Savage Academy Boxing Tournament at EB Fitness

Photographing boxing is a REAL CHALLENGE!!!

The whole purpose of the sport is to inflict damage, while avoiding being hit. So the athletes are constantly bobbing and weaving, moving eratically all over the ring, trying to avoid being hit…which translates into “avoiding being photographed”! Not to mention that the ring is surrounded by ropes that block your view and screw up the autofocus. But the worst part is, the ring is usually poorly lit…forcing you to shoot at obscenely high ISO if you have any hope of freezing the frantic action!!!

It was an honor to be invited by my friends Jason and Erica to come out and photograph a boxing tournament at Erica’s gym last weekend. This was my first time photographing boxing. I have a newfound respect for those who photograph this incredibly challenging sport!!!

* Nikon Z9, Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 Z, Nikkor 70-180 f2.8 Z, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 Z, ISO 10,000 with Lightroom AI Noise Reduction *

Orange Grove Elementary Volleyball

My friend, Erin, is an amazing teacher, a wonderful photographer, and a fantastic coach to her Orange Grove Elementary students! So when she asked if she could hire me to come out and photograph one of their games for her, I jumped at the chance!

I played volleyball in high-school, as well as in intramural competitions at college. Even though I was a setter, I was still too short to play on the team in college…but our intramural teams were still really competitive.  Plus I was already playing on the college soccer and tennis teams! I feel that volleyball, and team sports in general, are truly instramental in developing confidence, structure, discipline, communication, and social skills for young people.

It was great to see the kids out there playing hard and having fun!!!

* Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, ISO 8000 with Lightroom AI Noise Reduction

The Kunitzer Family at Hampton Park

Several years ago I had the great honor of photographing Mary & Ryan’s amazing wedding: https://chrisandcami.com/mary-ryan-at-st-andrews-church-at-the-citadel-beach-house/. Yesterday I caught up with them at Hampton Park, where I got to meet their adorable 5-year old daughter. We had so much fun, exploring the beautiful grounds and capturing some fun family portraits of this amazing family!

Bri & Andrew’s Wedding at The Oasis

Cami and I have been looking forward to Bri and Andrew’s wedding for a long time!  Andrew is Cami’s awesome nephew. We were so happy when he found his soulmate in Bri. Together they have built a wonderful life together, which includes their adorable little daughter, Marley!

Their wedding day turned out to have the most perfect weather any bride and groom could ever hope for…sunny and seventies with blue skies and puffy white clouds. It was held at The Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, OH…a picturesque venue right on the golf course.

Bri was absolutely stunning in her cathedral length gown and flowing lace veil! My favorite part of her enseble was her cool blue Converse sneakers! Andrew was looking sharp too, in his charcoal suit and white bowtie.

The service was really special, and included a unique unity ceremony, where Bri and Andrew brought a sapling from their yard which was set on a table under their arbor. During the service, they each took turns pouring mason jars of soil from his family home and her family home, which they combined with the soil already in the pot from THEIR home!

CONGRATULATIONS Bri & Andrew! We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives!!!

Plastics Industry Association Conference

I had never heard of the Plastics Industry Association. But when my good friend and amazing event planner, Kristyn Norton, contacted me about photographing their annual conference, and told me the big kick-off was at a local park where attendees would be volunteering their time to pick up plastic trash I was hooked!

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain. This Fall Conference is an annual event that brings the industry together to discuss, learn, and grow. This year’s conference was held at the Charleston Marriott. The program was designed to help participants network with other industry leaders and gain insights into the plastics industry’s future, how it may impact their business, and how to make plastic products more sustainable and recycleable. From receptions to meals and offsite excursions – the conference also encourages participants to meet other leaders from different sectors and backgrounds, build relationships, find mentors, and learn about new opportunities.

It was a real pleasure photographing this conference and working work with this fun, friendly, and knowledgeable group!

