USGBC – Chairwoman’s Reception in Panama

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Chairwoman’s Reception at the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council in Panama. The reception was held at the beautiful Hilton Panama, overlooking the stunning Panama City Harbor. As the sun set over the water, the view provided an incredible backdrop for an elegant and meaningful gathering of industry leaders from around the world.

The evening honored outgoing chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, who served as the guest of honor. Ulibarri operates a family farm in Grady, New Mexico, producing sorghum, wheat, forage crops and cattle, while also working as the agribusiness relationship manager at American AgCredit. Ulibarri has served on the Council’s Board of Directors since 2020 and previously served as the chairwoman for USCP in 2020. It was clear from the warm conversations and heartfelt interactions just how much respect and appreciation the organization has for her leadership. Special remarks were also delivered by President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, whose words reflected both gratitude for the past and optimism for the future of the council.

For this event, I kept my setup streamlined and efficient. I photographed the reception with a Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4. This versatile combination works exceptionally well for smaller events. By switching the Z9 into DX mode, the lens effectively becomes a 35-180mm range, giving me added reach without changing glass. From capturing candid moments across the room, wide group shots, as well as tighter compositions during remarks, this simple setup covers it all.

Lighting was handled with a single Godox V480 mounted on camera, bouncing the flash off the low ceiling to create soft, natural-looking light that complemented the warm ambiance of the space.

It was an honor and a pleasure to document such an important evening. And I am grateful to have been part of it!

Portrait Station at The Citadel Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Dinner

My friend Gary and I recently had the pleasure of running our Portrait Station at The Citadel Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Dinner.  It was truly an honor to be part of such a meaningful evening. The Foundation does incredible work bringing Citadel Cadets together with local alumni families who sponsor and support them during their time at the military college, providing not just financial assistance, but a genuine home away from home. The pride, tradition, and sense of community in the room were unmistakable, and it was a joy to create portraits that captured those connections and memories from such a special night.

As a professional photographer based in Charleston with over 25 years of experience, we specialize in photographing events, galas, fundraisers, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. Beyond simply documenting your event, we also offer interactive photo entertainment that guests absolutely love.

Our most popular option is the Portrait Station. Think of it as a photo booth on steroids!!! Guests step into a full-size fashion studio, complete with professional lighting, a large backdrop, a high-end camera, and a skilled photographer guiding them through flattering, fun poses to help them look their absolute best. This isn’t a quick snap — it’s a true portrait experience!

Once the photos are taken, the images are instantly sent to our high-speed printers, where a beautiful 5×7 portrait is produced on the spot. Each print is mounted into an elegant black folio by our staff, and placed on a display table within seconds…ready for guests to pick up and take home with them. It’s a stylish, tangible keepsake from an unforgettable evening!

Plus…for instant sharing, guests can scan a QR code to receive a digital copy of their portrait directly on their phone. Posting to social media has never been easier!

If you’re interested in booking our Portrait Station for your next event, just fill out our Contact form, and I’ll be in touch with you shortly: https://chrisandcami.com/contact/.

Seamon Whiteside Headshots during Winter Storms in Greenville

Last week the eastern United States was hit with a crazy winter storm. But that didn’t stop Seamon Whiteside from soldering on with their scheduled headshots!!!

Seamon Whitesdide is one of my favorite clients. I routinely travel to their remote offices around South Carolina to update headshots for new employees, and photograph new projects they’ve been working on. We normally photograph their headshots outdoors, with natural environmental backdrops around their offices. But when the freezing weather hit, the Greenville office didn’t flinch…they simply pivoted. Their office is in a large commercial complex. So they simply reached out to their neighboring businesses and asked if we could use some of their walls as environmental backgrounds.

Everything worked out great and we were able to successfully capture headshots of their new employees in spite of the winter weather!

Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early Law Firm for Superlawyers Magazine

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a magazine feature for Super Lawyers Magazine, and it was one of those assignments that reminds me why I love this work. If you’re not familiar with them, Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized publication highlighting outstanding attorneys across the country—definitely worth checking out at www.superlawyers.com.

