Marie Christine Photography

The Fashionable Life

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Fashion lives!

Last Thursday, Marie and I spent an evening shooting an event for the lovely ladies of LilyPad DC, an organization with a mission to "entertain, spoil, indulge, and delight the young professional DC woman." Nothing can possibly be more fabulous than that!

The event, "The Fashionable Life," held at Hillyer Art Space, was a beauty and fashion happy hour, and there was certainly plenty of both! In addition to networking, the ladies who attended enjoyed manicures, eyebrow shaping, tips from stylists, great music, makeovers, delectable bites and wine. What more could a girl want?!

Even in spite of DC's week of nonstop rain, the city was abuzz about this event, and the floods didn't keep people away. This was the place to be. The Fashionable Life was more than just a good time, it was absolutely fab!

Cheers,

Christine

Travel: Martha's Vineyard

2011-08-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Who knew that heaven was only a train and a ferry ride away . . .

Last weekend I took a much needed vacation in that I, for once, traveled for leisure. I visited an aunt, who I haven't seen in over a decade, at her home on the island of Martha's Vineyard. I relaxed, watched the sunrise, sipped tea, soaked up the sun, and perhaps most importantly, powered down my Blackberry. My weekend was purely blissful.

Although my intent was to steer clear of all things that resemble work, I couldn't help but pick up my camera. Photography does more for me than pay the bills; it's my most relaxing and cathartic hobby.

Included are photos of the "Inkwell Beach", Oaks Bluffs, Edgartown, Aquinnah, and yours truly :-)

- S. Christine

Old Hollywood

2011-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

I admit that these aren't all pictures of "old Hollywood". They are just a few black and white pics I took while in Hollywood last week with my "old" camera :-)

Anyway, enjoy . . .

- S. Christine

DC Social Innovation Project

2011-06-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had the pleasure of shooting at Funxion in DC for the launch party for DC Social Innovation Project. This nonprofit is dedicated to identifying and investing in creative, new ideas that tackle pressing social issues in Washington, DC. The energy in the room was as electrifying as the lively decor. We had a great time navigating our way through the crowd. To say the least, it was packed! Kudos to the visionaries who not only conceptualized and actualized this organization but who also threw an awesome event.

Much Pomp for This Circumstance -- Congrats, Destiny!

2011-05-29T14:28:00.001-07:00

It was a picturesque drive from Maryland to Pittsburgh. A film of fog created a dream-like scene, blurring our vision. Surrounded by massive mountains, barely visible, we zipped up the highway. Moving fast, even furiously, we were fueled by excitement. I was trailing the graduate's mother. The closer we got, the more quickly the scenery moved. A few hours, and we were there.

What a joyous occasion! Destiny's four years of focus, diligence, and drive meant she would receive a degree entitling her to the all rights and privileges of a Carnegie Mellon University graduate. She has reached a milestone. She has accomplished one of her many goals. This is an end and also a beginning . . . .

Destiny, I salute you.

C. Marie

Understanding an Obsession - Omaha, NE

2011-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

The more I practice photography, the more I understand my aesthetic preferences. Last week, while in Omaha, Nebraska, I visited the historic Boystown campus. As usual, I took pictures of architecture and scenery that moved me. However, this time I noticed that I have a small photographic obsession - the juxtaposition of textured or detailed objects with classically beautiful backgrounds.

What I love about this technic is that it moves focus away from our expectations of beauty. What is beauty anyway? I often ask myself this question. More times than not, I find myself inspired by my answer and the fact that it varies depending on my mood. The iconic photographer Elliott Erwitt stated it best when he said, " . . . to me, photography is an art of observation . . . I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."

Below are two examples of my style obsession in which I used Chambers Chapel in Boystown as my backdrop.

As a photographer, or lover of, what are some of your aesthetic leanings? Do you find yourself inspired by similar items, compositions, lighting technics or colors?

