Best Tennis Town in America

“As announced live at the US Open in New York, Charleston has WON the 2010 Best Tennis Town in America contest, ahead of second-place finisher Atlanta, GA and third-place finisher Richmond, VA.   Along with the incredible the honor (and bragging rights), the lowcountry area will receive a $100,000 award to be used for tennis programming and facility enhancements.”

As an active player in the Charleston tennis community, and the official photographer of the Family Circle Cup professional WTA Tour tennis tournament, I’m excited to share this video with everyone.  Look for me in the blue shirt (hint: I’m the one with all the camera gear!) at the 2:46 minute mark while photographing a player appearance during the Family Circle Cup several years ago!!!  🙂

Family Portrait at Folly Beach

The last time we tried this, it started to rain as soon as we began our walk out to the beach.  THIS TIME, Dawn & Chris pulled up on the most beautiful day you could imagine!  After having to reschedule their previous session, they deserved it!!!  J  The light was warm and beautiful, the temperature wasn’t too hot, and the beach was relatively un-crowded for a Friday evening.  I had a great time with them and their two fantastic children.  As we were walking back after the shoot was over, Chris exclaimed “This wasn’t NEARLY as painful as I thought it was going to be…you actually made it kind of fun!”  J 

 

Amanda & Tim at Planters Inn

She’s an OT.  He’s a PT.  They work for the same company.  They have a chocolate lab.  They drove all night to get here from Ohio.  They are TOTALLY IN LOVE!!!  Amanda & Tim, along with their closest family and friends, came to Charleston for a beautiful, elegant, and intimate Destination Wedding one week ago today.  Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous courtyard at the historic Planters Inn.  The always amazing Christy Loftin directed and officiated the service.  While the one and only Nikolai Svishev provided acustical accompanyment on his magical 8-string guitar.  Laughter and lively conversation filled the room during Amanda & Tim’s Peninsula Grill reception.  The food was AMAZING!  Plus the center piece at each table was an original cake from Kaminski’s “most excellent” desserts…yummm!!!  Visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog to check out the Music Video of Amanda & Tim’s Big Day.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery.  CONGRATULATIONS Amanda & Tim!

 “It has been said that we need just three things in life: Something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love.”   – unknown 



Light Bending 411

I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Patty Hallman and the Professional Photographers of South Carolina for inviting me to teach my “Light Bending 411” wireless lighting workshop in Columbia yesterday!  We had about 30 AMAZING photographers there.  I loved working with our three gorgeous models.  Erika is an incredibly elegant creative dancer.  Her young prodigy, Lea, was simply beautiful.  And Megan was such a gorgeous bride.  Last but not least, a special thank you to the crazy group from Charleston that drove up to participate.  It was great to have a few familiar faces in the crowd!!!  More to come soon…

Ashley & Sherrod at Trinity UMC

The hot, sticky, summer heat gave way to a gentle respite last weekend…just in time for Ashley & Sherrod’s Big Day!  J  I met up with Ashley at the historic Wentworth Mansion, where Sherrod had proposed to her in early November.  Fittingly, we had also photographed their Engagement Portraits in this picturesque B&B.  Sherrod met up with us there the two of them exchanged their First Glance before the mayhem of the wedding day began.  Then it was off to Trinity United Methodist Church, the oldest in South Carolina, where they were married in a beautiful service.  Their reception was held at the South Carolina Society Hall, a venue with great character that I always love working in! 

To see the fun slideshow of their day, visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  And to see the rest of their Online Gallery, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com.  

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley & Sherrod!  May you forever stick to each other like glue…



Faces of Romania

As days turn into weeks…and weeks turn into months…I often catch myself thinking of the amazing people I met in Romania.  It’s hard to believe that was July and we’re now moving into September!  So I thought I’d post some of the images that gripped me the most from that amazing experience.  Not surprisingly, they were all images of the beautiful faces I met along my journey.  Enjoy!

Folly Beach Maternity Portrait

Faith & Michael Bessinger (yup, of the famous BBQ restaurant in town), are friends from our old Sunday School class at Ashley River Baptist.  When they called to let me know they were expecting their third and wanted to do a Maternity Family Shoot on the beach with me, I was THRILLED!  Here are some of my fav’s.  J

 

Bethany & John at the I’On Creek Club

Last weekend, Bethany & John were married at the picturesque and peaceful I’On Creek Club in Mt. Pleasant.  They had the good luck of a little rain on their wedding day.  But it certainly didn’t dampen any spirits and cleared up in plenty of time for us to zip downtown for a fun photo shoot with the weddig party before the reception.  Bethany & John are from Ohio.  And they are major Dog Lovers.  So when we first started talking back in February, we had that much in common!  But then…Bethany told me how important getting great photos of her wedding day were to her…I was hooked!  J  We had a FANTASTIC time finding some really cool “Iconic Charleston” locations to get some great photos in.  Then it was back to the Creek Club for a really fun, laid back, northern style party!

Check out the fun Music Video of their day at www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery. 

CONGRATULATIONS Bethany & John!  We wish you all the best for a beautiful new journey together…

 

Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue

Everyone meet Daisy!  J  Kate from the Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue brought Daisy over to “play” with us at the studio today.  She’s a real sweetheart, calm, behaved, and SUPER loving!  As you know, we got our beautiful Marly from the LCGRR program and highly recommend them if you’re ready to adopt.  And we couldn’t think of a more deserving dog than Daisy!!!  Head over to their website and check out her bio… 

Carolina Christian Church

Cami & I are members of C3.  Last weekend Pastor Randy asked us to do a few snapshots of everyone that’s involved in a ministry position at the church.  So we had a little fun with it…brought a colorful seamless background Sunday morning, set up the Creative Lighting System, and did a full-on fashion photo shoot.  I shot with one of the Nikon D3’s tethered to a laptop, then transferred images to the media team to add bio info and project on the screen.  As you can see, everyone let loose and really had a great time!  Pastor Randy just started a new series called “Big Questions, Real Answers”.  You’re welcome to join us!!!