Rice Family on Daniel Island

It’s been about 5 years since the Rice Family had an updated family portrait. I had so much fun photographing them back then…and every bit as much photographing them again last evening! 🙂

This year’s family reunion was held at the Daniel Island Club, which is a beautiful venue on Daniel Island. The Rice’s were staying at the cottages near the clubhouse. So it was super convenient for them to walk across to the croquet lawn for a shot in front of the big white gazebo. We also found some beautiful trees and a nice view down the fairway for several shots. The grand finale took place behind the property on their beautiful wooden pathway over the marsh. Then it was off to dinner at the fabulous Harry’s restaurant inside the clubhouse!

Many thanks to Matt for organizing everyone! I’m already looking forward to seeing them all again in another 5 years!!!  🙂

Dorchester County Promotional Photos

Did you know that Dorchester County is named for its first settlement area, which was established by Congregationalists in 1696? These settlers applied the name “Dorchester” to the area, in honor of their last residence in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Officially, Dorchester was not established as a separate county of South Carolina until 1897.

I’ve had the pleasure of working on some new promotional photos this year with the amazing Michelle Mills from the Dorchester County Government. Here are a few shots from the most recent shoot, featuring the EMS Headquarters, Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Detention Center, Davis-Bailey Park, and Texas Community Park.

(Nikon Z9, Nikkor 24-120 f4 S, Nikon SB-5000 Speedlights, DJI Mini 3 Pro)

Dorchester County Marketing Photos

This was a fun day!

While creating marketing photos for the Dorchester County Government, I got to photograph a huge variety of images. From staff photos at the Public Works Group, to first-responders at the fire station, to members of the EMS team, to scenic shots of Rosebrock and Ashley River Parks…it was a pretty intense day.  Portraits, group shots, aerial drone photos, nature, architecture, and scenery…I covered a wide gamut.

Two things I love about my job…I get to meet the most interesting people, and I never get bored!  🙂

I’On Neighborhood for Seamon Whiteside

This morning I had the pleasure of photographing some scenic images of the I’On Neighborhood in Mt. Pleasant for one of my engineering clients, Seamon Whiteside.

I was excited about this project, not only because I’m familiar with the area and know how picturesque it is, but also because I was working with the new Nikon Z9 and the brand new DJI Mavic 3 Mini! I’ve had the Z9 for several months. So I knew it would produce stellar results. But after heavy testing, this was my first “official” project with DJI’s most recently released drone. And it did not disappoint!!!

At 1/2 the size and nearly 1/3 the weight, the Mini 3 Pro yields the same high-quality images I’ve come to expect from my Mavic 2 Pro. It’s absolutely ASTOUNDING how far drones have come!

Richard Surprises Stephanie with Folly Beach Proposal

SHE SAID YES!!!

It was such an honor capturing Richard’s Surprise Proposal to Stephanie on Folly Beach last evening!

This amazing couple met at Southwest College, where Stephanie played hard to get at first. But before long, her and Richard became inseparable. They’ve been best friends ever since. After 5 years together, Richard FINALLY dropped to his knee at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and asked Stephanie to be his wife. 🙂

While making plans to vacation on Folly Beach together, Stephanie thought it would be fun to schedule a couple’s session. Since Richard had already bought the ring, and was trying to think of the perfect time to pop the question, he thought this could work in his favor. Together, he and I worked out a secret phrase so that half-way through their couple’s session, he would know it was time to do his magic. Richard’s brother had joined us under the ruse of “helping hold your phones and sunglasses”. Unknown to Stephanie, he was also secretly hiding the ring! At our pre-determined time of 8:00 PM, I distracted Stephanie by asking to photograph a couple shots of her by herself…giving Richard time to get the ring from David. Richard then took Stephanie’s hand and led her down the shoreline for a little privacy. Facing her with waves gently lapping at their feet, he opened his heart and asked her to marry him. It was SO AWESOME!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Richard & Stephanie! We wish you all the best as you begin this beautiful new stage in your journey together…

Civil Engineering by Seamon Whiteside

Seamon Whiteside is one of my favorite clients! They specialize in Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture…making commercial and living spaces functional, ergonomic, and safe.

Here are a few photos from 3 projects I photographed for SW this week. All images were captured with DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Nikkor Z9, Nikkor 14-30 S, and Nikkor 24-120 S.

Kempton Senior Living Facility for Trident Construction

It was a pleasure photographing the Kempton Senior Living Facility for Trident Construction last week!

This was a massive project, right in the middle of a very busy intersection along the cross-town. So I was VERY impressed with how they were able to accomplish the task and make it such a beautiful oasis in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Many thanks to Elizabeth and Nic for all their hard work coordinating schedules and organizing everything for the shoot!

