Export Exchange Conference in Minneapolis – Day 1

With over 500 attendees from over 50 countries, The Export Exchange is an international conference held in Minneapolis, that provides overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities. The speaker line-up for this year’s conference was a “who’s who” array of experts in the industry, with a variety of programs to educate and build awareness of environmental sustainability, weather patterns, the world political climate, historical data trends, and the benefits of U.S. products. Event sponsors from all over the country were also there, displaying products, answering questions, and building relationships with buyers.

In addition to hosting the conference, The U.S. Grains Council sponsored the attendance of international trade teams from more than 30 countries that will get a chance to meet farmers and see the U.S. grain supply chain firsthand before and after the conference.

Day 1 of the conference I was busy photographing candids of everyone arriving and registering, team photos of the various delegations, as well as the welcome reception.  (Stay tuned for days 2 and 3.)  It was an absolute pleasure photographing this year’s Export Exchange!

Dannielle & Andrew at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club

I was so honored when my friend and amazing photographer, Kim, recommended me to Andrew’s parents (who are friends with her parents) when they were inquiring about a wedding photographer for their son and future daughter-in-law.

Shortly after we all connected, I felt like Dannielle, Andrew, and I were a perfect fit. Later, when Danielle wrote me this note, I KNEW we were going to have a great time working together: “My fiance, Andrew Wallace, and I have looked through your blog and website and love the photos you and your wife take. Quite impressive. We are so happy you are available on our wedding day!”

Although they were both born and raised in California, this amazing couple met each other while living and working in Washington D.C. I mean, what are the chances of THAT?!? They then relocated to Greensboro, where Dannielle is doing important research in the long term effects of tobacco use, and Andrew is specializing in infectious diseases. They spend quite a bit of time visiting Charleston, which is where Andrew’s parents live now. Luckily for me, this is how their wedding came to be held here at the picturesque Isle of Palms Exchange Club!  🙂

After getting to know them, and photographing their engagement photos, which you can find at: https://chrisandcami.com/danielle-andrew-are-engaged/, I could tell they were a match made in heaven!

Their wedding day was a beautiful affair, intimate and relaxed, surrounded by their closest friends and family! The ceremony was held on the dock, with dolphin peacefully swimming below us, seagulls floating effortlessly in the breeze above us, and Dannielle’s dad performing a heartfelt ceremony. The weather was absolutely perfect as well, culminating in a dramatic sunset, scattering vibrant colors across the sky behind the beautiful couple. A fun-filled reception followed on the deck of the Exchange Club.  A candle-light sit-down dinner was held inside, with a special menu picked by the couple to represent the meaningful places where they have lived.

Many thanks to Taylor at Experiencing Holy City for keeping everything on track and organized.  And a huge shout-out to all the other vendors for making this day so perfect!

CONGRATULATIONS Dannielle & Andrew!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

CTAR Market Forecast Conference at The Gaillard

It’s been a pleasure to work with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors over the years. They are a wonderful organization, and their members are always so friendly and fun to work with!

This year their annual Commercial Real Estate Market Forecast Conference was held at The Gaillard Auditorium. With top notch speakers, and high-profile sponsors, it’s no wonder the room was packed to the brim! It was neat to hear positive messages about how the housing economy is doing, what the work force is looking like, and other insider tips from those who are “in the know”.

Many thanks to CTAR for inviting me back to photograph their event again this year!

Sir Elton John at Credit One Stadium

While working on an all-day corporate assignment, I got a last-minute call asking if I was in town, and available to cover an event that evening?

I knew I would be pretty tired by the time I wrapped up my current shoot. Plus I was shooting outdoors way up in Moncks Corner. So I’d be fighting traffic to get home, shower, change, and head over to Daniel Island if I was going to cover this assignment. But since the request came from my long-time friends and colleagues at the Charleston Tennis Center, I didn’t want to say no!

