Marketing Photos for the Charleston County School District

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to photograph team portraits and marketing photos for the Charleston County School District (CCSD). This shoot was particularly special as the images will be featured in an upcoming magazine article highlighting their impactful work in our community. CCSD is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the potential of all students, providing innovative educational programs and support that empower young people to succeed. You can learn more about their mission and initiatives at www.ccsdschools.com.

The session took place at their office on 75 Calhoun Street, which is currently undergoing an exciting interior uplift. I even got a sneak peek behind the scenes of what the new offices will look like! Using my Nikon Z9 along with the new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens, I was able to capture the team’s dynamic personalities and dedication to education in vivid detail. I also utilized my DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to capture a few shots from unique angles.

Many thanks to Michelle for coordinating everyone’s schedules! It was a genuine pleasure to work with such a passionate team. And I look forward to seeing the final article featuring our collaborative efforts!!!

Headshots for Elliott Davis

I recently had the pleasure of photographing another round of fun headshots and marketing photos for Elliott Davis, a respected accounting firm, here in Charleston, SC. Specializing in audit, tax, and consulting services, Elliott Davis delivers valuable financial insights that help businesses thrive, from small startups to large corporations. Their commitment to integrity and exceptional service is evident in every aspect of their work. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website at www.elliottdavis.com.

The shoot took place on the stunning grounds of The Charleston Gaillard Center, right across the street from their office. This beautiful location added a vibrant backdrop to our session, perfectly complementing the professional yet approachable image that Elliott Davis wanted to convey.

Using my Nikon Z9 and the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, I captured crisp, high-quality images that showcased the team’s personality. To enhance the lighting, I employed a Godox AD200 flash within a Godox EZ Lock softbox, creating a soft, inviting glow that highlighted the individuals beautifully.

I’ve been working with Elliott Davis for years, and wholehearteadly recommend them. They hire the nicest people. And I’m excited to see how these dynamic images will enhance their branding efforts!

Shannon’s Nursing School Graduation Photos

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph Shannon to celebrate her graduation from nursing school at Emory University School of Medicine. It was an exciting milestone, and I was thrilled to capture this special moment in her life. We explored the scenic backdrop of historic downtown Charleston, where we made stops at the picturesque Joe Riley Waterfront Park, the charming French Quarter, and the iconic Rainbow Row. Each location offered a unique flair that perfectly complemented Shannon’s vibrant personality.

For this session, I relied on my trusty Nikon Z9, renowned for its high resolution and stunning color rendition. The camera pulled out every detail, presenting Shannon in her best light. To enhance the natural beauty of the moment, I occasionally augmented the available light with a Godox V860II speedlight, ensuring that her radiant smile and the scenic backgrounds shone brightly in the images.

Capturing these moments for Shannon was a joy, and I am honored to be part of such a significant celebration. Congratulations, Shannon, on your remarkable achievement! I wish you all the best as you embark on your nursing career.

Maddie & Mark’s Engagement Session on Kiawah Island

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Maddie and Mark’s engagement session in the picturesque Cassique neighborhood on Kiawah Island. The evening was perfect, bathed in the warm glow of golden hour, creating an enchanting atmosphere for capturing their love story.

As I arrived, the stunning scenery of lush landscapes and charming Southern architecture set the stage for a great session. My camera of choice wsa the Nikon Z9! It’s exceptional image quality and fast autofocus, ensuring that every candid moment reflected Maddie and Mark’s genuine joy and connection. I used the Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II and the Nikkor Z 70-180 f2.8 for their incredible sharpness and beautiful bokeh. To add depth and dimension to certain shots, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash, creatively enhancing the images without overpowering the natural light. Plus a few shots on the DJI Mini 3 Pro added a unique perspective!