Sunny Brook Equestrian Team

While visiting family in Troy, Ohio, we had the pleasure of photographing a team photo for the Sunny Brooke Equestrian Center! It was a pretty uggly, gray, and overcast evening. But with a few speedlights and warming gels, we added a little extra punch to create a beautiful portrait for these adorable young ladies!!! Many thanks to Noelle for inviting us to capture it for them!

Luke’s Senior Portraits

When Nikkole contacted me about photographing their son’s senior portraits, I was super excited!
Their family is from Indiana. But Nikkole and Luke’s dad, Larry, have instilled a valuable trait in Luke’s life. He prioritizes “experiences” over “things”. And since Nikkole and her husband, Chad, were going to bring Luke to the Lowcountry for some college visits, they thought it would be neat to have his senior portraits taken in a brand new environment, completely different from where all his friends back home were having theirs done!
We had a BLAST and came away with so many fun portraits to commemorate this special time in his life. CONGRATULATIONS, Luke!!!

Jacqueline’s Portraits for Carolina One Real Estate

It was a pleasure meeting and photographing Jacqueline for her new position at Carolina One Real Estate! She and her husband are originally from Puerto Rico. They have 4 adorable kids. And she loves her new tattoo. Please help me welcome her to the team!!!

Abby & David’s Wedding at The Millstone

I grew up in Zaire, now known as the Congo (DRC). So did my friend Beth. Now imagine my excitement one day when Beth sent me a message that they were visiting her son and his fiance and wanted to know if I was available to photograph their wedding!?!

Abby & David tied the knot last weekend at The Millstone. Filled with natural landscaping, the grounds at the Millstone was the perfect spot for their celebration! Located just outside Johnson City, TN, the mill itself has been restored into a stunning venue, while still preserving the history and charm that has been a part of this farming community since 1811.

Abby was absolutely stunning in her fairytale wedding gown! I loved her elegant poise, kind eyes, and gentle soul. David looked really sharp in his plum suit and floral tie.  He’s got an easy-going personality, an inviting smile, and an amazingly creative spirit.  They both wore matching sneakers…which is something they’ve done since they started dating!

The wedding ceremony was made extra special with Abby’s brother, Landin, who is in seminary, leading the vows. Plus, David’s grandfather, who we lovingly call by his African nickname, “Babu”, led the unity ceremony and prayed a blessing over the beautiful couple. The sun was out. The bird’s were singing. Abby and David were enveloped withinin the love and support of their closest friends and family. It truly was a special day!

After the ceremony, a delightful reception was held inside the old restored mill. Food, drinks, dancing, mingling, cake, toasts, and a grand departure…they had it all. I have to confess, it was difficult to contain the lump in my throat during the heartfelt toasts. When those emotions welled up around the room, it was a clear sign to me that Abby & David are truly and deeply loved!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Abby & David! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife…

Headshots for Elliott Davis

Photographing headshots yesterday for Elliott Davis, one of my favorite clients, was an absolute blast!

Working with the individuals at Elliott Davis is always a delightful experience. I arrived early to find a picturesque backdrop for us to use. The morning light was gorgeous. And everyone was so much fun! I couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable session. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue collaborating with such a talented and inspiring team!

USGC Board of Directors Meeting in Calgary – Day 3

I had the distinct honor and great pleasure of photographing the US Grains Council’s 63rd Annual Board of Directors Meeting in Calgary Canada this summer!!!

The majority of the conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. On the final day, new leadership was elected, and a new delegates were added to the Board of Directors.

Here are a few images from Day 3 of this amazing annual meeting…

USGC Board of Directors Meeting in Calgary – Day 2

I had the distinct honor and great pleasure of photographing the US Grains Council’s 63rd Annual Board of Directors Meeting in Calgary Canada this summer!!!

The majority of the conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. A very special off-site event was held in the historic Heritage Park at the conclusion of a very productive second day of keynote presentations and lively discussions.

Here are a few images from Day 2 of this amazing annual meeting…