Family Circle Cup is now Volvo Car Open

The Family Circle Cup has a new title sponsor and is now the Volvo Car Open!

Don’t worry, the longest running and largest women’s professional tennis tournament is still the same amazing event it always has been…just with a new name. šŸ™‚

Here are some images from the days before the official start of the tournament. My coverage began with the annual Iconic Photo Shoot, featuring the two previous champions, Angie Kerber and Andrea Petkovic. It continued with all kinds of player appearances and activities during the Family Day at qualifying rounds. And it culminated in the always amazing Player Party, which officially welcomes all the players to town and kicks of the tournament with a bang!

Stay tuned…seven more days of awesome tennis to come!!!

Lee & Accociates at The Cedar Room

The Cedar Room at Mercantile & Mash is a beautiful, elegant, and rustic, event space at The Cigar Factory that I absolutely LOVE shooting in!

Normally the spacious room is used for weddings, receptions, and corporate events. But this week I had the pleasure of using the venue to photograph corporate team photos, executive portraits, and head-shots for Lee & Associates. We took a lot of serious ones. But of course we couldn’t help but have a little fun as well!!! šŸ™‚ Ā Here are just a few samples from the hundreds of images shot throughout the day.

Many thanks to Lizzie and all the wonderful folks at Lee & Associates for always being so much fun to work with! And many thanks to Graham at The Cedar Room for coordinating the space for us!

Riley’s Newborn Session

Welcome to the world, Miss Riley!!!

A few days ago I had the honor of photographing Sarah & Jeff’s beautiful baby girl, Riley. She is such a sweetheart, and so incredibly adorable!

Many thanks to Sarah’s sister, Mary, for helping with the shoot. It was so great to see all themĀ again, after photographing Mary & Jan’s wedding LAST spring. šŸ™‚

Since Riley’s shoot was right before St. Patrick’s day, here’s a little Irish Blessing for the “wee little one”, as they say:

“Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter. Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes….that’s the Irish for you!”

Charleston Rugged Maniac Challenge

Yesterday was the annual Charleston Rugged Maniac Challenge at Boone Hall.

I drew the short straw again…er…I mean I had the privilege of photographing it again this year! šŸ™‚ Ā Fortunately, no cute and cuddly little cameras were harmed in the making of these photos…which is more than I can say for some of the participants. Ā Some of the expressions this year were PRICELESS!!!

Many thanks to Game Face Media!!! Ā If you’re a participant and would like to find and download your official photo, visitĀ www.gamefacemedia.com.

Geer’s 1-Year Portrait

It’s hard to believe Louisa & Joe have a 1-year old baby boy. It seems like just yesterday I was photographing their beautiful wedding!!! šŸ™‚

To celebrate Geer’s 1st year on planet earth, we all met at Folly Beach for a fun portrait session. It was so cool to see what a “little man” this youg fellow has become!

Louisa & Joe had also brought a secret 1-Year Birthday Cake. I love shooting Cake-Smashings…and Mr. Geer sure smashed this one good!!! šŸ™‚

CONGRATULATIONS Louisa & Joe! Does this mean it’s time to start planning round two???

Annual Florida Birding Adventure

After completing my photographic coverage of a fantastic 3-day corporate event in Sarasota, I scheduled a few days off to visit some of my favorite avian hot spots!

Each spring, I plan an expedition through Florida to cover the incredible mating and breeding cycle of life. There are secret areas that are literally flooded with activity this time of year…making for exciting photographic oportunities!

Unfortunately, I had to be back in Charleston for another photo shoot after only a few days. I usually take a week to seek out and shoot this avian activity. But I still got a few keepers in spite of the shortened expedition. Here are some of my favorites! šŸ™‚