Sandcastles, Salt Air, and the Walsh Family at Folly Beach
Some people just work harder than everyone else in the room, and Megan and Todd Walsh of Atomic Furnishing and Design in Asheville are two of them. We tagged along on their family weekend at Folly Beach and caught the boogie boarding, the sandcastles, and two of the best friends we know finally slowing down.
Some people you meet in life just work harder than everyone else in the room, and Megan and Todd Walsh are two of them. If you've ever wandered into Atomic Furnishing and Design in Asheville, you already know the feeling. It's the kind of shop that has a soul, full of pieces with history and character, put together by two people who genuinely love what they do.
And if you looked a little closer, you might have spotted our own little corner in there too, because we run Sound Furnishings inside their shop. These two aren't just fellow small business owners we admire. They're some of our best friends.
So when the chance came to tag along on a family beach trip to Folly Beach, we jumped at it. And honestly, it was a gift to be included.
The kind of people you root for
We've heard and seen Megan and Todd walk through more than most business owners face in a lifetime, and they've done it with a steadiness that still amazes us.
They kept their business and their family going through Covid, back when nobody knew what tomorrow looked like. Then Hurricane Helene came through and the flooding wiped away their old store on the Swannanoa River. Gone. The kind of loss that would flatten a lot of people for good.
But that's not who they are. They have faith and they rebuilt. They kept showing up. They kept believing in what they were building, for their family and for the community that loves them.
Watching them keep pouring into their shop, their kids, and the people around them has been one of the most inspiring things we've gotten to witness up close.
They are, without exaggeration, some of the most resilient, hardworking, and genuinely positive people we know.
Slowing down at Folly Beach
Which is exactly why this trip mattered so much. After everything, this was their week to finally exhale a bit. Just their family, the sand, and the salt air.
We loaded up and headed down to Folly Beach, and it was everything a beach week should be. The kids were absolutely in their element. There was boogie boarding in the waves, that pure kind of joy where they'd catch one and immediately run back out for another. There were sandcastles too, and our son jumped right in, the way kids do when the friendship is really between the grownups but somehow becomes theirs too. Little architects hard at work, arguing over shovels and moats.
And in the middle of all of it, we got to do what we love most. We pulled out the camera and caught them just being together. Not posed, not stiff, just real. Megan and Todd watching their kids, the light going soft and golden - then blue toward the end of the day, everyone tired in the best possible way. Those are the frames we'll treasure, and we know they will too.
It felt like a small thank you for everything they've poured out, a few days where they got to simply be a family and let someone else carry the memories for them.
Come see them in Asheville
If you're anywhere near Asheville, do yourself a favor and go visit Megan and Todd at Atomic Furnishing and Design. You'll find beautiful, vintage pieces, two of the coolest shop owners around, and you'll get to see our Sound Furnishings tucked right inside. You can browse their world online first at atomicfurnishings.com, then go say hello in person.
And a little note from us. While Rios Tegen Photography is based in the Upstate of South Carolina, we're in Asheville every week. So if you're in the Asheville area and looking for natural, timeless photography for your own family, we would love to hear from you. Reach out through our contact page and let's plan something.
Here's to the hard workers, the rebuilders, the ones who keep showing up. We're so grateful we got to spend this one at Folly Beach with the very best of them.
A Multigenerational Family Session at Old Edwards Reserve on Lake Keowee | The Laskowski Family
Four generations gathered at Old Edwards Reserve on Lake Keowee for a golden-hour session anchored by their 99-year-old great-grandmother. A look at why multigenerational family portraits become the heirlooms families treasure most.
There are photo sessions, and then there are the ones that stay with you long after the last frame. The Laskowski family session at Old Edwards Reserve on Lake Keowee was one of the latter — a golden-hour gathering of four generations, anchored by a matriarch: a 99-year-old great-grandmother whose presence made the entire evening feel like a gift.
If you're searching for a Lake Keowee family photographer or dreaming about multigenerational family portraits in the Upstate South Carolina lake corridor, I hope this session gives you a little inspiration for what's possible when you bring the whole family together.
Four Generations, One Beautiful Evening
Multigenerational photography sessions hold a special place in my heart, and this one was extraordinary. Gathering great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and children in one place — all at the same time, all dressed and ready — is no small feat. It takes coordination, patience, and a whole lot of love. The Laskowski family showed up with all three.
At the center of it all was their 99-year-old grandmother, seated gracefully on a garden bench as her family gathered close around her. Watching her granddaughters and great-granddaughters lean in, share a laugh, and hold her hand was the kind of moment I live to photograph. These are the images that become heirlooms — the ones future generations will point to and say, "That's where we all come from."
