Debi & Scott’s Vow Renewal Photo Shoot

As Debi and Scott began planning their destination vow renewal in Charleston, the most important part was to have all their children together for the weekend! They are a blended family, with adult kids who have sprouted roots all over the country. So to find a date that worked with everyone’s schedules was tough…but they did it!!!

To comemorate this rare occurance, they asked me to spend a couple hours with them and their family, exploring different parts of Charleston, and capturing a wide variety of photographs of everyone together!

Debi & Scott are such an amazing couple! And it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with them and their growing family. 🙂

Rosen Hagood Marketing Photos

Last year, I had the pleasure of photographing the Grand Opening of the new Rosen Hagood office. I had a great time and really enjoyed working with them. So I was extremely pleased when they reached out again to see if I could help them with some new marketing and branding photos for their website!

Usually law firms request fairly standard headshots. But the Rosen Hagood Law Firm decided they wanted something different! As a creative, I LOVED the concept they pitched. They were looking for something more casual, artistic, and classic. What better way to do that then with some timeless black-and-white, right?!?

Many thanks to Morgan for helping to coordinate everyone’s schedules and share their ideas…

Headshots for Weeks & Irvine

Becca moved here to attend the Charleston School of Law. She specialized in real-estate law. And has joined the amazing team at Weeks & Irvine! It was a pleasure photographing her headshots this morning.

Not only has Bacca had a great start to her new career, she’s also getting married in 5 weeks! She and her fiance, along with 140 of their favorite friends and family, are heading to Key West to tie the knot. How fun is that? 🙂

Everyone help me congratulate Becca on her new position…and on her upcoming wedding!!!

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.

Why Use Flash for Outdoor Portraits?

A nice couple was walking by as I set up my lights for a photo shoot on Daniel Island. Curious, they asked “why are you using flash for outdoor photos?” I thought that was a great question!

Commonwealth Financial is a longtime client. Several times a year, they have me come out to photograph headshots of new advisors that have joined their team. Heather is always so good about organizing everyone’s schedules and coordinating these photo shoots. She had arranged for me to come out for some updates this week.

We always schedule their headshots in the morning, when the side of their building is in open shade. That way, the light is consistent each time I go out, and nobody is squinting in the sunlight. The even shade also gives me a blank canvas to work with. It creates the ambient light that illuminates the side of the building that we always use as the backdrop, plus provides a nice fill light to the faces. Yes, I could just shoot these headshots with natural light. The light would be nice and soft. But it would also be flat, lacking punch and directionality. Plus it would be inconsistent from shoot to shoot…on overcast days it would be extra flat with a cool color tone…on sunny days it would be warmer and more contrasty. For these reasons, I always blend in some lighting from off-camera flash.

For the main light (to the subject’s right), I set up a Manfrotto lightstand, with 3 SB-5000 flashes on a bracket, firing into an Westcott Apollo 50″ softbox. Since this is a very large light source, susceptible to wind, the stand is held in place by 4 10-lb BoaBags. On the opposite side, firing from behind the subject’s left shoulder, I place another Manfrotto lightstand. This one has a single SB-5000 flash, firing into a Westcott Apollo Strip softbox, and is held down by a single 10-lb BoaBag. This light provides a “kicker” that highlights the hair, provides a little fill on the cheek, gives a little edging to the shoulders, and helps separate the subject from the background. I shoot these portraits using my Nikon Z9 with the Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 lens on a Manfrotto tripod.

In the first photo, you can see the results without flash, which I shoot to get a “base” exposure. There’s nothing wrong with it. The light just doesn’t sculpt the face and provide the punch I like in a headshots! The subsequent shots show the final results with the off-camera flashes. I hope this helps answer the question of why I use flash for outdoor portraits!

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!

Madi & Connor’s Wedding on The Carolina Girl

Love stories are often written against the backdrop of picturesque settings. In spite of the weather last weekend, Madi and Connor’s wedding on The Carolina Girl Yacht in Charleston was nothing short of a romantic masterpiece. I had the incredible honor of documenting their special day…and it was a breathtaking experience from start to finish.

The choice of The Carolina Girl Yacht as the venue added an extra layer of magic to Madi and Connor’s nuptials. Docked in the charming city of Charleston, this luxury yacht offered a unique and intimate setting where they could exchange vows, with the stunning backdrop of the harbor and the city skyline in the distance. The gentle sway of the yacht created an atmosphere of tranquility, making it a fantastic experience.

