Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Photographer in Charleston, SC
Captured by Kate Photography has been dedicated to preserving authentic family moments and lifestyle memories in Charleston, SC for over two decades. Our team specializes in candid, photojournalistic-style photography that captures the true essence of families, individuals, and special occasions. With extensive experience photographing in Charleston and surrounding areas like Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, we guide clients through personalized sessions tailored to their unique stories. Our expertise in natural lighting and ability to create relaxed environments ensure timeless images that reflect genuine personalities. We serve both local residents and visitors celebrating milestones such as new babies, anniversaries, and senior portraits.Our commitment to diversity and individuality makes every client feel valued and celebrated. By combining technical skill with artistic vision, we deliver photographs that families will cherish across generations. Our process begins with in-depth consultations to understand client visions, followed by expertly curated sessions and final delivery of high-quality, edited images. This approach has earned us recognition in publications and a loyal clientele who appreciate our dedication to capturing life's most meaningful moments.
Services
Family Portraits
Lifestyle Photography
Graduation Portraits
In-Home Sessions
Commercial Photography
Business Portraits
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience photographing Charleston families
- Our team provides personalized phone consultations before every session
- Expertise in natural lighting for flattering sunrise/sunset portraits
- Proven comfort working with children, pets, and large family groups
- Committed to celebrating diversity and individuality in every session
What people say
5.0 Google reviews
Capture authentic moments
Support diversity
Great with kids
Professional expertise
Services
Family Portraits
Outdoor and in-home family portraits capturing multi-generational groups, toddlers to seniors. Sessions use natural light near sunrise/sunset or midday in your home. Includes pets and extended family members. Focuses on authentic interactions and timeless compositions that reflect your family's unique dynamics and relationships.
Lifestyle Photography
Documentary-style photography capturing daily life and special moments. Ideal for milestone celebrations, annual updates, or preserving everyday memories. Photographers blend into the background to capture genuine emotions and interactions in both private homes and scenic outdoor locations across Charleston.
Graduation Portraits
Custom senior portrait sessions showcasing individual personalities. Available at golden hour for optimal lighting, with options for outfit changes, personal props, and companion guests. Combines posed and candid shots to highlight achievements and personal style in natural settings around Charleston.
Commercial Photography
Professional branding and editorial photography for businesses. Services include corporate headshots, annual report imagery, and marketing content. Utilizes both environmental and studio-style approaches to create compelling visual narratives that enhance brand identity and professional credibility for local and national clients.
In-Home Sessions
Documentary-style family photography in your personal space. Captures natural interactions in familiar environments with optimal midday lighting. Perfect for welcoming new family members or creating annual records of children's growth. Includes pets and interior details that reflect your family's lifestyle and personality.
People
Kate Thornton
Owner/Photographer
Founder with 20+ years of professional photography experience. Specializes in candid family portraits and commercial work. Graduated from College of Charleston in 2000 and established the business in 2004. Recognized for photojournalistic style and ability to capture authentic moments.
Larry
Associate Photographer
Charleston native with six years of experience at Captured by Kate. Serves as second photographer and office assistant. Holds photography degree from Trident Technical College. Specializes in family sessions and videography with a focus on creating comfortable environments for children.
Amy
Photographer
Charleston resident since 2011 with educational background in English and Education. Specializes in family and children's photography. Holds AAS in Commercial Graphics for Photography. Combines teaching experience with visual storytelling to create engaging portrait sessions for diverse family groups.
Questions
What photography services do you offer?
We specialize in family portraits, lifestyle photography, graduation portraits, in-home sessions, and commercial photography. Our services include both outdoor and studio-style options tailored to your specific needs.
How do I book a photography session?
Contact us through our website or call 843-442-0802 to schedule a discovery call. We'll discuss your vision, recommend optimal timing, and provide pricing details before finalizing your booking.
What's the best time for family photo sessions?
Outdoor sessions work best near sunrise or sunset for soft lighting. In-home sessions are typically scheduled midday when natural light is strongest inside homes.
Can we include pets in our family portraits?
Absolutely! We welcome pets in both in-home and outdoor family portrait sessions. Our photographers have extensive experience working with animals to capture their natural personalities.
Do you photograph diverse family structures?
Yes, we celebrate all family types and individual expressions. Our inclusive approach supports pride, diversity, and unique family dynamics in every photography session we conduct.
What should we wear for portraits?
We provide detailed style guidance during your consultation. Generally, we recommend coordinating colors without matching exactly, and choosing comfortable outfits that reflect your family's personality.
