Bride and groom sunset silhouette - North Myrtle Beach

Ryan Smith Photography Myrtle Beach, SC Photographers

Specializing in Timeless Wedding, Family, and Engagement Photography

Welcome to Ryan Smith Photography! With almost 20 years of local experience as one of the best photographers in Myrtle Beach, SC, I take pride in delivering exceptional service. My clean, crisp, and colorful images capture timeless moments that will always be in style. I use specialty lenses, skillful off-camera lighting, and careful editing to achieve accurate color and proper exposure. Using modern techniques, I capture every detail, from a bride’s white dress to the beautiful colors of a beach sunset.

Clients have described me as high-energy, fun, and a pleasure to work with, and I’m always open to trying new ideas to create stunning photos. I capture genuine emotions with a relaxed, candid approach, alongside traditional posed portraits. As a small local Myrtle Beach photography business, I do whatever I can to ensure my clients are happy and keep my excellent reputation. Take a look at my recent reviews here. Please learn more about my work by making a selection below.

What type of photography are you looking for?

What should I look for in a Myrtle Beach photographer?

Why is local experience so important for my photo session?

Starting my photography business in 2008, I have captured over one million unforgettable moments for my clients, making myself one of the most experienced photographers in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s crazy how time flies. It feels like not that long ago I was shooting my first wedding.

As a small, local business based in Myrtle Beach, I believe in building relationships with my clients. You can always count on working directly with me, from scheduling the shoot to adjusting and delivering the final images. I hope a new client will be a future repeat customer for years to come.

With 20 years of experience, I’ve learned to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere during photo sessions, helping to capture natural smiles and genuine emotions. Whether I’m photographing a hectic wedding or a large family group, I bring out the best in my subjects.

Kiss on the Oak Allee - Night of a Thousand Candles - Brookgreen Gardens south of Myrtle Beach
Lift into the air by the sea oats - Huntington Beach State Park - Myrtle Beach

How do you capture timeless, professional images?

I use off-camera flash techniques to combine the look of a studio portrait with the natural beauty of the many Myrtle Beach outdoor settings. You will always see a sparkle in my subject’s eyes and bright, well-lit faces. Explore my blog’s thousands of pictures to view the benefits of my portrait-style lighting.

Photography is about capturing timeless moments that will be treasured for years to come. That’s why I create natural, authentic images without relying on a washed-out look, artificial filters, or effects. By focusing on realistic colors, lighting, and proper exposure, my pictures will look just as stunning in 50 years as they do today.

I use the highest-end wide-aperture lenses, such as the new Sony 85mm f/1.4 and Sony 28-70mm f/2. These help me capture stunning, crisp images of my subjects with beautiful, dreamy, blurred backgrounds. The latest cameras capture super-detailed images with eyes always in focus.

My prices offer exceptional value, from full-day wedding packages to family, engagement, or senior portrait sessions on the beach. Please review the links above and then contact me for more information.

How well do you know Myrtle Beach wedding venues and beaches?

Choosing the right Myrtle Beach, SC photographers involves more than just finding a style you like. It’s about hiring a professional who intimately knows the area. Because I live here year-round, I have an in-depth understanding of how our coastal light shifts throughout the seasons and which beach access points offer the best scenery for every tide and time of day.

I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings at the most popular locations, including 21 Main Events, Pawleys Plantation, Brookgreen Gardens, Caledonia, and Pine Lakes. View more of my favorite wedding venues here. Knowing the layout and exactly where to find the best shade and lighting at each property ensures your wedding timeline moves efficiently, so you spend more time with your guests and less time posing for pictures.

For beach portraits, this local experience means I know the weather and best time of day for pictures. I prioritize rescheduling or full refunds if the coastal weather doesn’t cooperate. I work on a satisfaction guarantee because your happiness with the pictures is my most important priority.

Family under the oaks - Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

Featured Reviews

Patrick and Chelsea Wedding in Myrtle Beach Review
“Absolutely cannot recommend Ryan Smith Photography enough! Ryan was beyond amazing throughout our entire wedding experience. Our wedding day in early October was rained out due to a nor’easter, and Ryan immediately insisted we schedule another day to get the outdoor photos we had dreamed of.”
Chelsea & Patrick
Mother and father with baby girl on the beach
“We had a very large group of 18 people, including 7 little ones. He was so patient and easy going. We never felt rushed. He made sure each individual family had photos they would love, and he captured amazing group photos as well. Everybody is more than pleased with the beautiful photos, and we can’t wait to use him again on our future trips to South Carolina!”
Sciarra Groski
Senior portrait laying in the ocean in a white dress
“We had such a great experience with Ryan for my daughter’s senior photos. He was so accommodating by coming to us and making the experience easy and smooth for us. He is a natural behind the camera and got some great shots at the best time of day. We could not be happier with the choice we made hiring Ryan. You won’t be disappointed!”
Jessica Bachner