Southport Mulberry Wastewater Treatment Plant for Harper General Contractors

As a commercial photographer, I get the opportunity to photograph all kinds of fascinating places. But I have to admit, photographing the Southport Mulberry Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shallotte, North Carolina for Harper General Contractors was definitely one of the more… aromatic subjects on my portfolio list. The good news is that from a visual standpoint, it was fantastic. And fortunately, photography is one profession where you can’t smell the final product.

This was actually the third wastewater treatment plant I’ve photographed for Harper General Contractors, and I’ve really enjoyed documenting these impressive facilities. There’s a lot more going on at a treatment plant than most people realize. Massive tanks, miles of piping, interesting industrial textures, and perfectly symmetrical infrastructure all combine to create surprisingly cool compositions. Who knew wastewater could be so photogenic?

For this project I used my trusty Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 and the Nikkor Z 24–120mm f/4 lenses. The wide angle lens was perfect for capturing the scale of the tanks and filtration systems, while the 24–120mm helped isolate some of the interesting details throughout the facility. I also launched the DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to capture aerial views of the entire plant, which really helped showcase the impressive layout and engineering.

Let’s be honest—wastewater treatment isn’t the most glamorous subject in the world. But these facilities play an incredibly important role in keeping communities clean and healthy. And from a photographer’s perspective, they offer some truly unique visuals.

So yes, I spent the day photographing where everything eventually goes. Thankfully, the photos came out much cleaner than the job description might suggest.

Portrait Station at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island

One of the most popular “Photo Entertainment” packages we offer is our famous Portrait Station!

Photo Booths have run their course and are going out of style. They were a fun novelty item when the technology was new. But the difficulty of cramming you and a few friends into a tiny booth…followed by the dissapointment of getting a tine 2×2 inch print of it where you can barely make out each person’s face…totally negates the excitement of getting that instant photo to take home.

We have managed to keep that instant gratification of recieving a photo memento to take home from your event, but TOTALLY taken it to the next level! Compared to a Photo Booth, this is like having a Photo Wall!!! It’s big. It’s bold. It’s fun. It’s professional. And it’s as if that little Photo Booth is all grown up!

We have a variety of professional backgrounds to choose from. You can provide the company’s step-and-repeat. Or you can customize your own backdrop. We provide professional lighting, like what you would get on a supermodel fashion shoot. We include a professional photographer to help with posing and directing so that you LOOK like a supermodel. Plus having a friendly and engaging photographer makes the whole experience more fun! Last but not least, your portaits are printed as beautiful 5×7 prints, which are custome mounted in an elegant black folio with a built-in “kickstand”. This not only protects your portrait, but makes it an awesome keepsake that you can take home and display in your home or office!

If you are having an awards gala, holiday party, corporate event, welcome reception, company meeting, mitzvah, or wedding, and would like to make it something your guests will truly remember, reach out to us on our contact page at https://chrisandcami.com/contact/. We would love to work with you…and you will LOVE the positive feedback from your attendees!!!

Key Risk Management Group on Kiawah Island

Key Risk Management Group held 40th Anniversary celebration at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island last week. The evening started off with a cocktail hour, progressing into the ballroom for dinner, then transitioning to the speeches and awards, and finally to dancing and celebrating. I had the great pleasure of photographing all of it for them, while my good friend Gary photographed and printed 5×7 prints at our Portrait Station!

With over 35 years of proven expertise in the workers compensation industry, Key Risk delivers a comprehensive array of services that cater to each unique workers compensation needs. Offering guaranteed cost options to employers nationwide, Key Risk focuses on delivering products and services within specialized verticals to reduce workers compensation exposures and deliver industry-leading results. You can find out more at www.keyrisk.com.

I used two Z9 cameras to cover this event. One had a Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II mounted on it, while the other had a Nikkor Z 70-180 f2.8. For lighting, I used a Godox V480 on each camera. During cocktail hour, I primarily used bounce-flash. During the dinner banquet, I set up 4 Godox V860 II flashes (one in each corner of the room) to fill the room with nice directional off-camera flash. My friend Gary used a third Nikon Z9 with a Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 at the Portrait Station. His lighting consisted of 2 Godox AD200 strobes inside octaboxes.

It was an absolute pleasure working with Lee at Experience Holy City Charleston, who was the planner for the event. Lee always does an AMAZING job…and this one was no exception!!!

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.

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Final Day

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

The final day of the conference started off with a number of important Sector Meetings, where strategic decisions, and important trading policies were discussed. Experts were brought in to discuss the direction and vision of the council moving forward. After a brief break, everyone reconvened in the General Session. Sector leaders shared their key strategic decisions with the rest of the attendees. An expert panel, moderated by USGBC Chairman, Mark Wilson, then took the stage to discuss the expanding frontier of Ethanol. And finally the conference adjorned with some celebratory service awards being presented, and fun staff photos being taken! The USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama City was another huge success!!!

To document this final day, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. When I needed expansive room shots, I swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of an impactful day. To light the group photos at the end, I used a pair of Godox AD200 flashes, diffused with Westcott umbrellas.

