Wedding + Trash The Dress Friday, February 29, 2008 - Weddings
Last year I captured Midori and Ryan's wedding. I promised the Newberry High School photography class that I would share some of the photographs from her Trash the Dress Session. After the wedding brides dawn on their gown once again, however this time shooting in various settings that typically wedding dresses would never dare to go. Midori is an unique and special individual. She has been a black belt karate champion, class valedictorian of her high school, graduated one year early, Captain of the Cheerleading Squad, Miss Teen Georgia in 1998 and fast forward to the present teaches Bible in Anderson County. Definitely a well rounded and gifted bride.
Midori and Ryan were married at Clemson University. The Trash the Dress Session was photographed weeks later at Looking Glass Fall in Brevard, NC.
Trash The Dress Session
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From National to Hometown Speaker Friday, February 29, 2008 - Speaking
Last year I had speaking engagements in Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, but nothing was more exciting than to be welcomed back to my old high school. Newberry High School implemented a photography class, so I drove down on Tuesday from Greenville to share ideas and hopefully inspire young minds. I shared photographs, stories, and even spoke about young photographers. Like Sarah Anne Barlow. Sarah is cousins with the Christian Rock Group Barlow Girl. I was pleased to learn some of the students were present in Columbia to see Barlow Girl at WinterJam. You seee Sarah Anne started her photography business at the age of 17. Now at the age of 20, she is well traveled and her business takes her all over the world. Noone should ever put limits on another person. I love the show LOST, and one of it's characters John Locke. His line "Don't tell me what I can't do!", is an inspirational line for anyone who is struggling with hurdles and others who disbelieve. I can't wait to go back and speak to Ms. Cole's photography class and next time we are going to make it a photography field trip. Go Bulldogs!!!!!
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Ines Del Mar Monday, February 25, 2008 - Publications
Having your work being selected for publication is always an honor and when Ines Del Mar Wedding Magazine asked me to shoot the front cover I was more then thrilled. Vera Wang provided the gown from her newest collection and we headed to Sullivan's Island. The magazine wanted a different layout for the shoot and asked for shots done horizontally. However, because of the details on the back of the gown I couldn't resist some vertical shots as well. For example, the one of the model running down the beach. As always I had a wonderful time and it was great working with everyone to get this magazine cover done.
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Cali + Shawn Thursday, February 21, 2008 - Engagements
Cali & Shawn reside in Nashville but have planned a beautiful and intimate wedding on Edisto Island. I truly get excited every time a bride and groom select me as their wedding photographer. Plus traveling always adds an element of enthusiasm. Cali and Shawn met through a mutual love for cycling. I informed them that Greenville, SC was actually voted #2 in the US for cycling. With the rolling hills and beauty of North Greenville's mountains, especially in the fall, gives this sport a perfect home. I had the honor of photographing George Hincapi at a speaking engagement at BMW USA. Learning of his struggles and triumphs while riding with Lance armstrong was motivational. The more I write here the more I feel the need to purchase a nifty bike. Maybe Cali and Shawn will give me a few ideas. Anyway here are a few photographs from the shoot in Nashville, TN.
As it got dark I asked them to sit on this bench. The final result appears to be an ad saying, "Call now and you can find true love like Cali and Shawn".
If shot correctly night photography can project romance. Notice how it's not anything Cali and Shawn are trying to project, but more of the setting and atmosphere.
My favorite!!!!
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Jimmy V Foundation Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - Personal
I am a sports fanatic. I love playing as well as watching. There are some moments in sports that just are undefinable like the New York Giants beating the New England Patriots and "The Catch" simply remarkable. Life and sports can easily be linked and talked about in the same sentence, and I don't think I have ever heard a Coach or player talk so intimately than Jimmy Valvano giving us his speech at the ESPY's. Jimmy V. coached NC State and led a Cinderella Team to a National Championship. I remember as a boy watching the game and being awestruck at the last second shot. I thought it was goaltending at first until I watched the replay over and over. Needless to say Jimmy V. is a great coach. Later in his career he was fighting cancer and was honored by ESPN and received the Arthur Ashe award. At the ESPY's he gave his "Don't give up. Don't ever give up." speech. It touched my soul. Deep inside I saw a man who was stripped of the world's heavy burdens, and what you see is the man himself. His words are filled with wisdom and a purity. His words are simple and not complex' yet they speak volumes. I have made his quote of "If you laugh, you think, and you cry that's a full day. That's a heck of a day." the official quote of the business. There are so many emotions that a bride and groom experience on their wedding day and documenting this day is something I am honored to do. For the newlyweds, friends or family to look back on these moments a month after or for generations to come I know that this life event is something that is truly significant. .
Jimmy V. passed a little over a month after giving this speech. His will was mighty and his speech was poetic. The Jimmy V Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives by helping to find a cure against cancer. I have spoken to the organization and we will be donating a significant amount of funds to them through future campaigns. I will keep everyone posted on this in the upcoming months so that everyone can get involved.
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New Year's Resolutions Monday, February 11, 2008 - Personal
Not only do I want to talk business here I also would like to share personal struggles, and triumphs that I may be going through. Mainly because I want my boys to be able to look back and get a glimpse into the past. I do keep a personal handwritten journal as well, and in January I decided to write my 2008 New Years Resolutions and here they are:
1) Challenge my Faith and Grow Spiritually.
2) Be Happy
3) Raise Money for the Jimmy V. Foundation
4) Pass a sense of wisdom to my boys
5) Build Business to Business Relationships
6) Blog it Up!
7) Birthday Cards for Everyone
8) Give Back to the Community
So far so good. I am making strides in all these thus far. If you haven't documented your Resolutions I challenge you to do so and if you have a blog or myspace post them up. I think a visual reminder of our desired accomplishments or goals aspire us and keeps us focused.
