Today was a March rainy day here in Maryland and I was tempted to go out in the rain and take pictures knowing that you can get great pictures even when it is raining. Instead I decided to look through some of my collection and remembered the International Festival that took place in Baltimore a few years ago.
Things were going great when all of a sudden a heavy downpour of rain surprised everyone. Yea, I ran for cover but then I got my camera out to see what people were going to do. I was surprised at how many people just continued what they were doing like the ladies who I watched standing in the rain under an umbrella chatting for about a half of an hour. Some just continued to enjoy the food and activities. Others decided that it was best to leave.
After a while the sun came out and it was business as usual with a great Ashford and Simpson concert at the end of the day.
We were looking for location for a shot in Washington, DC. We found this wall mural on the side of a building in an alley near the Lincoln Theatre and Ben’s Chilli Bowl. We got some good shots. This mural has since been removed. Glad we got the shot.
Darryl Miles is an up and coming model from Richmond, VA. We arranged a photo shoot last year. Darryl had been in a number of fashion shows but I was one of the first photographers to shoot Darryl professionally. Since then Darryl has done a more of fashion shows from Richmond to New York and continues to be sought after for photo shoots, magazine covers and TV hosting.
Remember the name Darryl Miles as he is on the rise.
A carnival visited New Carrollton, MD several years ago one hot summer night. There is something about carnivals and night-time. The lights and the darkness. I can still smell the food and see the people trying their hands at the games to win prizes. I remember summers in the south and how it was a big deal when the carnival came to town.
This location used to host a Toys ‘R Us which had been destroyed by a storm. Now it’s the location for a bank and a drug store.
Annie Phillips King a Washingtion, DC native speaks highly of the Scurlock Family of photographers and their contribution to Washington. According to her if your picture was in their window you had arrived or at least knew where the Pearly Gates were.
Earlier this summer a friend and I went out to capture nighttime images of a popular gathering place in Washington, DC — Dupont Circle. Night fall brings on a whole different mood and beauty. Some people seem more relaxed, some more suspicious – especially of cameras. Nevertheless, if done carefully some great images can arise. Pictures were taken without flash using only existing light.
It’s January 20, 2010. The inauguration of Pres. Barack Obama took place 1 year ago today. Reflecting on that day I notice that it was much colder last year weather wise but it is much colder this year politically. I also remember the excitement and the effort people went to in order to attend the ceremony. It was a great day for America.
Do you see people on the street and wonder what they are doing, where they are heading, what’s significant or happening with them on a particular day?
Well on October 22, 2009 I decided to take my camera and engage people I didn’t know. My plan was to ask them what was going on with them on that day. I went to a park in NW DC and had no success in the morning. I talked to a fascinating man but he would have no part of having his picture taken as he had an issue with the police. (Most of the time I ask people before I take their picture) I gave up and decided to toss the street photographer idea and went to the gym. Coming out of the gym I saw on my cellphone that someone had actually read my Facebook message about my self assigned photography project and was looking to see who I had shot. I had to do something. I ended up driving over to SE near the Potomac Metro Station. There I got better results.
I found 6 people willing to talk but it didn’t seem that anyone was doing much more than just enjoying a beautiful day outside. The closest I got to finding out about a big event was hearing that someone’s out of town friend was having a birthday. I was hoping to get a “I’m getting married tomorrow”, “I’m leaving for Africa in the morning”, or even a “I just got a $50 parking ticket”. True, if I had engaged more people I would have gotten more interesting responses. It is not easy getting strangers to talk to you and then let you take a picture. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t let a total stranger with no press credentials take a picture of me. Would you?
Anyway, on October 22 all seemed to be well in DC. Here are the responses that I got. Thank you to those who chatted with me.
Marley
Marley- “I woke up, brushed my teeth, did the basic things that everybody does. I’m heading to a job meeting.”
Adam
Adam- “I’m enjoying the weather, slept most of the day. I’m going to a coffee shop to catch up on some online stuff.”
Cecelia
Cecelia- “I just left seeing about a friend. I look after her every Tuesday and Thursday. Now I’m headed home.”
Thomas
Thomas- “Today is a friend’s birthday — he lives out of town. Just enjoying the nice weather.”
Randy
Randy- “Just a regular day. Just skating.”
Bradley
Bradley- “I’m out and about. Applied for unemployment. Cooking dinner later on.”
On Saturday, August 29, 2009, Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral procession traveled slowly through downtown Washington on its way to Arlington National Cemetery. I had the opportunity to capture these images as it passed along Constitution Avenue near 14th Street. A sizeable crowd of people wanting to pay their respects had gathered in this area which is near the Washington Monument. A thunderstorm was threatening and the hour was growing late, but the crowd wanted patiently. They waved and politely clapped as the motorcade passed.
The Baltimore International Festival was interupted by downpours. Some ran for cover, some stayed. My favorite images were taken during the rain. Ashford and Simpson closed this free event with a great concert.