This particular shoot was a profile piece on the law firm of Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early LLC, a firm I’ve had the privilege of working with several times over the years. Every time we collaborate, the experience is seamless, professional, and genuinely enjoyable. Their team is welcoming, well-organized, and clearly passionate about what they do, which always translates into stronger, more authentic photographs. You can learn more about them at www.piercesloan.com.

For this assignment, I relied on my trusty Nikon Z9, pairing it with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II for all of the group shots. That lens is a workhorse—super sharp, versatile, and perfect for capturing clean, polished images with consistent results. For individual headshots, I switched to the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8, which allowed me to create flattering compression and beautiful separation while keeping the subjects relaxed and comfortable.

Lighting was handled with a combination of four Godox V860II speedlights, large Westcott shoot-through umbrellas, and Manfrotto light stands, giving me soft, even light that complemented the firm’s professional aesthetic.

Working with Super Lawyers Magazine and the team at Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early is always a highlight, and I’m grateful for the continued trust they place in my work. Assignments like this are a great reminder that trusted collaboration makes for strong imagery.

Trident Construction’s Women in Construction

I recently had the absolute pleasure of photographing promotional and marketing images for the incredible team at Trident Construction right here in Charleston, South Carolina. This shoot was especially meaningful because it centered around their “Women in Construction” campaign—a powerful celebration of the talented women who help drive Trident’s success every single day.

We spent the day on an active construction site in downtown Charleston, capturing bold, confident portraits and candid moments that showcased both professionalism and pride. Photographing these women in their element—hard hats on, boots on the ground, surrounded by steel, concrete, and Charleston skyline—was genuinely inspiring. The energy on site was fantastic, and the team’s camaraderie made it easy to create images that feel authentic and empowering rather than staged.

Trident Construction is an outstanding commercial construction company, and it shows not only in their projects, but in their people and company culture. They were fully invested in telling a story that highlights diversity, leadership, and opportunity within the construction industry, and I loved helping bring that vision to life. You can learn more about their work at www.tridentconstruction.com.

From a technical standpoint, I photographed the shoot using my trusty Nikon Zf paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II, along with a Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 for tighter, dynamic perspectives. To top it off, I captured a few aerial images using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, adding dramatic context and scale to the final collection.

This was one of those shoots that reminds me why I love marketing photography—great people, a great message, and visuals that truly matter.

Awards Banquet for US Foods Lexington

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Annual Awards Gala for US Foods of Lexington! This year’s event was held inside the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, and once again, it was an unforgettable evening. This high-society banquet brought together an incredible group of professionals to celebrate excellence, leadership, and achievement within the organization. The atmosphere was elegant, energetic, and full of well-deserved recognition.

One of the highlights of the evening was the special awards presentations led by the new president of US Foods Lexington, Steve Boggan. His remarks set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the night, making the celebrations feel both meaningful and forward-looking. From heartfelt speeches to candid moments of celebration, the event offered no shortage of powerful storytelling opportunities through my photography.

To document the gala, I worked with a dual-camera setup to ensure I could capture every moment in rapid succession. I used a Nikon Zf paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II for versatility and beautiful low-light performance, alongside a Nikon Z9 with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for tighter compositions during presentations. For dramatic, super-wide room shots that showcased the scale and elegance of the venue, I occasionally swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. Lighting was key for this event. I strategically placed six Godox V860II remote flashes around the room to create consistent, flattering light, while a Godox V480 on each camera provided flexibility for on-the-move moments.

Plus my good friend, Gary, set up a fantastic Portrait Station, where guests could get their couple’s photos taken.  He used an elegant silver sequin backdrop, beautifully lit by two Godox AD200 flashes in soft boxes.  He shot tethered with a Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 lens.  The workhourse DNP printers pumped out 5x7s, which were then mounted in black folios, and placed on tables for guests to take home as their party favors at the end of the evening!

This marked my third year photographing the Annual Awards Gala for US Foods Lexington, and it is always an absolute pleasure working with their team. I’m grateful for their continued trust, and am already looking forward to next year’s celebration!!!

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!