I can’t believe it’s been TWO YEARS since I photographed Jeff & Suzanna’s wedding! They’re still as young and full of life as they were on that special day! Last year on their first anniversary, Suzanna’s parents (who are the neatest people you could ever hope to meet) started a tradition of traveling back here for a family reunion in Charleston. These are a few of my favorites from this year’s session. Suzanna’s dad told me before the shoot, “Make sure you get me a good one of my grandson”. Doesn’t that shy smile and fiery red hair just make you want to hug him to pieces!?! CONGRATULATIONS to Suzanna & Jeff…may life bring you abundant joy…
My New Niece
Something Cami and I were looking forward to during our trip to Ohio was a chance to see my new niece for the first time. My brother Brian and his wife Denise have a new baby girl. Katlyn is ten months old now and absolutely ADORABLE! (OK, I’m a little biased…HA!)
Visiting Ohio
Over 4th of July Weekend, Cami and I made a trip to visit friends and family back in Ohio.
Here’s Cami braving the rain at the Centerville 4th of July Parade with her brother Todd, sister-in-law Judy, and niece Kristin. Kristin’s brother, Andrew was out west with his boy scout troop so I didn’t get to give him my usual schooling on Rock Band. HA! š
Here’s Cami and I with my two younger (but taller…hmmm) brothers. That’s Eric on the far right and Brian in the middle. My oldest brother, Dan, and his family live in Oregon. We’re looking forward to visiting them another time.
Cami was brave enough to stand with her CRAZY cousins on Aunt Evie’s side. I only wish I could be like you guys when I grow up!
Here she is with Aunt Evie…the sweetest person in the whole world. She’s also Cami’s godmother.
Since Cami’s Birthday was later that week, “someone” (I won’t say who because I know she loves her brother VERY much) decided to shower her with love.
My Uncle Charles and Aunt Mary have always been an inspiration to me. They epitomize that saying “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
One night we had dinner with my brother Eric and his wife Martha at their new home. Yup, my youngest brother now has a mortgage…isn’t life great!?!
Happy Birthday, Cami
Well, the most beautiful girl in the world (anybody else like that Prince song?) just turned the big 4-0. She still looks like she’s 24 and still has a heart of gold. š So I guess age just can’t hold her down! We flew to Ohio to be with family and friends, who were happy to help us celebrate. So I’ll share pics from that trip later. Cami got a TON of birthday cards and they’re spread out all over our kitchen bar. Thanks to everyone who called and wrote. Happy Birthday, Cami! I love you with all my heart!!!
Kiawah Island Beach Portraits
WOW! What a beautiful day for beach portraits on Kiawah Island. I had a wonderful time with the Haverstraws and the Betts who are down here vacationing from our old stomping grounds in Ohio. Their kids were ADORABLE and everyone was so easy-going and eager to have fun. š
Debby & Kevin at St. John’s Cathedral
What can I say about Debby & Kevin….WOW! What a truly AWESOME wedding day for such a beautiful couple. Their spirit and enthusiasm was infectious. It’s no wonder they’re surrounded by such a loving group of family and friends. The day started out at the scenic Carolina Yacht Club, overlooking Charleston Harbor and The Battery. I LOVE the relationship between the ring bearer and grandma as she pins his boutonniere on in the first image! Jade Water Design did a beautiful job with all the floral arrangements. The ceremony was held at the majestic Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, which I’ve expressed before is one of my favorite sanctuaries in town…just delicious to work in. The photo of Debby “getting friendly” with “the boys” in the vestibule is SO cute! At the reception, Plane Jane kept the Carolina Yacht Club dance floor smokin‘. And Cakes by Kasarda provided the artistic confection that satisfied our sweet tooth…mmm! As the evening came to an end, Debby & Kevin ran outside with me to create a few dramatic images in the soft evening light before they headed off to their wedding night. Everyone waved and cheered as they sailed away in this beautiful yacht with the huge “Just Married” banner waving in the cool evening breeze. Click Here to see the rest of their photos. Debby & Kevin…THANK YOU for asking me to be a part of your special day. You two were AWESOME!!!
Daniel Island Family Portrait
Brenda Cook, the NUMBER ONE Agent for Daniel Island Real Estate, has been a longtime client and friend. She’s always a privilege to work with. Last week I had a wonderful time photographing portraits for her daughter’s family. Their kids have REALLY grown since last time I photographed them! š
Nikon D700 and SB900 Announced!
There’s been some breaking news tonight! Rumors of a July 1st Announcement from Nikon have been floating around the back alleys of the World Wide Web for some time now. Well…it’s already July 1st in Europe! Sure enough, sites in countries like France, Germany, and Norway have made it official. The D700 will be Nikon’s second FX Sensor body, presumably wedging the same 12mp sensor from the D3 into a smaller pro-sumer body. In addition, the SB900 was announced with limited specs. But my rusty french was able to decipher improvements in power, rotation (180 degrees left AND right), and zoom…now capable of covering a range from 17-200mm and automatically switching between DX and FX sensor bodies. Last but not least is the final piece of the updated Perspective Control lenses. The 45mm and 85mm PC-E Micro Nikkor lenses join the 24mm announced earlier this year to complete the series. Just a little techie update for those who are interested before I head off to slumber. š
UPDATE: Nikon USA made all the official announcements in English this morning.
