Rapid City Photographer
I’m Charity Dowell — a Rapid City photographer capturing weddings and elopements that are full of genuine connection, effortless beauty, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're going all out or keeping it down to earth with an intimate elopement, I’m here to make your memories feel as unforgettable as the day itself.
Effortless Moments
Lasting Memories
Freezing the moments
That Matter
My approach is all about keeping things real. It's built on comfort, honesty, and creating space for you to just be yourselves. Based in Rapid City and surrounded by the Black Hills, I focus on more than just posed moments. It’s the soft glances, unfiltered laughter, and quiet pauses — the ones that speak the loudest. Those are the memories that truly last.
capturing couples in love since 2015.
Meet Your Rapid City Photographer.
Charity Dowell
Get to know
I'm a Rapid City photographer capturing love stories throughout the Black Hills — real, unposed, and full of meaning. My approach is simple: create a space where you feel comfortable, then photograph the moments that naturally unfold. Guided by intention and grounded faith, I focus on connection, warmth, and the parts of your story that stay with you long after the day ends.
My work was featured by Unscripted, a platform dedicated to heartfelt, storytelling photography and intentional creativity. It’s an honor to be part of a community that values real connection and honest imagery just as much as I do.
As Seen On Unscripted
Grace and Ty
Charity at Beneath the Spruce was a dream to work with. Her communication style was timely, upbeat and responsive, and the quality of her work was excellent - high quality, with great attention to detail, bright and knowledgeable. She helped us with a plethora of poses and made sure everyone got the photos they needed in an organized manner. Beyond capturing the posed shots, she also documented timeless candid moments between my husband and I that we will cherish for a lifetime. Her work speaks for itself, but it's also her professionalism and attention to detail that make her stand out above everyone else.
Timeless candids we'll cherish for a lifetime
Charity at Beneath the Spruce has been our photographer for nearly a decade. Her warm and friendly communication, along with her high quality attention to beautiful details, always give us something to look forward to! Charity provided a complimentary engagement session prior to the wedding so we were already excited about our experience with her which made us all the more comfortable on our wedding day. She captured every moment of the day so we could even see the parts we missed as bride and groom. Her high quality, warmth, and artistic eye made our special day perfect!
She captured every moment. Even the ones we missed.
Angie and Josh
past clients
As told by
what you can expect
Our mission is to capture your wedding or elopement day as it is – with a balanced mix of documentary photography and gently posed portraits.
our mission and vision
Experience
The
Your images are delivered through a custom online gallery, and from there we work together to choose heirloom pieces that will last for generations. Whether albums or prints, I want your photos to be held, shared, and passed down through the years.
DIGITAL AND HEIRLOOM GALLERIES
I work with a limited number of couples each year so your experience can feel personal and unrushed. I value kind communication, openness, and a space where you can be yourselves. Getting to know you and what matters most helps me photograph your story with care.
A personalized approach
Your wedding is personal, and your photography experience should be too. I start by getting to know you and what matters most. From there, I create a gallery plan that fits your day and your story.
Wedding collections to fit your day
Josh and Angie
She captured every moment even the ones we missed.
Silver Spur Ranch Wedding in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
The Farmhouse Barn Wedding in Sturgis, South Dakota
State Game lodge wedding in Custer State Park
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Sturgis, South Dakota
Custer, South Dakota
Galleries
Featured
Madeline and Caleb
She got every shot we dreamed of and the ones we didn’t even know we needed.
Frequently asked
Questions
What Services do you offer in Rapid City?
I offer wedding, elopement, and portrait photography in Rapid City and the Black Hills, creating heartfelt images that reflect your story in every season of life.
Do you Travel?
Yes! While I’m based in Rapid City and the Black Hills, I’m available to travel throughout South Dakota and nearby states. We’ll go over travel fees during your consult.
What is your session experience like?
I’ll arrive early to check the lighting, then guide you through relaxed poses and prompts to help you feel at ease so we can capture real, candid, joy-filled moments.
Do you photograph elopements too?
Yes! My husband and I eloped, so I have a special place in my heart for intimate weddings and elopements across Rapid City, the Black Hills, and beyond.
What if the weather is bad that day?
Unless the weather is dangerous or extreme, sessions are still on. I’m always down to embrace a little wind or rain. It can add something magical to your photos.
When will we receive our photos back?
Portrait galleries are delivered in 2–4 weeks. Weddings and elopements take 6–8 weeks, though I always aim to deliver as quickly as possible whenever I can.
Do wedding packages include engagements?
Yes! Every wedding collection includes a complimentary engagement session in the Black Hills area. It’s the perfect way to connect before your big day.
I respond to all messages within 24-48 Hours, M-Th, 9AM to 5PM MST. If you do not hear from me, please send a message directly to:
based in Rapid City, South Dakota
to begin
Inquire
serving South Dakota couples
