Chrissie Zartman

This past summer, I was lucky enough to be the official photographer of the AVP Charleston Open professional beach volleyball tournament. Several of my images were picked up by Sports Illustrated for an article they wrote about Chrissie Zartman. Well, the AVP has also written a story about her, using our photos. Click here to check it out. This rising star is REALLY starting to turn heads!

Kate & Ryan

Kate & Ryan's wedding day started out with her getting ready at historic Charleston Place. Once she was ready to go, she and Ryan shared their "First Glance" together in a private suite. They embraced, she told him how excited she was that their big day had arrived, and he let her know how absolutely beautiful she was. It was a wonderful moment as they enjoyed the calm before the storm! :-) We then met the rest of the family at Waterfront Park to photograph all the portraits before the ceremony. They were married at the Circular Congregational Church, downtown. Since we'd already taken all the family photos, they were able to immediately take off in a carriage ride while the guests cheered them on. I got this shot of them in front of the Riviera Theater, with their names on the marquee in the background. The historic theater had been converted into a gorgeous dining hall for their reception. The fantastic day concluded with lots of fellowship, laughter, music, and dancing...all in all a PERFECT wedding day for a PERFECT couple!!! Click here to see the rest of their photos...

Perspective

It's been several weeks since I've had a chance to write on the Blog. Cami & I have just been SLAMMED with the "Christmas Rush". But I'll get back to update you soon on some REALLY COOL events we've photographed recently! In the meantime, Norma Mackenzie, an old friend from my high-school days at TASOK, shared this with me. It really puts the world into perspective! Enjoy...

Corporate Marketing

I met Mark & Patricia through my good friend Sean Templeton, who I play tennis with. They were looking to put together some new, top-of-the-line marketing material for their real estate company. The agency they decided to use was Hobbs Herder. And they selected US to create the photography. Once they had turned in their photos, their agent wrote back and had this to say: "I have attached PDFs of your team marketing materials with all your photos placed. Don’t they look great? Your photographer did a terrific job!" It was a pleasure getting to know Mark & Patricia, and working with them towards a common goal. We wish you guys all the success in the world!

The Art Institute of Charleston

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!!!

Ashley & Jeremy

Ashley & Jeremy couldn't have timed their wedding any better, as cooler fall weather finally rolled in to Charleston last weekend for their BEAUTIFUL outdoor affair at Middleton Place! Ashley wore a STUNNING wedding gown with deep red accents that matched her bridesmaids' dresses and was accentuated by her bouquet of red roses. Jeremy and the guys had red boutonnieres setting off the classic lines of their tuxes. And the three ADORABLE flower girls wore wreaths of baby's breath and red rose buds.

Every detail was planned to perfection, which made the day go smooth as silk. There were settings for a tender kiss, a knowing glance, or a heartfelt hug that made time seem to stand still...even for just a moment. But the overall atmosphere of joy and excitement was so genuine and pure that when it came time for Ashley & Jeremy to take their Limo ride to their honeymoon suite at the Middleton Inn, I could hardly believe it was already over! I followed them to the room to get a couple final images of the newlyweds placing the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door (wink,wink) and relaxing on their bed, which was beautifully decorated with...you guessed it...red rose pedals. Visit their Online Gallery to see the rest of their images...

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley & Seth!

A Ten-Year-Old in a Grown Man's Body

Whenever I'm goofing off or get a little too excited about the little things in life, Cami is fond of saying "you're just a ten-year-old in a grown man's body!" :-) I actually take it as a compliment since I believe it's important to maintain one's joi-de-vive and enjoy each new day like the gift that it IS!

Last week I had a chance to REALLY feel like a kid as I had the pleasure of photographing the ARBC preschool portraits again this year! I've been lucky enough to see some pretty incredible things in my life...from the rolling hills of Ireland to the jagged crevices of the Grand Canyon, the lush rain forests of Costa Rica to the savanna grasslands of Africa. But I tell you, NOTHING can lift your spirits like the dimpled grin of an innocent little girl!

This is my young friend, Kayce. Isn't she ADORABLE?!?