SARAH AND PORTER
Chasing Reflections: Sarah & Porter at Cypress Gardens
There is a reason Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner is known as one of the most romantic spots in the South. While the "Notebook" fame brings people in, it’s the quiet, silver-toned magic of the swamp that keeps us coming back.
This morning, I had the pleasure of capturing Sarah and Porter in the crisp, early light. Sarah and Porter have a playful, steady energy that perfectly balanced the moody, dramatic backdrop of the cypress trees. We leaned into the "fairytale" aesthetic of the location, resulting in a gallery that feels both timeless and ethereal.
Behind the Lens: How We Got the Shot
Shooting in a swamp presents unique challenges, especially with the high contrast of dark water and bright morning sky. Here are a few technical choices I made during Sarah and Porter’s session to make the images pop:
Aperture for Depth: For those iconic shots on the bridges, I used a wider aperture (around f/2.8) to create a soft, creamy background. This kept the focus entirely on Sarah and Porter while letting the Spanish moss turn into a dreamy, blurred frame around them.
Managing the "Blackwater" Reflections: The swamp water acts like a giant mirror. To get those perfect reflections of them in the boat, I shot from a low angle and used a circular polarizer filter to cut the glare on the surface, revealing the rich, dark tones of the water.
Compensating for the Shade: Under the thick canopy of cypress trees, it can get surprisingly dark even on a sunny morning. I bumped my ISO slightly higher (around 400-800) to keep my shutter speed fast enough to capture their candid laughs without any motion blur.
What to Wear: Color Palette Tips
Sarah and Porter nailed their wardrobe, which is half the battle at a location as visually "busy" as a cypress swamp. If you're planning a session here, keep these color tips in mind:
Lean into Earth Tones & Neutrals: Because the gardens are dominated by deep greens, browns, and grey Spanish moss, colors like cream, champagne, terracotta, or sage green look incredible. Sarah chose a soft neutral that didn't compete with the scenery.
The Power of Contrast: If you want to stand out against the dark water, white or ivory is a classic "Notebook" inspired choice. It acts as a natural reflector and makes you the brightest part of the image.
Avoid "Camouflage" Colors: Try to stay away from dark forest greens or muddy browns, as you might blend into the trees a bit too much!
Think About Texture: Since the morning air was brisk, we incorporated textures like knits and denim. Texture adds "visual weight" to photos, making them feel cozy and high-end.
A Morning to Remember
From rowing the white boats through the lily pads to walking the winding paths wrapped in moss, Sarah and Porter’s session was a masterclass in Lowcountry romance. There’s nothing quite like the stillness of Cypress Gardens before the afternoon crowds arrive.
"The swamp doesn't just provide a backdrop; it provides a mood. It slows everything down so the couple can just be."
Planning a session and stuck on an outfit? I can put together a custom style board for you—just ask!
