Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 3

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 2

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 1

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C.

The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Peaceful Washington D.C.

With an upcoming assignment in D.C., I took an early morning flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Arriving at the Capital Hotel, where the conference would take place, it was way too early to check in. So I left my luggage with the bell hop, grabbed my trusty Nikon Zf, and headed out for a peaceful stroll around our nation’s capital. Following the light, I meandered over to Farragut Square, down to Lafayette Square (pausing briefly in front of the White House where a few other tourists were quietly snapping selfies), up to McPherson Square, and back to the hotel.

It was a pleasant morning. And the light was beautiful. All images shot with Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 24-120 f4…which is my favorite “walk-around” setup.

South Carolina Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association at Sweetgrass Inn

Every summer I look forward to photographing this fun event at the Sweetgrass Inn on Wild Dunes Resort for the South Carolina Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association.

SC-CPMA is the voice of the petroleum & convenience store industry in South Carolina. They serve their members by lobbying the General Assembly, multiple state agencies and the Congressional delegation on issues that impact the industry. Among the top issues they address are: underground and above-ground tank regulations, the SUPERB Fund, tobacco, alcohol, lottery sales, fuel taxes and much more.

The photography for this program is sponsored by Coca Cola Consolidated. What I do is bring out two photographers with two separate Portrait Stations for guests to choose from…one location is outdoors with an environmental background, the other is indoors with a studio background. My good friend and amazing photographer, Robbin, always photographs the indoors setup…while I sweat to death photographing the outdoors setup! 🙂 After we’ve photographed each couple or family, we print out beautiful 5×7 portraits of each, and place them in an elegant black folio. The prints are placed on a table for guests to take home as a keepsake at the end of the evening. Everyone loves the instant gratification!

Clarity Conference at The Mills House – Day 3

What a fabulous group!!!

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the annual 3-day Clarity Conference for Solutions Group Services at The Mills House Hotel. On Day 3, program was packed with more fantastic presentations, a networking break, and a wrap-up Q&A session. The event concluded with some final staff headshots before everyone headed their separate ways.

Using a powerful combination of experience and expertise, Solutions Group Services helps organizations work through significant reimbursement challenges. They pioneered a better way for providers to collect their charges from payers – not the patient. This is accomplished through technology and consulting solutions. Everyday the growing SGS team advances this reality through innovative solutions as well as through offering a continuously growing library of informational resources. Solutions Group Services is more than just a company, they are the solution.

Clarity Conference at The Mills House Hotel – Day 2

What a fabulous group!!!

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the annual 3-day Clarity Conference for Solutions Group Services at The Mills House Hotel. On Day 2, the day kicked off with a fun welcome, followed by a variety of informative presentations, then several headshots and team photos, and wrapping up with a fun cocktail reception in the courtyard.

Using a powerful combination of experience and expertise, Solutions Group Services helps organizations work through significant reimbursement challenges. They pioneered a better way for providers to collect their charges from payers – not the patient. This is accomplished through technology and consulting solutions. Everyday the growing SGS team advances this reality through innovative solutions as well as through offering a continuously growing library of informational resources. Solutions Group Services is more than just a company, they are the solution.

Clarity Conference at The Mills House Hotel – Day 1

What a fabulous group!!!

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the annual 3-day Clarity Conference for Solutions Group Services at The Mills House Hotel. On Day 1, their high-energy program begain with a fabulous Welcome Reception on the hotel’s second-story pool deck, overlooking Meeting Street, in downtown Charleston. Pamela Evette, the Lt. Govorner of SC, was the guest of honor!

Using a powerful combination of experience and expertise, Solutions Group Services helps organizations work through significant reimbursement challenges. They pioneered a better way for providers to collect their charges from payers – not the patient. This is accomplished through technology and consulting solutions. Everyday the growing SGS team advances this reality through innovative solutions as well as through offering a continuously growing library of informational resources. Solutions Group Services is more than just a company, they are the solution.

College of Charleston Multicultural Graduation Ceremony

As a TCK (Third Culture Kid) myself, it was particularly enjoyable for me to be a part of the C of C Multicultural Student Union Senior Night this week! Because I was born in the Congo (DRC) and spent my formative years there, I was invited to join the MSU program when I got to Spring Arbor University. Transitioning back to America and college life was tough. The friendship and support I experienced with the MSU program at my school was extremely helpful in getting me through that process.

CONGRATULATIONS to all these College of Charleston students in achieving their dreams at the Multicultural Graduation Ceremony!!!

NAEGA Conference at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA

The NAEGA Mission is to promote and sustain the reliability of commercial agricultural exports.

It was my pleasure to photograph the NAEGA Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, CA this year. The conference was held at the beautiful Omni La Costa Resort. From executive meetings, to networking lunches…from to keynote speakers like Ted McKinney of NASDA, to a group photo and headshots for the new Board of Directors…I had a fantastic experience!

The North American Export Grains Association is the global leader in shaping commercial solutions rooted in contractual expertise, commercial knowledge and industry innovation. The organization prioritizes the exchange of trade information to pinpoint and establish feasible pre-competitive market solutions. And it maintains a steadfast commitment to outcomes that are risk proportionate and science based.

Many thanks to Alejandra Castillo for bringing me on board for this important event, and to Rebecca Cain for keeping everything organized and on track!

MUSC Cares Clinic 20th Anniversary Reception at Palmetto Brewing Company

This weekend, I had the honor of photographing a wonderful reception at the Palmetto Brewing Company, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the MUSC Cares Clinic!

“The CARES Medical Clinic is committed to providing quality healthcare at no cost to the underserved populations of South Carolina while educating future healthcare professionals through our service to these patients. We aim to: (1) Offer primary care, preventive services, and referral options at no charge to uninsured adults. (2) Expose students, early in their training, to the nuances of providing patient care to a population with diverse and ever-changing healthcare needs. (3) Foster interprofessional cooperation of students, healthcare professionals, and members of the community in addressing healthcare disparities. (4) Understand community healthcare needs through service to the underserved.”

I was photographing this assignment on behalf of my good friend and amazing photographer, Gary Colemen. Gary and I work a lot of events together that are too big for one individual to cover. He was working a different reception for MUSC at the same time. We both shoot with Nikon Z9 cameras, and a diverse host of Nikkor lenses. Which makes working together not only fun, but seamless in terms of mixing equipment and editing files.

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!!!