Tag Archives: Washington

navi + picnibus at the black cat (20 images)

Hip-hop (but definitely not Kanye despite contrary photo evidence) meets rock (but they are not Pink Floyd) to take a trip with Salvador Dalí—that barely begins to describe Navi + Picnibus. Click below to see the full set of images from their energetic Black Cat set, while listening to the authorized bootleg (say what) of the show (scroll down to fire it up).

click to view the full set of 20 images

click to view the full set of 20 images

Photographed on 15 May 2015 at the Black Cat, Washington DC.

Listen to more Navi and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

View more of my photos from the Black Cat.

The  official authorized bootleg recording of Navi + Picnics at the Black Cat:

newt junior at the black cat (18 images)

Newt Junior released its new EP, Future Proof, and introduced an eager Black Cat crowd to its brew of jazz improvisation with the rock energy, soul grooves, and the straight-on drive of funk. Click below to view the full set of images.

Photographed on 15 May 2015 at the Black Cat, Washington DC.

Listen to and read about Newt Junior, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

View more of my photos from the Black Cat.

urban artistry (15 images)

This was not the first time that I have seen Urban Artistry, a DC area organization dedicated to the preservation and performance of urban arts. I have watched them dance on several occasions and have photographed them a few times as well. And I always leave their shows feeling an enhanced sense of happiness, joy, and life. Their performance on May 2nd at DC’s Funk Parade was no exception and, indeed, seemed particularly special. Perhaps it was because of the very festive atmosphere of the day, or because of the extraordinary weather. Perhaps it was because of how involved the crowd was, or how the group welcomed and encouraged the brave (and talented) spectators-turned-performers. Or maybe it was because of the location at the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl (a virtual library of  DC urban art history), dancing in an urban theater of a narrow alley on an asphalt stage aside the street portraits of DC go-go legends Chuck Brown and Little Benny. This performance was a true celebration of urban art through dance.

View the gallery of my attempts to capture Urban Artistry’s perpetual motion and infectious joy in still images.

Find out more about Urban Artistry at http://urbanartistry.org, or keep up with them on Facebook.

falling blossoms

Each spring, swarms of people pack the narrow path at Washington’s Tidal Basin to experience the delicate Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees during the brief few days when they are in peak bloom. But there is an even more magical period just after the peak when the trees let loose of their petals and create a world of enchantment. Every year when the last snows melt and the air begins to warm, I hear this siren’s call and begin to plan my chase and her (photographic) capture. But she is an elusive temptress that may (or may not) yield a glimpse of her beauty before rapidly melting in the rain or vanishing with the wind, leaving ones outstretched hands with nothing more than a petal or two. So it was this year… the beauty of her blossoms filling me with hope, but gone just hours before a long-planned shoot. This year, however, she did give me one short dance as she embraced me in her falling blossoms.

fallen blossoms

fallen blossoms

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a morning walk with my iPhone

Lately I have been experimenting with capture-to-publish mobile photography. Here are a few images I took and edited on my iPhone during a morning walk (after scouting a location for an upcoming shoot). Double-click to enlarge each.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees

The sky was dreary at the Tidal Basin this morning, and the Japanese Cherry Tree blossoms were not quite at peak. So I added some artistic touches using the same (and only) iPhone app with which I edited all images in this post – Enlight (very highly recommended).

Magnolia trees at the Old Executive Office Building

These magnolia trees in front of the Eisenhower “Old” Executive Office Building (next-door to the White House) caught my eye. But the sky was totally grey and the light was dull. I replaced the sky with one from a previous photo (taken in California!), and modified the temperature of the light on the trees–all from the screen of my trusty phone.

Four Stars for the Old Executive

Four Stars for the Old Executive – In earlier times, visual design details mattered and they are found everywhere in Washington, including these stars and bars on the base of a street lamp. As everything in here actually is a shade of grey or black other than the stars, which are gold, it was an easy decision to render this image in black-and-white.

White House Security

White House Security – I had not intended to walk by the White House until I noticed the drama of the Washington Monument behind it, disappearing into the clouds and mist. Walking closer to the “people’s house” (ahem) yielded too many distractions from fences, guard posts, and rooftop security. So I retreated to the Ellipse where I found these earlier monuments to the defense of the White House irresistibly ironic.

kicking off the funk

Chocolate City Burlesque at the Funk Parade Kickoff Party

Chocolate City Burlesque at the Funk Parade Kickoff Party – see all photos here

I was given exceptional access at the Funk Parade Kickoff Party held at DC’s Howard Theatre on March 17, 2015. Great access offers great angles that provide the opportunity for great photos… you be the judge.
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purple patch

Purple Patch Restaurant

Purple Patch Restaurant and Bar in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Wasington, DC

I recently completed a pre-shoot interview and location-scouting visit at the Purple Patch Restaurant and Bar in Washington, DC’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Amidst the surprisingly balanced chaos of what seems like hundred’s of tasks that must be completed before a rapidly approaching opening, I was able to grab a few off-the-cuff shots. Continue reading