Ellen Charis Photography

Ellen Charis Photography Hi there and welcome! My name is Ellen and I am the founder and visionary behind Ellen Charis Photography. Photography is one of my stronger passions.

A lifestyle, family, wedding, portrait, and newborn photographer serving the greater Charleston, SC area with the goal of capturing precious moments for you to treasure forever. For as long as I can remember, I have loved anything that has to do with creating visual beauty. Designing my dream room with magazine cutouts, illustrating historic events for history class, hand lettering quotes and Bibl

e verses, crafting and selling jewelry, and many more hobbies attracted my time and attention throughout my childhood. I have a BA in Graphic Design from Charleston Southern University with minors in Business Management, Web Development, and Studio Art. Those who knew me when I was younger do not find it surprising that I pursued those interests. Creating visual imagery and capturing moments in beautiful ways are some of my favorite things to do. You can never replay a moment but you can capture it to save forever. That’s the beauty behind photography and I love it! In addition to photography, I enjoy taking content and crafting it into something visually pleasing. Whether that be a website, poster, flyer, digital illustration, logo, or photo I love it all! And if I’ve never done it before, I’m ready to try. I’d love to connect with you! Shoot me a message or follow my photography journey via social media. I can’t wait to connect with you! Behind the Name. I have always been described as someone who is simple yet elegant. When designing my personal brand, these were two words that I kept in mind. The meaning behind my brand name is based off of my name. “Ellen” is my first name and means “bright, shining light.” My middle name, “Charis” (pronounced kār-iss), is Greek for “grace, kindness, and life.” I desire for my designs and photography to capture the light and life around me.

"I'm worried my kids aren't going to cooperate."If I had a dollar for every time a parent said this before a session... ...
06/06/2026

"I'm worried my kids aren't going to cooperate."

If I had a dollar for every time a parent said this before a session... 😄

Let me put your mind at ease: I do not expect your children to be perfectly behaved.

In fact, I expect them to be kids.

They might run. They might wiggle. They might need a snack break. They might decide they're not interested in smiling at the camera. And that's okay. 🤍

My job isn't to show up and hope everyone magically behaves. My job is to guide the session, interact with your children, keep things moving, and create opportunities for genuine moments together.

We'll play games. We'll walk. We'll laugh. We'll snuggle. I'll give prompts and direction, but I also leave room for your family's unique personalities to shine through.

The goal isn't perfection.

The goal is photographing this season of life as it truly is—the love, connection, and joy that exists right now.

So if you're worried your little ones won't cooperate, know that you're not the first parent to feel that way... and the photos almost always turn out beautifully anyway. 🥰

Send me a DM if you'd like to chat about planning a relaxed, stress-free session.

A little confession... this session is almost two years old. 🙈Yes, I'm that behind on sharing photos.But some moments ar...
06/04/2026

A little confession... this session is almost two years old. 🙈

Yes, I'm that behind on sharing photos.

But some moments are worth sharing no matter how much time has passed. 🤍

This was my sister's high school graduation session, and while her beauty is obvious in these photos, what I love most about her can't be photographed. Her love for the Lord, her servant's heart, her joy, and her desire to see others know Christ are what make her truly beautiful.

And that's one of the reasons I treasure photographs so deeply.

The people we love won't stay in the same season forever. They grow, change, move away, and step into new chapters. Having photographs that remind us of who they were and the moments we shared along the way is priceless.

So proud of you, sis. 🤍

What's a photograph of someone you love that you'll always treasure?

Not sure which session to book? You’re not alone 🤍Here’s a simple way to decide:If you want something quick and easy—a h...
05/13/2026

Not sure which session to book? You’re not alone 🤍

Here’s a simple way to decide:

If you want something quick and easy—a handful of updated photos, one location, one outfit—mini sessions are perfect.

If you’re wanting more variety, a slower pace, multiple groupings, or a more in-depth experience, a full session is the way to go.

Also consider your people—larger groups and extended families usually need more time, while little ones sometimes do best with short and sweet.

At the end of the day, it’s about choosing what allows you to actually enjoy the experience and get the photos you’re hoping for.

Not sure what fits your vision? Send me a DM and I’ll help you decide.

She was traveling in from out of town and made time for something that really matters 🤍A quick mini session, thoughtfull...
05/10/2026

She was traveling in from out of town and made time for something that really matters 🤍

A quick mini session, thoughtfully planned around their travel schedule—with a backup date in place just in case the weather didn’t cooperate. Because when you’re traveling, those plans and details matter.

But what made this session extra special?
She wanted photos with her parents… as their adult daughter.

Those moments don’t come around often. And they’re easy to overlook until you realize how meaningful they are.

This is why photo sessions are worth the investment. Not just for where you are in life, but for who you get to share it with.

