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20+ Years of Professional Photography
I’ve been working professionally as a photographer for more than 20 years, photographing families, couples, seniors and professionals in a wide range of settings.
Photography that feels like you.
Hire a Professional Charleston Photographer for Family Portraits, Beach Sessions and Headshots
Your search to find and hire the best photographer in Charleston, South Carolina near you ends here. Whether you’re planning family photos, a beach session during your vacation, or professional headshots for your team, I make the entire experience simple and comfortable. I've spent 20 years photographing people across Charleston and the Lowcountry, ensuring you get authentic, beautiful results.
- 20+ Years Excellence
- Fast 2-Week Gallery Turnaround
- Proudly Serving the Lowcountry
The experience
Experience you can trust,
sessions you’ll enjoy.
- +Years behind the camera
- 60–Edited images per family session
- wkNormal gallery turnaround
- hReply with availability & pricing
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Family Photography Experience
Family portraits have become one of the biggest parts of my work. I enjoy photographing the connection, personality and sometimes the chaos that makes every family different.
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Trusted by Local Organizations
My photography work has included Trident Health, Ingevity, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina and Lowcountry Local First.
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Photos You Can Actually Enjoy
I want the session itself to be a good experience, not just something you have to get through to receive the photos. I’ll guide you through the process and make things as comfortable as possible.
The session experience
Not comfortable in front of a camera? You’re not alone.
A lot of people don’t feel natural having their picture taken.
Maybe your kids won’t sit still. Maybe you never know what to do with your hands. Maybe someone in your family already told you they hate having their picture taken.
“That’s normal. My job is to take that pressure off you.”
I’ll guide you through the session, help with posing when you need it and keep things moving so you’re not standing around wondering what to do. With families, I also leave room for movement, laughter and the moments that happen naturally.
After more than 20 years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to work with different personalities, challenging light, unpredictable weather and kids who have their own ideas about how the session should go.
The goal is simple: beautiful photographs and an experience you actually enjoy.
Photography services
Photography Services in Charleston and the Lowcountry
Family photography is at the heart of my work, with beach and vacation sessions also being a major part of what I photograph. I also offer couples and engagement sessions, senior portraits and individual professional headshots.
Hover or tap a service
The heart of my work
Family Photography
Family photographs should show more than everyone standing in a line and smiling.
I create relaxed family portrait sessions where there is room for movement, interaction and personality. Whether it’s your immediate family or a larger group with grandparents and extended family, I’ll help organize the session while looking for the moments that feel natural.
Beach & vacation
Beach & Vacation Photography
Bringing the whole family together for a Charleston vacation is worth documenting.
I photograph beach and vacation sessions on locations including Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. We’ll choose the location and timing around your group, your plans and the kind of photographs you want.
Couples
Couples & Engagement Photography
Couples and engagement sessions are available for people who want photographs that feel personal rather than overly posed.
I’ll guide you when you need direction while giving you plenty of room to interact naturally.
Seniors
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits should reflect the person you’ve become, not just be a collection of standard poses.
I create relaxed senior sessions with a mix of natural portraits and images that show personality.
Headshots
Professional Headshots
I also photograph individual professional headshots for LinkedIn, company websites and other professional uses.
Individual headshot sessions are typically 20 minutes or less and are designed to be efficient without making you feel rushed or uncomfortable.
Why Adam
Why people book me, and come back
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I know how to work with people.
Photography is not only about cameras, lenses and lighting. It’s about making people comfortable.
I’ve photographed everyone from energetic kids to people who would rather be anywhere than in front of a camera. I know how to keep things relaxed while still creating strong photographs.
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I help with the planning.
Not sure which location makes sense? Wondering what to wear? Unsure about the best time for your session?
I can help you work through those decisions before we meet so you’re not left figuring everything out yourself.
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I know how to adapt.
Outdoor photography doesn’t always go exactly according to plan. Lighting changes, weather changes and kids have their own schedules.
I’m comfortable adjusting as we go, including using off-camera flash when available light isn’t enough.
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You get photographs you can keep and share.
Your session includes high-resolution digital files delivered through a private online gallery. You can download your photographs, share them with family and order prints and other products through the gallery.
About Adam
Meet Adam Chandler
I’m Adam Chandler, a professional photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve been working professionally for more than 20 years.
Charleston, South Carolina
20+ yrs
My path into photography started with my dad, who passed down his Minolta film camera to me while I was in high school. I studied journalism at the University of Georgia, took photography classes, attended photography school in Atlanta and worked alongside professional photographers in Atlanta and Austin.
My career has included working as an in-house photographer at Hard Rock International, teaching photography at a community college and working as a photographer and videographer for the Charleston City Paper before eventually going independent.
Today, I especially enjoy photographing families. I love the combination of personalities, relationships, laughter and all the little moments that happen when people are together.
I also enjoy the technical side of photography and the challenge of creating good images when the lighting, weather or circumstances aren’t perfect.
“Most of all, I want people to enjoy being photographed. The pictures matter, but so does the experience of getting them.”
A Little More About Life in Charleston
Outside of photography, I’ve co-owned and operated the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market on James Island with my friend Meg for more than 12 years.
I’m proud to call Charleston home and enjoy using the Lowcountry as the setting for my work.
- 20+years behind the camera
- UGAjournalism at the University of Georgia
- Hard Rockin-house photographer, Hard Rock International
- City Paperphotographer & videographer, Charleston City Paper
- 12+years co-running the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market
Where I shoot
Charleston Photography Locations
I photograph families and portraits throughout Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. The best location depends on your group, the type of session you’re planning and the look you want from your photographs.
