USGC 61st Board of Delegates Meeting – Day 3

Day 3 of the US Grains Council’s 61st Annual Board of Delegates Meeting kicked off with more meetings in the big conference room, including great presentations, awards ceremonies, and votes for new officers.

Then I got to switch gears and turn to photographing headshots of the new board members, plus group photos of the new board of directors. I used the Nikon D5 + 70-200 f2.8 with the new Godox X2T transmitter in connection with 6 of the V860II flashes.  For destination events, I carry the Manfrotto 5001B light-stands, which are super compact and great to travel with. The flashes worked beautifully, and everyone was fantastic to work with!

Once the portraits were done, I had to pack in a hurry and head to the airport to catch my flight home. The entire event was a HUGE success!!! Many thanks to the US Grains Council Staff for all their hard work putting everything together and making it run so smoothly.

USGC 61st Board of Delegates Meeting – Day 2

Day 2 of the US Grains Council’s 61st Annual Board of Delegates Meeting started off with headshots for some new staff members. I love meeting new people!!! 🙂

After that we had tons of presentations, both in person and virtually. This was the first year of hosting a “hybrid” meeting, in which most of the international staff and attendees couldn’t be there in person. Everything went incredibly well thanks to all the hard work and planning that had been put into the conference!

At the end of the day, everyone celebrated in an off-site event. The USGC hosted “A Taste of Des Moines” at Cowles Commons, which is a big beautiful square with fountains and gardens in the heart of the city. There was food, drinks, an amazing band…everyone had a fantastic time!

With Day 2 in the books, everyone headed back to the hotel to rest up and get ready for the big finale the following day.

USGC 61st Board of Delegates Meeting – Day 1

Last year’s Board of Delegates Meeting got cancelled due to the pandemic. So it was with great pleasure that I was invited back to photograph the US Grains Council’s 61st Annual Board of Delegates Meeting this year!!!

This year’s conference was held in Des Moines, IA. I’d never been there before. It’s actually a really cool city, with a truly impressive state capital building! The meetings were held in the Iowa Events Center, which was connected via a sky-bridge to the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, where everyone was staying. The first day’s highlight was the keynote presentaion by Tom Vilsack, the US Secretary of Agriculture!

I’ve been photographing these conferences for the USGC for about a decade. The staff, and most of the members, have become more than just clients to me…they’ve become my friends. It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone again, and capture all these moments for them!

Sullivan’s Island Home for Elizabeth Allen Design

Elizabeth Allen is an AMAZING architect! I always love photographing her incredible designs. And the best part is, her husband, Greg, is an incredible builder! They make the perfect team!!!

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful home that they designed and built on Sullivan’s Island. I love the classic styling with the clean and modern feel. This is the 4th home this family has built over the years…and they said this one is easily their favorite!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Elizabeth and Greg on another happy homeowner!

Hannah & Tyler’s Oregon Wedding

A couple years ago, I had the great privilege of photographing Dan & Linda’s oldest son’s wedding. Last week, it was an absolute honor to photograph their youngest son’s wedding!

When the big day finally arrived, it was absolutely gorgeous. And Hannah was simply stunning in her wedding gown! Because she and Tyler love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, we had arranged for the wedding party photos to be done at Smith Rock State Park. What a dramatic way to start their day!

Hannah & Tyler’s amazing wedding was held at Dee Bar Ranch in Powell Butte, just outside Bend, OR. Family and friends had gathered from far and wide to help these two celebrate their marriage vows with a heartfelt ceremony in the great outdoors, which they love so much. Even Hannah’s brother, who was in the middle of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, took a break and rented a car to drive all the way home for the event!

CONGRATULATIONS Hannah & Tyler!!! You two are so perfect for each other! It was such a pleasure being a part of your special day and capturing all these beautiful memories for you. Cami and I wish you both all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together!!!


Mixson Community for Seamon Whiteside

I had no idea this new neighborhood had gone up in the North Charleston area near Park Circle. When my clients at Seamon Whiteside hired me to photograph it for them, it was like I was discovering a new corner of our city for the first time!

“Live. Play. Dine. These three simple words are what defines Mixson, the new single family neighborhood and gem of Park Circle. Mixson boasts unparalleled amenities. Living here means you’ll also enjoy Mixson Club, your own swim and social oasis, which includes a yoga studio and exercise facility featuring new indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, swimming lessons for the kids, and cabana rentals with drink service at your fingertips. Mixson’s extensive park system is perfect for a walk with your dog to the spacious onsite dog park. Park Circle’s entertainment district is just a few minutes away and features locally-owned shops, restaurants, and three nationally recognized breweries. Perfectly convenient, stop by Mixson Market for a cup of coffee on your way to work or head over to Mixson’s onsite restaurant, LOCALS, where award-winning sushi and musical entertainment is served up throughout the week. At Mixson, you really can have it all.”

