As a professional photographer, I’m often faced with less than ideal lighting situations. In many of those cases, I’m not allowed to augment the existing light (what little there is) with any sort of flash. Many of these situations include indoor sporting events, like the Southern Conference basketball tournament I shot earlier this year, where the flash would distract the athletes. Others include formal church weddings where a flash would take the focus off the bride & groom. Finally, like in this corporate conference for the American Council of Engineering Companies, it would simply be in poor taste. People ask me all the time, “why do certain lenses cost so much?”. Well, some lenses are simply designed and built with larger maximum apertures and larger glass elements so they can “see” better in dim light. Often referred to as “fast glass”, these lenses allow more light into the camera the same way those huge pupils from an owl’s eyes allow it to see better at night. I carry an arsenal of fast lenses to every assignment so that when the other photographers don’t have enough light to get the shot, I switch to one of these gems and keep on shooting. Check out my gear box if you’re interested in this sort of thing.

Engagement Sessions are a wonderful opportunity for me to get to know a couple before their wedding day. It’s always fun to pick a casual setting like the beach or a local park and just go have fun! Brandon & Stacia didn’t need ANY of my usual coaxing to get them to relax. We hit it off right from the start. They are very much in love and completely comfortable being themselves in front of the camera. I had a GREAT time getting to know them and creating some beautiful images that reflect their personalities and their relationship. Here’s one of my favorites from the end of the session as the setting sun sent vibrant colors skimming across the sky behind them while the moon hung omnisciently in the distance. I CAN’T WAIT to photograph their wedding this coming spring – it’s going to be AWESOME!

Grand Ideas is another one of my favorite clients. They market promotional products, including a special line of SUPER COOL Palmetto Ideas for the true South-Carolinian in you. The owner, Grandee (how fitting), has more energy than a four year old! She’s always got a smile on her face and her bubbly personality is VERY CONTAGIOUS!!! I do all the product photography, head shots, and team photos for their website. This was a recent one I took while all her sales people from around the state were in town for one of their Grand Meetings.

Many of you know that Cami & I adopted our beloved Golden Retriever, Henry, from a wonderful organization called Pet Helpers. He’s truly become a special part of our lives. To this day we still feel grateful towards, and keep in touch with the wonderful folks we got him from! So when the opportunity arose to photograph an editorial piece about Pet Helpers, I jumped at the chance. This was another feature article for Charleston Magazine and showcased a number of wonderful pets who have found loving homes through the assistance of Pet Helpers. If your heart is ready to adopt a new family member, don’t hesitate to give these wonderful folks a call!