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Welcome Reception

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

After our amazing experience of riding through the Panama Canal, hearing about its history, and seeing how the ships navigate through the locks, everyone got cleaned up and gathered for a fun Welcome Reception back at the Panama Hilton Hotel.  The casual event was located in a beautiful meeting space, next to the pool, on the 11th floor, overlooking the Panama Harbor.  Everyone had so much to talk about after what we’d just been through. So conversations were lively, and smiles were broad!

Once again, for smaller receptions like this, I went with a single Nikon Z9 bodies, paired with the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120 f4. I used a Godox V480 flash for bounce flash when needed. I really like how compact and manueverable this flash is, while keeping all the features and functions of their full-size flagship flashes. This setup allowed me plenty of flexibility and reach to capture all aspects of the evening!

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Panama Canal Experience

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

On the second day of the conference, attendees were invited on a private charter tour through the Panama Canal! Riding a private charter ferry through the Panama Canal is an unforgettable blend of engineering and natural beauty. We began at dawn on the Atlantic side at the Panama Cruise Terminal, surrounded by tiny sail boats and towering cargo ships, then made our way beneath the sweeping span of the Bridge of the Americas. Entering the Miraflores Locks and later the Pedro Miguel Locks, we felt the quiet power of the canal at work as the ferry gently rose within the massive concrete chambers. Passing under the Centennial Bridge, the scenery shifted from monumental man-made infrastructure to lush rainforest. The journey grew more serene as we followed the winding Chagres River toward the dock at Gamboa, wathcing pelicans, frigatdbirds, and ospray soar overhead. Busses awaited our return from this remarkable passage connecting oceans, industry, and wilderness in a single voyage.

To document the day’s outing, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8, which had a Nikkor Z TC1.4x attached, effectively giving me a 100-250mm f4 focal length. I used a Godox V480 flash for fill when needed. And I used a DJI Mini 3 Pro for a few aerial drone photos when appropriate. This setup allowed me plenty of flexibility and reach to capture all aspects of the group’s outing!

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Welcome to Panama

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

After the first big day, highlighted by keynote presentations by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, everyone was treated to a fabulous Welcome to Panama Dinner Experience! Busses whisked attendees away from the Panama Hilton Hotel, and dropped the off at the Panama Cruise Terminal. The Panama Cruise Terminal is a modern facility situated on the Amador Causeway (Perico Island) at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, not far from Bridge of the Americas and the Miraflores Locks. Serving as the primary cruise port for Panama City, it features two berths capable of handling large ships, offering amenities like duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, and easy access to city attractions.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. I used a Godox V480 flash on each camera, bouncing the light when possible, to create nicely blended light on the subject that complimented the venue. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of the exciting evening!

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama – Headshots

While photographing the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held at the stunning Hilton Panama overlooking the Panama City Harbor, I had the pleasure of creating headshots for new staff members.

I set up a makeshift studio in one of the conference rooms so that individuals could stop in when they had a break in their schedules. Lighting consisted of two Godox AD200 flashes for main and fill lights, plus a Godox V480 as a background separation light. I shot with a Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8.

The best part was when I was photographing Reese’s headshots and suddenly the window cleaner appeared outside the glass in the middle of our session!

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama – Day 1

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held at the stunning Hilton Panama overlooking the Panama City Harbor. With its sweeping waterfront views and vibrant international energy, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with connection, collaboration, and major milestones.

The day began with extensive networking and a series of Advisory Team Meetings, where industry leaders from around the world gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships. There’s always something special about capturing those candid conversations—the handshakes, the laughter, and the focused discussions that drive real progress behind the scenes.

The General Session was packed with highlights. Keynote presentations were delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales. Both speakers offered powerful insights into trade, infrastructure, and the importance of global cooperation. A defining moment of the session was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority—an exciting and historic occasion to witness through my lens. USGBC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand, closed the session with thoughtful remarks that tied the day together beautifully.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. When I needed expansive room shots, I swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of an impactful day.

USGBC – Chairwoman’s Reception in Panama

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Chairwoman’s Reception at the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council in Panama. The reception was held at the beautiful Hilton Panama, overlooking the stunning Panama City Harbor. As the sun set over the water, the view provided an incredible backdrop for an elegant and meaningful gathering of industry leaders from around the world.

The evening honored outgoing chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, who served as the guest of honor. Ulibarri operates a family farm in Grady, New Mexico, producing sorghum, wheat, forage crops and cattle, while also working as the agribusiness relationship manager at American AgCredit. Ulibarri has served on the Council’s Board of Directors since 2020 and previously served as the chairwoman for USCP in 2020. It was clear from the warm conversations and heartfelt interactions just how much respect and appreciation the organization has for her leadership. Special remarks were also delivered by President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, whose words reflected both gratitude for the past and optimism for the future of the council.

For this event, I kept my setup streamlined and efficient. I photographed the reception with a Nikon Z9 paired with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4. This versatile combination works exceptionally well for smaller events. By switching the Z9 into DX mode, the lens effectively becomes a 35-180mm range, giving me added reach without changing glass. From capturing candid moments across the room, wide group shots, as well as tighter compositions during remarks, this simple setup covers it all.

Lighting was handled with a single Godox V480 mounted on camera, bouncing the flash off the low ceiling to create soft, natural-looking light that complemented the warm ambiance of the space.

It was an honor and a pleasure to document such an important evening. And I am grateful to have been part of it!