The Setting: Old Edwards Reserve on Lake Keowee
Old Edwards Reserve on Lake Keowee is one of the most stunning backdrops in Upstate South Carolina, and it delivered in every way for the Laskowski session. From the ivy-draped stone walls and manicured garden courtyards to the tree-lined lanes bathed in warm evening light, this location offers incredible variety for family portraits for those who live here.
We moved from the intimate, storybook feel of the stone courtyard — perfect for the seated generational portraits — out to the open, tree-canopied paths where the family could walk, laugh, and simply be together. That mix of classic elegance and natural light is exactly what makes the Lake Keowee area such a beloved destination for family photography.
Whether you're a Lake Keowee resident or visiting the lake for a family reunion, vacation, or special occasion, this corner of the Upstate offers the kind of scenery that makes portraits feel timeless.
Natural Light and Genuine Connection
My style is rooted in natural-light, connection-focused portraiture, and this family made my job a joy. We caught the soft, glowing light of golden hour — my favorite time to shoot — which wrapped every image in that dreamy, honeyed warmth.
But the real magic wasn't the light. It was the way this family loves each other. The knowing glances between grandparents. The grandkids giggling on the garden bench. The parents holding hands as their teenage daughters walked beside them. A husband kissing his wife on the forehead. These weren't posed for me — they were simply who the Laskowskis are, and my job was to capture it.
Why Multigenerational Sessions Matter
If there's one thing I hope every family takes from this, it's this: don't wait. Time with the people we love is the most precious thing we have, and photographs are one of the few ways we get to hold onto it.
Booking a multigenerational family photo session — especially one that includes grandparents — is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make.
Planning Your Own Lake Keowee Family Session
Serving families across the Upstate South Carolina lake corridor — including Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Hartwell, as well as Clemson, Seneca, Sunset, Pendleton, and Greenville — I specialize in natural-light family, maternity, and multigenerational portraiture.
If you're a Lake Keowee local or visiting the area and dreaming of gathering your family for portraits at a location like Old Edwards Reserve, I would love to tell your family's story. Whether it's four generations on a garden bench or a simple session with your little ones, every family deserves images that feel as warm and genuine as the love behind them.
To the Laskowski family — thank you for trusting me with your evening. It was an honor.
Ready to book your own multigenerational or family session on Lake Keowee? Get in touch here — I'd be so glad to hear your family's story.
Rios Tegen Photography | Natural-Light Family & Multigenerational Portraits | Lake Keowee, Clemson & the Upstate South Carolina Lake Corridor
SC Botanical Gardens for Photoshoots in Upstate SC
There's a place in Clemson, South Carolina that looks different every single month of the year — and somehow, it's always perfect. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 295-acre outdoor studio hiding in plain sight on Clemson University's campus, and it's become my most-recommended photoshoot location in all of Upstate SC. Whether you're dreaming of flowering trees in spring, lush summer greens, warm fall foliage, or moody winter textures — this garden delivers something beautiful in every season.
There's a place in Clemson, South Carolina that looks different every single month of the year — and somehow, it's always perfect. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens, tucked onto Clemson University's campus, is a sprawling 295-acre outdoor studio that most people outside of Upstate SC have never even heard of. That's exactly what makes it special.
Whether you're looking for flowering trees in the spring, lush greenery in summer, warm amber foliage in fall, or moody textured backdrops in winter — this garden delivers. And because it's free and open from dawn to dusk every single day, it's a place I return to again and again without ever growing tired of it.
I'm a Clemson-based photographer and parent, and this is the spot I recommend most often when clients ask where to take the most beautiful portraits in Upstate South Carolina. Let me show you why.
A Location That Changes So You Don't Have To
One of the biggest misconceptions about photographing in a botanical garden is that "you've seen one season, you've seen it all." The South Carolina Botanical Gardens completely shatters that idea. A late February session and an early April session will both look like the ultimate spring shoot — just with completely different trees, colors, and textures in the frame.
The gardens are home to a genuinely diverse plant collection, meaning the bloom window is almost absurdly long. Pink trees start showing up as early as late winter. White flowering trees take over mid-March. By late March through the second week of April, the whole place is erupting with color. And come summer, the desert garden takes center stage with a completely different, sculptural vibe.
The Best Spots in the Garden for Portraits
After dozens of sessions here, I've found a handful of locations within the gardens that reliably produce stunning light, beautiful backgrounds, and real variety — all within easy walking distance of each other.
The Flowering Tree Allées
In peak bloom, the arching rows of white and pink flowering trees create natural tunnels of color. These frames are something clients genuinely can't believe are less than five miles from downtown Clemson.
The Natural Heritage Trail
Wooded, earthy, and beautifully imperfect. This trail is where I reach for dappled light and intimate forest shots — especially lovely for families with young kids who need room to roam.
The Children's Garden
A playful, colorful space that's made for little ones. If you're booking a family session with toddlers or young kids, this area gives me candid, joyful moments that are impossible to force.
