Charleston Reception Photographer – Chris and Cami Photography

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Final Day

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

The final day of the conference started off with a number of important Sector Meetings, where strategic decisions, and important trading policies were discussed. Experts were brought in to discuss the direction and vision of the council moving forward. After a brief break, everyone reconvened in the General Session. Sector leaders shared their key strategic decisions with the rest of the attendees. An expert panel, moderated by USGBC Chairman, Mark Wilson, then took the stage to discuss the expanding frontier of Ethanol. And finally the conference adjorned with some celebratory service awards being presented, and fun staff photos being taken! The USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama City was another huge success!!!

To document this final day, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. When I needed expansive room shots, I swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of an impactful day. To light the group photos at the end, I used a pair of Godox AD200 flashes, diffused with Westcott umbrellas.

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Welcome Reception

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

After our amazing experience of riding through the Panama Canal, hearing about its history, and seeing how the ships navigate through the locks, everyone got cleaned up and gathered for a fun Welcome Reception back at the Panama Hilton Hotel. The casual event was located in a beautiful meeting space, next to the pool, on the 11th floor, overlooking the Panama Harbor. Everyone had so much to talk about after what we’d just been through. So conversations were lively, and smiles were broad!

Once again, for smaller receptions like this, I went with a single Nikon Z9 bodies, paired with the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120 f4. I used a Godox V480 flash for bounce flash when needed. I really like how compact and manueverable this flash is, while keeping all the features and functions of their full-size flagship flashes. This setup allowed me plenty of flexibility and reach to capture all aspects of the evening!

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USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Panama Canal Experience

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

On the second day of the conference, attendees were invited on a private charter tour through the Panama Canal! Riding a private charter ferry through the Panama Canal is an unforgettable blend of engineering and natural beauty. We began at dawn on the Atlantic side at the Panama Cruise Terminal, surrounded by tiny sail boats and towering cargo ships, then made our way beneath the sweeping span of the Bridge of the Americas. Entering the Miraflores Locks and later the Pedro Miguel Locks, we felt the quiet power of the canal at work as the ferry gently rose within the massive concrete chambers. Passing under the Centennial Bridge, the scenery shifted from monumental man-made infrastructure to lush rainforest. The journey grew more serene as we followed the winding Chagres River toward the dock at Gamboa, wathcing pelicans, frigatdbirds, and ospray soar overhead. Busses awaited our return from this remarkable passage connecting oceans, industry, and wilderness in a single voyage.

To document the day’s outing, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8, which had a Nikkor Z TC1.4x attached, effectively giving me a 100-250mm f4 focal length. I used a Godox V480 flash for fill when needed. And I used a DJI Mini 3 Pro for a few aerial drone photos when appropriate. This setup allowed me plenty of flexibility and reach to capture all aspects of the group’s outing!

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USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Welcome to Panama

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

After the first big day, highlighted by keynote presentations by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, everyone was treated to a fabulous Welcome to Panama Dinner Experience! Busses whisked attendees away from the Panama Hilton Hotel, and dropped the off at the Panama Cruise Terminal. The Panama Cruise Terminal is a modern facility situated on the Amador Causeway (Perico Island) at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, not far from Bridge of the Americas and the Miraflores Locks. Serving as the primary cruise port for Panama City, it features two berths capable of handling large ships, offering amenities like duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, and easy access to city attractions.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. I used a Godox V480 flash on each camera, bouncing the light when possible, to create nicely blended light on the subject that complimented the venue. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of the exciting evening!

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USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama – Headshots

While photographing the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held at the stunning Hilton Panama overlooking the Panama City Harbor, I had the pleasure of creating headshots for new staff members.

I set up a makeshift studio in one of the conference rooms so that individuals could stop in when they had a break in their schedules. Lighting consisted of two Godox AD200 flashes for main and fill lights, plus a Godox V480 as a background separation light. I shot with a Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8.

The best part was when I was photographing Reese’s headshots and suddenly the window cleaner appeared outside the glass in the middle of our session!

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USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama – Day 1

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held at the stunning Hilton Panama overlooking the Panama City Harbor. With its sweeping waterfront views and vibrant international energy, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with connection, collaboration, and major milestones.

The day began with extensive networking and a series of Advisory Team Meetings, where industry leaders from around the world gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships. There’s always something special about capturing those candid conversations—the handshakes, the laughter, and the focused discussions that drive real progress behind the scenes.

The General Session was packed with highlights. Keynote presentations were delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales. Both speakers offered powerful insights into trade, infrastructure, and the importance of global cooperation. A defining moment of the session was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority—an exciting and historic occasion to witness through my lens. USGBC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand, closed the session with thoughtful remarks that tied the day together beautifully.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. When I needed expansive room shots, I swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of an impactful day.

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USGBC – Chairwoman’s Reception in Panama

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Chairwoman’s Reception at the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council in Panama. The reception was held at the beautiful Hilton Panama, overlooking the stunning Panama City Harbor. As the sun set over the water, the view provided an incredible backdrop for an elegant and meaningful gathering of industry leaders from around the world.

The evening honored outgoing chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, who served as the guest of honor. Ulibarri operates a family farm in Grady, New Mexico, producing sorghum, wheat, forage crops and cattle, while also working as the agribusiness relationship manager at American AgCredit. Ulibarri has served on the Council’s Board of Directors since 2020 and previously served as the chairwoman for USCP in 2020. It was clear from the warm conversations and heartfelt interactions just how much respect and appreciation the organization has for her leadership. Special remarks were also delivered by President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, whose words reflected both gratitude for the past and optimism for the future of the council.

For this event, I kept my setup streamlined and efficient. I photographed the reception with a Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4. This versatile combination works exceptionally well for smaller events. By switching the Z9 into DX mode, the lens effectively becomes a 35-180mm range, giving me added reach without changing glass. From capturing candid moments across the room, wide group shots, as well as tighter compositions during remarks, this simple setup covers it all.

Lighting was handled with a single Godox V480 mounted on camera, bouncing the flash off the low ceiling to create soft, natural-looking light that complemented the warm ambiance of the space.

It was an honor and a pleasure to document such an important evening. And I am grateful to have been part of it!

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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/.

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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!!!

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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.

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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!!!

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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!!!