DJI Mavic 2 Pro

After many years with the DJI Mavic Pro, lately I’ve been working with the new Mavic 2 Pro.

I’ve been extremely impressed with this model. The 20MP camera shows far more detail than the previous 12MP camera. And the larger sensor creates much cleaner images with lower noise. I particularly like that the new camera shoots in a 2:3 aspect ratio, as opposed to the 4:3 ratio of the original drone. This ratio matches my Nikon DSLR images and fits my shooting style better.

However, the new camera can’t flip into portrait orientation, which I miss. The older model could do this, allowing me to photograph 6 or 7 vertical images to easily merge into a high resolution panoramic photo. I can still shoot multiple images to creat panoarmics, however I have to shoot 9 horizontal images to accomplish the same task. I do like that the control sticks are now removable and store inside the unit for easy transportation, which is a thoughtful touch.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the upgrade and highly recommend the new Mavic 2 Pro! I used it on this assignment for an engineering client that was instrumental in the development of the Hamlin Plantation neighborhood.

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Kelsey and Alex are Engaged!!!

I’ve had so much fun over the last few weeks getting to know Alex via emails and phone calls.

We were working out the final plans for his surprise proposal at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island to his beautiful girlfriend, Kelsey. I loved how every detail was so important to him. He truly wanted this to be a special moment for Kelsey.

The funny thing is, that truly magical and spontaneous moment hit him when he and Kelsey were putting up Christmas decorations in their new house. With holiday music in the background, fond childhood memories flowing through their heads, a that feeling of being “in the moment” surrounding them…he knew the timing was right! So just a few days before their trip to Kiawah, Alex asked Kelsey to be his bride…and she said “YES”!!! 🙂

The best part was, they still wanted to have their engagement photos with me on the beautiful sandy beach in front of The Ocean Course, just like Alex had originally planned. So it worked out PERFECTLY! We had so much fun together, and came away with some beautiful memories of this special time in their lives.  They are such an amazing couple!!!

Help me in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Alex & Kelsey…

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Alex’ Secret Proposal to Bumi at The Ocean Course

I have a confession to make! Alex and I have been secretly going behind his girlfriend’s back to plan his surprise proposal at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. 🙂

Alex loves tennis. And he’s really good at it! He plays in some amazing USTA open tournaments around the country. When he found out he’d be playing in one on Kiawah Island this weekend, he asked his girlfriend to come with him and make a fun vacation out of it. In fact, he thought it would be the perfect place to ask Bumi to marry him!!!

I was absolutely delighted that he called me to ask if I would do the honors of photographing this special occasion for them. It was an absolutely GORGEOUS fall day. Alex and Bumi couldn’t have been more amazing to work with. And getting to know them during our time together, I can tell they are absolutely PERFECT for each other!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Alex & Bumi! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together…

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Creative Architectural Design and Superior Construction

Elizabeth and Greg Allen are not only partners in life, they have created one of the most incredible partnerships in home building that the lowcountry has ever seen!  Check them out at https://charlestonarchitects.com/.

An award-winning architect, Elizabeth’s creative concepts and problem-solving skills have made her one of the most highly sought-after designers of custom homes and renovations in Charleston. At the same time, her husband Greg has risen through the ranks by repeatedly going above and beyond his client’s expectations, placing him on the top tier of home builders in town. By working together, they are able to provide custom options nobody else is offering in the market.  Their attention to detail and level of quality is simply stellar!  Plus their incredibly efficient system, and the amazing team they’ve assembled around them, are able to deliver projects in record-breaking time.

It was an absolute honor to be able to photograph a few of their amazing projects last week!

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The Seabrook Island Club

We’ve had a string of unbelievably beautiful days this last week. The weather was absolutely perfect for my shoot at the Seabrook Island Club yesterday!

I was there to photograph the newly renovated facility for Trident Construction. Founded right here in Charleston back in 1981, Trident Construction provides construction services in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Their incredible team has repeatedly earned the trust of their clients, subcontractors and design professionals by working collaboratively and diligently on every project they tackle! Check them out at www.tridentconstruction.com.

Many thanks to Elizabeth & Bo for all their hard work scheduling and coordinating this shoot!

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Hanna & Kenny’s Wedding – The Lake House at Bulow

I had the pleasure of photographing Kenny’s brother’s wedding when Kevin and Melissa were married. Hard to believe it’s been 10 years ago now! So you can imagine my excitement when Hanna & Kenny asked me to be a part of their special day too!!!

With the current climate surrounding this pandemic, they weren’t able to have the larger event they had initially planned. But Hanna & Kenny stayed flexible, and stayed focused on the true meaning behind a wedding…their families, their commitment, and their love for one another! Re-focusing their energy into a more intimate event, this amazing couple came up with an absolutely delightful celebration! And the best part is, they are still planning to host all their friends and family for a big reception next year at a special “vow renewal”!!!

Everything was held at The Lake House at Bulow, formerly known as Bulow Plantation. It’s a wonderfully rustic venue on a quiet lake, surrounded by woods and wildlife, with an enchanting island in the middle all covered in tall pine trees. The ceremony was held on the deck, with fun family photos to follow. Then Hanna & Kenny took off with me for a fun little photo shoot around the property while cocktails were served. A relaxing dinner on the spacious lawn rounded out the evening.

Hanna was absolutely stunning in her gorgeous gown. She always has a radiant smile and a bubbly southern charm. I love how she always says “please and thank you” to everyone she meets. 🙂 Kenny was quite dashing in his tux. He’s the strong silent type, but with a dry sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. These two are absolutely perfect for each other…true soul mates indeed!