Timing is everything in photography. Although the skies were overcast and dreary all day, capturing the beautiful “blue hour” on the water was a stroke of luck that added an ethereal glow to the couple’s portraits. As daylight turned to night, the gray clouds took on a magical blue hue. Using a warming gel, I contrasted the blue with a single off-camera flash to create a romantic warm light, embracing Madi and Connor for a few intimate portraits before darkness set in. The resulting photographs are nothing short of magical, with the couple’s love radiating against the breathtaking storm clouds.

Madi and Connor’s wedding was a celebration of nautical elegance, with the yacht’s sleek lines and classic design providing a sophisticated backdrop. The bride’s gown billowed gracefully in the sea breeze, and the groom looked dapper in his sharp suit. The details, from the maritime-themed decorations to the colorful floral arrangements, added a personal touch to the day, creating a visual feast for the lens.

One of the joys of photographing weddings is capturing the genuine emotions and candid moments that unfold throughout the day. From the laughter shared during the toasts to the tearful embraces between family and friends, Madi and Connor’s wedding was a treasure trove of heartfelt moments. These candid shots serve as a timeless reminder of the love and joy that surrounded the couple on their special day.

Photographing Madi and Connor’s wedding on The Carolina Girl Yacht was a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of a stunning venue, the natural beauty of the surroundings, the gorgeous couple, and the love in their eyes, all came together to create a visual narrative that will be cherished for years to come. It is indeed moments like these that remind me of the power of love, and of how privileged I am to be able to do what I love!

CONGRATULATIONS to Madi & Connor!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

Trident Healthcare Christmas Party at The Gaillard Auditorium

After ten years of hosting their annual Holiday Party at a well-known hotel in Charleston, Trident Healthcare finally outgrew the space. With over 350 guests attending this year’s event, the move to The Gaillard Auditorium was a good one!

As with previous years, I set up a portrait station near the check-in table, where couples could get their photographs taken in front of the Christmas tree. These were then printed as 5×7 portraits and mounted in an elegant black folio for them to take home has their party favor from the event. When I wasn’t photographing couples portraits, I captured candids of the evening, including the awards presentations for those who showed outstanding achievements within the hospital system.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! And Happy Holidays to all the attendees…

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!!!

Andrew’s Surprise Proposal to Sarah at Waterfront Park

I’ve had so much fun getting to know Andrew while we secretly planned his proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah. Andrew had gotten my name from his cousin, John, who’s surprise proposal I’d photographed to Sarah Rogers earlier this year. And in fact, Andrew & Sarah were in town to attend John & Shelby’s wedding, which I had the pleasure of photographing the day before. So it was kind of neat to be able to photograph proposals for both of these very kind and thoughtful young men!

I could tell Andrew was truly smitten by the way he wanted to make sure everything was absolutely perfect for Sarah on the big day! We went back and forth about a number of ideas, finally settling on the Public Pier at Waterfron Park as the best place for him. He loved the idea of having nothing but the pier and the open water of Charleston Harbor behind them.

Rain was forecast on the day of his proposal. But we just forged forward and the “gods of love” kept the rain away so that we could capture this beautiful milestone for Andrew & Sarah. Andrew had arranged for a carraige tour right before the photo shoot. Afterwhich they walked over to the pier for the surprise of Sarah’s life. There had been a couple people sitting at the end of the pier when I arrived to set up. Politely explaining the situation, they were kind enough to continue their walk so that Andrew & Sarah could have the entire pier to themselves. Wasn’t that nice?

Arriving right on cue, Andrew led Sarah to “the spot”, took a knee, and asked her to be his wife. I could tell by the look in her face that she was totally surprised! I mean, her friends were always asking her “do you think Andrew will be packing something expensive with him on this trip?” every time they went somewhere for a weekend getaway. But she clearly wasn’t expecting it to happen at that particular moment. It was AWESOME! And Andrew nailed it!!!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a fun “walk-about” up to Rainbow Row, down S. Adgers Wharf, and over to the Pineapple Fountain for some authentic engagement photos. But Andrew had another surprise up his sleeve for Sarah. Unbeknownst to her, he had secretly arranged for her parents to drive all the way down from Michigan so that they could surprise her at the fountain. It was such a neat moment to see the expression on her face when her parents walked around the corner!!!

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

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.