I’ve never been to Winnipeg. It’s a beautiful, walkable, picturesque city, that seems to be plaqued by inclimate weather. This was also my first time in Manitoba…which is the 5th province of Canada of been to.
I was in town to photograph the North American Export Grain Association conference at the Alt Hotel. NAEGA is a not-for-profit industry trade association promoting policies, rules and commercial practices that support efficient international trade in grains, oilseeds and their derived products. Established in 1912, NAEGA’s members include private and publicly owned companies and farmer-owned cooperatives that export agricultural production to customers around the world. Their work benefits consumers, farmers and people working the trade.
I had previously worked with Alejandra, the president of NAEGA, at a former organization. So it was an absolute honor to work with her again and photograph the NAEGA conference for her!
When I travel with the Moto Photo Adventures team, we stumble onto some pretty interesting sights. Whether it’s the town of Mt. Airy, Andy Griffith’s home town, and where the town of Mayberry is based on…the abandoned Athens Lunatic Asylum…or the ghost town of Thurnton where a once booming coal industry has long since dried up…there’s always something interesting to photograph along the way.
I carry a pocket-sized Nikon Coolpix A, that has been converted by Kolari Vision Infrared to “see” infrared light. Plus I always bring my trusty Nikon Zf, a retro-styled full-frame mirrorless camera with impecable image qualtiy. For aerial shots, I carry a compact DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. And of course I’m always grabbing snapshots with my phone when neither of those are handy. 🙂
Here are a few of my favorite shots from our latest trip to the Wailin Wayne Weekend in Ohio. We had an AMAZING time, catching up with old friends, and making new ones along the way…
Taj & Michael contacted me back in January about photographing their intimate wedding at The Lakehouse at Bulow.
Bulow Plantation is a beautiful log cabin venue on a serene lake with a gorgeous bridge extending out to an island covered in pine trees. Because they love nature and the great outdoors, Taj & Michael had initially thought about a beach wedding. Then they fell in love with the idea of getting married amongst the majestic pine trees. But Michael took it one step further and had some beach sand brought in so they could still get married in bare feet on a mound of soothing sand…the best of both worlds!
Taj & Michael were an absolute joy to be arround! Their positive energy and kind spirits made it evident why they had so many close friends who had traveled far and wide to celebrate with them. Their love and connection to one another shone in their eyes. I had so much fun capturing all the special moments of their Big Day!!!
CONGRATULATIONS Taj & Michael! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together, with or without shoes…
Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is singularly focused on supporting sound policy development and pro-farmer legislation to support long-term profitability for corn growers. ICGA works to support state and federal policy on increasing blends and access to renewable fuels, decreasing regulatory burdens on Iowa’s livestock industry, improving Farm Bill programs, promoting trade policies and so much more.
It was a real honor to photograph this year’s ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit, which is one of the many opportunities for delegates to get involved and make their voices heard. Attendees get an in-depth look at the issues facing the corn industry, debate key policies that impact their farm, help set the direction for the organization moving forward and get to know other corn growers from across the state. This year’s event was held at Prarie Meadows Hotel & Casino in Altoona, IA. Keynote speakers included Secretary Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds!
Many thanks to Shannon, Amanda, and Rachel from the ICGA communications team for bringing me on board to capture all the energy and excitement of this amazing conference!!!
It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.
This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.
But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!
Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!
It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.
This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.
But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!
Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!
It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.
This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.
But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!
Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!
It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.
This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.
But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!
Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!
Last weekend, I had the incredible pleasure of photographing Kelsey and Evan’s stunning wedding at Alhambra Hall in picturesque Mt. Pleasant, SC. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Charleston’s cityscape across the harbor.
Kelsey was absolutely gorgeous in her exquisite gown. If you haven’t already, check out the beautiful portraits from her Bridal Shoot here: https://chrisandcami.com/kelseys-bridal-portraits-at-waterfront-park/. After her mom and maid of honor helped get her ready, Kelsey had a private First Look with her dad, and her step-dad…followed by a fun “reveal” to the rest of her bridesmaids. Evan looked quite dashing in his suit classic navy suit as well.
Their love and excitement were palpable throughout the day, from the tender moments during the ceremony to the lively celebration with family and friends during the reception. As a wedding photographer, my goal is always to not only document the events of the day but to also capture the emotions and atmosphere that make each wedding unique. Kelsey and Evan’s wedding was a photographer’s dream, with plenty of candid moments and genuine expressions that truly reflected their love story.
One of the highlights was photographing the couple during sunset. Hidden behind low-hanging clouds for much of the afternoon, the fiery sun revealed itself for a brief moment through a sliver in the sky just as it hit the horizon near the famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge. This creating a dramatic backdrop for their final portraits before the party kicked into top gear.
The reception was an absolute BLAST!!! From their grand entrance to the heartfelt toasts, from the anniversary dance to the bouquet toss, from the cake cutting to the final sparkler exit…it was an absolute joy to witness Kelsey & Evan’s excitement as they danced and celebrated this milestone surrounded by their loved ones.
I’m grateful to have been a part of Kelsey and Evan’s special day. It’s weddings like theirs that remind me why I love what I do—capturing true love, eternal joy, and new beginnings.
Congratulations Kelsey & Evan! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife!!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Muro Family over the last decade or so. They truly are the nicest and kindest people on the planet! I was together with them when they celebrated their 40th Anniversary. So it was super cool to join them for another fun family reunion in celebration of their 50th this week!!!
Before leaving Des Moines, I had one more fantastic event to cover!
It was an absolute pleasure to photograph the Iowa Corn Director Alumni Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn. I’ve come to know a lot of the attendees through my coverage of various events involving the farming community…many of them I consider friends. It was wonderful to catch up with some of those friends like Julius, Maurice, Pam, Mark, and many others I haven’t seen in several years! But more importantly, it was such a joy to be there to capture Julie Kirby’s retirement roast at the end of the banquet. She has been with Iowa Corn for 39 years!!! Congratulations on an amazing career, Julie!
After a day of photographing the NASCAR Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol, a second day of photographing promotional photos at Paige & Joe’s corn farm, and this third day of photographing the Director Alumni Event, I have to say that Iowa Corn farmers are some of the nicest people on the planet!!! I was happy to be heading home, but sad to be saying goodbye to so many friends, new and old.
