Our first home | Savannah, Ga| laurie schultz photography

Do you remember your first home?  Or maybe you are lucky enough to still be in your first home and have these moments captured too!  I love that this family really wanted their family session inside and around their very first home.  They have been making plans for the future but wanted to remember years from now where they started.  So much love goes into your first home that these sessions always make me feel so sentimental and I feel such a great responsibility to capture moments that will help transport you back to this very time and place years from now.  These sessions hold so much meaning to both my clients and to myself as a photographer, it is almost like we are creating a very special time capsule for your family.  

In home sessions are among my very favorite sessions.  Children are always so at ease inside their home, and love showing off all of their cool toys.  This little man was no exception, he welcomed me into his space and we had the most fun doing what he loves to do:  play baseball, cars, football, read, take a family walk.  Oh how precious age 2 is, so full of wonder and joy!  I hope this sweet boy will one day look back on these photos and see just how loved and treasured he is by his parents!  I also loved watching mom and dad interact with one another and just relax and enjoy a typical Saturday morning as a family.  

If you are interested in what an in home session would look like for you, I would love to chat with you!  You can contact me HERE.

Savannah Botanical Garden | Savannah, GA | laurie schultz photography

I have only been in business a little over a year now.  One of the very first families I had the privilege of photographing was when these sweet boys turned 6 months old!  (Click HERE to view that adorable session!)  The very reason I turned my photography hobby into a business was because I cherish the photos I have of my kids at every age, and I wanted to give this gift to other families as well.  So now, when I see my clients coming back for more it makes me so happy!  They get it, they understand how fleeting these moments are and I feel so honored to capture more sweet moments with them!  

This session was not only special because I love this family, but also because they are expecting again!  And wait for it...it's TWINS!!!  What a sweet time in this family's life!  We explored the beautiful grounds together at the Savannah Botanical Garden., if you haven't visited here it really is a hidden gem in Savannah.  This morning could not have been any more beautiful...I love when you start to feel the crisp cool air again!  These adventurous boys loved exploring with me and had me quickly out of breath, but it was worth every second!  

Forsyth Park Family Session | Savannah, Ga | laurie schultz photography

Growing up in Savannah I imagine must feel like a fairytale for a little girl.  Especially, when you've hit the jackpot with amazing parents.  This sweet family contacted me to take some photos right before welcoming baby #2 into the world.  I loved walking around this gorgeous park, that they frequent so often,  and capturing moments for them that I know their kids will treasure for years to come.  

As a side note:  these photos were taken just a few weeks after Hurricane Matthew came barreling through Savannah, Ga.  This was my first trip back to this iconic park since the storm, and I was so surprised and saddened to see it still in disarray.  Many sections of this park are still roped off because of downed trees.  I was so glad though that we were able to make our way around the park still and find nooks and crannies that are still magical every time you come back.  

Jekyll Island Family Vacation | Jekyll Island, GA | laurie schultz photography

I had never been to Jekyll Island before, so I was stoked when this family invited me to crash their vacation.  This family has been coming to Jekyll since they were kids and it holds so many wonderful memories for them.  I was so excited to capture memories for them in this very special place.  Stepping onto Jekyll Island is like stepping onto a dreamland, you immediately know there is something special about it.  Huge Spanish moss trees line the streets among palm trees, beautiful bike trails line the edge of the island, and golf carts rule the streets.  This place was so peaceful, I can see why it is a favorite destination in Georgia.   I definitely plan on coming back here with my family soon.  

I met this gorgeous family at a historic home:  Horton House.  Walking into this home you immediately notice the amazing materials that it was built from.  The main walls of the house are made from a material you see a lot in the south called, Tabby.  This is a mixture of water, lime, sand, and oyster shells.  Unfortunately the mosquitoes were terrible here at this time of day, but look at the smiles on their faces...you would never know, right?!  I hated to leave this gorgeous place, but our next destination I was dying to see.  

From the Horton House we took a short little 3 minute drive to the end of the island to the very iconic:  Driftwood Beach.  This beach is called "Driftwood" because huge pieces of driftwood can be found here.  The unique and fun thing about this beach is that it is also ever changing, some months will have more driftwood than others.  When we arrived there were only a few pieces to be found, but it was beautiful nonetheless.  After taking a walk on the beach we had a picnic right by the pier, where friendly lil squirrels came right up to us to get some table scraps.  Then we closed out the evening with a sunset walk on the pier.  Watching the HUGE orange sun go down over the water and marsh was a beautiful sight and a beautiful ending to this family session.   

Tybee Island Family Vacation | Tybee Island, Ga Photographer | laurie schultz photography

A family vacation in Georgia!  We met up on the south end of Tybee Island.  This is one of my favorite spots to photograph on the Island because the beach is a bit wider and less frequented. There is also more wildlife on this side of the island: horseshoe crabs, dolphins, even starfish can be found!        

