Charleston Photographer Reflects on BILD Expo: Fresh Posing Techniques and Creative Growth
Photographers gathered in Manhattan for a Nikon-sponsored photo walk led by Preston Luke, where he demonstrated posing techniques in real time.
As a Charleston family, senior and branding photographer, I’m always looking for new inspiration and creative growth. In June, I traveled to New York City for the 2025 BILD Expo, sponsored by B&H, to learn from some of the world’s top photographers, explore new gear that might elevate my work, and spend time with family and friends.
Pausing Business to Grow
Running a photography business can be demanding. The session is just one part—most of the work happens behind the scenes—editing, emailing, marketing, and planning, I spend most of my time in front of a computer. And weekends? At least for me, they’re workdays. It’s easy to fall into routine, which is why stepping away now and then can be the best thing for your creativity.
This two-day convention was exactly the reset I needed. Plus, I got to reconnect with my photography friends—five of us from our 2021 mastermind were there! When you work for yourself, community is everything. We all share ideas, wins, and insights with each other constantly.
On the first day, I arrived early with my friend Cheryl for the opening keynote by Cristina Mittermeier, renowned National Geographic photographer. The room was packed, so we were directed to the overflow room with hundreds of fellow photographers like me, all excited for some inspiration!
How the BILD Expo Is Shaping My Work in Charleston
With a packed schedule of talks, demos, and hands-on learning, the BILD Expo was more than inspiring—it offered practical tips, fresh ideas, and reminders I’ve already started weaving into my photo sessions.
Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier – Between Two Worlds Cristina shared how storytelling begins with empathy. Her underwater photography and images from remote Indigenous communities were deeply moving—reminding us that photographs can shift perspective and spark connection. She spoke about the responsibility photographers have to truly get to know and understand the people we photograph. That message stuck with me—because that connection is what helps me create images that feel meaningful and real. She also reminded us that we’re all part of one larger community, and with that comes a shared responsibility to protect and care for it.
Cristina—one of the most-followed female photographers in the world and co-founder of SeaLegacy—continues to show that empathy and storytelling are powerful forms of leadership. I brought home her book Hope—a book I will return to often.
Matthew Jordan Smith – Remembering Your "Why" This talk reminded me why I fell in love with photography. It started with my kids—capturing quiet moments and milestones like first steps. That passion grew as I began photographing others and realized how much I love making people feel beautiful and seen. It’s easy to drift toward trends or business goals, but staying close to that original purpose—creating authentic moments and genuine connection—is what keeps my work meaningful and fulfilling.
Enjoying the 2025 BILD Expo in NYC with some of my favorite photographer friends.
Met Wedding Photographer, Educator and Nikon Ambassador Jerry Ghionis with my friend Cheryl K
Preston Luke – 60-Second Posing Mastery Preston’s rapid-fire photo walk was packed with posing techniques I can’t wait to use in upcoming sessions. His approach helps clients feel comfortable and confident while capturing a variety of fun, flattering poses. These new prompts and techniques will be especially helpful for high school and college seniors during their portrait sessions here in Charleston.
Jerry Ghionis – Deconstructing Posing and the Art of Evoking Emotion "Don't wait for the moment—make the moment." His focus on lighting, framing, and breaking the pose to capture emotion aligned perfectly with how I love to work—finding magic in those in-between moments and taking charge to create something meaningful.
Kenneth Hines Jr. – Efficient Editing for Natural Lighting and Scott Kelby's How to Use Lightroom & Photoshop's AI Features Both Kenneth's and Scott's Lightroom discussions provided helpful tips for enhancing mood without over-editing. With AI now, it's so easy to over edit, but my work focuses on real moments and real scenes. These techniques will help me refine my process while staying true to my natural, true-to-color style.
Benjamin Von Wong - Pushing the Boundaries of Creative Work Benjamin discussed using the framework of Ikigai—what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. His talk really got me thinking. Staying true to what lights you up—your ideal clients and your personal passion projects—is what brings real fulfillment. For me, that means working with high school and college seniors, couples celebrating surprise proposals, business owners building their brands, and families marking meaningful milestones. I also love documenting special events—it’s all about connection, celebration, and capturing the energy of the moment. (More on my passion project below.)
Photographers in action during Preston Luke’s 60-Second Posing Challenge at the 2025 BILD Expo. This high-energy photo walk gave us quick, practical ideas for natural posing.
Preston Luke at his posing workshop. His teaching was full of energy, real-world takeaways.