I am SO GLAD I SAID YES!!! It turns out the assignment was to cover the sold-out Elton John Concert at the beautiful new Credit One Stadium! I am so blessed that my camera has been my ticket into places I never could have afforded to go otherwise. 🙂

Berkeley County Promo Pics

I have really enjoyed working with Jenna at Berkeley County to capture a wide variety of promotional pictures for their marketing team. Today was another fun day in pursuing that goal!!!

Caroline & Andrew’s Rehearsal Dinner Party

The monsoon rains cleared up just in time for Caroline & Andrew’s awesome rehearsal dinner party!

Although the ground was wet, and there was plenty of flooding around downtown, spirits were high as everyone toasted and celebrated this beautiful couple and the special day that lay ahead. Caroline and Andrew’s rehearsal dinner was held at the private room behind Leon’s Oyster Shed. Afterwards, everyone jumped on the trolley and headed over to Edmunds Oast. The outdoor event space had been reserved for all their friends to join the family, nibble on some treats, share in lively conversation, and party the night away. The rains held off as the amazing Southside 17 Band kept the tunes rolling, and kept the energy going!

CONGRATULATIONS Caroline & Andrew!!!

Charleston Water Systems

With the right lighting, professional headshots can be done just about anywhere!

I had the pleasure of photographing updated headshots for the management team at Charleston Water Systems last week. You would never know it, but these were made in their basement with an archive of records on one side, and a breakroom sink on the other! But regardless of the environment, we had a great time and came away with some awesome shots!!!

(Nikon D5, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8, 5 Flashpoint Li-On flashes, Manfrotto supports, Westcott modifiers and backdrop, Lenovo laptop, Sony XQD cards)

Many thanks to Mike Saia for all his hard work in coordinating everyone’s schedules.

Berkeley County Government

I have really enjoyed working with Jenna, the amazing Public Information Officer over at Berkeley County this year! Last week she had another great day of photography lined up for me.

It may look like a ton of work…like we were zipping all over the place, from one office to the next, from building to building. But Jenna is so organized and so cheerful when she enters a room, that it made the whole day a ton of fun. I can see why she is so well known, and so well appreciated by her colleagues!

(Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30 f4, Nikkor 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor 24-120 f4, SB-5000 Speedlights, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Manfrotto stands, Westcott modifiers)

Angie & Andrew’s Beach Wedding on Hilton Head Island

It was an absolute pleasure photographing Angie & Andrew’s beautiful beach wedding on Hilton Head Island last week!

Ever since they started dating, Angie & Andrew have been vacationing together at Hilton Head Island. The place holds such fond memories for them! So why not get married here?!?

The couple rented a huge beach house and invited their closest family and friends to join them. The day of the wedding was gorgeous, with a nice breeze and beautiful blue skies! Angie was absolutely stunning in her antique beaded dress. Andrew was dashing in his stylish khaki & white. They were such a sweet couple to work with.  And you could just feel the love surrounding them! Indeed their entire group of friends and family were so open and welcoming, that I felt like part of the family. I ended up staying overtime, just hanging out and chatting with everyone while the young people laughed and splashed around in the pool to cool off!

CONGRATULATIONS Angie & Andrew! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

Headshots for Sheally Insurance

Sheally Insurance is EXPANDING!!!

I had the pleasure of photographing headshots and marketing photos for the company’s new location in Summerville today. Kaitlin was a pleasure to work with, and a natural in front of the camera!  Many thanks to Allison for organizing everything and for her helpful creative input.

(All images captured with Nikon D5, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8, Sony XQD cards, Flashpoint LiOn II speedlights, Westcott modifiers, and Manfrotto supports)

Sheally Insurance – Summerville Office

I had another fun photo shoot for Sheally Insurance this morning. This time I got to photograph the team at the brand new Summerville Office!

(Nikon D5, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8, 5 Flashpoint Speedlights, Lenovo Yoga laptop, Manfrotto stands, and Westcott umbrellas)

US Grains Council Conference in Sacramento – Day 3

The US Grains Council’s 62nd Annual Board of Delegates Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento is in the books! It was another fantastic event. I am humbled and honored to be the official photographer for this amazing group.  Their destination conferences are always so informative and inspirational!!! Here are a few shots from the final Day 3…