Your Charleston Portrait Photographer bestie

Faith forward, storytelling photographer for the deeply passionate, confidently wild, overly kind, and slightly awkward lovers and families who value authentic & timeless portraits!

About LaVonda...


That part where we get to know each other better!

Allow me to introduce myself.

I love diving beyond small talk, so let's get into it! My name is LaVonda and I put hot sauce on my popcorn. I can tell you 100 ways the book was better than the movie. I kiss my sons way too much. I still have a crush on my husband, we've been married 14 years, and he gives me all the butterflies. I don’t trust cats (my dog Stiles is the best dog in the world - sorry not sorry). I'm a foodie! I love being a sports momma, dancing in my kitchen, saving a million DIY project to Pinterest even though I have no idea how to use a saw, spending way too much in my local bookstores, and HGTV marathons! I want a lot out of life but I don’t need much.

I am a cool wifey, plant based, Jesus lovin, boy momma, and down to earth travel photographer, obsessed with capturing engaging, storytelling portraits and finding the adventure in the details! I grew up super small town so I'm always smiling and waving at everyone, yes my neighbors might think I'm weird, and I'm probably a bit too optimistic at times. Since moving to Charleston, SC in 2011, this city has shared her beauty abundantly and I've become obsessed with the endless possibilities this stunning coast brings. From historic architecture, rustic nature, and beautiful ocean front scenery; how could you not fall in love with the low country! Even though Charleston feels like an everyday vacation, I still love traveling and meeting new people; especially when I get to bring my babies, I mean my cameras, along.

At LaVonda Downard Photography, it is my goal to make each portrait a memorable, detailed moment in time. I hope to bring a spark back to time spent flipping through photo albums or scanning the frames of your walls taking in the beauty of your loved ones. Let's explore together and get lost in time!

Branding photos by Cameron Wilder photo

intimate, engaging, storytelling portraits

The nerdy details...


I'm not really shy so ask me anything. Don't be nervous about shooting me an email or DM with your questions! Soo you wanna know how long I've been a photographer? The nerdy answer is since I was 6 years old. Honestly! I'd sit with and take apart our family's Polaroid camera and study it when I could have been outside playing. I would pose my family and snap a shot anytime I had the chance until my momma started hiding the camera up on the highest shelf in her dark bedroom closet. The official boring answer is that LDP launched in 2021! Before that I was the go-to photo girlie for my church, family, friends, and did photography as a hobby. That is, until I realized in 2021 that I needed my kids to see their momma live a FULL, no regrets lifestyle. I wanted them to see me fiercely pursue my dreams. So, I launched LaVonda Downard Photography (LDP) and life has, thankfully, never been the same!

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What my amazing clients have to say

Testimonials

Testimonials

“LaVonda made this a wonderful experience from start to finish. She provided excellent communication upfront, answering all of our questions. The photoshoot itself was a very enjoyable experience. She was patient, taking her time to ensure she got a variety of pictures based on our preferences. We received our photos back well within the time frame she communicated to us. We could not be happier with how they turned out.”

Nice to meet you! Take a look around.

 

 

 

 

 

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