Drayton Hall in Infrared

Drayton Hall, the iconic 18th-century estate in the South Carolina Lowcountry, is vital to our understanding of early American history. It’s also one of my favorite plantations in Charleston!

Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture…and the oldest preserved plantation house in America still open to the public!!!

I recently had the pleasure of exploring and photographing the property with my Infrared Camera. It’s a special Nikon camera, converted to be able to “see” a frequency of light that’s beyond the range of human sight. I’m always pleasantly surprised by the surreal images it creates! Please enjoy…

Loryssa & Tony’s Secret Proposal at Middleton Place Plantation

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing Tony’s surprise marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Loryssa, at beautiful Middleton Place Plantation!

Tony and I had been planning this surprise together for months! We had worked out every detail, and thought of every contingency…except the weather. The days leading up to the big event found torrential rains bombarding Charleston. But on the morning in question, the clouds magically drifted out to sea, and the sunshine rained down on a gorgeous spring day!

Arriving at Middleton Plantation extra early, I had time to set up a remote camera with a secondary angle to the one I was shooting from. Then I get hidden in place to wait for their arrival. Tony had done his research, and hit his mark perfectly!  It was a picture-perfect moment.  Hiding under my camouflage cover, my heart melted, and I may have shed a tear.  What a blessing to be able to witness this gesture of true love.

Here’s a little sneak peek of some of my favorite images. You can find the rest in their Online Gallery at: http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/loryssaandtony.

Amy & Adam at Middleton Place Plantation & Garden

I’ve known Amazing Amy for several years through the hair salon she manages. She is super fun, full of energy, and loves life to the fullest! Adam is her rock. He comes from a family with a history in law enforcement, and works for the Sheriff’s Department. He’s the strong silent half of Amy & Adam!  🙂

Yesterday we met up at the always-picturesque Middleton Place for their engagement shoot. The soft glow of late afternoon light was absolutely perfect! Playing tourist in our own town, we explored every corner of this amazing Charleston plantation, capturing the love these two share for each other.

We had an absolute BLAST together!  And we even got ourselves a rainbow!  I can’t wait to photograph their awesome wedding celebration this fall!!!

Kristin & John’s Family at Runnymede Plantation

If you’ve never heard of A Perfect Balance Bookkeeping, you need to!  They have saved us countless hours of nashing-of-teeth and pulling-of-hair when it comes to all the taxes, licenses, and forms it takes to run your own business.

Kristin Diggett has been a god-send to us. Not only is she our GIFTED book-keeper, she’s also an AMAZING mother, and TALENTED tennis player. But the best part is, she’s also our dear friend…as is John by extension!!!

Yesterday we were excited to photograph updated family portraits for Kristin and John’s blended family. And what better place to do that than the STUNNING Runnymede Plantation?!? Many thanks to our good friend Tim for the privilege of working with such beautiful, elegant, lowcountry backdrops.

Congratulations Kristin & John…you survived yet another crazy photo shoot with Cami and I!!!  🙂