Charleston Parks Conservancy

As a professional photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant landscapes and historical charm of Charleston. Recently, a select group of photographers had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Charleston Parks Conservancy, capturing the essence of some of the city’s smaller, lesser-known, pocket parks.
From the lush greenery of Tiedemann Park & Nature Center to the colorful blooms at Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden, to the formal structure of Theodora Park, each location offered a unique canvas. The Conservancy’s dedication to preserving and enhancing these green spaces is truly inspiring, and my goal was to reflect that beauty through my lens. I used a variety of tools, capturing aerial drone shots with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, colorful details with the Nikon Zf, and unique black-and-white shots with the Infrared-converted Nikon Coolpix A.
Working alongside the Conservancy allowed me to explore the intricate details of each park…from the historic black iron gates to the carefully curated gardens. It’s a privilege to contribute to the mission of promoting these precious spaces and encouraging more people to experience their beauty.
I’m excited to share these images and hope they inspire others to discover the wonderful parks that make Charleston truly special. Many thanks to Darlene, Kellen, Sam, and Ali!!!

NAEGA Conference in Winnipeg, Canada

I’ve never been to Winnipeg. It’s a beautiful, walkable, picturesque city, that seems to be plaqued by inclimate weather. This was also my first time in Manitoba…which is the 5th province of Canada of been to.

I was in town to photograph the North American Export Grain Association conference at the Alt Hotel. NAEGA is a not-for-profit industry trade association promoting policies, rules and commercial practices that support efficient international trade in grains, oilseeds and their derived products. Established in 1912, NAEGA’s members include private and publicly owned companies and farmer-owned cooperatives that export agricultural production to customers around the world. Their work benefits consumers, farmers and people working the trade.

I had previously worked with Alejandra, the president of NAEGA, at a former organization. So it was an absolute honor to work with her again and photograph the NAEGA conference for her!

Wailin’ Wayne Weekend

When I travel with the Moto Photo Adventures team, we stumble onto some pretty interesting sights. Whether it’s the town of Mt. Airy, Andy Griffith’s home town, and where the town of Mayberry is based on…the abandoned Athens Lunatic Asylum…or the ghost town of Thurnton where a once booming coal industry has long since dried up…there’s always something interesting to photograph along the way.

I carry a pocket-sized Nikon Coolpix A, that has been converted by Kolari Vision Infrared to “see” infrared light. Plus I always bring my trusty Nikon Zf, a retro-styled full-frame mirrorless camera with impecable image qualtiy. For aerial shots, I carry a compact DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. And of course I’m always grabbing snapshots with my phone when neither of those are handy. 🙂

Here are a few of my favorite shots from our latest trip to the Wailin Wayne Weekend in Ohio. We had an AMAZING time, catching up with old friends, and making new ones along the way…

Taj & Michael at The Lakehouse at Bulow

Taj & Michael contacted me back in January about photographing their intimate wedding at The Lakehouse at Bulow.

Bulow Plantation is a beautiful log cabin venue on a serene lake with a gorgeous bridge extending out to an island covered in pine trees. Because they love nature and the great outdoors, Taj & Michael had initially thought about a beach wedding. Then they fell in love with the idea of getting married amongst the majestic pine trees. But Michael took it one step further and had some beach sand brought in so they could still get married in bare feet on a mound of soothing sand…the best of both worlds!

Taj & Michael were an absolute joy to be arround! Their positive energy and kind spirits made it evident why they had so many close friends who had traveled far and wide to celebrate with them. Their love and connection to one another shone in their eyes. I had so much fun capturing all the special moments of their Big Day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Taj & Michael! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together, with or without shoes…

ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit

Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is singularly focused on supporting sound policy development and pro-farmer legislation to support long-term profitability for corn growers. ICGA works to support state and federal policy on increasing blends and access to renewable fuels, decreasing regulatory burdens on Iowa’s livestock industry, improving Farm Bill programs, promoting trade policies and so much more.

It was a real honor to photograph this year’s ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit, which is one of the many opportunities for delegates to get involved and make their voices heard. Attendees get an in-depth look at the issues facing the corn industry, debate key policies that impact their farm, help set the direction for the organization moving forward and get to know other corn growers from across the state. This year’s event was held at Prarie Meadows Hotel & Casino in Altoona, IA. Keynote speakers included Secretary Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds!

Many thanks to Shannon, Amanda, and Rachel from the ICGA communications team for bringing me on board to capture all the energy and excitement of this amazing conference!!!

Coastal Carolina University for DWG Consulting Engineers

On the evening of July 23, 1954, a group of citizens met in the Horry County Memorial Library to discuss a daring proposal – the creation of a new local college. Later that year, 53 students are enrolled, taught by a handful of part-time faculty, with classes meeting after hours in Conway High School. Today, a diverse population of more than 10,800 students from across the country and around the world engages with a world-class faculty, enjoy an inspiring cultural calendar, and share in a community of 112 student clubs, organizations, and honor societies. The University now offers 72 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate programs. The University campus comprises 115 main buildings on 621 acres in Conway, SC, just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach.

