Event Photography | For a Good Paws 2023
This past weekend I had the chance to photograph my first event held at The Beacon venue on the rooftop of The Chamberlain building in uptown Corpus Christi. The Gulf Coast Humane Society wanted an event photographer for their “For a Good Paws” event and reached out to me through my photography donation page. I was more than happy to provide event photography for an organization as beneficial to our community as the Gulf Coast Humane Society. We heard from Corpus Christi mayor Paulette Guajardo about the steps the City of Corpus Christi is taking to help prevent animal cruelty while also stemming the stray animal problems seen throughout many neighborhoods. Ashley Gonzalez (KIII-TV Sports Anchor/Reporter) also talked about her experiences working with the Gulf Coast Humane Society professionally as well as the adoption process she underwent personally to adopt her new best friend after moving to Corpus Christi from the Rio Grande Valley.
Regarding Corpus Christi venues with a view, The Beacon would be my winning pick. Nested atop The Chamberlain building on the bluff in uptown Corpus Christi, The Beacon comes with a 180-degree view of downtown Corpus Christi - from the existing Harbor Bridge all the way around to the other uptown office buildings. It truly gives you an experience that no other existing venue can provide. All of that open-air experience does create a few challenges regarding event photography. Thankfully the event space is shaded by late afternoon, however, the view beyond the space remains brightly lit during the golden hour making balancing your subjects and the background difficult (but possible.) The other hiccup that the event started with was 30 mph winds. Luckily, before the sun went down, however, the winds dropped to nothing and it turned into an absolutely amazing evening. Truly, nothing beats enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Corpus Christi as afternoon turns to dusk and then to night.
And then, let’s talk about the four-legged friends that were making the rounds looking for their next furever home. Throughout the evening, volunteers with GCHS were walking some of their adoption-available dogs around (while trying to keep the hounds from grabbing snacks off the tables!) Each of the pups was so excited to be surrounded by dog lovers and they put on their best attitude while stealing as many pets and ‘good-dog’ compliments as they could. This is what the evening was all about: raising funds to help animals in need throughout the coastal bend whether through voluntary surrenders, an animal food pantry, low & no cost spay and neutering programs, and more. The GCHS helps extend the effectiveness of Corpus Christi’s animal control with humane measures meant to prevent animal abuse and neglect, and I couldn’t say no to an organization like that.
