Moody Air Force Base

Monday I had a really neat opportunity to use my Creative Lighting System.  The amazing folks at TranSystems, who I’d done a similar shoot for at Shaw AFB, called to ask if I’d be willing to drive to Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA for this one.  Turns out they are up for an incredible award due to the efficiency and “green” design of this new dorm building.  I was honored and jumped at the opportunity.  I photographed all day, doing lots of Interior/Architectural images in and around the property.  But of course the “money shot” was going to be at dusk.  This was the last frame of the night.  I had a total of 8 – SB800/SB900 flashes blazing.  Each had a ½ CTO filter on it.  Most were triggered by my trusty RadioPoppers (though the closer ones just used regular old line-of-sight CLS).  I shot this about 20 minutes after sunset with a Nikon D3 and 14-24 f2.8 at 14mm.  By the time I’d packed up and headed home, it was a very long but rewarding day! 

Mihaela & Vicintiu’s Romania Wedding

Yesterday I had the pleasant surprise of a wonderful phone call from Mihaela, who’s wedding to Vicintiu I photographed in Romania back in July.  She was in the US visiting friends and family.  I was so honored that she would take the time to reach out and thank me again for being a part of their wedding!  What a sweetheart!!!

So I thought I’d post a few photos from their gorgeous day.  I have to say, this was by far the most surreal wedding I have ever had the privilege of photographing!  It was on a beautiful, pristine, mountainside near Campulung.  A light afternoon shower had cleansed the landscape and brought a crisp freshness to the air.  A dreamy mist was rising from the valley below.  And we weren’t alone…wild horses had also discovered the picturesque meadow we were in.  They pranced and played in the background throughout the service.  Then just as magically as they appeared…wandered off to an adjoining hill side just before we left.  It was one of those serendipitous experiences I’ll never forget for as long as I live.

Congratulations again to “Miha & Vic”.  Always remember the magic moments of your life!!!

Kelly & Christopher at First Baptist Church

As the doors slowly opened, a hushed reverence fell over the sanctuary where everyone had gathered to share in the uniting of Kelly & Christopher.  Their eyes locked.  And as I quietly captured each of their expressions, I knew in my heart that I was witnessing a public profession of true love this day!  Kelly & Christopher were married at the First Baptist Church.  Between the beautiful colors of the bridesmaids dresses and the bouquets, the intimate moments between father and daughter, mother and son, husband and wife, all the rich historic backdrops of downtown Charleston, and the burst of drama while photographing these two in their first sunset as a married couple, I felt like I was being handed beautiful image after beautiful image.  I had waaay too many favorites to fit in this blog post.  J  So enjoy the music video with even more favorites at www.chrisandcami.com.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see even more.

 Kelly & Christopher, I was truly blessed during my time with you on your wedding day.  May God bless you as you seek His will through your new life together! 



Jim & Re’s Family

Jim & Re befriended us back when we all attended Ashley River Baptist together.  Jim and I are big geeks, so we have lots in common.  Re is quite the artist and a big photo buff.  Plus we have several mutual friends in common…like the amazing Nathan Bell, and wonderfully talented James Riley.  A few days ago we did a little walk-about at Waterfront Park and I photograph some shots of their handsome son and beautiful daughter.  We had an AWESOME time catching up and creating images of their kids. J

 

Falling Whistles Tour

Africa is a CRAZY place!  The country I grew up in, which was once called the Belgian Congo, then became Zaire, and is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo…is home to the worlds deadliest war.  Cami & I are big supporters of an amazing organization called Falling Whistles.  We will be hosting, helping, and photographing their event in Charleston during the nation-wide tour this fall.  Yves, the amazing individual in this video, will be one of the folks we’ll be hosting.  I hope you’ll plan on attending one of the events November 15-17 to hear his story…and find out how you can be a whistle-blower for peace.

Best Tennis Town in America

“As announced live at the US Open in New York, Charleston has WON the 2010 Best Tennis Town in America contest, ahead of second-place finisher Atlanta, GA and third-place finisher Richmond, VA.   Along with the incredible the honor (and bragging rights), the lowcountry area will receive a $100,000 award to be used for tennis programming and facility enhancements.”

As an active player in the Charleston tennis community, and the official photographer of the Family Circle Cup professional WTA Tour tennis tournament, I’m excited to share this video with everyone.  Look for me in the blue shirt (hint: I’m the one with all the camera gear!) at the 2:46 minute mark while photographing a player appearance during the Family Circle Cup several years ago!!!  🙂

Family Portrait at Folly Beach

The last time we tried this, it started to rain as soon as we began our walk out to the beach.  THIS TIME, Dawn & Chris pulled up on the most beautiful day you could imagine!  After having to reschedule their previous session, they deserved it!!!  J  The light was warm and beautiful, the temperature wasn’t too hot, and the beach was relatively un-crowded for a Friday evening.  I had a great time with them and their two fantastic children.  As we were walking back after the shoot was over, Chris exclaimed “This wasn’t NEARLY as painful as I thought it was going to be…you actually made it kind of fun!”  J 

 

Amanda & Tim at Planters Inn

She’s an OT.  He’s a PT.  They work for the same company.  They have a chocolate lab.  They drove all night to get here from Ohio.  They are TOTALLY IN LOVE!!!  Amanda & Tim, along with their closest family and friends, came to Charleston for a beautiful, elegant, and intimate Destination Wedding one week ago today.  Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous courtyard at the historic Planters Inn.  The always amazing Christy Loftin directed and officiated the service.  While the one and only Nikolai Svishev provided acustical accompanyment on his magical 8-string guitar.  Laughter and lively conversation filled the room during Amanda & Tim’s Peninsula Grill reception.  The food was AMAZING!  Plus the center piece at each table was an original cake from Kaminski’s “most excellent” desserts…yummm!!!  Visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog to check out the Music Video of Amanda & Tim’s Big Day.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery.  CONGRATULATIONS Amanda & Tim!

 “It has been said that we need just three things in life: Something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love.”   – unknown 



Light Bending 411

I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Patty Hallman and the Professional Photographers of South Carolina for inviting me to teach my “Light Bending 411” wireless lighting workshop in Columbia yesterday!  We had about 30 AMAZING photographers there.  I loved working with our three gorgeous models.  Erika is an incredibly elegant creative dancer.  Her young prodigy, Lea, was simply beautiful.  And Megan was such a gorgeous bride.  Last but not least, a special thank you to the crazy group from Charleston that drove up to participate.  It was great to have a few familiar faces in the crowd!!!  More to come soon…

Ashley & Sherrod at Trinity UMC

The hot, sticky, summer heat gave way to a gentle respite last weekend…just in time for Ashley & Sherrod’s Big Day!  J  I met up with Ashley at the historic Wentworth Mansion, where Sherrod had proposed to her in early November.  Fittingly, we had also photographed their Engagement Portraits in this picturesque B&B.  Sherrod met up with us there the two of them exchanged their First Glance before the mayhem of the wedding day began.  Then it was off to Trinity United Methodist Church, the oldest in South Carolina, where they were married in a beautiful service.  Their reception was held at the South Carolina Society Hall, a venue with great character that I always love working in! 

To see the fun slideshow of their day, visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  And to see the rest of their Online Gallery, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com.  

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley & Sherrod!  May you forever stick to each other like glue…