Export Exchange Conference in Minneapolis – Day 3

With 500 attendees from over 50 countries, The Export Exchange is an international conference held in Minneapolis, that provides overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities. The speaker line-up for this year’s conference was a “who’s who” array of experts in the industry, with a variety of programs to educate and build awareness of environmental sustainability, weather patterns, the world political climate, historical data trends, and the benefits of U.S. products. Event sponsors from all over the country were also there, displaying products, answering questions, and building relationships with buyers.

In addition to hosting the conference, The U.S. Grains Council sponsored the attendance of international trade teams from more than 30 countries that will see the U.S. grain supply chain firsthand before and after the conference.

Day 3 of the conference capitalized on all the informative presentations and relationship-building from the previous two days! There were many more powerful presentations, as well as panel discussions for everyone to attend. Plus there were many new connections established during the networking breaks. The day culminated in a fun group shot of all the amazing people on the US Grains Council team that made this whole conference possible! It was an absolute pleasure photographing this year’s Export Exchange!!!

Export Exchange Conference in Minneapolis – Day 2

With 500 attendees from over 50 countries, The Export Exchange is an international conference held in Minneapolis, that provides overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities. The speaker line-up for this year’s conference was a “who’s who” array of experts in the industry, with a variety of programs to educate and build awareness of environmental sustainability, weather patterns, the world political climate, historical data trends, and the benefits of U.S. products. Event sponsors from all over the country were also there, displaying products, answering questions, and building relationships with buyers.

In addition to hosting the conference, The U.S. Grains Council sponsored the attendance of international trade teams from more than 30 countries that will see the U.S. grain supply chain firsthand before and after the conference.

Day 2 of the conference was all about the keynote speakers in the main ballroom! There were lots of networking breaks as well. At the end of the day, once everyone’s brains were filled to capacity with new knowledge, a nice reception was held at the Minneapolis Orchestra Hall. (Stay tuned for Day 3.) It was an absolute pleasure photographing this year’s Export Exchange!

Export Exchange Conference in Minneapolis – Day 1

With over 500 attendees from over 50 countries, The Export Exchange is an international conference held in Minneapolis, that provides overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities. The speaker line-up for this year’s conference was a “who’s who” array of experts in the industry, with a variety of programs to educate and build awareness of environmental sustainability, weather patterns, the world political climate, historical data trends, and the benefits of U.S. products. Event sponsors from all over the country were also there, displaying products, answering questions, and building relationships with buyers.

In addition to hosting the conference, The U.S. Grains Council sponsored the attendance of international trade teams from more than 30 countries that will get a chance to meet farmers and see the U.S. grain supply chain firsthand before and after the conference.

Day 1 of the conference I was busy photographing candids of everyone arriving and registering, team photos of the various delegations, as well as the welcome reception.  (Stay tuned for days 2 and 3.)  It was an absolute pleasure photographing this year’s Export Exchange!

Dannielle & Andrew at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club

I was so honored when my friend and amazing photographer, Kim, recommended me to Andrew’s parents (who are friends with her parents) when they were inquiring about a wedding photographer for their son and future daughter-in-law.

Shortly after we all connected, I felt like Dannielle, Andrew, and I were a perfect fit. Later, when Danielle wrote me this note, I KNEW we were going to have a great time working together: “My fiance, Andrew Wallace, and I have looked through your blog and website and love the photos you and your wife take. Quite impressive. We are so happy you are available on our wedding day!”

Although they were both born and raised in California, this amazing couple met each other while living and working in Washington D.C. I mean, what are the chances of THAT?!? They then relocated to Greensboro, where Dannielle is doing important research in the long term effects of tobacco use, and Andrew is specializing in infectious diseases. They spend quite a bit of time visiting Charleston, which is where Andrew’s parents live now. Luckily for me, this is how their wedding came to be held here at the picturesque Isle of Palms Exchange Club!  🙂

After getting to know them, and photographing their engagement photos, which you can find at: https://chrisandcami.com/danielle-andrew-are-engaged/, I could tell they were a match made in heaven!

Their wedding day was a beautiful affair, intimate and relaxed, surrounded by their closest friends and family! The ceremony was held on the dock, with dolphin peacefully swimming below us, seagulls floating effortlessly in the breeze above us, and Dannielle’s dad performing a heartfelt ceremony. The weather was absolutely perfect as well, culminating in a dramatic sunset, scattering vibrant colors across the sky behind the beautiful couple. A fun-filled reception followed on the deck of the Exchange Club.  A candle-light sit-down dinner was held inside, with a special menu picked by the couple to represent the meaningful places where they have lived.

