Colored Powder Photography

One of my good friends and artistic inspirations is Reid Strauss. She is an absolute visionary, always full of the coolest and most creative ideas!!!

A couple days ago we gathered her adorable daughters together (or did we drag them kicking and screaming…I can’t remember which?). In any event, they somehow got volunteered to be our victims as we headed out to Folly Beach for a super fun photo shoot!

Reid had ordered some organic biodegradable colored powder for us to play with.  Made out of corn starch and natural dies, it was completely water soluble and wouldn’t harm the environment. When we started, the girls had no problem pelting each other with the fine grains…but when it was their turn, not so much! Just kidding!!!  They were in fact quite enthusiastic and so much fun to work with, which I appreciated. Once they saw how cool the shots were coming out, the competition was ON!!!

It was an overcast gray day. But this was supposed to be all about COLOR!!!  Gray just wouldn’t do. So I switched my Nikon D5 to tungsten white balance, which of course added an electric blue tone to the sky. Then I covered two of my Nikon SB-5000 Speedlights with orange CTO gels, which are thin colored filters for flashes.  For protection, each flash was placed in a zip-loc bag. Using one flash as my main light, and the other as a rim light, I was able to give the skin tones a nice “sunset glow” to them, which contrasted beautifully with the electric blue sky.  I used the compact and lightweight Nikkor 24-120 f4 VR lens so that I could keep my distance and move quickly. From that point on, it was just a matter of getting everyone’s timing down as they hurled fists full of colored powder at each other!!!

Many thanks to Reid, Sydney, Jacqueline, and Trinity for such a fun evening!!!

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Headshots for First Citizens Bank

I’ve enjoyed working with First Citizens Bank for many years. They are such a great group of individuals. And we always have so much fun at our photo sessions!

Last week I photographed their Wealth Management group at the downtown office. And since I get a lot of questions about my “on-location” studio, I did a little behind-the-scenes video of the setup and how it all works.

Of course every client is different…different background, different lighting style, different posing, etc. But this is how I set up at all the First Citizens banks to keep it consistent for their branding: Savage TV Grey background, Manfrotto background stands, Manfrotto light stands, Westcott Apollo 50″ softbox main light, 3 SB-5000 speedlights in main light, Westcott 60″ umbrella as fill light, 1 SB-5000 speedlight in fill light, Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod, Nikon D5 camera, Sony XQD memory cards, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VRII lens, Nikon WR-R10 wireless transmitter for lights, and Lenovo Yoga laptop (tethered to camera) for proofing.

If you’re a fellow photographer looking to get ideas for your next shoot, I hope this gives you some inspiration.

If you’re a company representative looking to hire a photographer for your next photo shoot, we’d be delighted to serve you!  More information is available at:  https://chrisandcami.com/gallery/corporate/.

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The Firestone Family on Kiawah Island

If there was ever “the perfect” family portrait session, this was it! The lighting was perfect. The weather was perfect (cool and dry after a hot and rainy summer). And the family was perfect!!!

I couldn’t have asked for a nicer, kinder, “funer” (I can make words up, right?), and more beautiful family to work with! Ian and Kim have been vacationing on Kiawah for many years now. They love it down here. In fact, Ian even contemplated a job transfer to the lowcountry so they could live here!  It hasn’t happened yet…but they still come down to visit every chance they get.

We met up at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island about an hour before sunset. The warm summer sun was just entering golden hour.  A few clouds hung like jewels decorating the clear blue sky. And the air was cool and calm.

I had so much fun getting to know this beautiful family. Their two boys were simultaneously super sweet, yet full of pep and energy!  We laughed and played games, and came away with so many wonderful memories. Many thanks to The Firestones for being such a pleasure to work with!!!

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Center Pointe Apartments for Novus Architects

I’ve been enjoying some challenging yet rewarding assignments from Novus Architects recently.

The latest request was for some updated photos of Center Pointe Apartments that showcase the grand scope of the project. Normally a great way to do that is from the air. So I would typically recommend incorporating drone shots. However, this apartment complex is sandwiched between Tanger Outlets and the Boeing plant…directly in the approach-path of incoming aircraft for runway 33 at the Charleston International Airport!

Being an FAA certified drone pilot, I knew the drone was out. However, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help me gain elevation and create shots that look like I’m hovering several feet off the ground. With my “angel cam” in tow (also dubbed the world’s longest selfie-stick), I was able to take my Nikon D850 with the 14-24 f2.8 Nikkor lens attached and raise it several stories into the air to get exactly the perspective I needed!

It was a beautiful day and the shots came out great. 🙂

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Danielle & Mike’s Collage Recreation

Many moons ago I had the pleasure of photographing Danielle & Mike for a creative collage idea of theirs!

They had bought a new home and wanted some artwork depicting a low-country scene for a long empty wall. Being quite the creative genius that he is, Mike had suggested a series of 4 images, showcasing a panoramic marsh scene, but that included a photo of the two of them in one of the 4 images. I loved the idea and it turned out awesome!!!  Check it out here:  https://chrisandcami.com/mike-danielle-at-james-island-county-park/.

