Ethanol Summit of the Americas in Houston

Photographing the inaugural Ethanol Summit of the Americas at The Westin Oaks in Houston, TX, was a real honor for me. I owe a HUGE Thank You to the US Grains Council for this assignment!

Industry and government officials from more than 15 countries in the Western Hemisphere met a few weeks ago at the Ethanol Summit of the Americas to discuss current and future opportunities for ethanol in the region.

The event was sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. These organizations and others in the U.S. agriculture and renewable fuels industries work together to promote the global use of ethanol and U.S. ethanol exports.

This Summit brought together recognized scientists and ethanol experts to engage with policymakers and provide information on the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol-blended fuel. The Summit also served as a launching point for expanded regional engagement markets in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

“Increasing cooperation between ethanol industries supports economic growth for all countries involved,” said Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer. “Collaborative efforts like the meetings this week enable a greater understanding of the policy climate surrounding ethanol and help pave the way for expanded ethanol use throughout the region.”

The Summit highlighted the use of ethanol in transportation fuels to help meet a number of economic and environmental challenges, including improving air quality, extending the current fuel supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. ethanol industry’s efforts, including conferences like the Ethanol Summit of the Americas, are helping successfully establish the United States as a reliable and affordable source of fuel.

Here are a few of my favorite images from this fantastic 2-day conference!!!

Wild at Wingswood Gala

Photographing the annual Wild at Wingswood gala for the Charleston Center for Birds of Prey is one of my most anticipated events of the year!

It’s a very unique fundraiser, where live raptors, owls, and other beautiful birds soar through the air, gliding silently over guests and attendees under the big tent!
The Avian Conservation Center and the Center for Birds of Prey are doing AMAZING things for our natural world. If you’ve never been, they are open to the public on most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You’ve GOT to check this cool place out and see for yourself why nature lovers from all over the country speak so highly of this gem, located just a few miles outside of Charleston!

Check them out at http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/.

Charleston Rugged Maniac

I’m always intrigued by the challenge, suffering, and ultimate triumph humans seek out in competitive sports. Being a sports photographer has its own set of challenges!

This spring I had the pleasure of covering the Charleston Rugged Maniac Challenge at Boone Hall Plantation with this AMAZING team of sports photographers. I’ve photographed this event for the last 4 or 5 years, and always enjoy the experience! It’s tough on the gear…keeping the mud and water off the equipment isn’t easy. And it’s tough on the photographers…I shot over 4,000 images in five hours of non-stop action.

A special shout out goes to Richard Ellis for capturing the image of me “at work”!  And thank you to the nice EMT staff for taking our team picture!

But being a part of the excitement these athletes experience is totally worth it!!! CONGRATULATIONS to all the participants for enduring and triumphing over this fabulous challenge!

Tani & Scot’s Wedding on the Carolina Girl

Tani and Scot were classmates at Pelham Road Elementary back in the 70’s. Scot played football for the Mustangs, and Tani was a cheerleader. It’s the classic American sweetheart story!  Scot asked Tani to wear his jersey one week and Tani happily accepted.  🙂  Scot and Tani both attended Greenville Middle School as well as Eastside High School. As they got older, the bond of the “Pelham Road Mustang Jersey” faded and, as often happens in high school, their lives took different paths. After High School Graduation, Tani went on to college at USC, and then to Furman for her Masters. Scot joining the Marine Corps, and studied at Lander University and Greenville Tech. After a deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Scot went on to a 15 year career in the golf industry.  Tani got married and had two wonderful children, Brooke and Garrett, while parenting a step child as well.  Years later, Tani and Scot re-ignited the flame of the “Pelham Road Mustang”, and have been inseparable ever since!

It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know Tani & Scot as we planned, prepared and finally got to photograph their beautiful wedding last weekend!  The pure joy, and beautiful energy both of them put out into the world is such a breath of fresh air.  The way they laugh, cry, hug, and hold each other lets you know that they are TRULY living life to the fullest.  In the worries and woes of today’s crazy world, being around these two put peace in my mind and hope in my heart.  The world is a better place with these two in it…ESPECIALLY now that they have found their way back to each other!!!  🙂

I met up with Tani & Scott for their First Glance in a beautiful clearing surrounded by trees near the Ripley Point Marina.  What a joyful way to start off their celebration!  Family and friends joined us for a fun photo shoot soon after.  Then it was on to the one and only Carolina Girl.  I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings and receptions on this beautiful yacht!  Ashley and the rest of the staff had prepared everything down to the last detail.  Breezes swayed the sweet grass back and forth as we cruised through the low-country waterscape surrounding historic downtown Charleston.  Tani & Scott exchanged their vows on the upper deck as the serene scene floated by.  After a perfectly timed sunset photo-opp, the party kicked into high gear with dinner, dancing, and LOTS of celebrating!

At the end of the evening, a special surprise awaited Tani.  Scott had secretly arranged for an 8-man company of marines to perform the traditional Saber Arch as the two of them dis-embarked from the Carolina Girl.  It was quite a site, and quite an emotional moment!  To welcome her to the Marines, Tani received the customary “sword swat” on the derriere, to everyone’s applause.  Hand-in-hand, Tani & Scot then made their way down the dock, lined with excited friends and family, all blowing bubbles and high-fiving the newlyweds as they made their way off into the night!

