Max Bluestein’s Bar Mitzvah at Emanu-El Synagogue

As a professional photographer, it is always such a pleasure to capture important moments in people’s lives. Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Max Bluestein’s Bar Mitzvah at the Emanu-El Synagogue, as well as the ensuing reception at Founder’s Hall in Charlestowne Landing. I must say that it was an experience I will never forget!

The Emanu-El Synagogue is a stunning location.  I was truly impressed by the beauty and the feeling of reverence of the place. The architecture, the lighting, and the ambiance of the synagogue were simply amazing. I was thrilled to have such a lovely location to capture these special moments for Max and his family. The décor was elegant and tasteful, with traditional elements that added to the spiritual significance of the event. You could tell that Rabbi Ravski had a special connection with the young man. It was heartwarming to see Max and his family come together to celebrate this special occasion!

After the Bar Mitzvah ceremony, the reception at Founder’s Hall was a joyous occasion. The hall was beautifully decorated by Sha Sha and her amazing team at Loluma. The food and drinks were exceptional. The fun activities and fantastic dancing went on all night long.  DJ Ede and Naquan kept everyone on their toes!  I loved seeing all the guests having such a wonderful time!

Many thanks to Rabbi Ravski at Emanu-El, Sha Sha and her team at Loluma, Michelle Metzler at Founder’s Hall, DJ Ede Moran and Naquan, Jenna at Cru Catering, Getem Twisted photo booths, Alpha Lit letters, Eventworcks, and everyone else who helped make this day a huge success! Also, a HUGE shout-out to Ryan, Sharyn, and Abby for loving and supporting Max through this special time in his life!!!

Capturing such special moments and memories for Max and his family was a great privilege for me. The beauty of the synagogue, the fun family portraits afterwards, and the exciting reception all made for such a memorable event. I felt truly blessed to have been a part of such a momentous occasion. CONGRATULATIONS, Max!!!

The Citadel Foundation at The Gaillard Auditorium

It was an honor photographing portraits for The Citadel Foundations Annual Sponsor Donor Dinner at The Gaillard Auditorium. With almost 600 cadets and their sponsors in attendants, it was a fantastic event!

* Shot with Nikon D5, Nikkor 24-70 f2.8, Sony XQD cards, Lenovo laptop, Darkroom software, DNP printer, Flashpoint transmitter and speedlights, Westcott umbrellas, Manfrotto stands, Savage backdrop *

Berkadia Conference at Hotel Bennett

It was an absolute pleasure photographing the Berkadia Leadership Conference at the Hotel Bennett last week!

“Berkadia is a leader in the commercial real estate industry, offering a robust suite of services to our multifamily and commercial property clients. Powered by deep relationships and industry-changing technology, our people sell, finance, and service commercial real estate, providing support for the entire life cycle of our clients’ assets. Our unique ownership structure allows us to put our clients’ interests first and create a marketplace that delivers a superior experience.”

From cultural presentations by Gullah historian, Corey Austin Sweetgrass…to interviews with the CEO of Salamander Hotels, Sheila Johnson…to networking opportunities with Berkadia CEO, Justin Wheeler…the entire event was jam packed with access to knowledge and information you couldn’t get anywhere else in the industry!

Many thanks to Jenna at KLH Group and Meredith at Berkadia for bringing us on board, and making sure everything ran perfectly!

Palmetto ADV Rally 2023

We started our riding season off right with a trip to Ridgeveville, South Carolina, for the 2nd annual Palmetto ADV Rally!!!

This year the rally will be held at Black Water on the Ashley Campgrounds, which was a beautiful island in the middle of a lake. The property is a 120 acre wetlands preserve that offers camping, fishing, live music, and good times. Most campsites were located right on the water for the most relaxing views and scenery. We felt like we were alone in the wilderness…yet within easy access of restaurants and stores just a few minutes away in the town of Summerville.

This year’s event included new routes, guided tours, along with daily excursions for exploring, keeping our riding skills sharp, and improving our technique while out on the trails. The South Carolina Adventure Route (SCAR) is less than a mile away away from this new location! So jumping on some fantastic off-road trails was easy.

