Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bonnie and Andrew - Love Session
What is a Love Session you ask? Well its simply a post wedding engagement session. Since we didn't have enough time between their booking and wedding we agreed to do a Cherry Blossoms session during the peak weekend. Although we arrived early (7am) we still had to navigate a surprisingly busy crowd in addition to battling a pretty tempestuous wind. Still, Bonnie and Andrew were total troopers and we had a great time with them. Afterwards we stopped by the Belga Cafe for an amazing brunch!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Supporting Education in DC
I promised myself I would be more active in my community this year and here is action no. 1 ! 
Critical Exposure is a nonprofit organization that teaches middle and high school students to document issues that impact their lives through photography and to use their images and voices to advocate for change. The organization has worked with more than 350 students in D.C. and across the country. These students have helped to secure more than $100 million to improve public school facilities, supported campaigns to address youth homelessness and teen pregnancy, and are now working to address D.C.'s dropout crisis.
They are not only teaching these kids a valuable skill, but more importantly, they are giving them a voice.
Last week I volunteered, along with other local photographers, to work with some of the kids on their projects. Nicole (SOTA DZINE) and I worked with Chrystal, a high-school senior who wants to highlight absenteeism as a serious problem in DC schools. We discussed the reasons that kids don't come to school along with the consequences and how she could illustrate that through photography. We also went outside with our cameras and gave her some pointers on composition and lighting to help her make more thoughtful images.
I look forward to doing more work with this organization. What they do is so very important and they need all the help they can get! Last year I led a small camera drive for them and donated some of my prints for an auction. If you have time or money to donate, I highly recommend contacting them. It feels great to help!
CRITICAL EXPOSURE
1816 12th Street NW | 3rd Floor | Washington, DC 20009
www.criticalexposure.org | info@criticalexposure.org | 202-745-3745x20
Here are a few images from our class:
(all photos courtesy of Adam Levner, Critical Exposure)
Critical Exposure is a nonprofit organization that teaches middle and high school students to document issues that impact their lives through photography and to use their images and voices to advocate for change. The organization has worked with more than 350 students in D.C. and across the country. These students have helped to secure more than $100 million to improve public school facilities, supported campaigns to address youth homelessness and teen pregnancy, and are now working to address D.C.'s dropout crisis.
They are not only teaching these kids a valuable skill, but more importantly, they are giving them a voice.
Last week I volunteered, along with other local photographers, to work with some of the kids on their projects. Nicole (SOTA DZINE) and I worked with Chrystal, a high-school senior who wants to highlight absenteeism as a serious problem in DC schools. We discussed the reasons that kids don't come to school along with the consequences and how she could illustrate that through photography. We also went outside with our cameras and gave her some pointers on composition and lighting to help her make more thoughtful images.
I look forward to doing more work with this organization. What they do is so very important and they need all the help they can get! Last year I led a small camera drive for them and donated some of my prints for an auction. If you have time or money to donate, I highly recommend contacting them. It feels great to help!
CRITICAL EXPOSURE
1816 12th Street NW | 3rd Floor | Washington, DC 20009
www.criticalexposure.org | info@criticalexposure.org | 202-745-3745x20
Here are a few images from our class:
(all photos courtesy of Adam Levner, Critical Exposure)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Beauty Session
Early this morning K and I had a beauty session with MUA Kimberly and models Caprea and Zehra. Kim was the MUA for Jayme and Cherisse's wedding back in August.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Three (and a half) Lintons
Paul and Ava wanted a quick shoot to capture the spirit of their little family of three before the new baby arrives to shake everything up. Ava, 9 months pregnant, had that lovely glow - you know the one. Paul had the proud (and ever patient) papa look. He and his 2 ladies are very cute together. Two-year-old Berkeley has about as much personality as you can squeeze into a person that size. See for yourself - her images are guaranteed to make you smile.
Ava and Paul (and Berkeley), I hope you enjoy seeing your family through our lens.
CONGRATULATIONS on your new young man, Logan (born 2 weeks ago today)! We can't wait to see more of him.
(Please turn your sound on!)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What happens in Vegas...
