Kai’s & Savannah’s Surprise Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

Over the last 30 years as a professional photographer, I’ve discovered that photographing surprise proposals is one of my absolute favorite things to capture. There’s something incredibly special about documenting such a genuine, life-changing moment, and Kai’s surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Savannah, was a perfect example of why I love these shoots so much.

Kai and I spent several months carefully planning every detail to make sure the moment unfolded perfectly. He chose the iconic white bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens as the setting, which couldn’t have been more romantic. On the big day, I hid behind a tree at the far end of the pond so Savannah wouldn’t suspect a thing. From there, I photographed the moment with a dual-camera setup using two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 400mm f4.5 S lens to capture the proposal from a distance, and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f2.8 lens to showcase more of the scene.

Kai and I had created a schedule, and mapped out a route for him to lead her to the bridge. Even though she had no idea what we were up to, and he had never been there before, Kai somehow managed to get her to Magnolia Plantation right on schedule, and lead her right down the path I had told him to take. Kai had cleverly told her he was there on a work trip and had to make a presentation to his team. He asked if they could get to the plantation early so that he could practice his speach! Arriving at “the spot”, he handed her a copy of the speech so she could read along. Only instead of a work speech, it was his declaration of love and devotion to Savannah. I could see the emotions welling up as she read along. Then he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She said YES!!!

After the excitement settled, we spent some time strolling around the beautiful grounds creating authentic engagement portraits. Using the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S lens, and occasionally adding some off-camera flash, we captured a wonderful collection of images celebrating the beginning of their next chapter together.

Please help me in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Kai and Savannah!!! We wish you all the best as you start this new journey together…

Michele & Dominic’s Micro Wedding at Wentworth Mansion

There is something incredibly special about a micro wedding. Michele and Dominic’s intimate celebration at the Wentworth Mansion was the perfect reminder that you don’t need a large guest list to create a truly meaningful and elegant wedding day. With just their eight immediate family members present, every moment felt personal, intentional, and deeply heartfelt.

I began the day photographing their getting ready moments inside the mansion’s beautifully restored rooms. The historic architecture and soft window light created the perfect setting for those quiet, anticipatory moments before the ceremony. Michele looked absolutely stunning, and Dominic’s excitement was evident in every smile.

Their ceremony was especially touching, performed by Dominic’s brother. That personal connection added such warmth and authenticity to the vows. With only their closest family surrounding them, there was an intimacy that made every glance and every word feel even more powerful. Afterward, we captured relaxed family portraits, followed by a fun and romantic session with just the newlyweds.

One of my favorite parts of the day was exploring the historic backdrops around the mansion with Michele and Dominic. I truly enjoyed getting to know them better as we wandered the grounds, creating gorgeous images along the way. We wrapped up their portraits in the cupola, overlooking the Charleston skyline during that magical blue hour. The dramatic deep blue tones of dusk, paired with the sweeping views of over the city, made for some unforgettable images.

I photographed everything using two Nikon Z9 bodies, paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8, and the Nikkor Z 105mm f/2.8 Micro for those detailed ring and décor shots. It was the perfect setup for capturing everything from key moments to intimate details. The quality, creativity, and diversity this setup provides is truly spectacular!

After our grand finale together on the cupola, Michele and Dominic joined their family for a celebratory dinner at the famous Circa 1886 Restaurant while I packed up. I am always so grateful when I get to do what I love, while meeting and working with such wonderful people, capturing all the special moments of their big day! Michele and Dominic’s wedding was elegant, heartfelt, and a true joy to document. Days like this are exactly why I love what I do.

Portrait Station at The Citadel Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Dinner

My friend Gary and I recently had the pleasure of running our Portrait Station at The Citadel Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Dinner.  It was truly an honor to be part of such a meaningful evening. The Foundation does incredible work bringing Citadel Cadets together with local alumni families who sponsor and support them during their time at the military college, providing not just financial assistance, but a genuine home away from home. The pride, tradition, and sense of community in the room were unmistakable, and it was a joy to create portraits that captured those connections and memories from such a special night.

