Charleston Gala Photographer – Chris and Cami Photography

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/.

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!!!

Charleston Awards Photographer Charleston Banquet Photographer Charleston Conference Charleston Conference Photographer Charleston Corporate Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Meeting Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography DJI Event Photography Flashpoint Godox Isle of Palms Isle of Palms Banquet Photographer Isle of Palms Conference Photographer Isle of Palms Event Photographer Isle of Palms Gala Photographer Isle of Palms Photographer Isle of Palms Reception Photographer Mavic 3 Pro Nikkor Nikon OCF Off-camera Flash Speedlight Sweetgrass Inn Wild Dunes Awards Banquet Wild Dunes Awards Photographer Wild Dunes Banquet Photographer Wild Dunes Conference Photographer Wild Dunes Event Photographer Wild Dunes Reception Photographer Wild Dunes Resort Wild Dunes Resort Photographer Z9 Zf

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.

70th Birthday Bennett Hospitality Birthday Celebration Birthday Party Charleston Birthday Photographer Charleston Business Photographer Charleston Company Photographer Charleston Corporate Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Meeting Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Event Photography Flashpoint Godox Henry McMaster Hotel Bennett Hotel Bennett Charleston Michael Bennett Nikkor Nikon OCF Off-camera Flash South Carolina Governor Speedlight Z9

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!!!

Charleston Conference Charleston Conference Photographer Charleston Corporate Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Meeting Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Destination Conference Photographer Destination Event Destination Event Photographer Destination Gala Photographer Epic Universe Event Photography Nikkor Nikon Orlando Orlando Conference Photographer Orlando Event Photographer Orlando Gala Photographer Orlando Meeting Photographer Orlando Reception Photographer Universal Studios Z9

Lincoln’s Bat Mitzvah

Congregation Emanu-El (and many other synagogues) restricts photos during Mitzvah ceremonies primarily to maintain focus, reverence, and sanctity of the religious service. It’s a way of preventing distractions for the family, clergy, and community…and ensuring the Bat Mizvah feels present. For these reasons, most congregagions allow dedicated photo sessions before the service for professional photos.

With Lincoln’s Mitzvah coming up this weekend, I joined her and her family on Friday evening for one of these photo sessions. We met at Emanu-El, where the beautiful campus offers tons of great spots for family portraits, as well as portraits of Lincoln in her elegant black dress. As the sun began to set, we went inside to meet up with Rabbi Ravski, who graciously gave us access to the sanctuary where I could get shots of Lincoln while she practiced her speach and read from the Torah.

It was a lot of fun getting to know Lincoln and her family! It was an honor capturing these special moments for them. And I can’t wait to finish editing and sharing the photos from her party on Saturday!!!

Artistic Eye Productions Bar Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah Charleston Bar Mitzvah Photographer Charleston Bat Mitzvah Photographer Charleston Children Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Family Photographer Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Party Photographer Charleston Portrait Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Flashpoint Godox Loluma Nikkor Nikon OCF Off-camera Flash Speedlight Synagogue Emanu-El Z9

Country Club of Charleston – 100 Year Anniversary Gala

What an AMAZING EVENT!!! This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the Country Club of Charleston’s 100 Year Anniversary Gala!

The club is actually 125 years old. However, on the night of the big gala, it had been at its current location on the Wappoo Cut for exactly 100 years! My friend Fran has been working hard on the planning committee for over a year to organize this incredible party. Since the club would have opened at its current location in 1925, the committee decided to go with a “Roaring Twenties” theme. They spent 3 days completely changing EVERYTHING inside the club…right down to swapping out the chandeliers. They even created a speakeasy downstairs for the “after party”. The place looked incredible!!!

The guests looked fabulous as well! Everyone took the theme to heart and really dolled up in 1920s outfits, accessories, hair styles, and shoes. The food was fantastic. There was a full brass band, keeping the dance floor hopping. And the Speakeasy had a colorful piano player who took requests and got everyone to sing along.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Country Club of Charleston for 100 years of history! Here’s to another century of success…

100 Year Anniversary Charleston Celebration Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Country Club Country Club of Charleston Country Club Photography DJI Event Photography Gala Photography Mavic 3 Pro Nikkor Nikon Roaring 20s Roaring Twenties Roaring Twenties Gala Speakeasy Speakeasy Charleston Speedlight The Country Club of Charleston Z9

Owls by Moonlight at the Center for Birds of Prey

Let’s see…what’s the hardest challenge we could throw at a photographer?
Hmmm…how about having a fun reception called “Owls by Moonlight”? We’ll ask the photographer to try and capture shots of owls, silently swooping over the heads of attendees, in the pitch black of night!!!
YUP…challenge accepted.

Avian Conservation Center Awendaw Awendaw Event Photographer Awendaw Fundraiser Photographer Awendaw Gala Photographer Awendaw Reception Photographer Bird in Flight Birds in Flight Birds of Prey Center for Birds of Prey Charleston Center for Birds of Prey Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Fundraiser Photographer Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Event Photography Flashpoint Flight Godox Nikkor Nikon OCF Off Camera Flash Owl Owl in Flight Owls by Moonlight Z9

The Citadel Foundation Scholarship Donor Dinner

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing The Citadel Foundation’s annual Scholarship Donor Dinner at The Gaillard Center. It’s been my honor to photograph this event for several years now. And it’s one evening I always look forward to!

