Autumn in DC

I was able to get out this weekend and take some pictures around the Washington, DC area. I ended up visiting Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in Fairfax County after spending some time at Great Falls National Park. My trip to the preserve resulted in one solid image.

The waterfall at the nature preserve is less than a mile walk from the parking area off of Georgetown Pike. The first 2/3 of the walk is easy, but the end you go up and over a fairly steep hill that is covered in stone and not the easiest surface to walk on. I was lucky to come to the preserve on a nice sunday day and when the trees were in full autumn color.

Some other autumn shots can be found here.

How abstract is too abstract?

I was tooling around with my camera a while back and created a shot that I find interesting.

I’m developing an interest in abstract shots.  Sometimes it’s a known subject from an abstract angle.  Others it’s random items from a strange perspective. And sometimes it’s an unidentifiable item from a ridiculous perspective.

Can you tell what it is?

12 Significant Photos: #4 – Dawn at the Capitol

The day after Christmas in Washington, DC was both cold and quiet. I took my wife to work early in the morning so that we could get on the road out of town after her shift. Her shift started before sunrise, so I was able to get to the Capitol before it was light.

There were not many people around. Just a men’s group out for a morning walk. I decided that I would take some shots of the Capitol from front (west front, sun behind) and center.

The reflecting pool in front was partially frozen, creating a unique reflection that ranged from mirrored to blurred. The sun rose behind the Capitol Building and lit up the sky and the reflection. The resulting shot is one of my favorites that might be out of place as #4 in my list.

The U.S. Capitol, located in Washington, DC, at sunrise in December 2008.

Inspiring Photographer – Flemming Bo Jensen

“Imitation is sincerest form of flattery.” A common quote that might not be the best description of my relationship to another photographer’s work, could fit in this case. But I’d be the 7 year old stumbling to do my best interpretation.

Opera House After the Storm - Flemming Bo Jensen

I first came across the photography of Flemming Bo Jensen (Denmark) about 3 or 4 years ago. He used the same photo hosting site as me. I was inspired both by his work and his ability to present it in a simple and clean manner. Over time we shared short email communication; usually me asking for some help in understanding how to display my own work. He was always willing to give his thoughts and I have to credit his support for the current web layout of my own photos.

Sunset from King's Garden - Flemming Bo Jensen

Flemming Bo Jensen is a world traveler that captures landscape and architecture in a spectacular way. His ability to combine lighting, mood, and composition is second to none. He creates photographs worthy of the highest of accolades.  It is this ability to capture light that I try to replicate. Never to the same level of precision.

Deep Dawn Colors of Namibian Desert - Flemming Bo Jensen

It is Flemming Bo Jensen’s approach to photography and approachability as one with a common interest that makes it easy to applaud his work. While this post doesn’t begin to do his work justice, I hope that it’s an introduction to some new eyes. All of Flemming Bo Jensen’s work can be seen by visiting his website.

Lesser Known Places – A.N.C.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery is one of the lesser known “landmarks” in the Washington, DC area. Its unique architecture and white stone make it an interesting photography subject.

Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA)

Feel free to view other photos from Arlington National Cemetery.

Wait for a Photography Tip

Last weekend I was at the U.S. Capitol looking to get some decent shots as the sun began to set.  My goal was catch a shot of the Capitol (from the east front) with a lit up sky behind it. It was a cloudy day that was breaking; the kind of day that often produces something dramatic at sunset. I got to the Capitol and found my spots, but was disappointed to find that clouds had gathered blocking the sunset and what I thought would be potential color.

I left the east front somewhat disappointed with the shots I had taken. Nothing post worthy. I headed to the west front to figure out what to do with the rest of the evening. I was sitting along the reflecting pool by the Capitol facing the building. There was a fair number of tourits due to the comfortable weather and long (Columbus Day) weekend. When I turned around, I was greeted by what I was waiting for:

The light of the golden hour lit the sky. The sun had already set below the clouded horizon, but after a few minutes the sun spread its color over the western side of Washington, DC.

So to get to the photography tip, don’t give up on light. Wait for the light. It’s called the golden hour for a reason. Not because it’s always an hour, but because the time that the sky lights up varies from day to day.

The photos above and other new images can also be seen at New Additions. Feel free to view other photos from Washington, DC.

12 Significant Photos: #5 – Motif #1

Rockport, MA is a small town on the Atlantic coast. The town is a popular tourist attraction and has a fishing theme. One of the icons in the town is a popular fishing shack (restored) that is called Motif #1. This shack has been the subject of many artists’ work. During my visit to Rockport, I was able to take a handful of shots of this area. The shot below is one of my favorites and in my opinion works very well in black and white.

Motif #1 is a popular fishing cabin in Rockport, MA.

Stories of a Block Wall

I took some time away from photography. Not fully by choice. Partially due to being busy and partially due to a lack of ideas. Last weekend I was finally able to get out and generate some new ideas. I was sitting at the Washington Monument when I realized that the wall told a lot of interesting stories.

The lighting of the monument created an interesting contrast between the people nearby and the wall itself. As I sat and watched people interact with the monument, I began to realize that their behaviors or implied behaviors challenged the mind. I took a variety of photos of people sitting, standing, and observing the monument. The shots turned into what I found to be an enjoyable short gallery.

Please feel free to visit “Stories of a Block Wall” or my general Washington, DC galleries.

George Washington may have…

…chopped down the cherry tree, but Japan sent some replacements. Spring has alledgedly come to Washington, DC. During a season full of rainy 50 degree days, I managed to find a clear and sunny morning to take in the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

The Jefferson Memorial framed by cherry blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a busy and exciting time in Washington, though it is one that I have avoided for the first 4 springs that I have lived in this area. While the blossoms certainly didn’t disappoint, the crowds around the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument did make taking photographs a challenge. It was an exercise of waiting for people to pass and ducking under the camera range of others.

Early morning sun lights up the east side of the Washington Monument.

The bright early morning light, blue sky, and pink blossoms combined for some strong photographs. While walking through downtown, I found that I enjoyed the Washington Monument better with the cherry blossoms. This might have been because it was easier to maneuver, but I’m going to say it was the dramatic angle of the light.

Washington, DC provides many opportunites to enjoy the monuments to some our nation’s founders. But some of the best perspectives come from exploring off of the beaten path. One of my favorite shots from my morning with the cherry blossoms came from an approach to the Washington Monument from the southwest. From this direction, I approached the monument from a grove of cherry trees and I found a nice window for the shot.

Washington, DC is a great city to explore and while the Cherry Blossom Festival is not one of my favorite events in DC, the beauty of the blossoms is unrivaled. For additional photos of Washington, DC, please feel free to visit my DC Gallery.

12 Significant Photographs: #6

This photograph is one that I really enjoy. I already blogged about it a little a while back.

The sun glares off of the windows at Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine.

I was far from the only photographer at the lighthouse on the morning I visited. I arrived just as the sun came up and captured some great shots with warmer colors. This one stands out for me though because of the strong morning sun reflecting off of the glass of the light tower. I also like the depth of the image helped by the 2nd lighthouse in the distance.

Additional photos from this trip can be seen here.