Photographing Michael’s 70th Birthday Celebration at Hotel Bennett was an absolute honor and a night I won’t soon forget. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary birthday party—it was a beautifully executed, high-society gala filled with warmth, elegance, and genuine celebration. Hotel Bennett provided a stunning backdrop, with its timeless architecture and refined interiors perfectly matching the significance of the occasion.
The evening brought together an impressive group of friends, colleagues, and leaders, all there to celebrate Michael and the impact he has had over the years. One of the highlights was the series of heartfelt and memorable presentations, including remarks from Helen Hill, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Judge Duffy, Tommy McQueeney, and Andrew Hsu, President of the College of Charleston. Each speaker added their own perspective, painting a powerful picture of Michael’s legacy, leadership, and character. Speaking of paintings, a new portrait of Michael was revealed. And his new biography was also announced!
From a technical standpoint, this event was a dream to photograph. I worked with two Nikon Z9 cameras, allowing me to move seamlessly between wide environmental shots and intimate candids without missing a beat. My lens lineup included the Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 for dramatic room-setting images, the versatile Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 II, and the nimble Nikkor Z 70–180mm f/2.8 for discreetly capturing emotional moments from across the room. To ensure consistent, flattering light throughout the evening, I used four remote Godox V860II off-camera flashes, carefully placed to create a dramatic but elegant look.
It was a privilege to document such a meaningful celebration, and I’m grateful to have been part of a night that honored this extraordinary man in such a memorable way.
