Best Parks for Charleston Senior Photos: White Point Garden & Hampton Park
When you think of Charleston senior photos, a few iconic scenes come to mind. They’re all part of what I call the Lowcountry Palette: coastal beauty, historic cobblestone streets lined with colorful homes, expansive marsh views, and the live oaks that defines the landscape. Each brings a different tone and texture to a senior gallery.
Today, we’re exploring the hidden gems within two of my favorite Charleston locations: White Point Garden and Hampton Park.
The Tip of the Charleston Peninsula: White Point Garden
White Point Garden stretches across 5.7 acres at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, with open green lawns and harbor views shaded beneath a magnificent canopy of live oaks. Many of these grand live oaks began to take root in the mid-1800s, during the park’s earliest years. Back then, this area was known as Oyster Point, but today we know it as White Point Garden, a name inspired by the abundance of oyster shells that, when bleached by the sun, turned the entire point a picturesque white. Historic monuments, including the statue of Revolutionary War hero Sergeant William Jasper, add to the park’s sense of history and significance.
pictured above: Four College of Charleston seniors celebrate beneath the live oaks at White Point Garden
One of the most scenic spots in Charleston, The Battery is just across the street from White Point Garden.
Steps from the park you'll find the seawall and promenade know as The Battery. Looking out over the harbor, you can see Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge and the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse stands tall in the distance. It is an incredible area for Charleston senior portraits because of the variety it offers all in such a close proximity.
Shaded Serenity: The Alley of Oaks and the Williams Music Pavilion
White Point Garden is designed with four main walkways that meet at the iconic Williams Music Pavilion, also known as the gazebo. Each walkway is lined with grand live oaks that form a shaded, natural tunnel and create that classic Lowcountry feel. Many of the trees are covered in Resurrection Fern, which turns a lush green after a rain.
The gazebo, at the heart of the park offers beautiful framing for portraits. It’s a popular spot for life’s big moments too. I once photographed an engagement session here while a wedding ceremony was taking place in the gazebo and a bachelorette party strolled by.
What a difference the newly paved paths at White Point Garden make. Fresh white oyster shells now line the walkways.
The Glow-Up: Crushed Oyster Shell Paths
I am so excited to finally shoot at a fully renovated Battery now that the five-year city infrastructure project has wrapped up. Before this upgrade, the paths were a mix of old shell and dirt that had become weathered and worn over time. Today, the park has received a complete refresh with a layer of fresh, loose oyster shells, and the black and orange construction fencing is finally gone. I am no longer fighting with those distracting eyesores in my backdrops!
Beyond just being a beautiful walking surface, these new oyster shell paths act as a permanent, natural studio reflector. When light hits the shells, it bounces back up and wraps around your face, filling in shadows and creating beautiful, even skin tones. This is a huge advantage compared to standing in a grassy field, where you often get an unwanted green color cast reflected onto your skin, or a dirt path that reflects nothing at all. The white shells ensure a clean, neutral light that gives you that signature flattering glow.
Wildlife Management Area: Being Mindful of the Rookery
One of the unique features of White Point Garden is that it becomes an active rookery during summer months—a protected wildlife management area. For bird lovers like me, this is a great treat! From June to August, the nests are filled with adorable, fuzzy hatchlings and juveniles. From August to September, young birds known as fledglings begin to leave their nests. They are frequently spotted on the ground around Labor Day weekend as they learn to fly.
The insider tip: always look up before choosing your spot. I have had an Egret “bless” a client mid-session before! I always guide my clients so we never stand directly under a nest.
Logistical Tip: Parking and Restrooms at The Battery
When shooting at the tip of the peninsula, parking is generally easy to find along East Battery or in the parking lot by South Adger's Wharf. While White Point Garden itself does not have public facilities, there are convenient public restrooms located at Hazel Parker Playground on East Bay Street. It is situated right near Rainbow Row, making it a perfect spot for a quick outfit check before we head into the neighborhood.
Just Steps Away: South of Broad and the French Quarter
The best part about starting at White Point Garden is how easily we can transition into the South of Broad neighborhood. We can walk past the grand mansions along East Battery built in the early to mid-1800s. We then walk along East Bay to capture the famous Rainbow Row. If time allows, we head further north into the French Quarter to one of my favorite streets: Chalmers Street. Here you can spot the Pink House. Built around 1712 out of Bermuda stone, it has a tiny, three-story stature and is one of the oldest residences in the city.
