Deb & Michael

Although Deb & Michael's wedding and reception were at the same locations as last weekend's wedding, it was totally UNIQUE in EVERY way! This just goes to prove my theory that each wedding takes on a life and personality all it's own. That's what I LOVE about what I do. I may cover 50 weddings a year...but I never photograph the same thing twice! :-)

Michael is a Citadel Grad from Bravo Company. So this reflective image of him with his barracks in the background really has special meaning to it. While Deb put on the finishing touches to her makeup, all her bridesmaids waited excitedly to escort her downstairs. The ceremony in Summerall Chapel was touching. And after everyone had left the sanctuary, I got this WONDERFUL silhouette in the open church doorway before Deb & Michael jumped in their stretch SUV limo. Their Reception was at the Citadel Beach House. And with the rich drama unfolding in the twilight sky, we ran out to the beach for a few portraits and some private time for the newlyweds. Then it was back inside to party all night long!!!

Deb & Michael, my wish for you is that your new life together may be a never-ending party: full of fun & excitement, grounded in your love for each other!

See the rest of the images in their Online Gallery...

Pete Sampras vs. Jim Courier Miracle Match

Since someone we know has recently been diagnosed with cancer, I thought it was neat that Cami and I got hired to photograph the Pete Sampras vs. Jim Courier exhibition tennis match benefiting the Miracle Match Foundation and the MUSC Children's Hospital. The event was held at the North Charleston Coliseum this last weekend. Not only was it great tennis...yes, these guys can STILL bring the heat...but it was also entertaining. Pete Sampras, arguably the greatest tennis player ever to have lived, and holder of the most Grand Slam Championships in the history of the sport, is normally a pretty shy guy. So to see him loosen up and have some fun with the crowd was just awesome. This first image was taken at a private Meet & Greet function before the match...what a grin!?! :-) On top of everything else, the entire event was for a fantastic cause. So if the Miracle Match Tour is coming to a town near you, make sure you attend. You'll get a lot for it, and you'll be giving to someone who needs it a lot.

A Trio of 200s

As a member of NPS (Nikon Professional Services), Nikon occasionally loans me their latest products to try out. This weekend they sent me the AMAZING new AFS Nikkor 200mm f2.0 with Vibration Reduction technology. Affectionately known as the "Fat Boy" among pro circles, you can see why in this comparison of three lenses that achieve 200mm focal lengths. The Fat Boy is on the right...duh! With a maximum aperture of 2.0, it's a full stop brighter than my favorite 70-200mm f2.8 zoom on the left. That means it can capture an image in a dimly lit environment that's TWICE as dark as the 70-200mm f2.8 can. For comparison, in the middle I have my wonderful 200-400mm f4.0 zoom. This is my favorite "long glass" or Super Telephoto lens. The Fat Boy can see in an environment that's FOUR times as dark as the 200-400 f4.0 can. Obviously, each piece of equipment has their advantages and disadvantages. But I certainly can say I thoroughly enjoyed playing with this ultra sharp, ultra fast, ultra bright (and ultra heavy) wonder of modern technology. The Fat Boy is the fastest 200mm lens currently produced by ANY camera manufacturer!

Reflections in the Waves

Tara & Matt contacted me from out of town about photographing an Engagement Session for them. Recently engaged, they were VERY MUCH in love. :-) This was one of my favorite images from the session because of the intimate embrace, the serene expression on Tara's face, and their reflection in the glassy surface below.

Matt is an Underwater Fine Art Photographer. Check out some of his AMAZING photos at www.toadpool.com.

Faith

Faith is a longtime client, friend, and kindred spirit of mine. She's an account administrator for Marsh Management Services. She ALSO bakes AMAZING made-from-scratch cookies! I took this shot of her while I was at their office photographing head-shots of their executives. Doesn't she look like a young Bette Midler?

Danielle & Keith

Danielle & Keith were my DREAM BRIDE & GROOM! I was talking to Eddie "L" (their incredible DJ) at the end of the reception and we both agreed that they were two of the nicest people we'd ever worked with!

To start the day off, I photographed Keith and his "entourage" at the Dunes West Country Club where they were getting ready. Then I zipped over to Danielle's house in Dunes West where I was rewarded with this elegant portrait of Danielle relaxing before the Main Event. With Keith being a Citadel Grad, it was fitting that their ceremony took place at Summerall Chapel...complete with sword ceremony! On our way off campus, we stopped by his old barracks to create a couple cool shots like this one of them in the checkered courtyard. The reception was appropriately held at the Citadel Beach House where the beautiful sunset allowed me to capture this contemplative silhouette while they shared a little "alone time" away from the party. With heavy beach-theme decorations, I thought it would be neat to get a unique image of their gorgeous rings on the arm of this starfish.

Danielle & Keith, thanks for putting up with all my CRAZY ideas and being so AWESOME to photograph. When you look at this last photo, remember that a ring is in the form of a circle, with no beginning and no end. May your love for each other be never-ending!

Visit their Online Gallery to see the rest of the photos...

An EXCLUSIVE with Mr. President

WOW! It's not often in one's life that someone can say "I met the most powerful figure in the free world". However I have been BLESSED with just such an honor!

After going through scrutiny and eventual approval by the Secret Service, I was hired by an organization called The First Tee to photograph a private function for their National Trustees at the Ocean Course on the Kiawah Island Resort. Former President of the United States, George Bush, was the guest of honor.

I arrived early to get this shot of the Club House where the fine reception and dinner would take place. All told, there were only about 30 guests in this elite group of golf enthusiasts. As part of the requirements to join included a cool One Million Dollars, I can understand why! But once you were "in", you were "IN". I mean Mr. President was happy to mingle and chat with everyone that could muster up the nerves to shake his hand.

As the setting sun released an explosion of colors all over the sky, I framed this silhouette of Mr. Goodwin, owner of the Kiawah Island Resort, talking to Mr. President on the balcony about the famed Ocean Course that stretched out below them in the fading light. The next morning I returned to photograph a friendly round of golf between all the guests, minus The President who had flown on to New Hampshire at the conclusion of the previous evening's events, on this very same golf course of Ryder Cup fame.

I must say, I feel HUMBLED and HONORED to have been selected to cover this amazing event! Much gratitude to Jennifer Kenwell and her awesome organizational skills, and Carol Curry from the PGA Tour. You ladies ROCK!