It was a pleasure photographing headshots for the group at the Fifth Third Bank yesterday!
Headshots for Fifth Third Bank
Credit One Charleston Open – Day 9
It was another EXCITING year for me to be covering the Credit One Charleston Open!!!
Since 1973, the Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports, creating milestones that over the years have directly influenced the popularity of women’s professional tennis. Much has changed over the years. But to this day, the tournament remains the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. This year’s roster included 5 of the Top 10 women on tour, 5 past champions, and 5 Grand Slam champions. Previous winners include notable names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Nadia Petrova, Madison Keys…and so many more!
Although it started out cold and overcast, the rain had passed in time for our Sunday Finals. As the competition heated up on center court, so did the weather. By the time the dust from the iconic green clay had settled, the sun was back out, and the Credit One Charleston Open had a NEW CHAMPION!!! After 9 looong days of non-stop mayhem, constantly shooting and editing for 10-15 hours per day, another tournament was in the books. But before we could wrap things up and go home, I had the pleasure of photographing a private shoot with our new victor, Ons Jabeur. It was a particularly special moment for me since Ons is the most successful professional tennis player to come out of Africa. She was born in Tunisia. I was born in Zaire. So we share that common bond of having African dust on our feet and African roots in our hearts.
CONGRATULATIONS to Ons as she continues to break barriers and win fans with her genuine smile and gentle spirit!!!
Credit One Charleston Open – Day 4
It was another EXCITING year for me to be covering the Credit One Charleston Open!!!
Since 1973, the Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports, creating milestones that over the years have directly influenced the popularity of women’s professional tennis. Much has changed over the years. But to this day, the tournament remains the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. This year’s roster included 5 of the Top 10 women on tour, 5 past champions, and 5 Grand Slam champions. Previous winners include notable names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Nadia Petrova, Madison Keys…and so many more!
Although there were tons of TV appearances, autograph sessions, player interviews, and VIP influencers on sight for me to photograph…Day 4 at the COCO was all about the action!!!
Credit One Charleston Open – Player Party
It was another EXCITING year for me to be covering the Credit One Charleston Open!!!
Since 1973, the Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports, creating milestones that over the years have directly influenced the popularity of women’s professional tennis. Much has changed over the years. But to this day, the tournament remains the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. This year’s roster included 5 of the Top 10 women on tour, 5 past champions, and 5 Grand Slam champions. Previous winners include notable names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Nadia Petrova, Madison Keys…and so many more!
After 2 days of qualifying rounds, the tournament welcomes all the main draw players, as well as those who made it through qualies, to a wonderful Player Party before the competition begins. This year’s Player Party was held at the historic Riviera Theater!
Iconic Photo Shoot with Belinda Bencic and Ons Jabeur
It was another EXCITING year for me to be covering the Credit One Charleston Open!!!
Since 1973, the Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports, creating milestones that over the years have directly influenced the popularity of women’s professional tennis world-wide. Much has changed over the years. But to this day, the tournament remains the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. This year’s roster included 5 of the Top 10 women on tour, 5 past champions, and 5 Grand Slam champions. Previous winners include notable names like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Nadia Petrova, Madison Keys…and so many more!
This year I kicked off my coverage with a private “Iconic Photo Shoot” with last year’s returning finalists, Belinda Bencic and Ons Jabeur.
John & Shelby’s Surprise Proposal at White Point Garden
Pinch me!!!
In case you missed it, Cami and I had the UNBELIEVABLE HONOR of photographing Shelby Rogers’ beautiful surprise proposal by her incredible boyfriend, John. I can’t begin to explain how touching it was to be there and capture this special moment for these two amazing humans!!!
Please help me in CONGRATULATING them, and wishing them all the happiness in the world as they begin this new journey together…
Brianna & Evan’s Wedding at Historic Rice Mill
I got to know Evan & Brianna last year when he contacted me to secretly photograph his surprise proposal to the love of his life!!! It was AMAZING: https://chrisandcami.com/evan-surprises-brianna-with-his-proposal/. So when they called to ask if I would also capture their wedding, I was elated!
Although rain threatened us for a minute, it actually ended up being the perfect weather…not too cold, not too hot, with a little bit of cloud cover. The guys started out at Haberdash…hanging out and having fun while they got ready. Evan was looking pretty dashing by the time they got done with him! Then it was over to The Cottages at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Brianna’s “reveal” to the girls was a highlight! She was an absolutely STUNNING bride in her elegant gown!!! 🙂 Finally we all headed back over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to The Historic Rice Mill for the main event!
The lively and humor-filled ceremony was led by Brianna’s half-brother, Seth. At one point I think I saw a tear in Evan’s eye…which was so touching. Then it was on to wedding party photos while guests enjoyed cocktails with views of the sailboats bobbing in the Ashley River. I was worried that the low-lying blanket of clouds was going to ruin our plans for some gorgeous sunset photos of Brianna & Evan. But just 15 minutes before sunset, a sliver of sky opened up on the horizon to reveal the most amazing sunset for us to work with!!!
