The Citadel – Academy of Engineers Awards Banquet

I had the pleasure of photographing the Academy of Engineers Awards Banquet held at The Citadel, one of Charleston’s most iconic and historic campuses. The event took place at the beautiful Holliday Alumni Center, providing an elegant setting that perfectly matched the prestige of the occasion.

The evening brought together an impressive group of engineers, leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate outstanding achievements within the field. From the moment guests arrived, there was a strong sense of pride and camaraderie in the room. It’s always rewarding to document events like this, where meaningful recognition and genuine connections are at the forefront.

Throughout the banquet, I focused on capturing a mix of candid interactions, formal group photos, award presentations, and the overall atmosphere of the evening. The formal setting, combined with the energy of the attendees, created a great balance of polished moments and authentic expressions.

For this event, I worked with a dual-camera setup to ensure complete coverage. I used a Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II for versatility, while a Nikon Zf with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 II allowed me to capture tighter, more intimate moments from a distance. This combination gave me the flexibility to move seamlessly between wide scene-setting shots and close-up storytelling images.

Lighting was key in bringing the room to life. I used six Godox off-camera flashes strategically placed around the space to create consistent, flattering light on the stage and throughout the venue. These remote flashes were controlled from the Godox V480 flashes on each camera, and helped give the images more depth and dimension than would otherwise be possible with only using on-camera flash.

It was an honor to document such a meaningful evening, and I always enjoy working in a setting as timeless as The Citadel.

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Champions Photos

After defending her title, I had the honor of photographing a few portraits of the champion with her new trophy! We met up with Jessica Pegula at The Charleston Place Hotel. It was starting to rain. So our options were limited, and our grand plans were severely curtailed. But we worked quickly and captured a variety of nice shots to commemorate this special occasion for her!!!

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 9 (The Finals)

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 8

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 7

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 6

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Iconic Photo Shoot with Jessica Pegula

Early in the tournament, I had the pleasure of photographing the Iconic Photo Shoot with Jessica Pegula.  Originally, the shoot included Paula Badoso.  But she withdrew at the last minute.  The settings for the shoot included the new American Gardens in downtown Charleston, as well as drone shots of her on a private boat docked at The Cooper hotel, which took her out into Charleston Harbor.  Jessie was so kind, accomodating, and fun to work with!

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 5

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 4

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Mark your calendars for next year, March 27 – April 4, 2027!!!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 3

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 2 (Family Weekend)

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Credit One Charleston Open 2026 – Day 1 (Family Weekend)

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open (March 28 – April 5) featured top-tier women’s tennis on the iconic green clay at Daniel Island’s upgraded stadium. Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva to defend her title as champion, making her the first repeat winner since 2013.  Other notable champions have included names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Gabriela Sabatini, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin, and Venus Williams.  This year’s top seeds included tour veterans like Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Anna Kalinskaya, and Maria Sakkari…along with noteable young phenoms like Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, and Leylah Fernandez.

The Credit One Charleston Open, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open and the Family Circle Cup before that, is the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. The tournament has held many historic 1sts since it was established in Hilton Head Island in 1973. It was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money. It was the first women’s tennis tournament to be broadcast on network television. After 28 years on Hilton Head Island, the tournament moved to Charleston in 2001. The Partnership between the city of Charleston and title sponsor, Family Circle Magazine, was the first of its kind in women’s sports. The new state of the art stadium built through that partnership was the first of its kind in women’s tennis.  This year the tournament made history again by offering a record $2.5M in prize money, achieving equal pay for men and women, well in advance of the WTA’s target of 2033.

After relocating to Charleston, the tournament director put out a search for a new tournament photographer. I had been photographing the tournament in Hilton Head for various publications in the late 2000s. So I presented my portfolio and submitted my application for the position. Robin Reynolds was the tournament director at the time. She recognized that the contract with Getty Images wasn’t as beneficial to the tournament because each image they used from the freelance Getty photographers had to be licensed individually. Robin realized the power of photography in promoting the tournament, and the advantage of owning their own images from an in-house photographer. It was an absolute honor to be selected as the first ever Official Tournament Photographer. And I’ve reprised my role every year since!!!

A lot has changed over the last 25 years! From a small media operation being run out of a temporary tent, with me as the solo photographer, working in conjunction with a single media manager…to now working in a state-of-the-art media room, on a team with 4 photographers, 4 videographers, and 4 media managers…there have been a lot of adjustments. The demands for coverage of of not just on-court action, but player appearances, autograph sessions, television interviews, off-site VIP events, tournament ambassadors, live musicians, entertainment, fan experiences, and so much more, has increased our image output exponentially. Plus the way images are consumed has totally changed as well. The once predominant staff photographers sent by magazines and newspapers from around the country have been replaced by podcasters, videographers, and social media influencers.

It has truly been interesting to experience this changing industry from the inside out. Constantly shooting, editing, and delivering images for rapid turn-around over the course of nine 12+ hour days in a row is hard work. But I still love what I do. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II, Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor AF-S 180-400 f4e, DJI Mavic 3 Pro