The Citadel Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, was established with the primary purpose of providing financial assistance and support exclusively for The Citadel. Founded in 1961 as The Citadel Development Foundation, the organization was initially tasked with raising money exclusively for educational purposes through the academic endowment fund. Donations to The Citadel Foundation, as it is known today, go to a variety of programs including academic scholarships, faculty support, athletic facilities, individual academic schools, program funds, and vital expenses not covered by tuition or fees. The vision of this program is to build a preeminent foundation at The Citadel for tomorrow’s principled leaders.

Many thanks to Riviere, who does an AMAZING job of organizing this incredible event!!!

Awards Presentation Charleston Awards Photographer Charleston Conference Charleston Conference Photographer Charleston Corporate Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gaillard Center Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Meeting Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Destination Conference Destination Event Photographer Destination Meeting Photographer Event Photography Flashpoint Godox Nikkor Nikon OCF Off Camera Flash Print-on-Site Spot My Photos The Citadel The Citadel Foundation The Gaillard

CTAR Leadership Celebration at The Harbour Club

By promoting the highest standards of Professionalism, Ethics, Education, and Technology, the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR) ensures that the Realtor® members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. CTAR is dedicated to embracing and enhancing a culture where all Charleston Realtors® feel like they have a seat at the table, a voice in the conversation, and confidence that their voice will be heard. The organization prides itself in having a membership culture where everyone feels safe and respected as both a professional and an individual.

Each year I have the privilege of photographing the CTAR Leadership Celebration. It’s always a fantastic evening, with a festive Christmas atmosphere. Some of the key events throughout the night include the Installation Ceremony of the 2025 CTAR Boards of Directors, the 2024 Realtor of the Year Award, the CTAR Distinguished Service Society Awards, and the official handing of the gavel over to the new incoming president.

Congratulations to all the award winners and inductees. And many thanks to Claire, Autumn, and the entire staff for all their hard work and dedication in making this year’s event another resounding success!!!

Charleston Awards Banquet Charleston Awards Photographer Charleston Conference Charleston Conference Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Meeting Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Charleston Trident Association of Realtors Chris & Cami Photography Christmas Gala Christmas Party CTAR Destination Awards Banquet Destination Banquet Photographer Destination Conference Photographer Destination Event Photographer Destination Gala Photographer Destination Meeting Photographer Event Photography Godox Nikkor Nikon OCF Off Camera Flash SB-5000 Speedlight The Harbour Club The Harbour Club at West Edge Z9 Zf

The Citadel Foundation Holiday Gala

The Citadel Foundation knows how to party!!!

This year’s Holiday Gala was held inside the Johnson Hagood Memorial Stadium event hall. Everyone arrived all decked out in their finest Christmas sweaters and festive holiday outfits. Upon entering the double-glass doors, they were greeted with my portrait station. Everyone got into it and had so much fun capturing nice formal portraits in front of the Christmas scene that the staff had set up. After each portrait, we printed out a beautiful 5×7 and placed it in an elegant folder for them to take home as a party favor. Everyone also received digital copies that they could text, email, and share on social media.

Many thanks to Riviere and her team for organizing such an awesome event!!!

Charleston Christmas Party Charleston Corporate Photographer Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Holiday Party Charleston Holiday Party Photographer Charleston Party Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Christmas Gala Christmas Party Event Photography Nikkor Nikon The Citadel The Citadel Football Stadium The Citadel Foundation Z9

Christa’s 50th Birthday Bash at John Holiday Alumni Center

It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Christa’s 50th Birthday Bash at The Citadel’s John Holiday Alumni Center last weekend. I first met Christa at The Citadel Foundation event earlier this year. She was so much fun and such a joy to be around. When she reached out to ask if I would photograph her birthday party, I was so excited! It was such a fun evening and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it!!!

50th 50th Birthday 50th Birthday Celebration Birthday Party Charleston Birthday Party Photographer Charleston Booth Co Charleston Event Photographer Charleston Events Charleston Gala Photographer Charleston Party Photographer Charleston Reception Photographer Chris & Cami Photography Destination Event Photographer Destination Events Destination Gala Photographer Destination Party Photographer Destination Reception Photographer Event Photography John Holiday Alumni Center Nikkor Nikon OCF Off Camera Flash The Citadel Z9

Windwood Family Services Annual Fundraiser

It was an absolute pleasure to photograph the Annual Fundraising Gala for Windwood Family Services this week! Not only was it a great event…it was for a fantastic cause!!!

Windwood Family Services provides help, hope, and healing to children and families affected by abuse, neglect, or trauma through residential programs and community services. Windwood Farm serves boys ages 6-16 who have either experienced prior abuse or neglect and are in the custody of SC Department of Social Services…or are experiencing behavioral issues without abuse or neglect in their background and are in their parents custody.

The event was held at beautiful Hotel Emeline in downtown Charleston. Guests were greeted with a fun cocktail hour in the open courtyard, where Silent Auction items were available for browsing and bidding. Everyone was then invited into the gorgeous ballroom for a lovely dinner. Then the program kicked into high gear with guest speakers and a lively Live Auction. It was so heartwarming to see the amount of money that was raised to help fund this wonderful organization.

Many thanks to Mia for trusting me to cover this important event for Windwood Family Services!