Headshots for Joye Law Firm

In a complex personal injury case, two sisters suffered severe and permanent injuries as passengers in a Tesla accident in Charleston. The case was handled by Attorney Mark Joye of the Joye Law Firm. The litigation involved challenging negotiations with the Cincinnati Insurance Company, which initially understated the available insurance coverage. Ultimately, Mark was able to get a $2,417,500 settlement for the sisters. This case highlights the importance of skilled legal representation in personal injury cases.

It was an honor to photograph updated headshots for the Joye Law Firm last week. I set up a portable studio in their atrium, with a white background, and a high-key Rembrandt lighting style. I used the Nikon Z9, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 Z, Flashpoint speedlights (x5), Manfrotto supports, and Westcott umbrellas. Of course I created serious portraits of each employee. But my favorites are the fun “outtakes” that I frequently throw in to help people get relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera!!! 🙂

Many thanks to Nicole & Rachel for coordinating schedules and helping organize the shoot.

Headshots for McCabe Trotter & Beverly

Over the years, I’ve developed some wonderful relationships within the photography industy. Charleston…and South Carolina as a whole…has a wonderfully supportive cummunity of photographers. If a client contacts me and I’m not available, I find out what they are looking for and recommend several photographers who I know personally, and trust to do a great job for them. Frequently, that good karma comes back to me!

Last week, my friend and amazingly talented photographer, Clark Berry, passed along one of his clients for me. Clark is from Columbia, and photographs headshots for McCabe, Trotter & Beverly, P.C. But when they opened a new branch in Charleston, Clark’s schedule was too tight to drive all the way down here for one headshot. So he recommended me! He also sent me samples of how he photographed the ones in Columbia, what lights he used, and even a behind-the-scenes photo of his setup.

From that information, I was able to meet up with attorney Jim Lady at the new office, and capture a variety of headshots that mirrored the style Clark had used on the original photos!

Warehouse 13 for Trident Construction

You might think that photographing an empty warehouse would be kind of boring. On the contrary, it’s actually quite fascinating!!! I had the honor of photographing this brand new massive warehouse outside of Summerville for Trident Construction this week. Being the only person in this giant, empty space was quite overwhelming. But quitely capturing the repeating patterns of the steel beams, and all the graphical elements, without the distractions of fork lifts, workers, or piles of product, was kind of cool. Soon this place will be jam packed with goods, and filled with all the incessant noise that comes along with a busy warehouse in motion….constantly moving product in, out, and around the facility. So it was kind of cool to capture the calm before the storm!

John & Shelby’s Wedding at Harborside East

As the official photographer of the Credit One Charleston Open for nearly two decades, it’s been an absolute pleasure to follow Shelby Rogers’ amazing tennis career! From starting out as a ball girl on the green clay of Charleston, to turning pro in 2009, and all of her amazing accomplishments on the courts since then, it’s been a thrilling ride. Her aggressive playing style and powerful groundstrokes contribute to her success on the court, which includes a thrilling quarterfinal run at the 2016 French Open!

I first met John the day before the 2023 Credit One Charleston Open.  He had reached out to me several weeks prior, asking if I would photograph his Surprise Proposal to Shelby!  It was so much fun getting to know him, and secretly planning that special day with him.  I could tell right away that he was an AMAZING young man, who truly wanted to make that day a special one for Shelby!  The photos from his proposal turned out wonderful:  https://chrisandcami.com/john-shelbys-surprise-proposal-at-white-point-garden/.

Last weekend was a tale of success on all fronts for this amazing couple! Shelby and John exchanged wedding vows in front of an intimate gathering of close family and friends. The picturesque charm of Charleston served as the enchanting backdrop for the union of John and Shelby, two amazing souls who are clearly meant to be together. I had the privilege of documenting their special day at the stunning Harborside East, nestled along the waterfront with the historic cityscape as a breathtaking panorama in the distance.

Earlier in the day, I met up with John and his groomsmen at the nearby Embassy Suites where they were getting ready. The air was full of excitement and anticipation as they prepared for the big day ahead. After leaving the guys to finish up, I headed over to The Cottages, where Shelby and her bridesmaids were making their final preparations. Shelby was absolutely STUNNING in her elegant gown! Eventually we all converged at the wedding venue, where Shelby & John shared a private moment of prayer and reflection together before guests started to arrive.

