Choosing a great location is one of the most important pieces of setting up your photo shoot. The backdrop you select will set the stage for the entire session and will be an essential piece of every shot, pose and, ultimately, the finished product. I recommend picking a spot that’s special to you, either a spot you love, somewhere you frequent or a place that best represents your family. Hilton Head and Bluffton (and even Beaufort) have no shortage of beautiful, scenic photo spots.

Check out my exclusive location guide to get some ideas of my favorite (and recommended) places to shoot.

After you’ve narrowed down the list of where you want to shoot, it’s important to think about some key logistics:

• Are there restrooms?
• Is the distance from the parking to the actual shoot location far? If so, pack comfy shoes for everyone!
• Will there be crowds nearby—and, if so, are you comfortable shooting in front of others?

Who will be at the session? Potty training toddlers might not do well at a location that doesn’t have a bathroom. If you’ll have a few elderly members in the group, we want to keep walking to a minimum and make sure there’s somewhere they can sit when we won’t need them in shots anymore.

Pinckney Island, while extremely beautiful, doesn’t have bathrooms. Beaches may not be the best option for great grandparents because they may get tired of standing halfway through the session.

I’ve seen amazing sessions everywhere from backyards to baseball fields, lakes to open meadows. I know the area here and can help make recommendations based on your family’s unique needs, personalities and inspirations. If you opt for a location that’s not listed in my guide, just know that I may have some extra questions for you or ask for some pictures ahead of time. Where does the sunset? What’s the tree coverage like?

Want to know my favorite Hilton Head Island location? If you guessed the beach, you’re right ?