Fast forward to today and guess what? Mike and Danielle decided it was time to update their wall to include their beautiful 6 year old daughter! 🙂  Deciding to change it up a little, we chose a twilight beach scene this time. We had a fabulous time together on Folly Beach last night. And the new collage recreation turned out fantastic…

 

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The Hamrick Boys on Isle of Palms

It’s been a few years now, but I remember photographing the Hamrick boys like it was yesterday! In fact one of their shots graces our website: https://chrisandcami.com/gallery/families/. So we did a fun “recreation” of the original shot. Can you tell which one it is?  🙂

The boys were so much fun back then…and are still a hoot today!!! In spite of the whipping wind and overcast skies, we decided to be adventurous and go for it. I’m so glad we did! The texture of the skies really ads a cool mystique to the photos.  Plus we had the entire beach to ourselves!

It was so much fun catching up with Robin and her energetic entourage! I can’t wait to do it again in a few years!!!

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Interior Design Photos for Sandy Ericksen

It’s always a pleasure working with Sandra Ericksen Design! We had so much fun yesterday photographing some of her beautiful arrangements and creative concepts. Although normally preferring to stay behind the camera, I even got a portraits of Sandy. If you’re looking for a fantastic interior designer who is an absolute pleasure to work with, check her out at www.sandraericksendesign.com!

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Headshots for Atlas Executive Consulting

I had another fun round of head-shots with Atlas Executive Consulting last week! We’ve been using a special high-key setup, which they love. Here are a few favorites…plus some silly “out-takes”. 🙂

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Russell Family at The Ocean Course

I did a little “rain dance” in my car on my way out to Kiawah Island last night. I was under a clearing in the sky. But all around me dark storm clouds threatened!

It must have worked because the rains held off just long enough for The Russell’s and I to squeeze in an AMAZING family portrait session at The Ocean Course! We may have had to dance around a few raindrops here and there. But the empty beach, the dramatic light, and the SPECTACULAR sunset was so worth it.

I had so much fun with the Russell Family! Their positive energy and adventurous spirit truly paid off. Lots of families would have walked away at the sight of those clouds. But they decided to go for it…and I’m so glad they did! We had an absolute BLAST and came away with some incredibly beautiful images to commemorate their time together this summer. 🙂

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Hanna & Kenny’s Wedding – The Lake House at Bulow

I had the pleasure of photographing Kenny’s brother’s wedding when Kevin and Melissa were married. Hard to believe it’s been 10 years ago now! So you can imagine my excitement when Hanna & Kenny asked me to be a part of their special day too!!!

With the current climate surrounding this pandemic, they weren’t able to have the larger event they had initially planned. But Hanna & Kenny stayed flexible, and stayed focused on the true meaning behind a wedding…their families, their commitment, and their love for one another! Re-focusing their energy into a more intimate event, this amazing couple came up with an absolutely delightful celebration! And the best part is, they are still planning to host all their friends and family for a big reception next year at a special “vow renewal”!!!

Everything was held at The Lake House at Bulow, formerly known as Bulow Plantation. It’s a wonderfully rustic venue on a quiet lake, surrounded by woods and wildlife, with an enchanting island in the middle all covered in tall pine trees. The ceremony was held on the deck, with fun family photos to follow. Then Hanna & Kenny took off with me for a fun little photo shoot around the property while cocktails were served. A relaxing dinner on the spacious lawn rounded out the evening.

Hanna was absolutely stunning in her gorgeous gown. She always has a radiant smile and a bubbly southern charm. I love how she always says “please and thank you” to everyone she meets. 🙂 Kenny was quite dashing in his tux. He’s the strong silent type, but with a dry sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. These two are absolutely perfect for each other…true soul mates indeed!

Today is our anniversary…Cami and I were married just 25 years ago today! And so I want to share with you both a very special wish…that your lives are as filled with love, laughter, and happiness as mine has been since marrying my best friend all those years ago. CONGRATULATIONS Hanna & Kenny!!!

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Wrede Family on Isle of Palms

I owe a HUGE “Thank You” to Patrick & Gina Maloney for their kindness in recommending us to their friends Doug & Chrissy!!!

While vacationing here on IOP, they wanted to do a fun beach session with their family. It was supposed to happen last night. But the CRAZY storms and lightning that covered our city had different intentions for our evening. So we pivoted to this morning and it turned out BEAUTIFUL!!! Last night’s rain had cooled things off a bit. And the cloud cover gave us a gorgeous soft palette of light to work with.

I had so much fun playing with Doug & Chrissy’s adorable kids. And we came away with some fabulous images to commemorate their time together!  🙂

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Cripe Family on Kiawah Island

It rained all day…gray and dreary. But just before it was time to meet up with the Cripe Family for their family portrait session on Kiawah Island, the rain moved off and the skies cleared up!  🙂

Now living in Indianapolis, James had done his residency in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina years ago. So when they decided to take a little vacation, they decided to try Charleston!  The whole family had a great time relaxing on Kiawah Island, where little Caden absolutely fell in love with the ocean. We could hardly keep him out of it!

I had so much fun hanging our with this beautiful family, and capturing these fond memories of their time together. I think we’ll be seeing more of the Cripes in the future!!!

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