Carolina Bride Cover

I'm thrilled to have the cover of the latest edition of Carolina Bride magazine, featuring Columbia's Keri Johnson. The image was created at the statehouse.

Cynthia Pace

Thanks to Cynthia Pace Photography for some amazing images of me and my son. Cynthia is the most gifted children and family photographer I've ever seen. She can bring out the personality of a child as soon as they walk into the studio.

New Color Scheme for Kodak

During a father-son painting session over the weekend, my son, Hunter, decided that the metal and black leather finish on an old Kodak could use a paint scheme.

Charleston

I will be in Charleston on Oct. 22 meeting with brides. If you're interested in setting up an appointment, call our office at 803.796.3839.

Sarah and Mike at Rice Mill

A favorite from Sarah and Mike's wedding, held Friday at Rice Mill in Charleston.

No Need to Fake It

I've been sharing with brides lately about how hiring a photographer who shoots college and pro sports can help produce real moments from their wedding.

I started documenting weddings when I was 14 and at 19, began shooting NASCAR races, NBA games and Clemson and South Carolina football.

So, how does this translate into better images for the bride? I'm glad you asked. Let me share an example.

At many of the weddings I go to, there's usually a moment when the DJ will say out loud to the crowd (just before the bouquet toss), "Okay folks, let's all count to three and then the bride can do a fake throw for the photographer." He will normally do the same for the groom, when he's about to throw the garter.

Right after that, I'll usually walk over to the bride and tell her that she doesn't have to do anything for me. I'll share with her that when she hears three, she can throw the bouquet. No need for a fake toss. In other words, she can do the real thing. I do the same for the groom as well.

This isn't a knock on the DJs. They're just doing what they've been doing for years, believing that they are helping the photographer. Traditionally, wedding photographers ask the bride to fake the toss so that they can capture it.

This is when hiring a wedding photographer with a background in sports can pay off.

Let me explain.





When I'm on the sidelines of a college football game, I can't ask a wide receiver who just caught a touchdown pass to go back and run the play again. I have to be ready. Over the years, as I've grown as a sports photographer, I've been able to apply many of the techniques used with sports into documenting weddings.

The end result for the bride is that when she looks through her book, she'll never have to say to herself, "Wow, this fake shot turned out great."

No.

She'll look at the picture and see a moment that is genuine and her descendants will see a moment that is real as well.

Thanks for visiting!

Big Win

The USC volleyball team celebrates after beating Clemson Friday in Columbia. I haven't shot this sport in almost a year so it's nice to come away with an image like this.

Thanks for taking a look!

Gamecocks in Nashville

It was a good trip to Nashville to photograph the South Carolina-Vanderbilt game. Below are a few favorites.

Thanks for taking a look.

Back in the Swing

For seven months out of the year, I get in touch with my feminine side, photgraphing brides, flowers and favors.

The other five months, I photograph controlled violence.

I've been photographing weddings since I was 14 and shooting college and pro sports since I was 19.

Here are a few from South Carolina vs NC State. Part of my assignment was shooting stills for ESPN.

Thanks for taking a look.

A Few Favorites

With sessions at the statehouse, Governor's Mansion, Presbyterian College and Charleston, just to name a few, it's been a great spring and summer creating bridal portraits.

It's exciting to think about how these brides' great-great grandchildren will one day look at these photographs.

Here are a few favorites.