Apparently doesn't always stay in Vegas, unless you're talking about our money :). It was my first time in Vegas but Kristiaan lived out there for a few months, many years ago. We were graciously welcomed by her best friend Kathy who took us around town and showed us the sights. Let's see... we stayed at the NewYork NewYork, hopped around the strip to all the casinos, ate like pigs, partied like moneys and had a GREAT time... Well that's about all I'm allowed to say since What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Notes: Slideshow is about 4 mins long with music. Click the icon next to the music symbol at the bottom right, if you would prefer to browse the gallery.
Notes: Slideshow is about 4 mins long with music. Click the icon next to the music symbol at the bottom right, if you would prefer to browse the gallery.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Inauguration 2009
It’s official! We have a new president, new hope, and tons of work to do.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so regardless of the 20 degree weather, or the estimated 4 million people, or even if we couldn’t see anything, we wanted to be a part of the day. Lionel chose to ride his bike in 18 degree wind chills (weirdo). While he pedaled furiously from Maryland to downtown DC, I found parking at the metro and even got a seat on the train. Surprisingly easy! We met on the designated corner (17th & K St) and Lionel left his bike with The Washington Area Bikers Association (WABA) who had set up a fantastic bike valet for FREE!
As we walked towards the Mall in a huge moving mob, someone began to chant “When I say ‘O’, you say ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’”. The smiling crowd joined in and at that moment, we were satisfied with the decision to venture out on a cold January morning. We knew we would have a better view on TV, but the energy and the feel of the day could only be found in sub-freezing temperatures among 2 million hope-filled faces peeking out between layers of scarves, hats, and heavy coats. That energy continued to fill our day – people on the steps of Constitution Hall cheered us as we went by, holding up signs saying, “MLK is smiling today!” – volunteers directed us towards the Mall with high fives and shouts of joy – flags waived – shouts, songs and chants emanated – a young white man played a fantastic drum rhythm while 2 older black women grooved to his music – high school kids from Alabama snuggled in a layered bunch to keep warm – people shared their snacks, hand warmers and flags – a woman began to get separated from her daughter while moving through the crowd but a stranger grabbed the daughter’s hand and the mom’s shoulder and said, “I’ll keep you together.” The excitement, love, and hope was enough to warm our spirits if not our bodies. The whole experience was positive and pleasant – well except for the aching lower body from the walking and hours of standing in one spot.
We were able to maneuver about halfway up the mall where we found a view of the Capitol building in the distance and a huge screen to watch the proceedings up close. The excitement grew as the ceremony finally got underway and then exploded when we finally got a glimpse of the man on whom we’ve pinned so many hopes and expectations. During the prayer, it was powerful to see all the bowed heads and closed eyes – millions praying for our new president and for our country. An African man nearby was quiet and still but I could see tears welling up in his eyes. Another woman cried openly. Although I couldn’t stop smiling, my eyes were wet too.
I am proud that my country has elected a black man to the highest office of government - but I am most proud that we elected the right man for the job – regardless of color. That is how it’s supposed to be. My biggest take-away from Obama is that it’s not HIS responsibility, but OUR responsibility to make things better in America. He has asked this of us and we will listen. We just needed someone we trust… to ask. In that spirit, sometime in the near future, we will ask our friends, family, and clients to join us in at least one community service effort this year – maybe more. I hope you will join us or even start your own annual community service event.
Please enjoy our slideshow of this very special Inauguration (sound on):
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so regardless of the 20 degree weather, or the estimated 4 million people, or even if we couldn’t see anything, we wanted to be a part of the day. Lionel chose to ride his bike in 18 degree wind chills (weirdo). While he pedaled furiously from Maryland to downtown DC, I found parking at the metro and even got a seat on the train. Surprisingly easy! We met on the designated corner (17th & K St) and Lionel left his bike with The Washington Area Bikers Association (WABA) who had set up a fantastic bike valet for FREE!