We started our evening by just walking around the south end and putting our toes in the water.  Trying to keep cool in this southern heat can be challenging, but thankfully there was a breeze in the air!  As we closed out the evening, a water fight broke out (much spurred on by the ladies in the family!), I love a family that plays together!

Click HERE to see more Savannah, GA Travel sessions! 

6 months old! | Savannah, Ga | laurie schultz photography

This sweet baby is now 6 months old!  Do you remember when I did his newborn session?  My goodness, it is such a joy for me to be able to come back and photograph such sweet milestones in this little ones life.  My absolute favorite place to photograph is inside homes.  Why?  Well, so much of your life takes place inside your home...this is where I find children and parents most relaxed and at ease.  You just cannot create the same connections in any other setting.  

If you have been on the fence about having an in home family session, let me put you at ease.  Your home does not have to be decorated perfectly, or incredibly spacious, or even clean to capture beautiful and meaningful moments there.  Have you been following my  100 days of summer project?  Then you have seen my daily chaos/messy house, and I doubt that you've judged me for it (or maybe you have... haha, in which case please come help me!)  

Anyways, I will get off my soap box now.  Go grab a cup of coffee, and find a quiet corner or closet in your home to enjoy this beautiful in home family session.  You will quickly see why I love photographing in home.  

Christmas in June | Savannah, Ga Family Session | laurie schultz photography

Back in December, the kids went together on a gift for Christmas for their parents and purchased a gift certificate.  Gift certificates are good for 1 year from date of purchase, so we found a date that worked for everyone and off we went!  

I have to say this was one of the most FUN sessions I have ever done.  I love it when a family doesn't take themselves to seriously.  We basically laughed and played, and created some beautiful memories.  Mom's, Dad's, Grandparents my job is to make your family photo experience actually enjoyable and dare I say...FUN?!  This is what I love to do, and I feel so lucky every time I get another amazing family behind my lens.  I especially love it when sessions are given as gifts.  

 

The most treasured heirlooms are the sweet memories of family
-unknown

 

Souvenirs| Savannah, Ga Travel Session| laurie schultz photography

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When you go on vacation, what is your favorite souvenir to bring back?  For me, I always look for a magnet that reminds me of something from our trip.  So everytime I open the fridge at home, I'm reminded of all these fun vacations we've taken and memories made.  

I probably will always look for a magnet on vacation, but when this family contacted me to document their vacation in Savannah, I was thrilled!  How brilliant is it to hire a photographer while on vacation?  I mean duh!  Why have I never thought of this?  The point of souvenirs are to trigger memories, so what better souvenir than actual photographs of experiences?!  I don't know about you, but when I look back at photographs from vacations it absolutely takes me back to those moments.  So, if you are vacationing in Savannah or in the surrounding areas...contact me!  My absolute favorite thing to document are special moments for families.  

This adorable family and I clicked right away.  Mom actually found me on Instagram, connected with my work and booked me soon after!  This made me all sorts of giddy, I love when clients really "get" me.  As we strolled through forsyth park, chatted it up, and got lost in the gorgeous morning light I began to wish that this awesome family lived in Savannah!  This was their first trip to Savannah, but I have a feeling that they will be back again soon (at least I hope so).  Take a peek at what vacationing in Savannah looks like...

Tybee Island Family Session | laurie schultz photography | tybee island ga

I am a fan of the beach in every season and in all weather conditions (minus hurricanes, ha).  This cloudy beach day turned out to be just perfect for this family session.  The sky acted as this huge lightbox casting such gorgeous light onto this sweet family.  But just the perfect amount of sunlight peeked it's head out several times.  SWOON! 

Isn't it amazing how different the beach can be everytime you go?  I have been to this part of Tybee Island many times, but I have never seen it covered with straw like it was on this day.  I considered moving to another part of the beach because of it, but i'm so glad I didn't, I love the way it looks!  Sometimes in photography you take risks, and this risk paid off!  

Photographing friends of mine is always a treat.  I feel like i'm kinda cheating as a photographer because I know their personalities a bit and can then use it to my advantage!  haha!  That is why when you book a session with me I send you a lengthy questionnaire.  It is so necessary for your photographer to get to know you before a session and to be able to know how to best interact with you and bring out your unique personalities!  I love watching timid/shy kids loosen up during a session, and let their little lights shine!  These kids however, are not shy.  They were so much fun to run around with and get all sandy with.  Speaking of sandy, make sure to scroll to the bottom to see a classic kid vs parent moment.  

Ready to book a beach session?  You know I love the beach, especially in summer!  Contact me today to get on the calendar.  BOOKING NOW