A Day in the Life of Charleston County Schools

I had the pleasure of photographing a day-in-the-life of the Charleston County School District (CCSD). It was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on this year! As a Charleston-based photographer with over 25 years’ experience, I’m used to capturing moments across industries. But documenting learning, curiosity, and joy in CCSD’s classrooms felt especially meaningful. CCSD — a nationally accredited district serving roughly 50,000 students across 88 schools over 1,300 coastal square miles — offers a remarkable blend of urban, suburban, and rural communities. That unique diversity came through in every frame!

My assignments included candid portraits of students engaged in hands-on science experiments, collaborative small-group work, art lessons, extracurricular activities, and teachers guiding discovery with contagious enthusiasm. I aimed to capture authentic moments that communicate the district’s commitment to equitable, high-quality education and the vibrant programs they offer. Working with the students and staff was effortless; their openness and energy made it easy to create playful, photojournalistic images, perfect for promotional use.

Beyond the technical work, I appreciated the opportunity to support CCSD’s marketing goals by producing visuals that tell their story: energetic classrooms, supportive teachers, and students thriving academically and socially. I’m grateful for the district’s trust and for the chance to shine a light on the people and programs making a real difference in our community. I look forward to sharing the final images and collaborating on future projects that celebrate Charleston’s educators. If you’re with an organization seeking authentic and engagine imagery, I’d love to connect and discuss.

Michael’s 70th Birthday Party at Hotel Bennett

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.

Marketing Photos for e System Solutions

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the team at e System Solutions here in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, and it was an experience I truly enjoyed from start to finish. As a new client of ours, they made an immediate impression—not just with their professionalism, but with the depth of knowledge and experience they bring to their field. With decades of expertise behind them, it’s clear why e System Solutions has built such a strong reputation, and I was excited to help visually tell that story through updated headshots and marketing imagery.

From the moment we started, the team was relaxed, engaged, and open to creative ideas, which always makes for a great photo session. My goal with corporate headshots is to strike the perfect balance between polished and approachable, and this group made that easy. We focused on images that feel authentic and confident—photos that reflect who they are and how they work with their clients.

For the shoot, I relied on my trusty Nikon Z9, paired with the incredibly sharp Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 II and Nikkor Z 70–200mm f/2.8 lenses. These lenses give me the flexibility to capture everything from clean, modern headshots to wider marketing portraits with beautiful background separation. To add a bit of extra dimension and polish, I occasionally incorporated creative off-camera flash using one or two Godox V860II speedlights.

I’m grateful to the entire e System Solutions team for the opportunity and I’m excited to see how these images support their brand moving forward. If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out at www.esystems.net.

St. Andrews Fire Department Station No. 3 for Trident Construction

Photographing the new St. Andrews Fire Department Station No. 3 was a rewarding assignment. Trident Construction commissioned me to capture the building for their portfolio, and I focused on showcasing the clean lines, material textures, and purposeful civic presence of the station. Shooting with my Nikon Z9 and pairing the Nikkor 14–30mm f/4 and 24–120mm f/4 lenses allowed me to move between expansive wide-angle exteriors and tight, detailed interiors with speed and precision. The clarity and resolution of the Z9’s sensor made it easy to render crisp architectural details while retaining highlight and shadow nuance.

I complemented ground images with aerial perspectives from my DJI Mavic 3 Pro, which delivered context, roof geometry, and the site’s relationship to surrounding neighborhoods. I paid careful attention to the direction of the lighting, using leading lines and symmetry to emphasize the station’s function and form. Deliverables included high-resolution images optimized for Trident Construction’s portfolio and print materials. This project reaffirmed that the right tools, thoughtful timing, and a focus on detail produce photographs that honor both design intent and construction craft. Clients appreciated the visual storytelling and technical accuracy, which will support future marketing, bids, and community outreach efforts.

Epic Universe – Universal Orlando Resort

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing a private event at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida!

Universal Epic Universe is a new, technologically advanced theme park at Universal Orlando Resort that opened on May 22, 2025. It is the largest Universal park in the U.S., featuring five immersive worlds—Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe—connected by celestial-themed, inspirational portals.

The park was shut down early so that the attendees of our event had all the rides and attractions completely to themselves for two hours. It was such a cool experience!!!

Groundpoint Real Property Management

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing headshots and marketing images for Nichole and Travis, and I couldn’t have asked for a better session. Nichole is a longtime property manager with years of experience, and together with her husband Travis, she’s launching their own real estate property management group here in the Lowcountry. Their new venture, RPM Groundpoint is built on professionalism, trust, and a clear passion for what they do.

We met up at the beautiful Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which offered the perfect backdrop for a clean, modern, and approachable look. The cobblestone streets, soft greenery, black iron gates, and open walkways gave us plenty of variety while keeping the focus right where it belongs…on Nichole and Travis. From polished headshots to more relaxed marketing images, we were able to capture photos that feel both professional and genuine.

Nichole and Travis were a joy to work with…easygoing, confident, and clearly excited about this next chapter in their business. That energy always makes a session more fun and helps create natural, authentic images. From a technical side, I used my trusty Nikon Zf, paired with the Nikkor 70–180mm f/2.8, along with an off-camera Godox AD200, modified with an EZYbox softbox, mounted to a Manfrotto light stand. I used the overcast natural light to establish the exposure, then added the off-camera flash to create depth and dimention.

We had so much fun that we stood around and just chit-chatted for 10 minutes after the shoot. Overall, it was a fantastic shoot with two great people, who I can now call my friends. I’m excited to see their new business grow!