The Legend of Hugo and the Moss
A common question I get is where to find the Spanish moss. Many expect it at White Point Garden, but it is not there. This is largely because Spanish moss does not do well with salt. During Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the storm surge and salt spray from the harbor essentially killed the moss in this specific area, and it never returned to the trees at the tip of the peninsula. For the heavy, dripping Spanish moss look, we head to Hampton Park.
Rainbow Row is just a short walk from White Point Garden
Hampton Park: 60 Acres of Paths and Gardens
above: A quiet, tree-lined path in Hampton Park, perfect for relaxed senior portraits surrounded by greenery.
Located just north of the Citadel, Hampton Park spans a massive 60 acres and is a local favorite for walks, photos, and events. While White Point Garden is intimate and structured, Hampton Park is vast and offers a more natural, expansive environment. It features large, open green fields and narrow, winding paths that absolutely glow during the golden hour. It is a space where you can find quiet spots to sit and rest under the shade of massive trees.
Year-Round Blooms, Water Features, and Majestic Oaks
There is always something blooming here, making it a dream for senior photos in Charleston. In the spring, the park is famous for its Azaleas. In the summer, you'll find vibrant Crepe Myrtles, while the winter months bring the classic Camellias. The park also maintains many perennial flower beds in the middle of the paths filled with colorful flowers like Black-eyed Susans, purple Salvia, and sunny Lantana.
Golden hour senior session at Hampton Park in early March, near the end of camellia season.
The sculptural limbs of a live oak in Hampton Park make a striking natural frame.
Hampton Park is also home to beautiful water features, a gazebo, and a pond with an arched bridge taking you from one side to another. The bridge features elegant black iron railings and makes for a beautiful architectural element in photos.
One of my favorite parts of this park is the circular path around the main area. Many times I take my clients in a circle and we stop when we see pretty light and blooms, or a nice bench to sit on. The majestic live oak trees here have massive limbs that grow down into the ground and then back up again, making a perfect spot to sit or lean on one of the large limbs. Just like at White Point Garden, you will see Resurrection Fern growing along these limbs, which turns a vibrant green after a rain.
Logistics: Parking and Public Facilities
Unlike many smaller downtown parks, Hampton Park is equipped with public restrooms, which is a huge benefit for senior sessions involving multiple outfit changes.
Parking requires a little bit of insider timing to keep the park safe for runners and bikers. On Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the road inside the park is closed to cars. During these times, I can always direct my clients to the closest street parking just outside the park. When the park is accessible to vehicles, I always recommend my clients park near the Historical Marker for the first Memorial Day. It is the perfect starting point for Charleston senior portraits. Just watch your step on the grass—the resident geese and ducks consider this park their kingdom!
About the Spanish Moss
When I first moved here four years ago, I thought I could use fallen moss in my outdoor planters. Do not ever do that. Spanish moss is filled with tiny red bugs called chiggers and spiders. While it is beautiful in a photo, you never want to pull it down or sit in it. I always guide my clients so that their head or body does not directly touch the moss. I use specific lenses to make it look like you are surrounded by it while keeping you safely away from the strands!
Chalmers Street in the French Quarter. A favorite location filled with texture and color.
Gorgeous late afternoon light filtering through the trees and Spanish Moss at Hampton Park.
Purple azaleas add a pop of color at the entrance to White Point Garden.
Capturing "The Full Experience"
One of my favorite types of senior photos in Charleston is what I call The Full Experience, a session designed to capture the complete Lowcountry Trifecta. When we have time (about 2.5 hours) to focus on a few distinct locations, we often start in one of our beautiful parks for that lush green look and pops of color depending on what is in bloom, move through the historic streets of the South of Broad or French Quarter to capture the architecture and character of the city streets, and then head to the beach at Isle of Palms to catch the sunset.
This combination creates a gallery that reflects the diverse beauty of the Lowcountry and makes the session fun from start to finish. Pro tip: bring a pair of comfortable shoes, because we’ll be doing some walking. It’s more than just the photos—it’s a true Charleston experience.
About the Author
Amy Quinn Hill
As a Charleston photographer and mom of three, I understand how quickly these milestone moments pass. I've spent four years exploring every corner of these parks to find the best light and most beautiful backdrops for senior portraits. My love of nature and natural light means I'm always chasing that perfect glow for your portraits.
Ready to plan your Charleston senior photos? Contact me here to book your 2026 Senior Session or ask any questions!
Charleston Senior Photo Locations: White Point Garden & Hampton Park