As we walked towards the Mall in a huge moving mob, someone began to chant “When I say ‘O’, you say ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’ – ‘O’ ‘BAMA’”. The smiling crowd joined in and at that moment, we were satisfied with the decision to venture out on a cold January morning. We knew we would have a better view on TV, but the energy and the feel of the day could only be found in sub-freezing temperatures among 2 million hope-filled faces peeking out between layers of scarves, hats, and heavy coats. That energy continued to fill our day – people on the steps of Constitution Hall cheered us as we went by, holding up signs saying, “MLK is smiling today!” – volunteers directed us towards the Mall with high fives and shouts of joy – flags waived – shouts, songs and chants emanated – a young white man played a fantastic drum rhythm while 2 older black women grooved to his music – high school kids from Alabama snuggled in a layered bunch to keep warm – people shared their snacks, hand warmers and flags – a woman began to get separated from her daughter while moving through the crowd but a stranger grabbed the daughter’s hand and the mom’s shoulder and said, “I’ll keep you together.” The excitement, love, and hope was enough to warm our spirits if not our bodies. The whole experience was positive and pleasant – well except for the aching lower body from the walking and hours of standing in one spot.
We were able to maneuver about halfway up the mall where we found a view of the Capitol building in the distance and a huge screen to watch the proceedings up close. The excitement grew as the ceremony finally got underway and then exploded when we finally got a glimpse of the man on whom we’ve pinned so many hopes and expectations. During the prayer, it was powerful to see all the bowed heads and closed eyes – millions praying for our new president and for our country. An African man nearby was quiet and still but I could see tears welling up in his eyes. Another woman cried openly. Although I couldn’t stop smiling, my eyes were wet too.
I am proud that my country has elected a black man to the highest office of government - but I am most proud that we elected the right man for the job – regardless of color. That is how it’s supposed to be. My biggest take-away from Obama is that it’s not HIS responsibility, but OUR responsibility to make things better in America. He has asked this of us and we will listen. We just needed someone we trust… to ask. In that spirit, sometime in the near future, we will ask our friends, family, and clients to join us in at least one community service effort this year – maybe more. I hope you will join us or even start your own annual community service event.
Please enjoy our slideshow of this very special Inauguration (sound on):
Monday, January 12, 2009
The many faces of Ms. Johnson...
Business Owner, Realtor, Graphic Designer, Executive Assistant, Perpetual Student, Pizza Lover :-). Tamika Johnson is an inspiring entrepreneur and colleague of mine (friend too!). She’s down-to-earth, talented, hard working, supportive, and she tells it just like it is. She started Administrative Partners (a virtual support practice) last year which has been a terrific success. I highly recommend her to anyone who is struggling to stay on top of the grueling work load that comes with owning a small business. A few weeks ago we did a studio shoot to provide her with a variety of images to use on her website, for her Real Estate marketing, and some just for fun. She claims that she hates to be in front of the camera, but I think you’ll agree that the camera loves her – just like I do!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thanksgiving 2008
This post comes a bit late but, as a business owner + full-time rat race participant, time is not something I have much of. Better late than never right?!
Thanksgiving is the big holiday for the Lewis family. As many of us as possible squeeze into my dad’s house for about a week. We play cards (the annual “Oh Hell” tournament including trophy – which my dad almost always wins), talk trash, watch movies, and eat. My dad’s saintly wife, Angela, cooks most of Thanksgiving dinner all by herself. This year was no exception -- except that my Aunt Iris and her family were able to make it out from California – a rare treat. As such, we decided to do something special and visit NYC with all the kids. That would be 5 rug rats ages 3-13, and 7 adults ages 22 to old. 12 people trying to get around New York is certainly a challenge, but it was great to see the kids experience the wonder of the big city for the first time. My dad elected to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet in his home.
(Matthew, Bonnie & Poppy, Wendy & family, and Kathy - we missed you!)
Please enjoy this photo documentary of our time together.
(sound on)
Thanksgiving is the big holiday for the Lewis family. As many of us as possible squeeze into my dad’s house for about a week. We play cards (the annual “Oh Hell” tournament including trophy – which my dad almost always wins), talk trash, watch movies, and eat. My dad’s saintly wife, Angela, cooks most of Thanksgiving dinner all by herself. This year was no exception -- except that my Aunt Iris and her family were able to make it out from California – a rare treat. As such, we decided to do something special and visit NYC with all the kids. That would be 5 rug rats ages 3-13, and 7 adults ages 22 to old. 12 people trying to get around New York is certainly a challenge, but it was great to see the kids experience the wonder of the big city for the first time. My dad elected to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet in his home.
(Matthew, Bonnie & Poppy, Wendy & family, and Kathy - we missed you!)
Please enjoy this photo documentary of our time together.
(sound on)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