The Wild Pet Nutrition for Harbor Contracting

I recently had the exciting opportunity to photograph The Wild Pet Nutrition store, collaborating with Harbor Contracting to showcase their latest project. Located in the rapidly expanding Carolina Park neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, The Wild Pet Nutrition is dedicated to providing high-quality, natural pet foods and supplies, ensuring that our furry friends receive the best nutrition possible.

The shoot aimed to capture the store’s inviting atmosphere and vibrant displays. I focused on highlighting the well-organized product sections, the friendly staff, and the overall charm of the store, which perfectly aligns with the brand’s commitment to pet care. Working with Harbor Contracting, we documented their impressive work in transforming this space, recognizing the thoughtful design and layout that enhance the shopping experience for pet owners.

Utilizing my trusty Nikon Z9, the Nikkor Z 14-30 and a DJI Mavic 3 Pro, I was able to capture a variety of images that reflect the essence of The Wild Pet Nutrition store. Many thanks to Jenny with www.grittygalmarketing.com, www.harborcontracting.net, and Caroline with www.thewildpetstores.com for all their help! It was an honor to collaborate with everyone, and I look forward to seeing how the photos will enhance their marketing efforts!

Marketing Photos for the Charleston County School District

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to photograph team portraits and marketing photos for the Charleston County School District (CCSD). This shoot was particularly special as the images will be featured in an upcoming magazine article highlighting their impactful work in our community. CCSD is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the potential of all students, providing innovative educational programs and support that empower young people to succeed. You can learn more about their mission and initiatives at www.ccsdschools.com.

The session took place at their office on 75 Calhoun Street, which is currently undergoing an exciting interior uplift. I even got a sneak peek behind the scenes of what the new offices will look like! Using my Nikon Z9 along with the new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens, I was able to capture the team’s dynamic personalities and dedication to education in vivid detail. I also utilized my DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to capture a few shots from unique angles.

Many thanks to Michelle for coordinating everyone’s schedules! It was a genuine pleasure to work with such a passionate team. And I look forward to seeing the final article featuring our collaborative efforts!!!

Headshots for Elliott Davis

I recently had the pleasure of photographing another round of fun headshots and marketing photos for Elliott Davis, a respected accounting firm, here in Charleston, SC. Specializing in audit, tax, and consulting services, Elliott Davis delivers valuable financial insights that help businesses thrive, from small startups to large corporations. Their commitment to integrity and exceptional service is evident in every aspect of their work. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website at www.elliottdavis.com.

The shoot took place on the stunning grounds of The Charleston Gaillard Center, right across the street from their office. This beautiful location added a vibrant backdrop to our session, perfectly complementing the professional yet approachable image that Elliott Davis wanted to convey.

Using my Nikon Z9 and the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, I captured crisp, high-quality images that showcased the team’s personality. To enhance the lighting, I employed a Godox AD200 flash within a Godox EZ Lock softbox, creating a soft, inviting glow that highlighted the individuals beautifully.

I’ve been working with Elliott Davis for years, and wholehearteadly recommend them. They hire the nicest people. And I’m excited to see how these dynamic images will enhance their branding efforts!

Marketing Photos for Glick Boehm Architects

I recently had the pleasure of working with Glick Boehm Architects for a dynamic headshot and marketing photo session in Charleston, SC. It’s always a delight to capture the personalities of fun creatives in their element! Glick Boehm epitomizes innovation in design. Their team specializes in delivering architectural solutions that harmonize with the environment, fostering creativity and functionality in every project. From residential buildings to large-scale commercial developments, their portfolio reflects a commitment to excellence and sustainability. To learn more about their inspiring work, visit their website at www.glickboehm.com.

Using my Nikon Z9, I captured vibrant images with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, ensuring each shot was sharp and crystal clear. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I employed a Godox AD200 flash in a Godox EZ Lock softbox, providing beautiful, diffused lighting that complemented the natural morning light. Our location of choice was Wragg Mall Park…a beautiful neighborhood park near their office.

The energy and enthusiasm of the Glick Boehm team made the session enjoyable, and I am thrilled to have contributed to their marketing efforts with images that reflect their vision. I look forward to seeing how these photos will enhance their brand presence!

Headshots for the LightGuage Company

I had the pleasure of working with the LightGauge Company this week, capturing their team’s new professional headshots in Charleston, SC. It’s always a rewarding experience to bring out the best in my clients.  And this shoot was no exception! LightGauge Company is an innovative leader in interior and exterior construction specialties. Their dedicated team brings unmatched quality and attention to detail in every project they work on. You can learn more about their services at golightgauge.com.

For this shoot, I used my trusted Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to ensure sharp, high-quality images. To create a professional yet approachable look, I utilized two Godox AD200 flashes and two Godox Speedlights, which provided excellent control over lighting and helped highlight my client’s professionalism (while still catching a taste of their fun personalities). The combination of this high-end gear, and my years of experience, allowed me to help everyone relax while I worked quickly and efficiently.  I was able to deliver striking headshots that match the high caliber products LightGauge Company is known for.

It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with forward-thinking clients like LightGauge. Many thanks to my friend Bobby Carrier for his kind referral! And a special thank you to Jessica, their Director of Marketing, for working with me to come up with a neat concept for the look and feel of their new headshots!!!

Baker Motor Company Tower Sales Office for Glick Boehm Architects

This was a fun assignment! I’ve seen the new Tower Sales Office display near Nexton while driving up and down I-26. So it was really cool to be able to photograph it for Glick Boehm Architects!!!