CONGRATULATIONS Tani & Scott!  May your hearts forever be full and free!!!

WithIt Head-shots

A professional head-shot says a lot about an individual. If you’re still using an amateur snapshot, or worse a “selfie”, for your website, business cards, LinkedIn profile, and so on…you could be loosing business!

We live in a world where images are EVERYWHERE!!! Since the invention of digital cameras and the cell phone, this is the most photographed generation in the history of the world. So how do you make YOUR images stand out in the oceans of images that your clients are bombarded with every single day?

These same clients are making split-second decisions on whether you’re a genuine, professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and personable individual that they would like to meet and work with. A professional head-shot conveys all of this and more! It makes a statement about you. It grabs their attention. And it opens doors to opportunities you would otherwise miss out on!

Last week I had the distinct honor of photographing head-shots for the amazing ladies at the WithIt Professional Women’s Conference. These are the business leaders, the movers, and the shakers of their respective industries!!!

Banquet on The USS Yorktown

Last week I had the honor of photographing a high-profile corporate event in Charleston with a wonderful group of amazing people! At the conclusion of the conference was an incredible celebration banquet, held on the flight deck of The USS Yorktown.

Corporate Conference at The Gaillard Auditorim

Last week I had the honor of photographing a high-profile corporate event in Charleston with a wonderful group of amazing people! The company conference and meetings were held at The Gaillard Auditorium.

Executive Portraits at The Gaillard Auditorium

Last week I had the honor of photographing a high-profile corporate event in Charleston with a wonderful group of amazing people! Through out the conference, which was held at The Gaillard Auditorium, I continued photographing various executive portraits during breaks.

Welcome Reception at Lowndes Grove Plantation

Last week I had the honor of photographing a high-profile corporate event in Charleston with a wonderful group of amazing people! Everyone was officially welcomed to Charleston during a fabulous welcome reception at the picturesque Lowndes Grove Plantation.

Executive Portraits at The Dewberry

Last week I had the honor of photographing a high-profile corporate event in Charleston with a wonderful group of amazing people!  Before the program started, I had the opportunity to photograph some executive portraits at The Dewberry Hotel…

#LittleDittyBoutJeffAndDiane

Diane was a former co-worker of Cami’s, a neighbor of ours down the street, and a close friend to both of us for many years. Getting to know Jeff through Diane has meant a lot to us. He is such an amazing and kind gentleman.  And he is so good to Diane! We could NOT be happier for the two of them!!!

Cami & I were absolutely over the moon when Jeff & Diane asked us to be their wedding photographers! It’s a real joy to be invited to capture any wedding. But when that special day belongs to a couple that is so close to our hearts, it makes it EVEN MORE special!!!

The morning of their wedding opened with a beautiful clear blue sky as we made our way to Wild Dunes, where Diane was getting ready. She was absolutely stunning in her simple, elegant wedding gown. I particularly loved her father’s expression when she came downstairs and he saw her for the first time!

The ceremony was held at Goldbug Island, on a picturesque lawn overlooking the inter-coastal waterway. Our friend Sue officiated the ceremony with some sweet words. The recessional, with bubbles blowing in the breeze, was a particularly exciting time for all…clapping and cheering the newlyweds all the way!

After some fun family photos, Jeff & Diane joined me on Sullivan’s Island for a few romantic shots on the beach. Then it was back to Goldbug Island for a wild and crazy reception. Lauren Moniz of Serve Catering delivered delicious treats to eat. Rob Duren, our fantastic DJ and MC, rocked the tunes that carried the chatting, dancing, and partying long into the night!

To see the rest of the images, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jeffanddiane.

CONGRATULATIONS Jeff & Diane!!! We wish you all the love and happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together!  🙂

Volvo Car Open 2017 – Day 9

Day 9 of the Volvo Car Open was an epic finish to a fantastic week of tennis!

Bethanie-Mattek Sands and Lucie Saffarova showed why they are such good friends, and why they are the #1 doubles team in the world!!! After clinching this, their second title in Charleston, defeating Katerina Siniakova and Lucie Hradecka, the dynamic duo shared an adult beverage before meeting up with me to photograph their Doubles Champions Photos.

Later, in the battle of the 19-year-olds, Daria Kasatkina prevailed over fellow youngster, Jelena Ostapenko, to claim her very first WTA tour title. Overwhelmed with raw emotion during her trophy presentation, she nearly had me in tears!!! What a special moment for this adorable young lady!  “I’m just enjoying it every moment, every second,” she said. “And really, when I was on the court after the last point, I just wanted the moment to stop because it was one of the best moments in my life.”

After a celebratory meal with her team, Daria met up with us in downtown Charleston for her Champions Photos.

Many thanks to all the amazing players, tournament staff, the WTA, all the volunteers, grounds crew, ball kids, umpires, line judges, marketing team, and my photography partner, Alice, for another AMAZING Volvo Car Open!!!