Charleston’s Dennis Aleksandrov has spent the past eight years honing his photography skills, taking multiple courses in Cozumel, Mexico, to perfect his craft. During that time, he spent two years working for Carnival Cruise Lines, eventually becom- ing the company’s top photog- rapher. Aleksandrov also studied psychology, which he says has been an advantage when it comes to reading his subjects’ moods. “I focus on portraiture work, because capturing human emotion is the most important thing for me,” he says. “I want to build a relationship with the people I photograph so that they become comfortable with me.” Removing any trace of anxiety is his forte. “I know that some people are nervous to be photographed, and I make it a goal of mine to put them at ease so that I am able to capture the truest emotions and moments for them on camera.” Aleksandrov specializes in everything from intimate wedding, engagement and honeymoon sessions to fun family portraits, be it at the beach, in the woods or at home. He also takes pride in his own side projects in addition to collaborations with several photo studios in Charleston.