We explored different nooks and crannies of Cassique, from tree-lined pathways to waterfront vistas…ending up on a really cool wooden bridge over the marsh. I encouraged Maddie and Mark to interact naturally, allowing their personalities to shine through the lens. Their laughter and loving glances documented not just the moment but their deep connection to one another. The session culminated in a stunning sunset, with the sky painted in shades of orange and pink, resulting in breathtaking images. Each photograph not only captured a moment in time but also a reflection of their love, and their future together.

I felt a real connection with Maddie and Mark’s…and I loved hearing about their love story. I am honored to have been a part of this memorable experience and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Headshots for the LightGuage Company

I had the pleasure of working with the LightGauge Company this week, capturing their team’s new professional headshots in Charleston, SC. It’s always a rewarding experience to bring out the best in my clients.  And this shoot was no exception! LightGauge Company is an innovative leader in interior and exterior construction specialties. Their dedicated team brings unmatched quality and attention to detail in every project they work on. You can learn more about their services at golightgauge.com.

For this shoot, I used my trusted Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to ensure sharp, high-quality images. To create a professional yet approachable look, I utilized two Godox AD200 flashes and two Godox Speedlights, which provided excellent control over lighting and helped highlight my client’s professionalism (while still catching a taste of their fun personalities). The combination of this high-end gear, and my years of experience, allowed me to help everyone relax while I worked quickly and efficiently.  I was able to deliver striking headshots that match the high caliber products LightGauge Company is known for.

It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with forward-thinking clients like LightGauge. Many thanks to my friend Bobby Carrier for his kind referral! And a special thank you to Jessica, their Director of Marketing, for working with me to come up with a neat concept for the look and feel of their new headshots!!!

Headshots for Trident Construction

I always enjoy heading out to Trident Construction’s headquarters in North Charleston to photograph headshots for new team members. Here are a few fun shots and behind-the-scene images to share a little bit of what we captured!
(Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 S, Godox AD200 Pro flashes, Westcott umbrellas, Manfrotto supports, Sony memory cards, Savage seamless background)

Charleston Animal Society Applause for Paws

The Charleston Animal Society held their annual Applause for Pause fundraiser last night at the elegantly decorated Gaillard Center! With over 550 attendees, this year’s event was called the Emerald City Gala…paying homage to Doroty and the Wizard of Oz. It was an AMAZING evening of entertainment and excitement, celebrating the organization’s 150th anniversary, and raising a record amount of donations for such a worthy cause.

In 1874, Charleston Animal Society was formed as the first animal protection organization in South Carolina and one of the first in the nation. Its purpose was then, and has always been, to prevent cruelty to animals. Almost 20,000 animals will turn to Charleston Animal Society for caring, compassion and hope this year alone. More than just an animal shelter, the Charleston Animal Society is a thought leader in the welfare and well-being of animals. In addition to caring for homeless animals, from hamsters to horses, adopting pets into new homes, and reuniting lost pets with their families, the organization responds to animals in crisis as a result of both man-made and natural disasters.

Many thanks to Sydney for bringing me along to capture this wonderful evening of celebration, compassion, and hope!!!

Kaitlin’s Bridal Portraits in Downtown Charleston

Kaitlin & Stevie were married in a lovely ceremony at Founder’s Hall this past weekend. You may recall I had the honor of photographing their awesome engagement shoot at the Lagare Waring House several months ago: https://chrisandcami.com/kaitlin-stevies-engagement-at-the-lagare-waring-house/. I am FINALLY able to share with you the fabulous bridal portraits of Kaitlin that we photographed in downtown Charleston, which have been under wraps until Stevie was able to see his beautiful bride in her gorgeous gown on their special day!!!

Rosen Hagood Charleston Office

Last week I had the pleasure of going back to Rosen Hagood law firm to photograph headshots for new attorneys that have joined the team. Their marketing group prefers I photograph everyone as a 3/4-lengh portrait, giving their graphic artists options for using the images in marketing material….while still being able to zoom in and crop headshots out of these photos for the website. This is one of the many reasons I love shooting with the Nikon Z9. The high-resolution 45MP sensor on Nikon’s flagship camera gives my clients PLENTY of pixels to play with so that they can kill two birds with one stone!

(Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 70-100 f2.8, Godox/Flashpoint AD200 flash, Manfrotto supports, Westcott 60″ umbrellas)

Headshtots for Premier Physical Therapy

It was a real pleasure to meet and photograph Darien for Premier Physical Therapy. She was super sweet and fun to work with. Her heritage is from Honduras. So I got to practice a little Spanish, which was awesome. Jill is the owner of Premier Physical Therapy. I’ve been photographing headshots and marketing photos for her and her team for a very long time. And I have to say, she always seems to find the nicest people to join her staff!!!

Eva’s Bat Mizvah Reception at the Segra Club at Riley Park

After Eva’s heartfelt Bat Mitzvah ceremony at KKBE Synagogue, we all reconnected at the Segra Club at Riley Park, which is a really cool event venue at The Joe baseball stadium. Perched above Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, enclosed by glass walls with unparalleled views of the Ashley River marsh and the home field of the Charleston RiverDogs, this was the perfect location to celebrate such a special day for Eva and her family!

Arriving early to capture some detail and drone shots, I then met up with Eva and her family for a few family portraits before guests arrived. Victoria, the event manager at Segra Club, gave us exclusive access to the field and the dugout for some really cool shots! Returning to the event space, beautifully decorated by Sha Sha at Loluma, it was so much fun to see the excitement on everyone’s faces as they began arriving. Soon the place was packed with an air of excitement, love, and friendship!

After a warm introduction and welcome by Eva’s parents, the Segra Club’s kitchen opened up some incredibly tasty food stations. Betsey from Pop the Bubbly Events did an awesome job keeping everyone organized and on-schedule. And Josh from Charleston Event Pros cranked the tunes and kept the party rockin’ all night long! My favorite part came when he turned up “Hava Nagilah”, kicking off the traditional circle dance, before Eva and her family were hoisted up into the air one by one on a chair. The Hora is a symbolic tradition that celebrates the Bat Mitzvah, expressing everyone’s joy and support for Eva!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Eva!!! This evening truly was an amazing celebration of your life, and the beautiful young woman you have become…

Eva’s Bat Mizvah at KKBE Synagogue

I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Eva’s bat mitzvah at the beautiful KKBE Synagogue in downtown Charleston this weekend. From the moment I arrived, the vibrant energy and joyful spirit of the celebration were contagious.

I met up with Eva and her family early that morning to capture a few family portraits and individual shots of Eva. She was beautifully dressed in a lovely blue floral pattern. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue has a gorgeous old historic campus with great backdrops for photography. KKBE is a Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue located on Hassel Street. Having founded the congregation in 1749, it is known as the first Reform synagogue located in the United States.

After family portraits, everyone went inside to prepare for the ceremony. Eva was radiant, and her smile lit up the entire sanctuary as she read from the Torah, marking an important milestone in her spiritual journey. The synagogue’s stunning architecture provided a gorgeous backdrop for heartfelt photos of this special day, capturing both intimate moments and lively celebrations. It was clear that Eva and Rabbi Alexander had a close connection. Several touching moments between student and rabbi, as well as between Eva and her parents, brought me close to tears. But when Eva and her little sister embraced after Nora helped her big sis cover the Torah, I lost it! There is nothing so touching as the love between two sisters.

Following the ceremony, we headed to the fellowship hall for a Kiddush lunch, where the atmosphere was full of love, laughter, and excitement. Guests gathered around tables laden with delicious traditional foods, sharing stories and creating memories. I loved documenting the candid interactions and joyful expressions that truly showcased the significance of this occasion for Eva and her family. It’s always a privilege to be part of such meaningful events.  And I’m grateful to have been able to preserve these precious memories for this wonderful family. Moments like these remind me why I love my job—celebrating faith, family, and community through my lens.

Later that evening, we all met for a fun reception at the Segra Club above The Joe! But that’s a story for another post…