As a professional photographer based in Charleston with over 25 years of experience, we specialize in photographing events, galas, fundraisers, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. Beyond simply documenting your event, we also offer interactive photo entertainment that guests absolutely love.

Our most popular option is the Portrait Station. Think of it as a photo booth on steroids!!! Guests step into a full-size fashion studio, complete with professional lighting, a large backdrop, a high-end camera, and a skilled photographer guiding them through flattering, fun poses to help them look their absolute best. This isn’t a quick snap — it’s a true portrait experience!

Once the photos are taken, the images are instantly sent to our high-speed printers, where a beautiful 5×7 portrait is produced on the spot. Each print is mounted into an elegant black folio by our staff, and placed on a display table within seconds…ready for guests to pick up and take home with them. It’s a stylish, tangible keepsake from an unforgettable evening!

Plus…for instant sharing, guests can scan a QR code to receive a digital copy of their portrait directly on their phone. Posting to social media has never been easier!

If you’re interested in booking our Portrait Station for your next event, just fill out our Contact form, and I’ll be in touch with you shortly: https://chrisandcami.com/contact/.

Seamon Whiteside Headshots during Winter Storms in Greenville

Last week the eastern United States was hit with a crazy winter storm. But that didn’t stop Seamon Whiteside from soldering on with their scheduled headshots!!!

Seamon Whitesdide is one of my favorite clients. I routinely travel to their remote offices around South Carolina to update headshots for new employees, and photograph new projects they’ve been working on. We normally photograph their headshots outdoors, with natural environmental backdrops around their offices. But when the freezing weather hit, the Greenville office didn’t flinch…they simply pivoted. Their office is in a large commercial complex. So they simply reached out to their neighboring businesses and asked if we could use some of their walls as environmental backgrounds.

Everything worked out great and we were able to successfully capture headshots of their new employees in spite of the winter weather!

Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early Law Firm for Superlawyers Magazine

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a magazine feature for Super Lawyers Magazine, and it was one of those assignments that reminds me why I love this work. If you’re not familiar with them, Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized publication highlighting outstanding attorneys across the country—definitely worth checking out at www.superlawyers.com.

This particular shoot was a profile piece on the law firm of Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early LLC, a firm I’ve had the privilege of working with several times over the years. Every time we collaborate, the experience is seamless, professional, and genuinely enjoyable. Their team is welcoming, well-organized, and clearly passionate about what they do, which always translates into stronger, more authentic photographs. You can learn more about them at www.piercesloan.com.

For this assignment, I relied on my trusty Nikon Z9, pairing it with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II for all of the group shots. That lens is a workhorse—super sharp, versatile, and perfect for capturing clean, polished images with consistent results. For individual headshots, I switched to the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8, which allowed me to create flattering compression and beautiful separation while keeping the subjects relaxed and comfortable.

Lighting was handled with a combination of four Godox V860II speedlights, large Westcott shoot-through umbrellas, and Manfrotto light stands, giving me soft, even light that complemented the firm’s professional aesthetic.

Working with Super Lawyers Magazine and the team at Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early is always a highlight, and I’m grateful for the continued trust they place in my work. Assignments like this are a great reminder that trusted collaboration makes for strong imagery.

Awards Banquet for US Foods Lexington

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Annual Awards Gala for US Foods of Lexington! This year’s event was held inside the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, and once again, it was an unforgettable evening. This high-society banquet brought together an incredible group of professionals to celebrate excellence, leadership, and achievement within the organization. The atmosphere was elegant, energetic, and full of well-deserved recognition.

One of the highlights of the evening was the special awards presentations led by the new president of US Foods Lexington, Steve Boggan. His remarks set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the night, making the celebrations feel both meaningful and forward-looking. From heartfelt speeches to candid moments of celebration, the event offered no shortage of powerful storytelling opportunities through my photography.

To document the gala, I worked with a dual-camera setup to ensure I could capture every moment in rapid succession. I used a Nikon Zf paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II for versatility and beautiful low-light performance, alongside a Nikon Z9 with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for tighter compositions during presentations. For dramatic, super-wide room shots that showcased the scale and elegance of the venue, I occasionally swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. Lighting was key for this event. I strategically placed six Godox V860II remote flashes around the room to create consistent, flattering light, while a Godox V480 on each camera provided flexibility for on-the-move moments.