The Historic Hanover House Area
An 18th-century plantation house moved here from Berkeley County. The architecture adds a sense of history and gravitas — particularly striking for portraits.
Every time I visit, a different spot stands out — because the plants are always changing. I have my go-to locations, but I almost always discover something new along the way.
What to Expect at Every Season
The South Carolina Botanical Gardens is genuinely beautiful in every season — but understanding what each season brings helps you decide when to book for the look you love most.
SPRING
Cascading white and pink flowering trees, soft pastels, fresh greenery — blooms as early as late February through April
Perfect for: Engagements, family portraits, senior photos, maternity sessions
SUMMER
Full lush canopies, vivid greens, the desert garden in peak form — rich, saturated backdrops
Perfect for: Families with kids, personal brand portraits, editorial-style shoots
FALL
Warm amber and gold foliage, textured bark and leaves, a cozy earthy feel throughout the trails
Perfect for: Fall family sessions, couple portraits, milestone birthdays
WINTER
Stripped-back textures, dramatic sculptural compositions, moody light — especially around the historic structures.
Perfect for: Artistic editorial portraits, intimate couple sessions, families wanting a unique look
Why Families and Parents Love This Location
If you're coming in with little ones — especially toddlers — the South Carolina Botanical Gardens is one of the most parent-friendly session locations in Upstate South Carolina. The paths are largely paved, there's ample room for kids to run and explore without feeling constrained, and the Children's Garden gives small children a space that genuinely excites them.
As a photographer who is also a parent to a toddler, I understand what it actually looks and feels like to wrangle a small person through a photo session. I know when to push for the classic shot and when to let the chaos unfold into something real. The gardens give us the space — and the material — to do both.
Practical Tip for Parents
Plan your session for golden hour (about an hour before sunset) in spring or fall. The soft, directional light flatters everyone, and the temperature is usually perfect for keeping kids comfortable and cooperative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to book a photoshoot here?
Honestly? Any time — but late March through mid-April is the most dramatic for flowering blooms. Fall (October through early November) is stunning for warm color. If you have a specific look or aesthetic in mind, reach out and I can tell you exactly when to book for it.
How long does a session at the gardens typically run?
Most of my portrait sessions run 60–90 minutes, which gives us enough time to move through multiple locations within the garden and capture real variety. Family sessions with young children are sometimes happiest kept to 60 minutes — little ones have their limits!
What should we wear for our session at the Botanical Gardens?
Earth tones, soft neutrals, and muted greens photograph beautifully against the garden's natural palette. I send all my clients a complete style guide once they book — it takes the guesswork out entirely.
Is the garden accessible for strollers and mobility aids?
Yes — the majority of paths are paved and accessible. A few of the more wooded trail areas are unpaved, but we can always stay on the main paths without sacrificing any of the most beautiful locations.
Where exactly are the South Carolina Botanical Gardens located?
The gardens are on Clemson University's campus in Clemson, SC — at 150 Discovery Lane, off Perimeter Road in Pickens County. Easy to reach from Greenville, Anderson, and the surrounding Upstate area.
A Simple Summer Family Session in Smyrna, Georgia
A relaxed outdoor family session photographed in Smyrna, Georgia celebrating a baby girl turning one. Natural light family photography focused on connection, simple milestones, and preserving the beauty of everyday family life.
Some of the most meaningful family sessions are not the elaborate ones.
They are the simple evenings spent outside together, documenting life exactly as it already is before another season quietly passes.
This outdoor family session with Tristan, Paige, and their sweet baby girl in Smyrna, Georgia was exactly that kind of session.
Relaxed.
Easygoing.
Simple in the best possible way.
Their daughter was getting ready to turn one, and they chose to simply pause for a moment and celebrate this season of life together.
The First Year Goes Faster Than Anyone Warns You
There is something about becoming parents that completely changes your relationship with time.
The days can feel long sometimes, especially during that first year.
But somehow the months disappear anyway.
One moment you are bringing home a newborn.
And then suddenly you are planning a first birthday, watching your baby laugh, crawl, reach for you, and develop little expressions and opinions.
That is why I love family sessions like this so much.
Not because everything is perfectly posed.
But because they preserve what everyday love looked like during a season families never quite get back again.
Why I Love Simple Outdoor Family Sessions
One thing I always want families to know is that sessions do not have to feel stressful or overly formal to be meaningful.
This session was incredibly laid back.
We spent time letting their daughter explore, laugh, snack on her smash cake, and simply interact naturally with her parents.
Some of my favorite photographs from the evening happened in the in-between moments:
the frosting-covered hands, the curious expressions, the laughter, the way Tristan and Paige naturally settled into one another while keeping up with their little girl.
That is the kind of family photography I love most.
Natural connection over perfection.
