The Art Institute of Charleston had their Grand Opening Gala last week with appropriate fanfare. As a photographer, seeing a creative institution like A.I. open a new branch in my hometown is very exciting. Thanks to the referral from my good friend and fellow photographer, Gary Coleman, I had the privilege of photographing the event. Mayor Joe Riley gave a wonderful speech and cut the ceremonial ribbon. In this image, he was telling a joke that brought a smile to the president of A.I., seen chuckling in the background. Throughout the evening, guests got a kick out of our Shoot-to-Screen technology. As I walked around taking photos of the dignitaries and guests in attendance, the images were wirelessly transmitted to the state-of-the-art flat-screen monitors in the lobby and automatically inserted into a “live” continual slide show of the evening.
I had a great time meeting and talking to some of the students enrolled in the Photographic Imaging Bachelor of Fine Arts program, who were also taking photos. And I even got an invitation from Howard Katz, Academic Director of Art & Design, to come speak to the students. Since I LOVE sharing my passion for photography, I’m looking forward to the opportunity!!!