The Palmetto ADV Rally offers 4 days days of riding and exploring & 3 nights of camping. Free continental breakfast, coffee stations, and a massive home-cooked dinner each night is all included in the rally experience. Tons of live music, presentations, bonfires, raffles, good times, riding buddies (new and old), and tall tails were also to be had!

The Palmetto ADV Rally Guest Speakers list included:
– Kris Coxs (Founder of the SCAR)
– Ben Myburgh (ADV World Traveler and Instructor)
– Mark Wing (MSF / ADV Instructor and Founder of SOAC ADV Practice Park)
– Angelo Vleck (4-time finisher at the Dakar Rally)

Famous YouTubers such as Moto Photo Adventures, The Bearded Grump, and One Old Man Riding were also there to answer questions and capture the experience on camera!

It was an AMAZING weekend and we’re already looking forward to 2024!!!

Siemens Medical Sailing Regatta

Every day is different! That’s one of the best parts about my job!!!  🙂

Yesterday I got to photograph a fun sailing regatta for Siemens Medical. Being out on the Committee Boat with Captain Mike and Captain Dave, the Professional Race Official, was a real treat. The weather in Charleston Harbor was perfect with a steady wind, a balmy 75 degrees, and blue skies!

Many thanks to Lee at www.experienceholycity.com for bringing me on board (pun intended)! And CONGRATULATIONS to Angela and all the winners from Siemens Medical!!!

* Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 24-120 f4, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 + Z TC 1.4X (98mm-280mm equivalent), DJI Mini 3 Pro

Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah

Shabat Shalom!

In spite of the challenges of the pandemic lockdown a few years ago, Jen & Gabe managed to pull off a beautiful and unique Bar Mitzvah for their oldest son, Jason. It was a touching experience for me personally. And I’m so glad I got to connect with this amazing family during that time. So it was a great honor when Jen & Gabe asked if I would photograph their youngest son’s Bar Mitzvah!

What a contrast a few short years makes!!! Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah was a totally different, but every bit as special an experience! Matthew is a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic young man, who also happens to have a truly gifted voice. His silky smooth vocals during the reading of the Torah, and leading the congregation in worship, resonated throughout the KKBE sanctuary. It truly was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had the pleasure of photographing!

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is located in downtown Charleston. Founded in 1749, this is the first Reform synagogue, and one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States! The founding members of the KKBE were Sephardi Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent. The current 1841 synagogue, featuring an architecturally significant Greek Revival style, was built after the original synagogue was destroyed in a fire in 1838. The present structure is the second oldest synagogue building, and the oldest in continuous use, in the United States.

Later that evening, celebrations kicked into high gear at Hotel Indigo! With a “pre-party” for Matthew and his closest friends, cocktail hour for the adults, the family’s Grand Entrance to the reception, Motzi and challah, DJ Eddie cranking out tunes, Sir Andrew Larris and his dance crew keeping everyone on their feet, a wild and crazy Hora, a Party Boss photo booth, an ice cream sundae station, a glazed donut display, a candy bar, a cocoa-with-marshmallows extravaganza, and personalized sweatshirts for each of his friends…Matthew’s party was off the charts!!!

Many thanks to Rabbi Alexander and Rabbi Kanter for their leadership and guidance during Shabbat Terumah.  And a very special THANK YOU to Sha Sha at Loluma for making sure everything on the Big Day was absolutely perfect!

CONGRATULATIONS on this amazing milestone in your life, Matthew!!! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey into adulthood…

USGC 20th International Marketing Conference – Reception Dinner

Attendees and staff arrived in Savannah, GA, last week for the US Grains Council’s 20th International Marketing Conference and 63rd Membership Meeting. These annual events are an important time for everyone to focus on challenges and opportunities around the world, and celebrate the Council’s rich history!

The winter meeting is an annual opportunity for corn, sorghum and barley farmers, as well as members of agribusinesses, who make up the organization’s membership, to meet with Council staff, working together on behalf of U.S. producers. The guidance and information each member contributes during this meeting, combined with input from A-Team leaders, helps to guide the roadmap for the Council’s near-term strategy.