Today is our anniversary…Cami and I were married just 25 years ago today! And so I want to share with you both a very special wish…that your lives are as filled with love, laughter, and happiness as mine has been since marrying my best friend all those years ago. CONGRATULATIONS Hanna & Kenny!!!

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Shem Creek Infrare & Aerial Photography

By commission of a client of mine looking for artwork to go in her new home, I went out to photograph some images of Shem Creek a few weeks ago.

The original request was for some of my fineart infrared photos. For those I use a special camera. It’s a Nikon Coolpix A, which is a compact rangefinder camera with a large DSLR sensor in it! The camera has been converted to see IR light by a company called Kolari Vision. It was a beautiful day and I got some great Infrared shots, which the client ended up hanging as 40×50 Acrylic prints in her home.

If you have an old digital camera you don’t use much and would like to convert it to Infrared, here’s the link:  https://kolarivision.com/?ref=74.  For a $10 OFF discount, use Coupon Code “chrissmith” at checkout.

While I was there, it was just too perfect a day not to fly the drone. I just couldn’t resist!!! 🙂

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Sunrise on Bulls Island

Sunrise at the boneyard beach on Bulls Island turned out to be meh. But Jamie Clark and I salvaged it with a fun impromptu modeling shoot for her beautiful daughter, Katie! Many thanks to my friends and amazing photogrpahers Kim McManus, Mary Wessner, and Cary McDonald for making it a fun morning. And a HUGE shout out to #coastalexpeditions for this incredible opportunity. This is the second-to-last sunrise expedition the company will be offering to Bulls Island. I feel lucky to have been able to experience this protected barrier island’s wild majesty one last time!

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Firefly Distillery for Trident Construction

What a fun coincidence!!! Cami joined some friends for a fun night of music during the Safe Sounds Concert Series at the Firefly Distillery Saturday night. They enjoyed “20 Ride: A Tribute to Zac Brown Band and Natty Grass”. Check it out at www.fireflydistillery.com.

I was bummed that I had a photo shoot and couldn’t join them that evening. But then on Monday morning, I got to photograph the very same new Firefly Distillery for Trident Construction! How cool is that?!? For more information on this awesome team, visit www.tridentconstruction.com.

Many thanks to Elizabeth for all her hard work organizing everything!

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Allyson & Ron’s Surprise Proposal on Kiawah Island

I was struck by the strength and sincerity in Ron’s voice when he called a few weeks ago to ask if I could photograph his secret proposal to Allyson. I could tell he was a good guy.  And he clearly wanted to make sure everything was absolutely PERFECT for his beautiful girlfriend!

We had a great scheming together and hashing out a plan for this special moment. But when Friday arrived, afternoon storms threatened our chances. Things just didn’t seem to be falling into place as planned. We quickly pivoted to the following day. And I’m so glad we did. It was an absolutely SPECTACULAR evening for Ron’s proposal!

Arriving early, I set everything up on the beach in front of The Ocean Course Clubhouse on Kiawah Island. Ron had told her they were going to the Ryder Cub Bar for drinks, but wanted to go out and take a few “selfies” on the beach before going in.  Allyson was stunning in her colorful summer dress.  She had her phone out and was ready to go. What a COMPLETE surprised when instead of getting in the “selfie” with her, he dropped to one knee, and asked her to be his wife!!!  It was an absolutely magical moment.  🙂

CONGRATULATIONS Allyson & Ron! You two are so perfect for each other. We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

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Aerial & Architectural Shoot for Seamon Whiteside

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Seamon Whiteside over the years. They are an amazing organizations with some of the most brilliant engineers on the planet! Here are a few of their most recent projects I had the pleasure of photographing this week…

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Riley & Tommy’s Surprise Proposal at The Ocean Course

Being a part of some of the most special moments in a family’s life always makes me feel so humbled and so blessed!!!

This weekend I had the honor of photographing Tommy’s surprise wedding proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Riley! He had made special arrangements for cocktails and dinner in The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. After Riley got settled and had a drink in hand, Tommy excused himself for a minute. He had stashed a gorgeous bouquet of flowers with a note inside. Returning with the bouquet, he have Riley a kiss and told her to read the note, which instructed her to meet him outside by the famous Rolex clock-tower in 5 minutes.

Tommy had picked the iconic clock-tower as the backdrop for this special moment. For many golfers, a photograph with the famous clock tower is a “bucket-list” item. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks on Kiawah Island! Who can forget that iconic 1991 Ryder Cup battle when The United States team won the competition by 14½ to 13½ points, with a last-minute clincher on the 18th hole of the final match?!? With the nation glued to their televisions, it was the first win for the U.S. since 1983!!!

But more importantly to Tommy, it would serve as a reminder for Riley of the exact minute when he took to his knee and asked her to be his wife. 🙂 After Riley said “YES”, Tommy had another surprise for her. Turning around, she saw her parents and his parents coming around the corner to congratulate them. Running over to exchange hugs with everyone, the excitement and energy of the moment was truly palpable!

I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day for Tommy & Riley. It was an absolutely gorgeous summer evening. But the icing on the cake came when I was driving home and saw the amazing Neowise Comet descending on the horizon!!! Major comets, like Haley’s Comet in 1986, don’t come around but once every 25-40 years. This particular one has such a huge trajectory that it won’t be back in earth’s atmosphere for some 6,800 years!

CONGRATULATIONS to Riley & Tommy! How special is that to know your engagement took place during a celestial show that won’t happen again for thousands of years?!? We wish you all the best as you begin your own journey around the earth together.

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