Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 1 (Family Weekend)

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Drone Shots

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 6 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

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.

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.

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.

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!

Marketing Photos for the Charleston County School District

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to photograph team portraits and marketing photos for the Charleston County School District (CCSD). This shoot was particularly special as the images will be featured in an upcoming magazine article highlighting their impactful work in our community. CCSD is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the potential of all students, providing innovative educational programs and support that empower young people to succeed. You can learn more about their mission and initiatives at www.ccsdschools.com.

The session took place at their office on 75 Calhoun Street, which is currently undergoing an exciting interior uplift. I even got a sneak peek behind the scenes of what the new offices will look like! Using my Nikon Z9 along with the new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens, I was able to capture the team’s dynamic personalities and dedication to education in vivid detail. I also utilized my DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to capture a few shots from unique angles.

Many thanks to Michelle for coordinating everyone’s schedules! It was a genuine pleasure to work with such a passionate team. And I look forward to seeing the final article featuring our collaborative efforts!!!

Headshots for Elliott Davis

I recently had the pleasure of photographing another round of fun headshots and marketing photos for Elliott Davis, a respected accounting firm, here in Charleston, SC. Specializing in audit, tax, and consulting services, Elliott Davis delivers valuable financial insights that help businesses thrive, from small startups to large corporations. Their commitment to integrity and exceptional service is evident in every aspect of their work. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website at www.elliottdavis.com.

The shoot took place on the stunning grounds of The Charleston Gaillard Center, right across the street from their office. This beautiful location added a vibrant backdrop to our session, perfectly complementing the professional yet approachable image that Elliott Davis wanted to convey.

Using my Nikon Z9 and the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, I captured crisp, high-quality images that showcased the team’s personality. To enhance the lighting, I employed a Godox AD200 flash within a Godox EZ Lock softbox, creating a soft, inviting glow that highlighted the individuals beautifully.

I’ve been working with Elliott Davis for years, and wholehearteadly recommend them. They hire the nicest people. And I’m excited to see how these dynamic images will enhance their branding efforts!

Marketing Photos for Glick Boehm Architects

I recently had the pleasure of working with Glick Boehm Architects for a dynamic headshot and marketing photo session in Charleston, SC. It’s always a delight to capture the personalities of fun creatives in their element! Glick Boehm epitomizes innovation in design. Their team specializes in delivering architectural solutions that harmonize with the environment, fostering creativity and functionality in every project. From residential buildings to large-scale commercial developments, their portfolio reflects a commitment to excellence and sustainability. To learn more about their inspiring work, visit their website at www.glickboehm.com.

Using my Nikon Z9, I captured vibrant images with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, ensuring each shot was sharp and crystal clear. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I employed a Godox AD200 flash in a Godox EZ Lock softbox, providing beautiful, diffused lighting that complemented the natural morning light. Our location of choice was Wragg Mall Park…a beautiful neighborhood park near their office.

The energy and enthusiasm of the Glick Boehm team made the session enjoyable, and I am thrilled to have contributed to their marketing efforts with images that reflect their vision. I look forward to seeing how these photos will enhance their brand presence!

Headshots for the LightGuage Company

I had the pleasure of working with the LightGauge Company this week, capturing their team’s new professional headshots in Charleston, SC. It’s always a rewarding experience to bring out the best in my clients.  And this shoot was no exception! LightGauge Company is an innovative leader in interior and exterior construction specialties. Their dedicated team brings unmatched quality and attention to detail in every project they work on. You can learn more about their services at golightgauge.com.

For this shoot, I used my trusted Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to ensure sharp, high-quality images. To create a professional yet approachable look, I utilized two Godox AD200 flashes and two Godox Speedlights, which provided excellent control over lighting and helped highlight my client’s professionalism (while still catching a taste of their fun personalities). The combination of this high-end gear, and my years of experience, allowed me to help everyone relax while I worked quickly and efficiently.  I was able to deliver striking headshots that match the high caliber products LightGauge Company is known for.

It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with forward-thinking clients like LightGauge. Many thanks to my friend Bobby Carrier for his kind referral! And a special thank you to Jessica, their Director of Marketing, for working with me to come up with a neat concept for the look and feel of their new headshots!!!