Lupus Clinical Investigators Network Conference

Lupus is debilitating. It affects each person differently. Which, for doctors and researchers, makes the disease very challenging. Lupus is one of the more complex autoimmune diseases known to science. And for years, the world’s best minds have worked tirelessly to find a cure.

“The Lupus Research Alliance is going to take the very thing that infuriates us about the disease and make it the one thing that becomes its cure. Decades of pioneering research has brought us to this moment. We’ve advanced science to the point that will allow us to look at each patient as a single case, to study their individual immune system and analyze the complexities of the disease as it exists within them. In the future, this will allow us to better treat that patient with precision medicine — giving the right treatment for the right person. The root of the problem has become the pathway to the cure.”

It was my pleasure to photograph the annual LuCIN Meeting (Lupus Clinical Investigators Network) at the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms this week. The conference was held at the beautiful new Sweetgrass Inn. The program was brought to fruition by Lupus Therapeutics and the Lupus Research Alliance. You can find out more about this awful disease, and the passionate men and women who are striving to find a cure, at https://www.lupusresearch.org/.

* Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 14-24 f4, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, DJI Mini 3 Pro, ThinkTank cases, Flashpoint flashes, Manfrotto supports, and Sony XQD cards *

CTAR Women’s Council Spring Social

What a beautiful day for a Spring Social!!!

The Women’s Council from the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors held their annual Spring Social at The Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge yesterday. This beautiful venue has great views of downtown, overlooking Marion Square. The weather was perfect. The food was terrific.  And everyone had an AMAZING time!!!

Many thanks to Clair and Jessie for all their hard work putting this great event together!

* DJI Mini 3 Pro, Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 *

Headshots for Tenet Physician Resources

It was a pleasure photographing Haley for Tenet Physician Resources this week. I love how crisp and clear the Z9 renders images!!! I met up with Haley at the Dodds Durst House across from the East Cooper Medical Center. It’s a beautiful property with gorgeous oak trees.  She was a lot of fun to work with!

* Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, Flashpoint flash in Godox Glow softbox, Manfrotto supports, Sony XQD cards *

AIG Awards Banquet at The Westin Savannah

I love it when the weather forecasters are completely wrong…in my favor! 🙂

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing a fantastic reception and awards banquet for AIG Insurance at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Earlier that day, I spoke with Erika, the amazing event planner from Destination South. It looked like the cocktail hour on the Harbor Lawn was going to be completely rained out. Luckily, the wet weather went around us…and we had a lovely evening with gentle breezes flowing across the Savannah River.

AIG is the American International Group, a leading global insurance organization providing a wide range of property casualty insurance and other financial services. They offer world-class products and expertise to businesses and individuals in approximately 70 countries and jurisdictions. The organization is committed to using their insights and leadership to not only manage risks, but to make real positive differences in every community they serve.

This reception marked the conclusion of the final full day of informative meetings and insightful presentations. It was fun to see everyone relax and enjoy the company of the new connections and lasting friendships they had made throughout the week!

* DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Flashpoint flashes (x6), Manfrotto supports, ThinkTank bags, and Sony XQD cards *

Bird Songs at the Avian Conservation Center

Last night I had the honor of photographing the annual Bird Songs event at the Center for Birds of Prey!

The evening known as Bird Songs, now in its eighth year, has become one of our most anticipated social events in Charleston.  Featuring some of Nashville’s most talented singer/songwriters, it’s an intimate experience combining cocktails and dinner with music and stories.  This year’s headliners were Matt Alderman, Aaron Goodvin, Phillip Lammonds, and Nicole Croteau.  But of course the REAL stars of the show are the owls, hawks, and other beautiful birds of prey that mingle among guests, soar overhead, and coo softly in harmony with the music!

A particularly special feature at this year’s program was the releasing of a Bald Eagle that had been injured and brought to the Avian Conservation Center for surgery and rehabilitation.  It was so moving to watch Jim Elliott, the center’s Founder and Executive Director, release this majestic creature back into the wild!

Presented in the round, in a relaxed and comfortable setting in the Owl Woods area of the campus, this event has sold out every year!  Make sure to check their website early to get a seat for next year’s performance:  https://thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/events_calendar/.

Park West Recreation Complex

It was another fun day to be outside, flying the drone, and capturing photos of a fantastic Mt. Pleasant park!