Many thanks to Taylor at Experiencing Holy City for keeping everything on track and organized.  And a huge shout-out to all the other vendors for making this day so perfect!

CONGRATULATIONS Dannielle & Andrew!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

CTAR Market Forecast Conference at The Gaillard

It’s been a pleasure to work with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors over the years. They are a wonderful organization, and their members are always so friendly and fun to work with!

This year their annual Commercial Real Estate Market Forecast Conference was held at The Gaillard Auditorium. With top notch speakers, and high-profile sponsors, it’s no wonder the room was packed to the brim! It was neat to hear positive messages about how the housing economy is doing, what the work force is looking like, and other insider tips from those who are “in the know”.

Many thanks to CTAR for inviting me back to photograph their event again this year!

Interior Design Photos for Sandy Ericksen

Sandy Ericksen is one of those people who just has a gift! She has a discerning eye, a keen sense of color, and an innate understanding of what fabrics and materials work in harmony together. I love how she can take a space with four walls and a few windows, and turn it into a warm and inviting home!

It was a pleasure working with Sandy to capture a few shots from some of her more recent projects on Daniel Island, Edisto, and James Island this week.  Check her out at www.sandraericksendesign.com.

Seamon Whiteside Marketing Photos

I had another fun photoshoot with Seamon Whiteside yesterday! We captured several headshots for some new team members, and also created a number of “collaboration” style marketing photos for their website.

It was a beautiful morning in their courtyard.  And the Nikon Z9 was the perfect tool for the job! Although I brought some off-camera lighting, I didn’t need it. The dynamic range of that camera’s sensor is amazing!!!

Fairfax Family at Folly Beach

As Hurricane Ian barreled down on a direct path to Charleston, I have to admit I was a little worried. We called Kelly on Thursday to see what she wanted to do about her family session. To her credit, she said, “let’s wait and see.” I am SO GLAD SHE DID!!!

Ian skirted past Charleston on Friday with no major damage. And Saturday turned out to be absolutely GORGEOUS!!! So we all met up at Folly Beach County Park as planned. 🙂

I had so much fun photographing the Fairfax Family. It was a nice cool evening. The sunset was incredible. And we came away with some beautiful images for them to commemorate their family vacation!

First Baptist Church Learning Center

Trident Construction has been busy building a brand new Learning Center for the historic First Baptist Church in downtown Charleston.

Founded in 1682, the FBC is one of the oldest Baptist congregations in the American South. The church congregation was originally organized in Kittery, Maine (then part of Massachusetts) under the guidance of the First Baptist Church of Boston. In 1696 twenty-six congregants followed Pastor Screven and moved to Charleston after being pressured by the New England Congregationalist authorities. The relocated congregation became the First Baptist Church of Charleston.

Replacing the nearly 70-year old building that used to stand on this site was no easy task. The congregation had to temporarily relocate while demolition made the area unsafe. The new facility includes a welcome center, a nursery, a music room, a library, a preschool, eight classrooms, a conference room, several balconies, and a massive new cafeteria on the third floor that also doubles as an event space. Associate Pastor Walker Maginnis says the facility will house hundreds of students for the First Baptist School, as well as hundreds of congregates on the weekends during worship studies and church services.

Having photographed many brides getting ready for their wedding day in the dark basement “bridal suite” of the old facility, it truly was amazing to see the transformation this new building brings to campus!

Barkley Warehouse for Trident Construction

It was a pleasure photographing the massive new Barkley Warehouse in Ladson for Trident Construction.

Located within the Palmetto Commerce Park, which is one of Charleston’s highest performing industrial hubs, the new facility will offer a Class A industrial environment within close proximity to major economic drivers and a robust surrounding workforce.

It was truly awe-inspiring to be inside the MASSIVE structure before it gets filled with tons (literally) of goods, destined for distribution to all parts of the country!

Sir Elton John at Credit One Stadium

While working on an all-day corporate assignment, I got a last-minute call asking if I was in town, and available to cover an event that evening?

I knew I would be pretty tired by the time I wrapped up my current shoot. Plus I was shooting outdoors way up in Moncks Corner. So I’d be fighting traffic to get home, shower, change, and head over to Daniel Island if I was going to cover this assignment. But since the request came from my long-time friends and colleagues at the Charleston Tennis Center, I didn’t want to say no!

I am SO GLAD I SAID YES!!! It turns out the assignment was to cover the sold-out Elton John Concert at the beautiful new Credit One Stadium! I am so blessed that my camera has been my ticket into places I never could have afforded to go otherwise. 🙂

Berkeley County Promo Pics

I have really enjoyed working with Jenna at Berkeley County to capture a wide variety of promotional pictures for their marketing team. Today was another fun day in pursuing that goal!!!