Plus my good friend, Gary, set up a fantastic Portrait Station, where guests could get their couple’s photos taken.  He used an elegant silver sequin backdrop, beautifully lit by two Godox AD200 flashes in soft boxes.  He shot tethered with a Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 lens.  The workhourse DNP printers pumped out 5x7s, which were then mounted in black folios, and placed on tables for guests to take home as their party favors at the end of the evening!

This marked my third year photographing the Annual Awards Gala for US Foods Lexington, and it is always an absolute pleasure working with their team. I’m grateful for their continued trust, and am already looking forward to next year’s celebration!!!

Michael’s 70th Birthday Party at Hotel Bennett

Photographing Michael’s 70th Birthday Celebration at Hotel Bennett was an absolute honor and a night I won’t soon forget. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary birthday party—it was a beautifully executed, high-society gala filled with warmth, elegance, and genuine celebration. Hotel Bennett provided a stunning backdrop, with its timeless architecture and refined interiors perfectly matching the significance of the occasion.

The evening brought together an impressive group of friends, colleagues, and leaders, all there to celebrate Michael and the impact he has had over the years. One of the highlights was the series of heartfelt and memorable presentations, including remarks from Helen Hill, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Judge Duffy, Tommy McQueeney, and Andrew Hsu, President of the College of Charleston. Each speaker added their own perspective, painting a powerful picture of Michael’s legacy, leadership, and character. Speaking of paintings, a new portrait of Michael was revealed. And his new biography was also announced!

From a technical standpoint, this event was a dream to photograph. I worked with two Nikon Z9 cameras, allowing me to move seamlessly between wide environmental shots and intimate candids without missing a beat. My lens lineup included the Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 for dramatic room-setting images, the versatile Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 II, and the nimble Nikkor Z 70–180mm f/2.8 for discreetly capturing emotional moments from across the room. To ensure consistent, flattering light throughout the evening, I used four remote Godox V860II off-camera flashes, carefully placed to create a dramatic but elegant look.

It was a privilege to document such a meaningful celebration, and I’m grateful to have been part of a night that honored this extraordinary man in such a memorable way.

Marketing Photos for e System Solutions

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the team at e System Solutions here in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, and it was an experience I truly enjoyed from start to finish. As a new client of ours, they made an immediate impression—not just with their professionalism, but with the depth of knowledge and experience they bring to their field. With decades of expertise behind them, it’s clear why e System Solutions has built such a strong reputation, and I was excited to help visually tell that story through updated headshots and marketing imagery.

From the moment we started, the team was relaxed, engaged, and open to creative ideas, which always makes for a great photo session. My goal with corporate headshots is to strike the perfect balance between polished and approachable, and this group made that easy. We focused on images that feel authentic and confident—photos that reflect who they are and how they work with their clients.

For the shoot, I relied on my trusty Nikon Z9, paired with the incredibly sharp Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 II and Nikkor Z 70–200mm f/2.8 lenses. These lenses give me the flexibility to capture everything from clean, modern headshots to wider marketing portraits with beautiful background separation. To add a bit of extra dimension and polish, I occasionally incorporated creative off-camera flash using one or two Godox V860II speedlights.

I’m grateful to the entire e System Solutions team for the opportunity and I’m excited to see how these images support their brand moving forward. If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out at www.esystems.net.

Groundpoint Real Property Management

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing headshots and marketing images for Nichole and Travis, and I couldn’t have asked for a better session. Nichole is a longtime property manager with years of experience, and together with her husband Travis, she’s launching their own real estate property management group here in the Lowcountry. Their new venture, RPM Groundpoint is built on professionalism, trust, and a clear passion for what they do.

We met up at the beautiful Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which offered the perfect backdrop for a clean, modern, and approachable look. The cobblestone streets, soft greenery, black iron gates, and open walkways gave us plenty of variety while keeping the focus right where it belongs…on Nichole and Travis. From polished headshots to more relaxed marketing images, we were able to capture photos that feel both professional and genuine.