New Gear & Tools for Charleston Sessions
The expo floor featured 250+ brands. I came away with tools and ideas that will help me work more efficiently and deliver polished results—while staying true to the natural, true-to-color style my Charleston clients love. Whether I’m photographing a high school senior or a local entrepreneur, these updates make a real difference.
Evoto AI Editing Software – Streamlines post-production while preserving my natural color style. Perfect for things like glare on eyeglasses, blemishes, and flyaways. My goal is always to enhance without overdoing it—see examples in my senior portraits portfolio.
Adobe Tethering – Great for personal branding shoots! Who doesn't want feedback immediately? With this tool, photos load directly to my laptop so clients can see their images right away and feel that confidence boost.
OSMO Pocket 3 – I’m still learning this tool, but I’m excited to start adding video to my sessions. Still photography freezes the beauty of a single moment, but short video clips bring movement and presence. Paired together, they tell a richer story—perfect for branding sessions, senior portraits, and milestone events.
Nikon Z8 + 180-600mm Lens – I’m so excited about this upgrade! I now shoot with two fantastic cameras. The Z8’s high resolution and advanced focus modes are perfect for both portraits and nature. And wow—the 180–600mm lens is heavy, but the reach is incredible. It’s already opening up new possibilities for my Lowcountry wildlife work.
On my shopping list: Spider Holster – I tried this on at the expo, and as someone who carries two heavy cameras on a harness, this felt like a game changer. It’s like a tool belt that takes the weight off your back—something I didn’t know I needed until I felt the difference. Perfect for long outdoor sessions and nature walks when comfort and mobility make all the difference.
The “Photographers for the Planet” panel featured inspiring voices in storytelling and conservation (left to right: Lauren Walsh, Ami Vitale. Cristina Mittermeier and Frans Lanting)
Benjamin Von Wong’s talk about Ikigai—was a powerful reminder to stay aligned with purpose.
Vision & Impact: A Day With Photography’s Changemakers
Grateful for a moment with Cristina Mittermeier—an inspiring leader with global reach.
Day two featured a lineup of speakers—many with ties to National Geographic—whose work goes far beyond photography. They use their cameras not just to create beautiful images, but to educate, advocate, and spark change—bringing attention to urgent issues like climate, culture, conflict, and conservation. Each presentation was shown on a massive movie theater screen, creating an immersive experience that transported you.
What stood out even more than their talent was their humility. Despite their success and large followings, each speaker spoke with clarity, intention, and a deep sense of purpose.
Keith Ladzinski shared what it takes to find and tell meaningful stories, including the calculated risks that come with it. His storm chasing series actually made me want to head to the Midwest and try it myself—I've come to realize that I am an adventurer when with my camera. If I had to choose, I'd prefer to chase storms and capture the power of Mother Nature (but safely!) than sit on a beach with a book.
Photographers for the Planet: Storytelling to Save Our World This panel featured Frans Lanting (National Geographic Photographer), Cristina Mittermeier (Photographer and Conservationist), Ami Vitale (National Geographic Photographer), and Lauren Walsh (Documentary Photographer).
I’ve watched Frans Lanting’s nature photography videos (and love his voice), so it was a treat to see him in person. He spoke about making a difference in your own backyard and using imagery to highlight a cause—you don’t need to travel far to find a passion project. I really related to Ami, who shared something that surprised me: she’s an introvert. But she explained how she comes alive with her camera, fully focused on the work. I feel the same way—my camera transforms me. And I’ll admit it: I take charge like a director on set, all in the name of getting that perfect shot.
Chris Burkard He energized the crowd with his personality and love of life and adventure. He shared tips on composition, use of color, and storytelling—with the goal of creating timeless photography.
Lynsey Addario She moved me to tears with her raw, courageous work from war and conflict zones, whose images have been used to show truths during war.
Beyond the Expo: A Personal and Creative Recharge
I went for the expo but stayed to visit with family and friends and explore with my camera—from NYC streets to sunrise at a Long Island beach!
Street Photography Inspiration I spent a couple of days walking the city with friends and cameras in hand—exploring, observing, and chasing light. Luckily, we missed the record-setting 101-degree heat wave that rolled in the following week.
The fog on day one gave the skyline a moody, cinematic feel—the tops of buildings disappearing into the sky. We wandered through Wall Street, Grand Central, Bryant Park, the NYC Library, and took the ferry to DUMBO (Brooklyn), where we stumbled upon Photoville’s outdoor exhibits. Artists had their large-scale photos displayed on the sides of shipping containers lining the open walkways. Some exhibits were playful, others powerful and emotional. It felt like an open-air gallery—one that invited us to pause and see the world through a different set of eyes.