Some of the locations I regularly photograph include
Scroll sideways · Hover or tap a postcard to flip it
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Kiawah Island
Beach
Beach
Kiawah Island
Kiawah and Seabrook are popular choices for beach and vacation sessions, while Folly Beach and Isle of Palms offer their own distinct beach settings.
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Seabrook Island
Beach
Beach
Seabrook Island
Kiawah and Seabrook are popular choices for beach and vacation sessions.
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Folly Beach
Beach
Beach
Folly Beach
Folly Beach and Isle of Palms offer their own distinct beach settings.
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Isle of Palms
Beach
Beach
Isle of Palms
Folly Beach and Isle of Palms offer their own distinct beach settings.
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Downtown Charleston
Historic
Historic
Downtown Charleston
For downtown sessions, we can use areas around Rainbow Row, The Battery and Waterfront Park.
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Mount Pleasant
Harbor & Islands
Harbor & Islands
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant offers options such as Shem Creek and the Pitt Street Bridge.
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James Island
Harbor & Islands
Harbor & Islands
James Island
Tell me about your family and your plans, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right setting.
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Hampton Park
Historic
Historic
Hampton Park
Tell me about your family and your plans, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right setting.
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Johns Island
Harbor & Islands
Harbor & Islands
Johns Island
Tell me about your family and your plans, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right setting.
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Daniel Island
Harbor & Islands
Harbor & Islands
Daniel Island
Tell me about your family and your plans, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right setting.
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Not sure where? That’s okay.
If you’re not sure where your session should take place, that’s okay. Tell me about your family, your plans and what you have in mind, and I’ll help you narrow down the options.
Beyond Charleston
I also travel outside the Charleston area for sessions in places such as Hilton Head, Bluffton, Edisto, Beaufort and Pawleys Island, with a travel fee.
How it works
Three simple steps to your session
Send your date. I’ll reply within 24 hours.
Check My Date-
Step 01 / 03
Tell me what you’re looking for.
Send me your preferred date, the type of session you need and anything else you think I should know.
I’ll reply within 24 hours with availability, pricing and the next steps.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Availability & pricing
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Step 02 / 03
Plan and enjoy your session.
Once your session is booked, we’ll work through the location and timing. I can also provide guidance on what to wear and help you prepare.
When we meet, I’ll guide you through the photography. You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.
- Location & timing
- What to wear
- Guided posing
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Step 03 / 03
Receive your photographs.
Your photographs are selected and edited by me before being delivered through a private online gallery.
When I’m shooting full-time, my normal turnaround is about two weeks. While I’m currently balancing photography with my full-time job, delivery can be closer to three weeks.
From your gallery, you can view, download and share your photographs, as well as order prints and other products.
- Private online gallery
- Download & share
- Order prints
Reviews
What Clients Say
Real people, real sessions and photographs they were happy to take home.
We booked Adam for our family photos in Kiawah during our vacation… Book him! You won’t regret it!
He made us all feel at ease. Despite the children acting very wild, he was able to get some wonderful pictures that we will cherish forever!
FAQ
Questions Families, Visitors and Businesses Ask
Pricing at a glance
Investment
Family session · approx. 1 hour$850
Beach session · approx. 1 hour$950
Individual headshots$350
+ $50 per retouched image
A $350 non-refundable retainer reserves your date and is applied toward the session. Family sessions typically include 60–80 edited images.
Still have a question? Call (843) 735-2275
What types of photography do you offer?
I photograph family portraits, beach and vacation sessions, couples and engagements, senior portraits and individual professional headshots. I also offer team and company headshots, although family photography and individual portrait work are a bigger focus for me.
Where do you photograph families?
I photograph families throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry, including Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island and Daniel Island.
I also travel to other Lowcountry locations when requested.
How much does family photography cost?
A standard family session is $850 for approximately one hour.
Beach sessions are $950 for approximately one hour.
A $350 non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your date and is applied toward the session.
What is included with a family photography session?
Your session includes my photography time, basic retouching and creative editing, plus high-resolution digital files.
Family sessions typically include 60–80 edited images.
How much do professional headshots cost?
Individual headshots are $350 for the session plus $50 per retouched image.
Individual headshot sessions are typically 20 minutes or less.
How long does it take to receive the photos?
When I’m working full-time as a photographer, my normal turnaround is about two weeks.
While I’m currently balancing photography with my full-time job, delivery can be closer to three weeks.
What should we wear for family photos?
You don’t need to match everyone’s clothing.
I recommend choosing outfits that coordinate well and feel comfortable for your family. Once your session is booked, I can provide simple guidance to help you plan what everyone will wear.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Outdoor sessions can be rescheduled if bad weather makes the session impractical. If you need to reschedule because of illness or another situation, 24 hours’ notice allows the retainer to be applied to a new date.
I’ll also reschedule an outdoor session when weather conditions make it difficult to create the photographs you’re looking for.
Do you offer mini sessions?
No. I don’t currently offer mini sessions.
Do you photograph maternity or newborn sessions?
No. These are not services I currently offer.
Can we include our extended family?
Yes. Extended-family sessions are welcome. If you have a large group, let me know when you inquire so I can plan the session around the different family combinations you want.
Do you offer prints?
Yes. Prints and other print products can be ordered through your online gallery.
Let’s get started
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Tell me what you’re looking for, when you’d like to have your photographs taken and anything else that would help me understand your plans.
Whether you’re planning family portraits, a Charleston beach session, senior portraits, couples photos or professional headshots, you don’t need to have every detail figured out before you contact me.
I’ll help you work through the location, timing and next steps.
Free guide
Not ready to book yet?
That’s completely fine. Download my free Tips for a Great Session guide and get a few simple ideas to help you feel more prepared before you step in front of the camera.