Coffman Family Session | Hilton Head Island Extended Family Photography

Honoring Traditions and Holding Each Other Close

Some sessions carry a little more weight, a little more heart—and this one with the Coffman family was one of those. With family members traveling in from Texas, New York, and Georgia, their annual beach trip to Hilton Head Island is more than just a vacation—it’s a treasured tradition, a time to reconnect, and a way to celebrate the closeness they’ve built across the miles.

This year’s session was especially meaningful. It was their first summer gathering since losing their beloved dad—“Papa” to his grandkids—who passed away on February 14. The beach was his favorite place, and he had a beautiful way of making family photos a priority. Every year, he made sure to have pictures taken and would lovingly put together albums for each member of the family. That legacy, and the love behind it, was felt deeply throughout the session.

We kept the experience joyful, light, and full of movement. The cousins ran freely along the shoreline, laughing and playing in the warm salt breeze. These unscripted moments—the wind in their hair, the soft waves crashing nearby, the pure laughter—became powerful symbols of the love that continues to hold this family together.

Whether or not they chose to do something specific to honor Papa in the photos, his presence was felt. In the closeness of hugs, in the joy of tradition, and in the memory of all those beach days he made unforgettable.

It was an honor to capture this chapter of their story—one that acknowledges both grief and gratitude, and the deep, lasting connection of family.

Looking to capture a session that feels personal and meaningful during your family’s time on Hilton Head Island?
I’d love to help you plan something that reflects who you are and what matters most to you.