I once read that this is likely the most complete workout in existence.
Sculling on the Potomac River. Washington, DC.
Sculling
Category Archives: Travel
Civil War Re-enactors
It’s hard to watch these Confederate Civil War re-enactors going through their drills and not wonder about the psychological make-up of each one. What drives them? How did this become their passion? Do they long for the South to “rise again?” How many harbor deep resentments over what many call not the Civil War, but the War of Northern Aggression? How many are out there just to have a good time, explore a little history and camp out with their buddies? Is it all just harmless play-acting?
Having a brief conversation with a few of them revealed very little in this regard. To a person they were open, friendly, happy to chat and more than willing to be photographed. Their feelings toward the South, the North, Lincoln, slavery, and the war itself (even what to call it!) I suspect are as numerous as the men on the field of play/battle. Sweeping generalizations won’t do any good. Still, for me, it is hard to shake that they are willingly representing the former Confederacy and all the history that that entails. But I guess that’s all about my psychological make-up, isn’t it?
Washington Monument. Washington, DC
Washington Monument under repairs. Early morning, July 2013.
On August 23, 2011 a 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook the DC region. Although the quake’s center was 80 some miles southwest of DC, it was powerful enough to set the obelisk swaying and cause significant damage to the masonry. It is now completely encased in scaffolding as workers assess the damage and begin repairs. The scaffolding itself is wrapped in blue scrim and decorative lights, which I understand is really quite lovely at night. (Yeah, I know, I should go get that shot.)
The monument is closed to the public and should reopen in Spring 2014.
Simplicity
“As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs.” ~ Sam Abell
Tourists
Exploring the tourist scene. I feel a new project coming on!
chiaroscuro
Back from brief hiatus.
Most of the last couple months has been spent exploring the city. As the weather warms I expect to be down there more and more. The other evening my wife and I were walking to the car past the monuments and the river and I don’t know if it was the evening sun casting long shadows and a warm glow or just the hint of Spring in the air, but we both remarked on what a great little city DC is. Of course we both always felt that way, but sometimes you need to walk down a different street, take a new route at another time of day… change your perspective and you see it all anew.
Friday Photo Tip: Fill Flash
Eastern bluebird. ♂
Don’t be afraid to fish out the flash from your camera bag when shooting in nature. Too often a strobe is used only for lighting up people in dark situations.
Nature should look natural, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enhance it a bit. And that’s what fill flash does. If you want to get those natural colors to really pop and if you want to see a little catch light in the creature’s eye, just throw a little light in there. Makes a world of difference.
I like to expose for the scene and then dial down the flash about a stop and a half. Maybe two stops. Experiment.
Dialing down the flash keeps it from blowing out the scene; keeps it more natural looking.
A male eastern bluebird at the C & O Canal in Maryland.
Disengage
Generation i
I once used my earbuds while on the train into the city. After making it halfway through the song I pulled them out and put the phone away. I couldn’t stand not hearing the world around me. The screech of the steel wheels on the rails. The goofy Metro voice warning the doors were closing. The giggling of high-school girls. The general hum of everyday life. I haven’t used them in public since.
The smartphone generation. Phone calls, texting, gaming, listening to music, surfing the web. Social engagement on perpetual hold.
Interesting phenomenon.
Washington DC with iPhone 5
Back on the streets again. From Capitol Hill to Georgetown. Looking for the soul of the city. What is Washington DC all about? Is there a defining characteristic?
I can’t say I know the answer yet… Even after all these years. I just keep looking.
Capitol Building
National Gallery of Art
In the Dutch and Flemish hall.
Window shopping, Dupont Circle
Walking past Kramer Books in Dupont Circle
Taking flight in Georgetown
Sun setting over the Potomac River