Export Exchange 2024 – Day 3

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 3 was filled with more networking, presentations, panel discussions, and final group photos. Keynote speakers included Joe Ward from the Dried Distillers Council, Carlos Suarez from the U.S. Grains Council and Vijay Singh from University of Illinois. Plus Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the US Grains Council, brought the conference to an end with his closing remarks.

Export Exchange 2024 – Reception

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

At the end of Day 2, a fantastic western-themed reception was held at the famous Billy Bob’s Texas near the Stock Yard. We had everything from photo ops on a Texas Longhorn Bull and a trick rope performance, to a live bull riding show and line-dancing classes. It was fun to see everyone relax and unwind after a long day of presentations!

Export Exchange 2024 – Day 2

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 2 was all about education and networking. The day began with comments from Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the US Grains Council, as well as a warm welcome by Dan Hunter from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Dan was followed by keynote presentations by Chris Bliley of Growth Energy, Norma Ritz Johnson of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Scott Richmanof the Renewable Fuels Association, and Alejandra Castillo of NAEGA, among others.  Plus there were several networking breaks in between so attendees could visit booths and make connections.

Export Exchange 2024 – Day 1

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 1 started off with everyone registering for the meeting, mingling, and networking while vendors set up their tradeshow booths.  I also photographed all the team group shots from the various countries.  Then everyone met up for a fun Welcome Reception.

NAEGA Reception at the Embassy of Mexico, Washington D.C.

As a professional photographer, I thrive on the energy of events that celebrate industry, culture, and collaboration. Recently, I had the honor of photographing the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) Reception held at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. This event was a remarkable blend of networking, diplomacy, and a celebration of agricultural trade.

The evening was set against the stunning backdrop of the historic embassy building, one of a set of row houses known as the “The Seven Buildings”. At one point, the Declaration of Indipendance was held in this location. And during the aftermath of the War of 1812, President Andrew Jackson and his wife lived here while the White House was being rebuilt!

As guests arrived, the air was filled with lively conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, reflecting the networking among industry leaders and stakeholders from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. My focus was to capture the essence of the event – the connections being forged, the exchange of ideas, and the shared commitment to strengthening trade relations. I moved through the crowd, photographing candid moments of discussions, smiles, and handshakes that highlighted the evening’s spirit. The formal speeches provided another layer of storytelling, with dignitaries emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the agricultural trade sector.

A warm welcome was made by Carlos Ochoa, Minister for Agricultural Affairs. Excellent presentations were made by Ambassador Fajer, as well as Alejandra Castillo, president of NAEGA. The attentive expressions of the guests and rounds of aplause made for powerful images, encapsulating the night’s theme of unity, understanding, and progress.

The NAEGA Reception was not just another event; it was a celebration of shared values and aspirations. I’m excited to share these images, capturing the spirit of partnership that will shape the future of North American grain exports.

April Curci for Carolina One Real Estate

I first met April about 5 years ago when she first moved to Charleston from Arizona. She had joined a different commercial real estate team here in Charleston…and I was photographing their headshots at the Old Cigar Factory.

April went on to make a name for herself in the industry. She ultimately joined the team at Carolina One, which is the largest real estate company in the region. She feels at home and loves working there!

April will be leading the annual Market Forecast Meeting for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors next week, and needed a new headshot for her on-screen bio. Plus it was time to update her marketing photos anyway! So we met up downtown for a fun walk-about, capturing a variety of new shots for April that incorporated all of Charleston’s charm as the backdrop for her session.

CONGRATULATIONS on all your accomplishments in such a short amount of time, April!!!

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!

Headshots for Seamon Whiteside

I was glad it wasn’t quite as hot and muggy as it’s been all summer. It meant that my subjects weren’t “melting” during this morning’s photo shoot!!!

Seamon Whiteside had asked me to photograph some updated headshots for new members that had recently joined their team. Arriving a few minutes early, I scouted their courtyard for some nice backgrounds with beautiful light. As each person came out to meet me, we went through a variety of poses on several differnt backgrounds so they had lots to choose from. Everything was photographed with the Nikon Z9 + Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 Z. I had an off-camera flash with me in case I needed it. But honestly, the natural light was so nice I never even turned it on!

Many thanks to Lia and Denise for helping coordinate everyone’s schedules!!!

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!