A warm welcome by Brianna’s dad, and a delicious meal awaited everyone at the reception. Lively chatter and fun festivities carried on throughout the night. Cake cutting, signing the marriage license, and touching toasts also ensued. Eventually, The Vistas band started jamming and the party kicked into high gear! Everyone was dancing and singing and having a BLAST!!! But finally it was time to bid Brianna & Evan a fond farewell. We closed the night out with a big group photo featuring the entire band…before this amazing couple headed off into the night!
Many thanks to Alyssa and her team at www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com for making sure everything went off perfectly. And a huge shout out to all the vendors who made this special day possible.
CONGRATULATIONS Brianna & Evan!!! Having been there from the “I Will” to the “I Do”, it was an absolute honor to capture all the beautiful memories of this special day for you. We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together.
Berkadia Conference at Hotel Bennett
It was an absolute pleasure photographing the Berkadia Leadership Conference at the Hotel Bennett last week!
“Berkadia is a leader in the commercial real estate industry, offering a robust suite of services to our multifamily and commercial property clients. Powered by deep relationships and industry-changing technology, our people sell, finance, and service commercial real estate, providing support for the entire life cycle of our clients’ assets. Our unique ownership structure allows us to put our clients’ interests first and create a marketplace that delivers a superior experience.”
From cultural presentations by Gullah historian, Corey Austin Sweetgrass…to interviews with the CEO of Salamander Hotels, Sheila Johnson…to networking opportunities with Berkadia CEO, Justin Wheeler…the entire event was jam packed with access to knowledge and information you couldn’t get anywhere else in the industry!
Many thanks to Jenna at KLH Group and Meredith at Berkadia for bringing us on board, and making sure everything ran perfectly!
Siemens Medical Sailing Regatta
Every day is different! That’s one of the best parts about my job!!! 🙂
Yesterday I got to photograph a fun sailing regatta for Siemens Medical. Being out on the Committee Boat with Captain Mike and Captain Dave, the Professional Race Official, was a real treat. The weather in Charleston Harbor was perfect with a steady wind, a balmy 75 degrees, and blue skies!
Many thanks to Lee at www.experienceholycity.com for bringing me on board (pun intended)! And CONGRATULATIONS to Angela and all the winners from Siemens Medical!!!
* Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 24-120 f4, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 + Z TC 1.4X (98mm-280mm equivalent), DJI Mini 3 Pro
Chairman’s Reception at Churchill’s
It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know Chad Willis, capturing all his accomplishments as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the US Grains Council. Chad has been farming since 1997 and has worked in both the corn milling and feed industries. He was a member of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council before serving on its board. After joining the Council, he served on both the Value-Added Advisory Team (A-Team) and was a vocal advocate for creating the Council’s Ethanol A-Team before serving on the Council’s Board of Directors.
So when Minnesota Corn Research sponsored his Chairman’s Reception at Churchill’s Rooftop Bar in Savannah, I jumped at the chance to cover it! The event space was filled with a “who’s who” of leaders in the world of grain commodities. Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the US Grains Council, shared anecdotes and accolades on a job well-done.
CONGRATULATIONS, Chad!!! May you have plenty of time to rest and recuperate from all your long days and tireless efforts….
Publix Pharmacy
It was a pleasure photographing Rosa at the Publix Pharmacy in North Charleston this morning! Rosa is going to be a featured associate in an upcoming article by Publix Supermarkets Inc. Her family immigrated from Hong Kong. A few years ago, Rosa left the family’s restaurant business to entered Pharmacy School. She’s worked hard for 4 long hears to reach her goal of becoming a pharmacist. And I wish her all the best as she begins her new career!
To cool down the sodium-vapor lighting in the store, I wanted a warm main-light. So I attached orange CTO gels on two SB-5000 flashes (Group A), and fired them through a 60″ Westcott umbrella. For the first couple poses outside the pharmacy, I also attached a CTO gel to a bare SB-5000 flash (Group B) in the background to use as a kicker-light, highlighting her hair and shoulders. For the ones inside the pharmacy, I wanted to add a splash of color. So I attached blue gels to two SB-5000 flashes (Group C), covered them with dome diffusers, and pointed them at the ceiling. All images were captured with a Nikon Z9 + Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 lens at ISO 200, f2.8, and 1/80th sec. Camera and lighting supports were provided by Manfrotto.
Please help me in congratulation Rosa on achieving her dreams!!!
Nikkor Z 400mm f2.8 TC at Magnolia Garden
I try to be spontaneous when I can!
So when my good friend and amazing photographer, David Archer, messaged me the other morning to let me know he was heading over to Magnolia Gardens, I took a break from the computer and zipped out the door to join him.
Although it was a beautiful morning, we didn’t get any prize-winning photos. But we had a beautiful day and a fun time catching up. PLUS I got to play with his new Nikkor Z 400mm f2.8 TC! What an AMAZING lens!!! I also captured some images with the Nikkor 500mm f5.6 PF + FTZII, as well as the Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 + Nikkor Z TC-1.4x.