Captured with:
Nikon D850 + Nikkor 24-70 f2.8
Nikon D5 + Nikkor 70-200 f2.8
DJI Mavic Pro

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Architecture Photographer, Charleston Business Photographer, Charleston Construction Photographer, Charleston Corporate Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D5, D850, DJI, Mavic Pro, Mixson, Mt. Pleasant Aerial Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Architecture Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Business Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Construction Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Corporate Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Drone Photographer, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, Park Circle, Seamon Whiteside

Brickyard Plantation for Seamon Whiteside

I learned a lot while photographing Brickyard Plantation for Seamon Whiteside this week. I had no idea there was so much history in this Mt. Pleasant neighborhood!

“Brickyard Plantation is a portion of the vast Boone Hall Plantation. The soils that cover much of the tract contain dense red clay and sand making it suitable for brick production. In 1817, a plantation with a Brick Yard established thereon called Boon Hall was purchased by John and Henry Horlbeck. The brothers were partners in the construction industry having built several notable structures in Charleston such as the St John’s Lutheran Church and St. Stephen’s Chapel. The Horlbecks developed the brick yard into a major enterprise. From 1850 to 1860, twenty five million bricks were produced at a profit of $170,000. The brick yard operated throughout the nineteenth century and was later known as the Horlbeck Brick and Tile Company. The facility consisted of several kilns, workshops, drying areas, a brick lined cistern, a commissary, and a steam boiler.”

Only one of the boiler’s brick chimneys is left standing today. It’s the only one of its kind in the area, and is beautifully preserved in the back of the neighborhood.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Nikon D850 + Nikkor 24-70 f2.8
Nikon D5 + Nikkor 70-200 f2.8

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Architecture Photographer, Charleston Business Photographer, Charleston Construction Photographer, Charleston Corporate Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D5, D850, DJI, Hamlin Plantation, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic Pro, Mt. Pleasant Aerial Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Architecture Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Business Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Construction Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Corporate Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Drone Photographer, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, Park Circle, Seamon Whiteside

Lowcountry Endoscopy Center for SMHa

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing the new Lowcountry Endoscopy Center in Goose Creek. The assignment was for SMHa Architects. They truly do an AMAZING job and take great care with every detail!!!

DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Nikon D850 + Nikkor 14-24 f2.8
Nikon D5 + Nikkor 70-200 f2.8

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Architecture Photographer, Charleston Business Photographer, Charleston Commercial Photographer, Charleston Corporate Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Charleston Interior Photographer, Charleston Real Estate Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D850, DJI, Lowcountry Endoscopy Center, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic Pro, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, SMHA Architects

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.

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Architecture Photographer, Charleston Business Photographer, Charleston Construction Photographer, Charleston Corporate Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D5, D850, DJI, Hamlin Plantation, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic Pro, Mt. Pleasant Aerial Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Architecture Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Business Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Construction Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Corporate Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Drone Photographer, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, Park Circle, Seamon Whiteside

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…

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Couples Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Charleston Engagement Photographer, Charleston Portrait Photographer, Charleston Proposal Photographer, Charleston Secret Proposal Photographer, Charleston Surprise Proposal Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D500, D850, DJI, Kiawah Aerial Photographer, Kiawah Drone Photographer, Kiawah Engagement Photographer, Kiawah Island, Kiawah Portrait Photographer, Kiawah Proposal Photographer, Kiawah Secret Proposal, Kiawah Surprise Proposal, Mavic Pro, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, Off-Camera Flash, Ryder Cup Bar, SB-5000, She Said Yes, Speedlight, The Atlantic Room, The Ocean Course

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…

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Couples Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Charleston Engagement Photographer, Charleston Portrait Photographer, Charleston Proposal Photographer, Charleston Secret Proposal Photographer, Charleston Surprise Proposal Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D500, D850, DJI, Kiawah Aerial Photographer, Kiawah Drone Photographer, Kiawah Engagement Photographer, Kiawah Island, Kiawah Portrait Photographer, Kiawah Proposal Photographer, Kiawah Secret Proposal, Kiawah Surprise Proposal, Mavic Pro, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA, Off-Camera Flash, Ryder Cup Bar, SB-5000, She Said Yes, Speedlight, The Atlantic Room, The Ocean Course

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!

Charleston Aerial Photographer, Charleston Architecture Photographer, Charleston Business Photographer, Charleston Construction Photographer, Charleston Corporate Photographer, Charleston Drone Photographer, Charleston Interior Design Photographer, Charleston Interior Photographer, Charleston Real Estate Photographer, Chris & Cami Photography, D850, DJI, Elizabeth Allen Design, Greg Allen Builder, Mavic Pro, Mt. Pleasant Aerial Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Architecture Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Business Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Construction Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Corporate Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Interior Design Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Interior Photographer, Mt. Pleasant Real Estate Photographer, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Pro, Nikon USA