As the university grows to meet modern demands, DWG Consulting has been instrumental in upgrading and expanding the buildings and infrastructure of the campus. It was an honor and a pleasure to photograph some of theese projects for DWG’s protfolio.

Joe Daning Amphitheater for Trident Construction

Located behind Goose Creek’s City Hall, the new Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater opens on Sept. 6, 2024. With exciting amenities including a food truck court, pavilion, concert stage, dance floor, public restrooms, and lakeside views, the new amphitheater will encourage people to gather as a community and enjoy a variety of public performances. Its open-air design provides for a unique and memorable experience whether you’re performing or soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator. For more invormation and a calendar of events, check out: https://www.cityofgoosecreek.com/joseph-s-daning-amphitheater.

With the Danigh Amphitheater in its final stages of construction, Trident Construction arranged for me to go out and photograph the project for their portfolio. I lucked out with a beautiful day, with warm afternoon light, blue skies and puffy white clouds. All images were photographed with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, plus the Nikon Z9 with either the 14-30 f4 or 24-120 f4 Z lenses.

Many thanks to Anna for coordinating schedules and organizing everything for this assignment!

International African American Museum for Seamon Whiteside

Being that I was born and raised in the Congo, where the majority of slaves sent to North America came from, and that I now live in Charleston, where the majority of slaves were sold, I am acutely aware of the damages caused by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. So it was a great honor to be selected to photograph the International African American Museum for Seamon Whiteside!

The IAAM is a museum of African-American history in Charleston, South Carolina, located at a former shipping wharf where approximately 40% of the nation’s enslaved persons disembarked. The museum opened June 27, 2023, after 20 years of planning. The concept of the museum was initiated by former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. The construction budget of the museum is $75 million. Riley raised much of the money for the project as a private citizen. The museum sits on the Cooper River, with a view facing Fort Sumter and out into the Atlantic Ocean, across which the slaves made their arduous journey.

Many thanks to Lia at Seamon Whiteside for coordinating all the details of the shoot!

Credit One Stadium – The Oaks Deck and Front Plaza Landscaping

Phase 2 of the Credit One Stadium is now complete!

As the official photographer of the Credit One Charleston Open, it was an honor to be asked to photograph a few shots of these new features for Seamon Whiteside, the engineering firm behind their design. The Front Plaza landscaping has really filled in nicely. And The Oaks Deck is beautifully situated in the grove of live oaks just outside the stadium. This raised outdoor deck event space is used throughout the tournament. Accomodating up to 100 people, it can also be booked for private events throughout the year. It features outdoor lounge furniture, power for a DJ or band, on-site parking, and much more: https://creditonestadium.com/venue-rentals/the-oaks/.

Many thanks to Lia at Seamon Whiteside for coordinating this photo shoot!

Riverside Apartments for Seamon Whiteside

I picked up another project to photograph for Seamon Whiteside in Greenville this week…which was great since it was still overcast and “gloomy” in Charleston!

Riverside is an 8.3-acre site in the Water Tower District of Greenville, SC, along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The development includes 200 multifamily units. Operated by Woodfield Development, the first tenants took occupancy in the 3rd quarter of 2021. What I love the most is all the amenities Seamon Whiteside put into the plans…dog park, pickleball court, fire pit, pool, frizbee golf, workout room, yoga studio, bocce ball, bicycle garage, and so much more!

Many thanks to Jennifer for helping organize everything for this assignment!

Greenville County Square for Seamon Whiteside

I hadn’t seen blue skies and puffy white clouds in DAYS!!! So I was super happy to be photographing in Greenville this week! I was there to photograph the new Greenville County Square, with its stately Veterans Memorial Plaza out front, and gorgeous landscaping out back.

A city ordinance that was passed in February 2020 approved the conceptual plans for a new Greenville County administrative building, which would be located at the northwest corner of University Ridge and South Church Street. The administrative building and adjoining parking deck have been completed. But there’s still a lot to go! Ultimately, the 40-acre site will be redeveloped into an urban environment designed to complement downtown with a mix of commercial, residential, public/institutional and service/industrial uses. It will also feature two central plazas and three dog parks and include multi-use trail connectivity on the east, north and west boundaries to better integrate the development with the surrounding areas and provide convenient access for residents in nearby neighborhoods.

Many thanks to Jennifer for helping me coordinate this photo shoot…and getting me out in the sunshine for a few hours! 🙂

Swamp Rabbit Trail for Seamon Whiteside

With all the doom and gloom that descended upon Charleston during Hurricane Debby’s visit, I was very glad to have a photo shoot in Greenville this week. I hadn’t seen blue skies and puffy white clouds in DAYS!!!

I was there to photograph promotional photos of the new Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail extension for Seamon Whiteside, the engineering group that did the site surveys and project developement. It extends the original Swamp Rabbit Trail even further north of Greenville, from Unity Park all the way up to Trevelers Rest. Since opening in 2009, this 28 mile (and growing) network of paved trails offers fun, fitness and community transportation throughout Greenville County. To read more about this awesome hike/bike/run/rollerblade trail, and plan your visit, check out: https://greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit/.

Many thanks to Jennifer for helping me coordinate this photo shoot…and getting me out in the sunshine for a few hours! 🙂