[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8VSsW9XCrE]

As most of you know, I’m an MK born and raised in Zaire, Africa. So when I ran across this really cool video from a ministry called Watoto in Uganda, I thought I’d share it with you. My youngest brother, Eric, is actually in Uganda right now finishing out a two-year assignment with CRWRC. Next year, Cami and I are hoping to go visit our friends Mark & Ruth Walkup, who now work for the CDC in Zimbabwe. We photographed their beautiful wedding in Norfolk, VA a few years ago. Anyway, I can’t WAIT to get back to AFRICA! I left in ’87, visited during the summer of ’92, but haven’t been back since. It’s been WAY too long…

I’m kind of a technology afficianado. So I had an AMAZING time photographing Fred Fabian, CEO and Chief Designer for eLifespaces. If you asked me what exactly these guys do at eLifespaces…without hesitation I would reply “MAGIC”!:-) This was one of my favorite images. It was taken in their sound proof home theater at their showroom. I used the Nikon D3 mounted with the 14-24mm f2.8 lens. I had two SB800′s firing through a 36″ softbox to my right. Dragging the shutter allowed the ambient light in the room to fill out nicely.

This afternoon I had fun catching up with Brittany & Mitch, who’s wedding is just a few short months away. We met at the Legend Oaks Country Club where their wedding will be to go over details and logistics. Since I CAN’T go anywhere without a camera, I grabbed this shot of them under the Spanish Moss coverd Live Oak where they will be exchanging vows.

2008 commemorates the 35th Anniversary of one of the premier sporting events of South Carolina! “The Family Circle Cup has a 35-year history of accomplishments in women’s professional tennis and has set a standard of excellence as a Tier I tournament on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.”

This morning, I had the honor of photographing the image that will grace the cover of this year’s program guide and brochures. Robin Reynolds, Tournament Director, and Mike Saia, Communications Manager, arrived at the studio at 9:00 with all the props…including the brand new Waterford Crystal trophy, fresh off the plane from the factory in Ireland. I was a little nervous doing so, but I got to touch it when we were positioning everything! HEHE! The fabulous Amy Reed of Helium Inc was the art designer for the project…I love her creative eye! We all had a great time and everyone was very pleased with the modern punch we added to this vintage “look”, honoring the incredible heritage of this amazing tournament.

Aren’t you glad I won’t be carrying this behomuth around at your wedding!?! My friend Robin Knight shared this with me. Click here to read about this 1200mm f5.6 monster.

Mike Saia, my “boss” at the Family Circle Cup, just sent me this photo of the new stadium banner! As most of you know, I’m one of the Official Photographers of this AMAZING professional women’s WTA tennis tournament. And one of my biggest thrills is seeing my photo of the previous year’s champion hanging outside the 4-story tall stadium walls. To take this picture of my photo of Jelena Jankovic from last year’s tournament, Mike had to brave the high winds in a wobbly 80-foot lift! What a CRAZY GUY! Thanks for sending this, Mike…you made my day.