Their Outfits Were the Perfect Example of What Photographs Beautifully
I also have to mention how beautifully their clothing worked for this session.
The soft sage greens, light blues, and subtle textures photographed perfectly against the summer greenery and golden evening light.
Everything felt coordinated without looking overly matched, which is always what I encourage for family sessions.
Their outfits complemented the environment and each other in such a timeless, effortless way — exactly the kind of styling that helps family photographs continue to feel beautiful years later.
Celebrating Milestones Without Overcomplicating Them
I think sometimes parents feel pressure to make milestone sessions into huge productions.
But sessions like this are such a good reminder that meaningful does not have to mean complicated.
A blanket in the grass.
A favorite treat.
A warm evening.
Your family together.
That is enough.
Actually, more often than not, that is exactly what becomes memorable.
The simple things tend to age the best.
Family Photography in Smyrna, Georgia
Although I am based in Upstate South Carolina, I regularly travel to the Smyrna and Atlanta area for family photography sessions throughout the year.
I photograph motherhood, maternity, milestone, and storytelling-focused family sessions that feel relaxed, natural, and emotionally honest.
For families who keep thinking:
“We really need to get photos done before another year passes…”
this is your reminder that you do not need a perfect reason to document your life together.
Sometimes a simple summer evening and a baby turning one is already more than enough.
A Golden Hour Family Session in Central, South Carolina
A reflective golden hour family session photographed in Central, South Carolina near Southern Wesleyan University. A storytelling-focused family photography session centered around connection, older children, marriage, and the beauty of preserving everyday family life.
There is something especially meaningful about photographing families you have watched grow over the years.
Not just because you know their names or their stories, but because time becomes visible in a different way.
I have photographed Jason and Kelley Tegen and their family throughout different seasons of life, and every time I do, I am reminded how quickly family life keeps moving — even while we are living right in the middle of it.
This golden hour family session took place in a quiet field near Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, one of my favorite areas for natural light photography in the Upstate. The light here settles softly across the fields in the evening, and everything feels just a little slower and calmer.
It was the perfect setting for a session centered less around posing and more around simply being together.
The Beauty of Photographing Older Children
When people think about family photography, they often think about babies or very young children.
But there is something incredibly special about photographing families with older kids too.
The in-between years matter just as much.
The teenage years.
The almost-grown years.
The years where everyone is becoming more independent, but still deeply connected in all the quiet ways families are.
Jason and Kelley’s children are older now — and I found myself noticing how beautiful this stage of life is to document.
Not because everything is perfectly polished or posed.
But because it is real.
And one day, these photographs will remind them not only what everyone looked like, but what it felt like to be together in this season.
The Small Moments Are Usually the Ones We Keep
One of my favorite things about this session was how little of it felt staged.
There was walking, talking, laughing, Piper happily running through the field, kids having fun around each other, parents smiling at one another in the quiet in-between moments.
I always want my family sessions to leave room for interaction and movement, especially during outdoor golden hour sessions like this one. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen when families stop thinking about the camera altogether.
And yes — I will always happily welcome dogs into sessions too. They are part of the family story just as much as anyone else, and Piper brought so much joy and energy to the evening.
After All These Years
I also found myself drawn to the moments between Jason and Kelley.
The way they looked at one another after all these years of marriage.
Just familiar, steady affection.
There is something deeply beautiful about long marriages and shared history.
As a photographer, I notice those things more and more now — the small glances, the comfort, the ease people build together over decades of life.
Those moments matter too.
Not just the photographs of children growing up, but the photographs that quietly say:
we built a life together.
Why These Sessions Matter
Family photography is not only about documenting milestones.
Sometimes it is simply about pausing long enough to notice the season you are already living in before it changes again.
Older children grow up.
Parents grow older.
Families evolve.
And while life rarely slows down for us, photographs give us a way to hold onto pieces of it anyway.
That is one of the reasons I love natural light family photography so much.
It allows room for movement, personality, storytelling, and connection in a way that feels timeless and honest.
Family Photography in Central & Clemson, South Carolina
I photograph family sessions throughout Central, Clemson, Seneca, Greenville, and Upstate South Carolina, focusing on natural connection, golden light, and storytelling-driven imagery that feels warm, timeless, and true to your family.
The fields and quiet outdoor locations around Southern Wesleyan University remain some of my favorite places for relaxed golden hour family sessions.
Because at the end of the day, the photographs that matter most are usually the ones that remind us how it felt to love and be loved in a particular season of life.
A Personal Note
As I was putting this session together, I found myself looking back through older photographs I took of these precious kids years ago when they were still little.
The kind of photographs that never quite feel old to the people who love them.
Including a few of those images here feels especially meaningful, because they are such a reminder of how quickly family life moves — and how important it is to keep documenting the seasons as they come.
One day, today’s photographs become part of the family history too.