Megan & Brad at Cathedral of St. John
“I Love a Rainy Night“…the catchy 80s tune by Eddie Rabbit was floating through my head. I was driving behind the trolley Megan & Brad had rented to take the wedding party from the church to their reception. I don’t know what it is, but I just LOVE the rain…the mystery, the wonder, the calming piter-pater on the windshield. Besides, it’s supposed to bring GOOD LUCK, right?!? š The day started out beautifully as I captured first Brad and his entourage, then Megan and her wonderful attendants getting ready at the historic Francis Marion Hotel. From there we headed over to the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist…surely one of the most beautiful sanctuary’s in Charleston. Jimmy Ryan did an awesome job with the bagpipes as always. I absolutely LOVE the shot of the ladies fluffing Megan’s crenalin in the church vestibule as her father looks on lovingly…waiting to hand her the bouquet, take her arm in his, and escort her down the isle. Her cousin, Father Kennedy, gave a beautiful homily. The rains started while we were in the sanctuary. So as we waited for it to subside, I was able to get this dramatic shot of them silhouetted in the huge doorway with the palmetto tree in the distance. That’s my lovely bride, Cami, helping keep Megan’s gown dry as they made a mad dash for the trolley. That’s when the song started in my head. š We returned to the Francis Marion Hotel for a beautiful reception. After their grand entrance and VERY DIFFERENT first dance, Megan’s Mom, her two sisters, and Leslie bustled her gown and touched up her makeup…the gorgeous light drifting through the rain-spattered window really caught my attention. Remembering the wonderful quality of that light later, I made this dramatic image of Megan & Brad sitting on the window sill before their grand departure through the gauntlet of bubbles. If you liked these, Click Here to check out the rest of their photos. CONGRATULATIONS, Megan & Brad!!!Ben Affleck goes to Congo
In case you missed it last night, ABC’s Nightline did a story on Ben Affleck’s recent visits to Congo, the country of my youth. As one of four sons to lifelong missionaries, Bob & Anelise Smith, I was born there back when it was known as Zaire. I’m not telling you the year! š If you’re not familiar with it, this is the same country made famous by Joseph Conrad’s book “The Heart of Darkness“. You may have also seen the Academy Award Nominated movie “Gorrilas in the Mist” with Sigourney Weaver, which tells the true story of naturalist Dian Fossey. Much of the movie was filmed in Congo. More recently, you might have seen concern in the media as conservationists fear the fate of these gorillas since large numbers of human’s closest biological relative are being killed by the rebels who now swarm the country. I left the Democratic Republic of Congo after high-school and have only been back once to visit in 1989. The REAL human-rights atrocities started after that. My parents and youngest brother who remained behind had to be evacuated at one point as the killing escalated. I’m so glad that Mr. Affleck has taken an interest in turning the world’s eyes to the plight of the wonderful and loving people of this country who have had to endure unspeakable things that you wouldn’t even wish on your family pet. I’ll leave you with a few statistics from ABC’s article: “More than four MILLION dead since 1998 (and many more before then), the most killed in any conflict since the Second World War. 1,200 people a day are still dying from conflict and conflict-related causes such as starvation and preventable disease.”
Julie & Fred
Julie & Fred tied the knot at one of my FAVORITE locations to shoot weddings…Alhambra Hall. It was a gorgeous day with a nice breeze blowing off Charleston Bay, taking the edge of the early summer heat. Julie was absolutely stunning in her designer gown. Fred’s and his posse looked like they were posing for GQ in their khaki suits – HA! The ceremony was held under the oak tree on the Grand Lawn with some beautiful rays of sun filtering through the leaves. The reception was REALLY cool…with a children’s table complete with candy and coloring books, plus lots of chocolate and colorful treats on the other tables. As the sun slipped behind the horizon, we slipped outside to get a few shots in the glowing sky. I noticed the moon had popping up in the other direction and LOVE this shot of them with the moon glowing overhead. At the end of the night Julie & Fred made a grand escape through a long gauntlet of glowing sparklers. But before they took off I had them draw a symbol of their love in the breezy night air….aw, isn’t that SWEET! Click Here to check out the rest of their photos. CONGRATULATIONS Julie & Fred…you guys are DEFINITELY portfolio material!!! š
Customer Satisfaction
Since we’re so high on Customer Satisfaction, I thought I’d report that Nikon has just been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras” by J.D. Power and Associates. We’ve been extremely pleased with the INCREDIBLE quality of their flagship D3 cameras. As a member of Nikon Professional Services, we were one the first studios in the country to receive a D3 out of the initial batch in November. We loved it so much we ordered a second one last month. Our stack of Thank You Cards and overflowing Inbox of appreciative emails is a testament to how happy our clients are with our photography. It is ground-breaking technology like the D3 that helps us deliver this level of Customer Satisfaction to OUR wonderful clients! Kudos to Nikon.