Coming from Charleston, where our tallest building is just over 200 feet, the scale of New York is always impressive. The buzz of people on the go, the layers of movement and life—it all makes me want to stand still and wait for the moment, just as Henri Cartier-Bresson once did.
These moments—layered city scenes, ordinary beauty, quick glances—are the kinds of things I love to photograph just for myself. You’ll find more of that side of my work—birds, blooms, quiet corners, and creative experiments—on my personal Instagram, @amyeileenhill.
Family Time I moved to Charleston in August 2021 and miss being able to see my immediate family and close friends as often as I used to when I lived in New York. This trip gave me the opportunity to spend time with family, enjoy great meals, and reconnect. I made a promise to myself—no editing, no work, just time to enjoy and recharge.
Early Morning Bird Photography On my final day, I woke at 4 AM and headed to Nickerson Beach—a place I visited every summer when I lived in New York, though back then I wasn’t yet a “birder.” I must have walked by the nesting areas countless times and never noticed.
Seeing the familiar yellow lifeguard stands brought back memories of my kids jumping off them at sunset, long after the lifeguards had gone home. The early wake-up was so worth it—and I wasn’t alone. Dozens of birders were already there, quietly watching the nesting terns.
I was excited to use my new Nikon Z 180–600mm lens—an upgrade from the older one I’d used for years to photograph my kids on the soccer and lacrosse fields. I still get a little giddy with those “ooh and ahh” moments when I capture something special. Birds are endlessly beautiful to me—graceful and free, yet fiercely protective of their young.
Dinner with my family in New York City
Black skimmers at sunrise on Nickerson Beach. More from this morning at the end of the post.
Exploring NYC with my camera. More street photography at the end of the post.
How BILD Learnings Are Enhancing My Photo Sessions
The 2025 BILD Expo reminded me that great photography happens when preparation meets creativity. I came home with new ideas, sharper tools, and a clear focus on how to elevate every session I photograph.
Here’s what that means for my Charleston clients:
Fresh posing techniques that help seniors feel relaxed and confident
Creative prompts that bring out personality and connection
Streamlined editing, which means faster gallery delivery
More intentional use of light, framing, and composition
Short-form video add-ons will soon be available for branding, senior, and family sessions—I’m learning a new tool to add movement alongside stills
Inspired by Nature
The expo also brought clarity to a personal project I’ve been developing—a photo series focused on Lowcountry wildlife and landscapes. My dream is to turn it into a book, and I’ve started pulling images from my Exploring the Lowcountry gallery to shape what it could become.
In a city that’s both a vacation destination and a new home for many, I think it’s important to recognize and document the natural spaces that make this region unique. Hearing from the National Geographic photographers pushed me to think more deeply about how imagery can bring attention to what surrounds us every day.
It also reminded me how valuable it is to have a long-term personal project—curating a focused gallery, spotting the gaps, and slowly building a stronger visual narrative. It’s a steady process, but it keeps me growing creatively and staying connected to the kind of work that moves me most.
Light, Color, and Connection
Photography has changed how I see. I pay closer attention to how light moves, how people carry themselves, and how color and contrast affect the mood of an image. I enjoy helping people feel confident and delivering work they’re excited to share and hold onto.
Listening to world-class photographers reminded me that we share a similar mindset: keep learning, keep showing up, with the goal of creating something timeless.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Whether you're a high school or college senior, a business owner ready to elevate your brand, or a family looking to create something meaningful—I’d love to bring your ideas to life. Explore more about each session type below:
Charleston Senior Photography Sessions - Confident, true-to-you portraits that celebrate a milestone year.
Family Photography in Charleston - Honest, connection-driven sessions with the people who matter most.
Couples & Engagement Photography - Images that reflect your relationship and connection.
Personal Branding Photography in Charleston- Professional photos that highlight your work and personality.
About Amy
Amy is a lifestyle photographer based in Charleston, SC, known for her true-to-color editing style and easygoing, thoughtful approach. She works with couples, families, seniors, and business owners to create meaningful images that reflect real life and authentic connection. Amy serves Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, the greater Lowcountry, and the New York Metro Area.
Contact me to schedule your Charleston photo session—we’ll talk through your goals and reserve your date.
At the Ferry Station on the way to DUMBO
From City Streets to Sunrise Shores: My favorite captures from the trip—straight from my personal camera to you.
Scroll through this gallery for a mix of NYC street photography and Long Island birdwatching—every image captured with curiosity and purpose. From bold architectural shapes and layered city scenes to early mornings with black skimmers, these photos reflect the way I notice light, color, and contrast when I shoot simply for the love of seeing.