New Pain Specialists Building for Trident Construction

Pain Specialists of Charleston (www.painchas.com) offers the latest, most up-to-date interventional treatments to alleviate and manage back pain and chronic pain. From patients with recent injuries to those who have had multiple surgeries, their board-certified physicians treat a wide variety of painful conditions using innovative, non-surgical treatment approaches.

The incredible team at Trident Construction (www.tridentconstruction.com) recently finished a brand-new state-of-the-art treatment facility for the Pain Specialists of Charleston. Since 1981, Trident Construction has repeatedly earned the trust of our clients, subcontractors, and design professionals. And this project is no exception!

I had the pleasure of photographing the new facility this weekend, as well as a couple shots of their previous building. It was a beautiful day and the light was gorgeous! We had calculated the optimal time for the best lighting, and it paid off. The unique design elements, and attention to every detail in the building process made my job effortless.

Many thanks to Elizabeth for coordinating schedules, and to site supervisor, Bobby, for taking time out of his weekend to open the building for me.

Daisy & Anthony’s Beaufort Wedding

Anthony’s mom, Christine, is an amazing photographer! We’ve been friends with her and Tony for quite a while, especially since they love to travel as much as we do. It was an INCREDIBLE honor when they asked us to photograph their son’s wedding!!!

Daisy and Anthony picked a gorgeous fall day to tie the knot in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina! Preparations for the day began at a historic Air B&B. Daisy was absolutely STUNNING in her fairy-tale wedding gown! And Anthony was quite dapper in his suit and bowtie!!! I especially loved the heartfelt emotions as Daisy shared a private first look with her Dad and then with Anthony.

Next it was off to the eclectic Old Bay Marketplace Loft & Rooftop for the ceremony and reception. Aside from a brief sprinkle right as the processional began, the weather turned out fantastic! They were able to have their ceremony outside on the rooftop as planned, with the reception following indoors. But of course in between the two, we couldn’t resist running across the street for some really cool sunset photos along the waterfront first!!! 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS Daisy & Anthony!!! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…

Celebrating Donna’s 60th Birthday on IOP

When Lisa called to secretly arrange for me to photograph portraits at her friend Donna’s 60th Birthday party, I was struck by what a kind and thoughtful gift that was!

Donna and her family had rented a beach house on Isle of Palms for the week. The night of the big celebration, they had a chef coming out to cook a delicious meal for all their friends and family. But before dinner, I arrived and took everyone out for some photos in the beautiful evening light!

We all had a wonderful time capturing these memories of a beutiful birthday celebration for Donna!!! 🙂

Brittny & Chuck’s Wedding on the Carolina Girl

When I met up with Brittny & Check for their sunrise engagement shoot on Folly Beach (www.chrisandcami.com/brittny-chuck-at-folly-beach-pier/), they INSTANTLY become one of my favorite couples ever! They are just so much fun to be around…always full of joy and laughter!!! 🙂

Arriving at The Marriott Hotel the morning of their wedding, I could tell this was going to be a truly special day. Brittny had surrounded herself with some amazing family and friends, full of love for her, sharing encouraging words, keeping the spirits high, and showering her with gifts as she got ready. Plus she looked absolutely STUNNING in her wedding gown!

Making my way to The Carolina Girl, a beautiful yacht that hosts weddings as it sails around the Charleston harbor, the guys (and Best Lady) were having a ball! We grabbed a ton of really fun photos before Chuck made his way out on the dock to meet Brittny. The threatening clouds held back juuust long enough for them to have their First Look before the skies cracked open!

The rain didn’t dampen their spirits one bit!!! We had a beautiful ceremony on the top deck under the protection of the awning, followed by a fantastic meal on the main deck, then back to the top for a CRAZY night of partying and dancing into the wee hours!

Many thanks to Libby with Details Wedding Planning, as well as Jessica, Captain TJ, and the entire staff of The Carolina Girl, for keeping everything on track.

CONGRATULATIONS to Brittny & Chuck!!! We wish you both all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife…

Evans Family on Kiawah Island

10 Years!!! That’s how long I’ve been photographing the Evans Family during their annual summer vacation on Kiawah Island. Their youngest daughter just turned 10, and their oldes son is heading off to Duke University! What a joy it has been to watch this beautiful family grow.

As usual, we met for a sunrise session at their home, right on a beautiful stretch of beach. After rescheduling from a few days ago when the skies were gloomy and gray, it was so uplifting to see the sun rise out of the horizon and punch through the clouds!

We had so much fun, and captured a variety of wonderful photos. I can’t wait to see what the NEXT 10 years will have in store for the Evans Family!!!