There’s something magical about St. Simons Island. (And yes, it’s pronounced Simon, like the game “Simon Says.”) Come for the slow, relaxed island pace with your family. Stay for the historic parks, wide open beaches along the Georgia coast, and the kind of Southern comfort food you think about long after you leave.
It’s the kind of place that feels easy the moment you arrive.
Almost 20 years ago, I visited the island as a young woman, long before I was married or a mother. I remember feeling it even then, that quiet, special kind of place you don’t come across often. Now, as a photographer living and working here, I get to see families experience that same feeling for the first time, and preserve it for them.
Let me share a few of my favorite portrait locations on St. Simons Island.
Gould's Inlet is one of those places locals quietly love and visitors are so glad they found.
This beach has so much variety. You’ll find tiny paths, rocky backdrops, and stretches of wind-blown sand that ripple like waves and look like white sugar. It’s a beautiful mix of textures that photograph so well.
It’s also a great spot for bird watching, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a windsurfer out on the water. The current can be strong here, it's usually windy, which adds to the movement and energy of the shoreline, especially on breezy evenings.
And the sunsets here are something else. Soft, glowing, and always a little different!
Mallery Park is such an easy, beautiful option right in the heart of the island.
Think old-growth trees, wide open grassy spaces, and that classic coastal shade that works so well for softer, more relaxed portraits. It’s especially great for families with younger kids because everything is close and accessible.
One of the best parts is what’s nearby. After your session, you can walk right over to some local favorites like CJ's Italian Restaurant or Del Sur Artisan Eats, grab ice cream, or head toward the pier village for a slow evening together.
It turns your session into more than just photos. It becomes part of your time on the island.
You know Georgia is all about golf, so it’s no surprise that some of the most beautiful, open spaces for portraits are found right on the island’s courses.
Places like Frederica Golf Club, Sea Palms Golf Club, and The King and Prince Golf Course offer wide, open greens, beautiful trees, and a more refined, classic coastal feel.
The light here can be especially pretty in the evenings, with soft sun filtering through the trees and long stretches of grass that create a really clean, timeless look in photos.
If you’re already a member at one of these clubs, this can be such a meaningful place to have your session. Just be sure to check for permission ahead of time, as many courses do require approval before photography sessions.
Epworth is quiet, peaceful, and full of that soft, timeless feel.
With winding paths, little water fountains, a charming chapel, gardens, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss, it’s an easy place to slow down and just be together.
And the marsh views at sunset are simple and beautiful, with warm light that makes everything glow!
This spot is simple but stunning, a classic SSI very popular with locals and vacationers alike - for good reason.
The oak trees create a long, sprawling tunnel that feels straight out of a storybook. It works beautifully for families, couples, or anyone wanting that classic Southern look.
Parking is limited, but once you’re there, the setting is completely worth it.
East Beach is the classic St. Simons shoreline, but it also gives you a little more variety than you might expect.
I often like to start near the World War II Home Front Museum for a more structured, classic feel before heading out to the beach. It’s a great option for patriotic families or anyone who doesn’t want the session to feel entirely beach-focused.
From there, we can move right into the wide, open shoreline where kids can run, play, and just be themselves. It’s relaxed, easy, and gives you a beautiful mix of looks all in one session plus nearby bathrooms and outdoor showers to rinse those sandy toes afterwards.