✨ Tag someone you’d love updated photos with

“We're just awkward in photos.”I hear this all the time… and I’m going to gently disagree 🤍You’re not awkward—you’ve jus...
05/08/2026

“We're just awkward in photos.”

I hear this all the time… and I’m going to gently disagree 🤍

You’re not awkward—you’ve just never been properly guided.

Most people don’t know what to do with their hands, where to stand, or how to interact naturally in front of a camera. That’s not your job… it’s mine.

I’ll direct you, prompt you, and create space for real connection so you’re not left wondering what to do next. No stiff posing. No pressure to perform. Just you being yourself with the people you love.

That’s where the magic is. ✨

Send me a DM and I’ll walk you through what a session really feels like

Planning family photos while traveling can feel like a gamble… especially when weather is involved.This sweet family cam...
05/07/2026

Planning family photos while traveling can feel like a gamble… especially when weather is involved.

This sweet family came to Charleston for long-overdue photos, and one thing I always reassure my clients of is this: you’re not on your own if plans need to shift.

I build flexibility into every session. We keep a close eye on the forecast, have backup dates in place when possible, and I guide you every step of the way if we need to pivot. Whether that means adjusting timing, shifting locations, or rescheduling, the goal is always the same—an easy, low-stress experience for you.

Because your time here matters, and your photos should never feel rushed or uncertain.

Traveling to Charleston and want a stress-free session? Let’s plan it together

Newborn sessions at home are some of my favorites 🤍 especially when big siblings are part of the story too.If you’re a n...
05/05/2026

Newborn sessions at home are some of my favorites 🤍 especially when big siblings are part of the story too.

If you’re a new mama feeling nervous about how this would actually work—deep breath. I come into your space and guide the entire process so it feels calm, simple, and unhurried.

We follow your baby’s rhythm. We pause for feedings, diaper changes, snuggles, and all the in-between moments. Older siblings? They don’t need to “perform” or sit still the whole time—I gently guide them into natural, easy interactions so they can just be themselves.

Your home becomes the perfect backdrop for this season of life. No packing up. No rushing out the door. Just your people, in your space, loving on your newest little one.

The goal is always the same: a relaxed experience where you can actually enjoy the process while I do all the directing for you.

✨ Expecting a baby and want an at-home session? Send me a DM and let’s talk about it

Visiting Charleston and want photos that actually feel like your trip? 🤍This sweet family was in town and wanted to reme...
05/02/2026

Visiting Charleston and want photos that actually feel like your trip? 🤍

This sweet family was in town and wanted to remember it all—so we planned a session tailored just for them, including two locations they loved.

Your session doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s multiple spots, a specific vision, or simply space to enjoy your family, I’ll guide you through it all and make it feel easy.

The goal? Photos that feel like you in a place you’ll always remember.

✨ Planning a trip to Charleston? Let’s make it memorable.📸

Choosing the right photographer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what style fits your vision. 🌟Her...
04/30/2026

Choosing the right photographer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what style fits your vision. 🌟

Here’s the good news: I love blending the best of both worlds! I capture natural, candid moments that tell your story while also guiding you into a few lightly posed shots to ensure we get the timeless portraits you’ll cherish.

Plus, I use natural light to create a warm, authentic feel in every image—whether we’re chasing golden hour glow or finding soft shade for a midday session.

I aim for consistency so you know what to expect!

Questions? Ask away in the comments below!

Here are 3 tips for maximum enjoyment of your wedding photos…👉🏼 Prep, plan, and communicate ahead of time. If there are ...
10/14/2025

Here are 3 tips for maximum enjoyment of your wedding photos…

👉🏼 Prep, plan, and communicate ahead of time. If there are certain events, friends, family members, poses, or locations you want photographed on your wedding day, be sure to communicate those priorities & expectations to your photographer ahead of time.
When I meet with couples to plan the photography for their wedding, I always ask for these priorities and expectations and then proceed to write them down. I keep those lists with me throughout the wedding day to ensure I’m not missing anything important to you.🤗

👉🏼 Relax & enjoy the wedding day as it unfolds and trust that your photographer has his/her job under control!😉 If you’ve communicated everything ahead of time, there’s no need to stress or manage the day when it arrives. Enjoy every beautiful moment to its fullest!

👉🏼 Take time to relive your wedding day by looking through your finished gallery of photos regularly. I do this with my wedding photos ALL THE TIME!!!🤪 The moments, faces, and memories that I forget or simply didn’t witness the day of are so fun to look back on.

Bonus: Print a photo book or prints for your home to display! Little reminders of the best day of your life surrounding you is the sweetest!🥰

What are your thoughts and what ways do you continue to enjoy photos from your wedding day? 🌟 Let’s chat in the comments!

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Cake // Publix
Dress // David's Bridal
Suits // Fancy Frocks Bridal
Bride's Ring // Reeds Jewelers
Venue // FBC Georgetown

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Charleston, SC

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