The Ngorongoro Crater

After we left Arusha, we headed strait into the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s not actually a crater left behind by some ancient meteor as some scientists originally believed. It’s actually the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera…formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago.

Based on fossil evidence found at the nearby Olduvai Gorge, we known that various hominid species have occupied the area for 3 million years. Aside from herds of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest, the crater is home to the “Big Five” (rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), which we saw within our first two days! An estimated 25,000 animals live within the crater, almost every known species of East African Wildlife. Notably absent are giraffes, impala, and crocodiles. But it does boast the densest known population of lions, thought we actually saw more later in the Serengeti…which I’ll share when I get to them. šŸ™‚

The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World!


Katelyn & Seth

I SO enjoyed getting to know Katelyn & Seth and working with them throughout their wedding planning process. (Many thanks to the beautiful Rachel Clark for recommending us!) They are both really creative individuals! Katelyn even had a hand in designing her beautiful and unique wedding gown with Lula Kate’s, which I LOVED! And Seth, with his mad graphic design skills, personalized the cover of their Photo Guest Book, containing their favorite images from the Engagement & Bridal Shoots I had photographed earlier.

They were married at John Wesley United Methodist by the fun-loving Rev. Gary Phillips. And their reception was at the Elks Lodge in West Ashley with Sinclair, The Music Maker, keeping things hopin‘. Their friends and family were so much fun and the PACKED house of guests really let their hair down and had a great time. Click Here to see the rest of their photos!!!

Katelyn & Seth, it truly was an HONOR to be a part of your special day. Growing up as neighbors and sweethearts has given you a very special bond. Cherish that gift!

Karibu Tanzania

When we landed in Kilimanjaro International Airport, it was 9 O’Clock at night. The first words we learned were “Karibu Tanzania”…Welcome to Tanzania. While going through customs, the power went out…twice! (But that’s a story for another time.) It was dark and we were tired. So we didn’t notice much about the town of Arusha besides the bumpy ride until the next day.

We were staying at the UAACC run by exiled Black Panthers, Pete & Charlotte O’Neil. (Yup, that’s another crazy story.) It’s a “global community of people committed to making a positive change in this world!” One of the reasons we wanted to stay there was to see their school and meet the children in their orphanage. So the following morning we went down and met the “House Mother” and got to play with all the children, give them cartoon stickers we’d brought (a HUGE hit!), crayons, colored pencils, etc. It was SUCH a fulfilling experience to see their faces light up at a couple Wazungu (white outsiders) who took the time to show an interest in them.

I was particularly drawn to this little girl who seemed to be more of a loaner…often sitting by herself…and frequently displaying a far-away feeling of sadness in her eyes. I could only imagine what pain, suffering, or abuse she might have already endured in her young life. But she had fleeting bouts of excitement and joy, like when Cami put a sticker of Cinderella on the pack of her hand. Now that she’s in an orphanage of people who care for her, I can only hope she finds a brighter future than her past.

Masai Warrior in the Serengeti

Cami & I are finally home after our AMAZING trip to Tanzania. We never travel without getting our share of “oops” stories, which don’t seem funny at the time but provide a good chuckle later! Other than that, everything went without a hitch.

The wildlife was UNBELIEVABLE, the people were so friendly and BEAUTIFUL, and the experience will stay with us FOREVER!!!

It will take a while to sort through the thousands of images. But here’s one of a young Masai Warrior at sunset in the Serengeti to whet your appetite. šŸ˜‰

It’s good to be home and back in touch with all of you…

On Photo Safari in Tanzania

Chris & Cami Photography will be closed July 26th – August 13th. Cami & I will be on vacation…WOOHOOO! As most of you know, I was born and raised in the Congo (DRC). And Cami & I LOVE to travel!!!

For years it’s been a dream of mine to return to the amazing continent that is Africa and share the experience with my beautiful bride! The first half of the trip we’ll be on Photo Safari. We land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, tour Arusha for a couple days, see the Ngorongoro Crater (some call the Eighth Wonder of the World), then travel NW through the Serengeti during the Great Migragion. We eventually end up in Bunda, a small town on the east coast of Lake Victoria where we’ll stay with missionary friends of my parents, where we’ll spend the second half getting to know the locals and relaxing. Then we head SW around source of the Nile to Mwanza where we’ll take a small bush plane, flying back over the Serengeti, and in to Kilimanjaro International Airport for our flight home.

We do not anticipate having any cell phone coverage or internet access the entire time! We will respond to email and return phone calls as soon as possible upon our return. Oh, and don’t worry…we’ll probably take a FEW pictures to share with you when we get back! šŸ˜‰

Apryl & Ben’s e-Session

Apryl & Ben have a couple months before their Big Day gets here. We tried twice before to do their Charleston Engagement Session…but both got rained out. Well…third time’s a charm!!! I had a GORGEOUS day, good spirits, and a couple that is SO CUTE and VERY MUCH in love! ;-)We started out at The Battery in downtown Charleston, walking up the rustic cobble stone section of Church St. Ben actually proposed to Apryl on this street! Then we zipped over to Folly Beach after a quick outfit change to catch the dramatic setting sun. We had a lot of fun. So I just know their wedding is going to be AMAZING…

US Women’s National Soccer

Soccer was “my sport” growing up. I think there was a period in high-school when I slept with my soccer ball! šŸ˜‰ I played at Kalamazoo College and Spring Arbor University before injuries sidelined me and the Tennis bug hit me. But I’ll never loose my love for “The Beautiful Game”! So it was with pleasure that I got to photograph the US Women’s National Soccer Team in their 1-0 win over Canada at Blackbaud Stadium, their last home game before heading over seas this summer.

Folly Beach Day-After Shoot

Kate & Dustin were married back in April. They wanted to do one of our popular “Day After” shoots, but it just didn’t work out back then. So…no big deal…we just did it three months later! šŸ™‚ They are SUCH a great couple and so easy to work with. You could tell they were every bit as much in love as the day they got married!!! I love that last image…really demonstrates how strong their bond is in spite of the turmoil that is our world around them.

The Plantation at Bulow

The Plantation at Bulow is a beautiful, rustic, scenic spot for weddings, receptions, and corporate events. I love it! And the best part is, it’s within walking distance of our house. šŸ™‚ Last week I had the privilege of photographing some new images for their marketing and promotion. Ashley, their marketing director, did a great job of organizing everything. And the models were fantastic to work with. Make sure you stop by their booth at the bridal show next weekend to see more of these images!

Folly Beach Sunset

The entire Rodgers clan came descended on Charleston this summer. They were staying at Isle of Palms. But since IOP and Sullivan’s Island have an ordinance that bans professional photography on their beaches, we met up at Folly Beach. We all had a BLAST! And at the end of the session, we were rewarded with a SPECTACULAR sunset!