At the end of an intense second day of meetings and presentations, it was time to unwind and network at the eclectic Service Brewery. Everyone had a great time, the food was delicious, and the live music was outstanding! It was an honor and a pleasure catching up with everyone, and capturing all the key moments of another USGC event in such a beautiful old historic city!

* Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 24-120 f4, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 *

US Foods Awards Banquet

The US Foods Lexington held their annual Awards Banquet at The Sweetgrass Inn within Wild Dunes Resort last week. It was such an honor to be a part of this special celebration of last year’s impressive achievements, and the amazing individual accomplishments of their team members.

Many thanks to Parke for all her help organizing this event.  CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!!!

* DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, Flashpoint Li-on R2 (x6), Manfrotto supports

150 Year Birthday Celebration

When Mr. & Mrs. Aucoin asked if I would photograph their combined 150 Year Birthday Celebration, I was absolutely DELIGHTED!!!

I had been recommended to them by their good friend Elizabeth Gardner, who’s son’s wedding I photographed last year in Florence. Bryant and Mary Beth’s wedding was so much fun. So I knew the Aucoin’s birthday bash would be as well!  🙂

The celebration took place at The Lake House at Bulow. I remember photographing the property for the original owners, Bill & Coy, before they sold it to the James Island County Park system. It’s a gorgeous property with a huge log cabin, nice lawn, and wrap-around decks, overlooking a pristine lake.  They’ve also built a picturesque bridge that goes over to an island covered in tall pine trees.  I’ve photographed weddings held on that island, surrounded by those majestic trees.

With close friends and family coming from far and wide, the festivities began on a gorgeous spring afternoon. The air was filled with chatter and laughter as people reconnected, played games, enjoyed good food and drinks, and celebrated this amazing couple. As day turned into night, the party continued with music and dancing, toasts and roasts, and so much more!

It was an absolute pleasure being a part of this special celebration. CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. & Mrs. Aucoin!!!

Orangegrove Basketball

My friend Erin called me the other day and invited me to cover a high-school basketball game for her. It was so much fun!

Shooting with the Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 in 3D tracking mode with eye-detect turned on was a dream. I also frequently switched into DX mode, providing an effective focal length of 105-300 f2.8. Settings were ISO 8000, 1/1000sec, f2.8, Auto WB, 10fps, and JPG fine.

The girls of Orangegrove played hard and eked out a thrilling victory in overtime over CE Williams. CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Alex and the girls. And MANY THANKS to Erin for the invitation.

Trident Health Holiday Gala

I’ve been photographing Trident Healthcare’s Christmas Party for almost a decade now…sheeesh that makes me sound old. 🙂

Held at the old historic Francis Marion Hotel, I set up a portrait station by the Christmas Tree just outside the banquet hall. This includes a Nikon D5, 4 Flashpoint Speedlights, Manfrotto supports, and Westcott umbrellas. As soon as each couple gets checked in, I snap a photo of them, which is instantly transferred to the laptop, where Cami fine-tunes the image if needed, and sends it to the DNP DS40 5×7 printer. Within seconds, their print comes out and is slipped into an elegant black 8×10 folio.  Guests can take them right then if they wish.  Otherwise, we lay them out on a table for them to pick up as they leave for the evening!

Once everyone has arrived, I switch to the Nikon Z9 for candid photos of everyone mingling during cocktails, catching up during dinner, and enjoying the presentations and awards by the CEO of Trident Health, Christina Oh, and her team.

Capturing the couple’s photos, candids, and awards ceremony at the annual Holiday Gala for Trident Health has become a milestone I look forward to each and every year!!!

Johnstone Supply Awards Banquet at Charleston Marriott

Johnstone Supply is a wholesale distributor serving professional HVACR contractors throughout the state. They offer the largest selection of equipment and genuine OEM parts in the industry. Plus they have replacements for nearly every major brand and an extensive cross reference system that makes sourcing hard-to-find parts easy!

It was my pleasure to photograph their Dealer Networking Party and Awards Banquet at the Charleston Marriott this year. It was a fantastic evening, including cocktails, silent auction, live music, dinner, an awards presentation, a networking hour with top suppliers, games, dancing, and more!

Many thanks to Somer for all her hard work coordinating every detail, and to my friend Jeff for helping cover some of the program. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!!!