the beginning or end of kindergarten, a birthday or simply just because.