Nichole and Travis were a joy to work with…easygoing, confident, and clearly excited about this next chapter in their business. That energy always makes a session more fun and helps create natural, authentic images. From a technical side, I used my trusty Nikon Zf, paired with the Nikkor 70–180mm f/2.8, along with an off-camera Godox AD200, modified with an EZYbox softbox, mounted to a Manfrotto light stand. I used the overcast natural light to establish the exposure, then added the off-camera flash to create depth and dimention.

We had so much fun that we stood around and just chit-chatted for 10 minutes after the shoot. Overall, it was a fantastic shoot with two great people, who I can now call my friends. I’m excited to see their new business grow!

Caroline & Erik’s Surprise Proposal on Kiawah Island

There are few moments as electric and intimate as a surprise proposal — Erik’s for Caroline was one of them. Erik and I had been secretly planning for two months, coordinating timing, vantage points, and small details to make the moment feel effortless. He chose the Butterfly Garden at The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island, where they were staying for the weekend, and golden hour wrapped the scene in a warm, honeyed glow.

My camera of choice was the Nikon Z9 — its autofocus speed and high-resolution files let me move between wide environmental shots and close emotional frames without missing a beat. Some moments that stuck with me: the quiet build of anticipation as they wandered through the garden, Erik’s nervous smile just before he knelt, Caroline’s joyful surprise, and the expression on her face after he pointed me out…snapping away from the other corner of the garden!

Afterwards, we had a fun time on an “authentic” engagement session around the property and onto the beach. Golden hour really worked its magic: soft, flattering light filtered through leaves and blooms, giving everything a cinematic, romantic quality. To keep detail in the shadows and make sure her ring and the smiles on their faces read crisply and clearly, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash. The flash provided subtle fill and rim light without overpowering the natural mood.

Photographing surprise proposals is about more than gear; it’s about reading people, staying invisible until the right instant, and anticipating the emotion. Two months of planning paid off in a collection of images that feel honest, tender, and timeless.

Please help me CONGRAGULATE Erik and Caroline!!! We wish them all the best as they begin their new journey together…

Lincoln’s Bat Mitzvah

Congregation Emanu-El (and many other synagogues) restricts photos during Mitzvah ceremonies primarily to maintain focus, reverence, and sanctity of the religious service. It’s a way of preventing distractions for the family, clergy, and community…and ensuring the Bat Mizvah feels present. For these reasons, most congregagions allow dedicated photo sessions before the service for professional photos.

With Lincoln’s Mitzvah coming up this weekend, I joined her and her family on Friday evening for one of these photo sessions. We met at Emanu-El, where the beautiful campus offers tons of great spots for family portraits, as well as portraits of Lincoln in her elegant black dress. As the sun began to set, we went inside to meet up with Rabbi Ravski, who graciously gave us access to the sanctuary where I could get shots of Lincoln while she practiced her speach and read from the Torah.

It was a lot of fun getting to know Lincoln and her family! It was an honor capturing these special moments for them. And I can’t wait to finish editing and sharing the photos from her party on Saturday!!! 🙂

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Stovall Family on Daniel Island

Capturing family moments is always a joy! I had the pleasure of photographing the Stovall Family this week at their stunning home overlooking the marsh on Daniel Island. It had been 8 years since they had family portraits done. But this year was special since their daughter is a rising high-school senior, and they wanted some senior portraits for her. The picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for this memorable session, creating a serene atmosphere that showcased the family’s love and connection.

Using my Nikon Z9 paired with the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 lens allowed me to capture the beautiful details and emotions during our time together. The natural light streaming through the trees was complemented by my Godox AD200 flashe, ensuring every shot was perfectly lit. I utilized a Glow EZ Lock Softbox to soften the light, creating a flattering and warm ambiance that highlighted their amazing smiles.

Throughout the session, we shared laughter and stories, making the experience not just about photography but about celebrating the family bonds. The Stovall Family’s warmth and enthusiasm were contagious, making it a truly enjoyable shoot for me, and making me feel like part of the family. I even kicked the soccer ball around with the boys while we waited for their daughter to change!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to create lasting memories for the Stovalls in such a breathtaking location…preserving these special moments for years to come!