Newsletter Templates for Mac Sunday, February 3, 2008 - Store
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Thank you for visiting my blog. My name is Charles Bordner and am a wedding photojournalist residing in Greenville, SC. I had a client call me "The Nicholas Sparks of Wedding Photography", seeing how I photograph eastern coastal weddings I don't think I have ever been paid a nicer comment. Some time later I had the pleasure of meeting Nicholas Sparks and what a moment of affirmation and approval. A female associate of his said, "Wow, I wish my daughter was getting married." I truly am blessed to be a wedding photojournalist and am honored to photograph these significant moments in peoples' lives. To embrace these moments and to naturally document them is my life's work.
Once I got back from Okinawa it was back at work and LaCour asked that I come down to Atlanta to be a guest speaker. Who better to be a guest at "The Business of Storytelling Workshop" than The Storyteller himself. Remind you, Okinawa was still fresh on my mind at the workshop, and unknowingly I must have told one to many stories to my good friend Eric Laurits. So as I write and post these wonderful photographs of Okinawa I can here Eric laughing wherever he may be.
One night my mom paid me a visit and though she enjoys a glass of wine prior to bed, she must have had one to many. While half asleep, I heard my mother murmuring downstairs. I slowly came down the stairs, sat and listened in. What I was about to hear truly broke my heart. She was talking to her mother, apologizing for not being in Okinawa at her funeral. She repeatedly cried, "I'm sorry mama...I'm sorry". Hearing your mother cry I must say is the hardest things ever. She apologized for leaving Okinawa and I had no idea my mom had these feelings. So the next day I pulled out the credit card and bought tickets for my mom, Jonah, and myself. At first she hesitated and exclaimed she didn't want to go. But I think she was ready to face the past.
Once we arrived in Okinawa my Uncle, Kiyoshi, quickly grabbed our bags and settled us into his lovely home. Graced with beautiful hardwood floors and custom cabinetry we rested while Kiyoshi went back to work to take care of a few details. After a 23 hour flight an exhale was much needed. After a few hours, Kiyoshi came back and we all went to pick up my Aunt Kiyoko and Cousin Miko. Unaware of where we were going, we stopped at the grocery store and picked up snacks that I later learned were my grandmother's favorite. You see we were on our way to pay tribute to my Grandmother Gushiken Kamado. I had no idea we were going to visit the grave so quickly. I could tell my mother was nervous, but with everyone elated to see her and much catching up to do, there was no time to dwell on her apprehension. We got to the grave and drank tea from cups that were at the grave. Kiyoshi left the snacks there for his mom and they did a customary bow and tribute to my Grandmother. After leaving I could tell a huge burden came off my mother's shoulders. You see my Grandmother had cancer and my mother had a choice. Did she want to see her mom while living or go to the funeral. Of course I think any of us would choose to see our loved ones prior to passing. So my mom made the right decision in going, but needless to say she needed to put her mother to rest. I left Okinawa early because I had a wedding, but before I left my mom hugged me and said that this was the best vacation she ever had.
My Uncle Kiyoshi praying at my Grandmother's Grave. We were told that 300 people came to her funeral.
Shurijo Castle
Shurijo scaled model
Shurijo is filled with relics from the past. Here is an Emperor's crown.
We also visited Churaumi Aquarium
These sea worms are the coolest creatures ever.
The gardens were spectacular. Oh and by the way if you by any chance get to Okinawa, be sure to buy the Brown Sugar Ice Cream at Churaumi!!!
Amazon Lilly Pads
Koi at slow shutter speeds
We also visited the Gyokusendo cave.
We found a family owned breakfast and lunch diner. Every morning consisted of eggs. pork, rice, and kiwi.
A butterfly from my Uncle's garden.
Using cellphones in Japan is very popular. Here is my Uncle taking a picture outside a famous cave on IE Jima Island. He also used his mobile phone to translate English.
IE Jima's Coastline
After sight seeing we would hit various beaches. I think my favorite was Hamahiga. It wasn't too far out of the way and it was quaint and the people were very polite. Here is a picture of Jonah along the Hamahiga shore.
Eke Beach was my second favorite it is slightly crowded but the Ocean is spectacular. I have some video that hopefully turned out okay. I'll see if I can't post it later this month. Here's a silhouette of Jonah looking at the gorgeous view.
Jonah took a lot of video but managed to take this photo of his dad. What do you think? Is he the next Storyteller?
My cousin Miko and her mother Kiyoko
Don't forget to take off your shoes!
Breathtaking Sunsets!
Before I close out this post I want to tell people about my Aunt Emiko and her husband Kazumi. Emiko whom you see here in a wheelchair has one of the most inspiring stories in our family. As a child Emiko went to a christian church. Growing up in Japan in the 1940's and going to a Christian based church must have been uncommon, and judging that she was the only Christian at that time in the family I would say she was unique. Well years ago Emiko was in a coma and my mother flew to Okinawa to see her before the doctors cut off the devices which were assisting her. I truly believe at this moment God was going to show Emiko what faith and dedication were all about. The day before the doctors were planning on giving up on Emiko she miraculously came to life, but the glory from this story comes from when she woke up. Emiko opened her eyes after years of being in a coma on Easter Sunday. A direct message from God and to all that know Emiko. She is a special woman and am so proud of her steadfast love for God. She is a walking testimonial in Okinawa of what true faith means.
Her husband Kazumi is a great man who has stood along side her. I watch him put eye droplet medication in her eyes. This is done daily. Also the tenderness and compassion he shows for his wife is so commendable. Taking care of her yet enjoying Emiko's company even at her delicate state is a true love story.
