Business Details
Your Trusted Professional Photographer in Charleston, SC
At Photography by Earl, we specialize in capturing the authentic stories and cherished moments that define our clients' lives. Founded in Charleston, SC, our journey began through the unique experiences of Emily Stuart Waugh, a photographer who transitioned from male-dominated industries like ornamental ironworking to create a distinct approach to visual storytelling. Our process integrates expertise from welding, marketing, and makeup artistry to craft sessions that feel natural and unscripted. We prioritize understanding each client's personality and relationships, ensuring every photograph reflects their true essence. Our commitment to leaving things better than we find them guides every interaction, from initial consultation to final delivery.With a focus on eliminating awkwardness and embracing spontaneity, we create environments where subjects feel comfortable being themselves. This philosophy has earned us recognition for producing images that resonate emotionally while maintaining technical excellence. Our portfolio spans couples, families, seniors, and events, all captured with the same dedication to authenticity. We believe photography should be an enjoyable experience that strengthens relationships, not just documents them. This approach has made us a trusted choice for clients seeking meaningful, story-driven imagery in Charleston and surrounding areas.
Services
Couples Photoshoot
Family Photography
Senior Portraits
Event Coverage
Outdoor Sessions
Portrait Staging
Maternity Photography
Newborn Photography
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized sessions tailored to each client's unique personality and relationships
- Our photographer brings diverse industry experience from welding to marketing
- We specialize in creating comfortable environments for natural, unposed photographs
- We guarantee authentic storytelling through technical expertise and creative vision
- Our process emphasizes client collaboration from concept to final delivery
What people say
Real and so us
No awkward moments
Fantastic experience
Personal and authentic
Client-focused approach
Services
Couples Photoshoot
Capture your romance through natural, unposed sessions that highlight authentic connections. We focus on creating comfortable environments where couples can interact freely, producing timeless images that reflect their unique bond. Sessions include personalized location scouting and post-session guidance for displaying your artwork.
Family Photography
Document your family's story with sessions designed for groups of all sizes. Our approach ensures every member feels included and valued, capturing both organized groupings and spontaneous interactions. We specialize in multi-generational photography that preserves family legacies through carefully composed, emotionally resonant images.
Senior Portraits
Celebrate academic milestones with personalized sessions highlighting individual personalities. We collaborate with subjects to incorporate hobbies and interests into creative compositions. The experience includes wardrobe consultation and comprehensive image selection guidance for yearbook and personal use.
Event Coverage
Document special occasions with comprehensive visual storytelling. Our discreet approach captures candid moments while ensuring key events are preserved with artistic composition. Services include full-day coverage, multiple photographers for larger events, and rapid turnaround for immediate sharing.
Outdoor Sessions
Leverage Charleston's scenic beauty for memorable outdoor portraits. We scout optimal locations based on client preferences and provide weather contingency planning. Sessions utilize natural light to create soft, flattering imagery while incorporating environmental elements for visual interest.
People
Emily Stuart Waugh
Photographer & Owner
As founder of Photography by Earl, Emily combines experience from diverse industries to create authentic visual narratives. Her background in welding and marketing informs her technical precision and creative approach, while personal philosophy emphasizes capturing genuine moments through personalized sessions.
Questions
What photography services do you offer?
We provide couples portraits, family photography, senior portraits, maternity/newborn sessions, event coverage, and outdoor portrait sessions tailored to client preferences.
How do sessions work?
Sessions begin with a consultation to understand your vision. We then select optimal locations and times, conduct the shoot at a relaxed pace, followed by guided image selection and delivery through an online gallery.
How should we prepare for our session?
We provide preparation guides with wardrobe suggestions and location tips. Bring personal items that represent your story, and arrive ready to enjoy the experience rather than focus on posing.
Are digital images included?
All sessions include high-resolution digital files with print rights. We deliver images through a downloadable online gallery after post-processing and quality review.
Do you travel for photography?
We regularly serve Charleston, SC and surrounding areas including Waxhaw, NC. Travel within 50 miles is included in session fees, with reasonable rates for extended distances.