The processional started off with John being escorted by their adorable dog, Tilly, which brought smiles to everyones faces! But the real highlight was when Shelby started down the aisle to the acoustic resonance from her friend Brian’s guitar! She looked AMAZING…and John could scarcely contain his emotions!!! John and Shelby exchanged their vows underneath a beautiful cross, adorned with delicate blooms. The natural light streaming through the open windows highlighted the joy and emotion reflected in the couple’s eyes, making for truly authentic and heartfelt moments.

After the ceremony, family and wedding party photos ensued. Then, with the encroaching fog and waning twilight, we zipped off to capture a few romantic shots of John & Shelby down by the water. Meanwhile, guests encircled the patio in anticipation of John & Shelby returning for their First Dance as husband and wife. As the celebration shifted inside to the reception at Harborside East, the venue transformed into a haven of exuberance and joy. From the lively dance floor to to constant laughter, every moment was an opportunity to document the energy and love radiating from the newlyweds and their guests.

Photographing John and Shelby’s wedding was not just about capturing images; it was about preserving a story—a story of love, commitment, and the timeless devotion. As a witness to this unforgettable day, I am grateful to have been entrusted with the responsibility of freezing these moments in time.  It was wonderful how John & Shelby’s friends and family opened up to me, and made me feel like I was one of them. The images I captured serve as a testament to the enduring love between John and Shelby, forever etched against the backdrop of Charleston’s warmth and charm.

Many thanks to my friend Sarah Goldman for helping me cover this beautiful celebration.  And a huge shout out to Loraine of Invitation Only for helping make sure everything ran so smoothly in spite of the difficult weather.

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

Sam’s Senior Portraits at The Citadel

It was a pleasure photographing Sam’s Senior Portraits at The Citadel yesterday afternoon!

Sam is a fine young man who is following in his father’s footsteps. His dad attended The Citadel before him, and then had a long career with the Army. Sam is in his last year at the military college, and plans to go into the Army as well. He’s hoping to become a helicopter pilot!

CONGRATULATIONS on surviving your time at The Citadel…and best wishes for your future success!!!

CTAR Installation Luncheon at I’On Creek Club

I had so much fun photographing the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors 2023 Installation Luncheon at the I’On Creek Club this week! It was an exciting day…with fun fellowship, great food, excellent advice from all the speakers, and the swearing-in of next year’s officers. CONGRATULATIONS to all who were elected!!!

Professional Portraits for Frank & Theresa

I first met Theresa and Frank when they hired me to photograph their big Birthday Bash! Theresa was turning 70, and frank was turning 80. It was such a beautiful celebration with family and friends gathering from all over the country!!!

Frank has had an amazing entreprenuerial career, and has written several books about it. As he approaches completion of his latest book, he needed a professional portrait to go on the back…as authors often do. Lucky for me, they asked me to photograph it for them! Arriving at their home, I set up my wireless studio in their home, with the low-key look they wanted. Then we went outside for some environmental portraits during the golden-hour light. When we were done, they invited me to sit with them for a chat…hanging out and soaking up all their business-knowledge and life-wisdom was truly special!

It was such an honor and a pleasure working with Frank & Theresa once again!

Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue

Photographing a milestone event is always a special experience, but there’s something truly magical about documenting a Bar Mitzvah. Recently, I had the privilege of capturing the joy and traditions of Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah at the historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue. Between the vibrant family moments, the rich traditions, and the unique fusion of spirituality and fun…Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah truly was unforgettable.

The day began at the breathtaking Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, a sacred space that has stood as a pillar of Jewish heritage for generations. As the natural light streamed through the stained glass windows, I captured candid moments of Ryan’s family and friends gathering to witness this rite of passage. The air was filled with a sense of reverence, as the young man embarked on his journey into adulthood. The ceremony itself was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal significance. Ryan flawlessly recited his Torah portion and shared reflections on the values he holds dear. The synagogue echoed with melodies of ancient prayers, creating an atmosphere of spirituality that resonated with everyone present. The emotion on Ryan’s face as he received blessings from family and community members was a testament to the significance of this milestone.

