4 Alternatives to Plantations for Photoshoots in Charleston
Creating everlasting memories with your family through photography is a beautiful way to capture the essence of your loved ones. While Charleston is known for its historic plantations, there are many stunning locations that offer equally magnificent backdrops for your family photos. Let me share with you four enchanting alternatives that will make your family photoshoot truly special.
Hampton Park: A Natural Paradise
Located in the heart of Charleston, Hampton Park is a testament to natural beauty and historical significance. As you walk through the 30-acre park at 30 Mary Murray Boulevard, you’ll be captivated by the majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a magical canopy perfect for family portraits. What makes this location particularly special for families is its rich history—once a racetrack and later a zoo, it now serves as a peaceful haven where children can freely explore while you capture genuine moments of joy.
College of Charleston: A Little Slice of History
Walking through the College of Charleston feels like stepping back in time. The oak trees, heavy with Spanish moss, stretch their branches like they’ve been watching over the campus for centuries. The brick pathways, the historic buildings, the soft golden light filtering through, it’s a dream.
Cistern Yard is one of the most stunning spots, with its famous columns and storybook setting. Whether you want a quiet, intimate moment beneath the trees or a playful shot of your kids running down the paths, this location gives you both. Classic. Elegant. Full of history. But still, somehow, effortlessly warm.
And it changes with the seasons! Spring brings soft pink blooms, while fall dusts the campus with warm golden hues. Even on a cloudy day, the setting feels rich and full of character. There’s something special about those centuries-old buildings and the way they frame every moment so perfectly. It’s a place that never feels too posed. It simply lets you be.
Wragg Square: Tucked-Away Charm
Not everyone knows about Wragg Square. That’s what makes it special. It’s small, quiet, and just far enough from the usual busy spots to feel like a hidden gem. The oak trees here are just as grand, their branches creating the kind of dappled light that makes photos glow. It’s the perfect place for slowing down.
Letting the kids explore. Holding hands and just being in the moment. No pressure. No rush. Just you and your family, exactly as you are. That’s what makes for the best photos, the real, unfiltered moments that feel like home.
Its simplicity makes every emotion stand out even more. A shared laugh. A gentle hug. A child’s tiny fingers grasping yours. The background stays soft and subtle, letting the most important details shine: your family, your love, your connection.
White Point Garden: Classic Charleston Vibes
White Point Garden, with the grand trees, the harbor breeze, the quiet paths that wind through it all. Maybe it’s the history and the monuments standing still while life moves around them. Or maybe it’s just the way the sun hits at just the right angle, casting everything in soft, golden light. Whatever it is, it’s magic.
It is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. Take it all in. Let the kids chase each other under the branches while you soak up a quiet moment. It’s timeless, beautiful Charleston.
And then there’s the water. The gentle waves in the distance, the sailboats gliding by, the salty air that always carries a little bit of nostalgia. It adds an extra layer to every photo. It adds a depth, a feeling, something intangible but real. It’s the perfect place for both quiet embraces and bursts of laughter.
The best photos are never the ones where everything is perfect. They’re the ones where you can hear the laughter just by looking at them. The ones where the light catches just right, the wind lifts your hair, and for a second, time stands still. Choosing a location is just the beginning. The rest is when the real magic happens. Let’s capture it together.
