Hilton Head photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer, from Island Belle Photo stands in stairwell wearing pink shirt.
Hello, I'm Krista, a Hilton Head photographer.

And I am a storyteller.

Whether through words, camera, or paintbrush, I seek to tell the stories of people and nature. I love love and am gobsmacked everyday by the quiet beauty of the Earth. I am endlessly inspired by the people I meet and the lives they lead.

I grew here up on Hilton Head Island, SC and my soul craves the cadence it keeps with the sea. It's an enchanting place, this Island, and I feel like the luckiest woman alive to live here and photograph the travelers who visit us.

See my work

The Loves of My Life

Hilton Head beach photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer, poses with husband on rooftop.

Erman


In 2015, I set a goal to go on 50 dates. To that end, I created a spreadsheet, listed my profile on four dating sites, and committed myself to spending one hour every day contacting, responding to, or meeting men. As I approached the halfway point, Date No. 22 (a Turkish man named Erman) caught me completely off guard with his adorable accent, guileless sincerity, and refreshing honesty. He quickly filled my calendar with Dates 23-50, proposed the following year, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Hilton Head wedding photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer's puppy Annie.

Annie & Bertie


A central part of my story are the experiences and grief I carry from infertility and three failed adoptions. Enter, our mini goldendoodle Annie. She is my perfect consolation prize--a shagalicious ball of fluff who loves squirrels, snuggling, and spinach. Adoringly referred to as "Annie Pot Pie," our very good girl is a total lover and the extra heartbeat we needed in our home. We've since added Bertie, another goldendoodle, who can't seem to hold still long enough for me to photograph him. He brings me frogs, sticks, and lizards and keeps us laughing.

Art supplies belonging to Hilton Head family photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer.

Art


There are a few scents that send me into ecstasy--gardenias, sliced oranges, South Carolina marshes after rain, damp mossy forests of the PNW, and an art store chock-full of pencils, paper, paint, and those little gray kneaded erasers. Heaven. As a child, art was my "thing" and, like the ocean, it has always been a healing place for me. Drawing and painting centers my racing mind, focuses my breath, and allows me to multiply myself as I send the colors of my heart into the world like leaves on the wind.

Hilton Head photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer, poses with camera.
Hilton Head Photographer

My Photography

My voyage into photography began 15 years ago when I was the creative director at a Grammy-winning record label, designing concepts, locations, & wardrobe for album & artist photo shoots. I learned from the best photographers on location before stepping behind the camera. As soon as I clicked the shutter, I was hooked & Island Belle Photo was born.

Since then I've photographed weddings, families, & events from South Carolina to San Francisco, documenting unforgettable moments with artistry & care.

The Experience

A Few More of My Favorite Things:


  1. Spreadsheets
  2. All the shades of blue
  3. Turkish Hamams
  4. Collecting feathers
  5. Iced chai lattes
  6. Meditating on the beach at sunrise
  7. Sending/receiving handwritten notes in the mail
  8. Trees
  9. Beautiful Words
  10. Korean Dramas on Netflix


Hilton Head photographer, Krista Ercin-Maurer is photographed with her nieces, nephews, and stepson.

Oh, and my family calls me Kisser.


As my oldest niece learned to speak, she pronounced Krista, "Kisser." It stuck.

Now my nieces, nephews, stepson, sisters, and parents all call me Kisser.

And what can I say? I do love a good smooch.

Oh, and my family calls me Kisser.


As my oldest niece learned to speak, she pronounced Krista, "Kisser." It stuck.

Now my nieces, nephews, stepson, sisters, and parents all call me Kisser.

And what can I say? I do love a good smooch.

CATHERINE P. // UTAH

"Krista took our wedding and reception photos and they turned out soooo beautiful!!!! She was very organized when it came to the family photos after the ceremony so everyone knew what to do and which picture to hop into. She captured all our wonderful memories from that day and I treasure those photos!"

BRENDALYN H. // MARYLAND

"I love all our photos! I can't stop looking at them!"

KERRY L. // NEW JERSEY

"We love the pictures Krista took and loved working with her! Not only are her pictures beautiful (she captured some AMAZING shots despite our crazy boys!), but she was so accommodating and sweet."