"Capturing the Cup"

Our presentation "Capturing the Cup" went GREAT last night. I was so nervous that I had WAY over prepared, plus I didn't anticipate having so many interesting questions...so the program went too long for my liking. But everyone enjoyed it and we had fun sharing what it's like to photograph this great tournament. Many thanks to Mike Saia (Family Circle Cup Communications Manager), Douglas Cunningham (my good friend and fellow photographer), Stacy Pearsall at the Charleston Center for Photography, and all who came out to support us! Here's one of the slideshows we shared during the presentation. Enjoy!

Katie & Adam are Married!

Katie & Adam were married on the beautiful lawn at Bridgeside underneath the majestic shadows of the new Arthur Ravanel Jr. Bridge. What a picturesque location for such an AMAZING couple!!! And their first dance was held on the deck overlooking Charleston Harbor as the sky burst into the vibrant colors of the setting sun behind them. It was a photographer's dream...attractive, super fun couple + scenic location + gorgeous light...I was in heaven! :-) CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Adam...you guys are THE BEST!!!

Bridal Portraits

Recently I've had some really adventurous brides and gotten some GORGEOUS images from their Bridal Shoots. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you. This first one is of Katie, who's beautiful wedding to Adam I just photographed. Enjoy!

Charleston Center for Photography

This coming Monday my good friend Douglas and I will be doing a fun photo presentation at the Charleston Center for Photography on what it's like to cover the Family Circle Cup! There is no charge to attend. And there WILL be prizes! :-) We'd love to have you join us!!!

WHERE: Charleston Center for Photography
654 King Street, Suite D

Charleston, SC 29403
843-577-0647
WHEN: Monday, March 30th at 7:00PM
DETAILS: http://www.ccforp.org/special-second-03302009.html

Jezebel Magazine

Ruth Baker called me the other day to let me know Bobby & Jennifer, her daughter who's wedding I'd photographed, were famous! :-) Kelly, a friend of theirs who was at the wedding LOVED their photos so much she used her contacts in Atlanta to get their photo published in Jezebel Magazine. Here's what the issue looks like, and their photo below. Pick your copy up on the newsstand today!

Rachel & Brandon are Married

I've had so much fun working with Rachel & Brandon over the last six months. Rachel's cousin, Kim, works at the Charleston Regional Business Journal where I've gotten to know her from shooting for them. So I was honored that she recommended us to her cuz! :-) Right away after meeting with Rachel and her Mom, I just KNEW we were cut from the same cloth and were going to have a great time together. Her Bridal Shoot was an AMAZING experience with this truly breath-taking sunset. I was the first to arrive at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on the wedding day...so peaceful...the calm before the storm. As everyone arrived the excitement and electricity in the air began to build. We all had SO MUCH FUN! Pastor Vance did a BEAUTIFUL job and had some excellent words of advice...I hope you guys remember what he said! HA! After a walk on the beach to release some energy and share a private moment, we were off to Alhambra Hall for the REAL party! The Crystal Clear Band really kept the excitement high. As they left under flurry of bubbles, hugging and kissing family and friends along the way, I just felt blessed to have been part of this special day in their lives. Click Here to see their Online Gallery. CONGRATULATIONS Rachel & Brandon!

Whitney & Logan

I met with Whitney & Logan this morning to talk about their wedding. They were just so cute together, all "lovey-dovey" and everything, that I couldn't resist grabbing this candid shot. :-) I'm SO EXCITED that they've selected us to capture all the special moments of their Big Day!

First Place Prize

Esque, an amazing fine-art lab we LOVE (and highly recommend) held a photo contest with the theme of depicting "My Town". Here's one of the images I submitted to represent the Charleston that I'm so proud to call my home. It won FIRST PLACE!!!

Brett Schauff of Esque writes "CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Smith and his image "Hazy Dusk over Charleston Harbor" for being voted the winner of the first Esque photo contest. Julie Williams and her image 'The Splendor of God's Fury' came in a very close 2nd. Thank you to all who entered. Also a very special thank you to our judges, Carlos Baez, Corey McNabb, Kevin Kubota, Jeff Wendling and Tyffany Wendling."

Josh & Rindy are In Love

I had an AWESOME engagement shoot with Rindy & Josh at Boone Hall Plantation! Check out a few of my favorites here...then jump to their Online Gallery to see the rest.

Technology is AMAZING!

I just HAD to share this with you all. :-) Many thanks to David Jay. It's hilarious and ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!

Erin & Evan at The Citadel

Their wedding day might have been a little overcast. But their celebration was full of sunshine! Erin & Evan are MARRIED!!! :-) They tied the knot at Summerall Chapel on The Citadel Campus. The reception was at the Historic Francis Marion Hotel. Erin & Evan were referrals from Robbie & Kelli Irvin and Matt & Tara Sullivan, who's weddings I photographed as well. So a big shout out goes to these guys for sending me such a fun couple in Erin & Evan. You guys were so much fun to work with. And you TOTALLY deserve each other! CONGRATULATIONS...

Las Vegas

Last week I had an AMAZING time photographing the Catersource Event Solutions Conference in Las Vegas. I was honored to be part of a team of 4 incredible photographers...Alex Quijano, Matthew Glac, Gary Coleman, and moi. We established a wonderful chemistry right off the bat and all complimented each other so well with each of us having our unique strengths that fit together like a finely-tuned sports team. We also discovered what an internationally diverse group we were...Alex being born in Mexico, Matthew in Poland, Gary in the US, and Me in Congo. We hit the ground at full speed and were on a full-court press the entire week. But it was a BLAST and we all had a great time!!!

Gary, Matthew, and I...self portrait with D3 & 14-24 f2.8

Selecting a color gel for my SB-900
Photographing one of the guests at the Spotlight Awards

Rough life but someone's got to do it ;-)

Some of the other photographers...Matthew in the front

Dragging my shutter during the energetic entertainment

Nan, my friend Gary, and Tina with lighted party favorsBase of operations for editing...Gary & I in the middle

Nikon 90th Anniversary

Here's a little shameless promotion of the company that makes my job as an artist so effortless. I've been shooting Nikon gear since back in the stone age...er...I mean film age. :-)