Later that evening, the atmosphere shifted as guests made their way to the Harborside East for the carnival-themed reception. The transformation was nothing short of magical – vibrant colors, whimsical decorations, and the lively energy of a carnival greeted everyone as they entered. From cotton candy stations to classic carnival games, the reception exuded an atmosphere of pure joy. As a photographer, capturing the exuberance of a carnival-themed celebration presented a delightful challenge. I documented the laughter and camaraderie as guests tried their luck at games, enjoyed delicious carnival treats, and danced to the beats of lively music. The eclectic mix of traditional Bar Mitzvah customs and the playful spirit of the carnival created a dynamic visual narrative that told the story of Ryan’s unique celebration.

Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah celebration at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue and the carnival-themed reception at Harborside East was a perfect blend of spirituality and festivity. The photographs captured not just moments frozen in time but a rich tapestry of tradition, joy, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. It was an honor to be part of such a joyous occasion, and I’m grateful to have been a part of documenting these memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Many thanks to Sha Sha at Loluma for creating this magical narrative for me to document! And CONGRATULATIONS to Ryan!!! Well done, young man.

Nicki & Mark’s Maggie Valley Wedding

Love is a journey. For Nicki and Mark, that journey led them to the breathtaking Barn Star Event venue in Maggie Valley for their destination wedding. As a photographer, I had the incredible privilege of capturing the magical moments of their special day, where love, laughter, and natural beauty collided to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nestled on the outskirts of Maggie Valley, the Barn Star Event venue proved to be the perfect canvas for Nicki and Mark’s love story. Surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, the family-owned venue exuded rustic charm and natural elegance. The picturesque landscape provided a stunning backdrop for every photograph, from the intimate ceremony to the lively reception.

The ceremony was a symphony of emotions, set against the backdrop of the rolling hills and clear blue skies. Nicki, radiant in her elegant gown, walked down the aisle escorted by her best friend and soon-to-be-husband. Their spirit-led exchange of vows under the open sky, with the mountains as witnesses, was a truly magical moment that I was honored to capture.

One of the highlights of photographing Nicki and Mark was the opportunity to explore the venue’s scenic surroundings for stunning portraits. The couple’s genuine joy and love for each other were evident in every frame, whether against the rustic barn, under the arbor, or against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The natural light played its part perfectly. And as day turned to dus, we were able to create magical and timeless images that truly reflected the essence of their love.

Photographing Nicki and Mark’s destination wedding was a journey into love and beauty. The combination of a picturesque location, a wonderful couple filled with true love, and the unique details of their celebration resulted in a collection of images that will forever tell the story of their special day.  I’d like to give a HUGE Thank You to my cousin, Beth of Beth Brown Photography for capturing the drone photos during the ceremony!

CONGRATULATIONS Nicki & Mark!!! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together…

Charleston Trident Association of Realtors at Hyatt House Charleston

I love working with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors!!!

When Jessie from CTAR asked me to cover their women’s conference at Hyatt House Charleston, I jumped at the chance! Not only were they going to be inducting new board members, but their keynote speaker was none other than Dale Smith Thomas. Her message of being a winner by choice is so powerful, and delivered with such great humor, it just sticks with you. Everyone left with that evening with smiles on their faces, and a real “go get-em” attitude! If you get a chance, check out www.winnersbychoice.com and go see this powerful motivational speaker any chance you get!

Many thanks to all the CTAR staff and all the vendors for making this event possible!

Nicole & Julian’s Rainbow Row Engagement Session

Nicole & Julian scheduled their engagement session to be EXACTLY one year from the day of their wedding. How cool is that?!?

We had so much fun getting to know each other, exploring Waterfront Park, the French Quarter, and Rainbow Row, as we captured beautiful images together. I loved hearing about their wedding and how excited they are to be married. They truly are perfect for one another! After I sent them the photos, Nicole & Julian wrote such a kind and generous review:

“They are the best!! They edit the photos so quickly and are very responsive. Chris made the whole experience easy and fun (and this is coming from someone who hates getting their photo taken!) you will not be disappointed with them!”

I can’t wait to be there for Nicole & Julian’s wedding next year!!!

Premier Physical Therapy

Jill and her team at Premier Physical Therapy are AMAZING!!! Not only are they wonderful clients and fantastic friends, but they are also our personal PTs when our aging bodies need help. 🙂

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of photographing headshots for a few new team members, as well as a new group photo for their annual Christmas Card. This year’s theme is “Getting Pumped for 2024”!!!