Five Years of Memories: A Kiawah Island Family Session with Taylor Rae Photography

Some families you photograph once. Others become part of your story year after year.

For the past five summers, I’ve had the joy of meeting this sweet family on the sandy beaches of Kiawah Island to document their growing family. When we first began, their second little boy was just a baby. Now, he runs confidently beside his older brother, full of laughter, energy, and personality.

As a Charleston family photographer, watching families return year after year is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. This Kiawah Island family session wasn’t just another session…it was another chapter in a five-year story of love, growth, and connection.

A Five-Year Family Photography Tradition on Kiawah Island

There is something incredibly special about photographing the same family over time.

When we met for our very first session, their family looked so different. Tiny hands, soft baby hair, and the quiet sweetness of early childhood defined those early images. Each summer since, we’ve returned to Kiawah Island to capture how time has gently reshaped their family.

Now, five years later, those babies are big kids. Their bond is stronger. Their personalities shine. And their parents have a collection of images that tells a complete story of childhood unfolding year by year.

This is the beauty of annual family photography. It becomes more meaningful with time.

Why Kiawah Island Is Perfect for Summer Family Photos

As a Charleston, South Carolina family photographer, I’m lucky to work in some truly beautiful coastal locations. Kiawah Island is always at the top of my list.

Soft Summer Light on the Coast

The open beaches and soft summer light create a timeless, natural backdrop. In the evenings, the sun casts a warm glow that is incredibly flattering and perfect for family portraits.

A Relaxed Space for Kids to Be Themselves

The beach is one of the best places for children to relax and just be kids.

Running barefoot through the sand.
Searching for shells.
Splashing at the edge of the water.

These natural moments are where the most genuine images happen.

Watching the Littles Grow: Beach Family Photos in Kiawah Island

One of the most emotional parts of this session was thinking back to that very first year together.

Their second son was just a baby then. Held close, wrapped in arms, completely dependent on his parents. Now, he runs down the shoreline with his older brother and little sister, racing, laughing, and stopping every few steps to show off a new shell or stick.

Each year, I focus on more than just how they look. I watch for:

• The way they lean into their parents

• The quiet moments between siblings

• The laughter that happens in between poses

These are the moments that become priceless with time.

The Value of Annual Family Photography

Many families wonder if it’s worth doing photos every year. This family is the perfect example of why the answer is yes.

Children Change Faster Than You Think

Five years goes by in the blink of an eye.

Babies become toddlers.
Toddlers become big kids.
Little habits fade and new ones take their place.

Photographs freeze those fleeting stages that are so easy to forget.

Your Family Story Becomes a Collection

Instead of one gallery from one year, this family now has a complete visual story.

Five summers.
Five sessions.
Five chapters of childhood preserved forever.

A Session That Felt Like Coming Home: Kiawah Island Family Photography

By now, these sessions feel less like a photo shoot and more like a reunion.

Their kids recognize me.
The parents trust the process.
Everyone arrives relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening.

That comfort shows in the images…fewer stiff poses, more real moments, more connection.

This summer Kiawah Island family session was filled with sandy toes, salty air, warm light, and the kind of simple joy that makes beach photography so special.

Planning Your Own Kiawah Island Family Session

If you’re considering a family session on Kiawah Island or in the Charleston area, I always encourage you to think beyond just one year.

Your children will never be this age again.
Your family will never look exactly like this again.

Photographs give you the gift of remembering.

Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, I would love to help you document your family’s story, one beautiful chapter at a time.