Seamon Whiteside did an AMAZING job, engineering this space to incorporate so many different sports fields. The Park West Recreation Complex has been around for a few years. But they just resurfaced the track and made a few additions. So I was asked to get some updated drone shots and still photos of the facility.  It was fun to see people out enjoying the sunshine!!!

* Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Nikkor Z 24-120 f4, DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The Battery Soccer Stadium

Soccer holds a special place in my heart! I grew up playing soccer in Zaire (DRC), played midfield for the TASOK team that won the Kinshasa championships, and went on to receive a scholarship to play at Spring Arbor University.

So it was with great excitement that I received the request to photograph the new Charleston Battery Soccer Stadium for Seamon Whiteside!!!  While I was there, I got to meat Christian, the head coach of the College of Charleston women’s team.  So that was pretty cool. But other than him, I had the place to myself!

If you haven’t been to a game at the new facility, it’s pretty awesome.

The Hawks Nest – A New Public Park in Hannahan!

What a GORGEOUS spring day!!! The sun was out. The sky was blue with giant puffy clouds floating through. And the new public park in Hanahan was my “playground” for the day!

I had the honor of spending the day photographing The Hawks Nest, which is a new sports complex and public park in Berkeley County, SC. Seamon Whiteside is the engineering firm behind this picturesque park. They were responsible for designing the park and all it’s amazing amenities.

I got to photograph a wide variety of shots to showcase the many aspects of this beautiful property, as well as showcase how much the public is loving it!

Senior Portraits at The Citadel

It was an absolute pleasure meeting and photographing Josh for his Senior Portraits at The Citadel. We even got a few shots with his mom, one of his advisors, and his best friend!

Josh chose to attend The Citadel because he received a partial tennis scholarship. He has remained on the tennis team all 4 years. Joshua earned gold stars all 4 years, serves on the honor council, and is the academic officer for 1st Battalion. He is in the Baker School of Business. In the fall, Joshua will begin working on his MBA at University of Tennessee.

CONGRATULATIONS Josh!!! We wish you all the best on achieving all your dreams.

The Citadel First Salute Ceremony

One thing I love about my job is that every day is different!

Yesterday I got to photograph the First Salute Ceremony at The Citadel. I was commissioned by Christian’s parents to capture the event for them. He chose his dad, who was a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines, to give him his First Salute. It truly was a touching moment in this young man’s life. The emotions shared by father and son were palpable, as Christian’s dad told him how proud he was of him.

It was an absolute honor being a part of this special ceremony for this amazing family. I’ll never forget it!

Headshots for Fifth Third Bank

It was a pleasure photographing headshots for the group at the Fifth Third Bank yesterday!

Max Bluestein’s Bar Mitzvah at Emanu-El Synagogue

As a professional photographer, it is always such a pleasure to capture important moments in people’s lives. Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Max Bluestein’s Bar Mitzvah at the Emanu-El Synagogue, as well as the ensuing reception at Founder’s Hall in Charlestowne Landing. I must say that it was an experience I will never forget!

The Emanu-El Synagogue is a stunning location.  I was truly impressed by the beauty and the feeling of reverence of the place. The architecture, the lighting, and the ambiance of the synagogue were simply amazing. I was thrilled to have such a lovely location to capture these special moments for Max and his family. The décor was elegant and tasteful, with traditional elements that added to the spiritual significance of the event. You could tell that Rabbi Ravski had a special connection with the young man. It was heartwarming to see Max and his family come together to celebrate this special occasion!

After the Bar Mitzvah ceremony, the reception at Founder’s Hall was a joyous occasion. The hall was beautifully decorated by Sha Sha and her amazing team at Loluma. The food and drinks were exceptional. The fun activities and fantastic dancing went on all night long.  DJ Ede and Naquan kept everyone on their toes!  I loved seeing all the guests having such a wonderful time!

Many thanks to Rabbi Ravski at Emanu-El, Sha Sha and her team at Loluma, Michelle Metzler at Founder’s Hall, DJ Ede Moran and Naquan, Jenna at Cru Catering, Getem Twisted photo booths, Alpha Lit letters, Eventworcks, and everyone else who helped make this day a huge success! Also, a HUGE shout-out to Ryan, Sharyn, and Abby for loving and supporting Max through this special time in his life!!!

Capturing such special moments and memories for Max and his family was a great privilege for me. The beauty of the synagogue, the fun family portraits afterwards, and the exciting reception all made for such a memorable event. I felt truly blessed to have been a part of such a momentous occasion. CONGRATULATIONS, Max!!!