- S. Christine

Sundance Film Festival - Park City, Utah

2011-01-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

I just returned from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival (Jan 20 - 30). It was awesome! I screened great films, met cool people, and enjoyed the beautiful Utah landscape. I returned to DC extremely inspired by the films and discussions I attended. This was a fantastic way to start my new year and jump-start my creativity - I'm already thinking of few photography projects I would like to attempt.

Because of all the films, concerts, lectures, art exhibitions, and parties I attended there was hardly time to shoot (or even to sleep)! But I managed to make some time to indulge the shutterbug inside of me :) As I mentioned to one of my traveling companions, I'm having a love affair with film but I'm married to photography.

(SUNDANCE PLUG: Be sure to check out these great independent films and documentaries scheduled for release this year: "Pariah", "Like Crazy", "We Were Here", "Martha Marcy May Marlene", and "The Interrupters")

Below is a random assortment of pictures (in no particular order) of a few of the beautiful and interesting things I came across during this trip.

- S. Christine

2010-12-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is pic, taken with my cousins, Gabrielle and Faith, is one of my last for 2010. They're SO adorable. I thought I'd make this my last post for the year.

See you in 2011!

C. Marie

The McCoy Sisters

2010-12-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings Shutterbugs!

It's been a while since we've posted - blame it on the busy holiday season! But never fear, we will be posting much more in the new year!

Below are a few pics I shot in Columbus, Ohio of the lovely McCoy sisters. I've known these ladies for several years and they truly are a riot. I absolutely love their energy! I had so much fun at this shoot that I almost forgot I was on the clock!

- S. Christine

I Miss The Beach!!

2010-11-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

No further explanation needed for this post except that I am aready ready for winter to be over!

Info: I took this photo durning my vacation in the Bahamas last August.

- S. Christine

Kathy and Erik: Love By The Lake

2010-11-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

While taking pictures of Erik, before he and Kathy's wedding, I whispered, "Think about Kathy." Instantly, his face lit up. While taking pictures of Kathy as she got dressed, I asked her to tell me about Erik. As she recalled stories about their past and pondered their future, her face was painted with a smile. At their wedding, love was definitely in the air. Not only was the couple truly in love, they both come from loving and lovely families. I enjoyed the couple, their family, and their friends from start to finish and I'm happy I had an opportunity to share in their special day. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, on your new life!

- C. Marie

Coming Soon: Wedding in Canandaigua, NY

2010-11-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Falling Into Transitions

2010-10-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

As I drove through the countryside headed to a little town in Upstate New York, just south of Canada, I found myself in awe of nature's vibrant display. Peering through the window looking at what seemed to be rapidly moving scenery, I was reminded that seasons change. It is inevitable and constant. The funny thing is that just as seasons make transitions, we do too. While change can be difficult, depending on our outlook, it can be beautiful as well. As leaves turn from bold green hues to varied colors with magnificent depth, we know they are preparing to wither away into a new form -- thousands of dust particles on which we will eventually walk. In this transition they make way for new life that will come forth in a new season. What occurs in nature is but a reflection of what transpires in life.

- Marie

Fall Season: "In a Sentimental Mood"

2010-10-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been pretty stressed about projects and deadlines at work. I complained about this to a friend who suggested that I go for a walk and capture some Fall foliage pictures - a project I have been meaning to do since September :-). Although I sensed that my complaints were bordering on annoying, I agreed to take his advice. After dragging my feet for a few hours, I finally powered down my Blackberry and picked up my camera bag. Boy am I glad I did! It's amazing what a few hours in a park can do for the soul! There is no better way to de-stress than to spend quality time with nature and your camera. I am so happy to have photography as a hobby . . . and friends who remind me of what brings me joy!

- Christine

Photojournaling at Eastern Market

2010-10-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

While at Eastern Market last weekend, I decided to practice my photo"stalking"/ photojounalism skills. My friend Nicole is a super cool lady who loves shopping just as much as she loves activism. She came to DC to celebrate her birthday and asked me to take a few pics of her. Never being one to turn down a photo opportunity, I happily agreed. Here are some pics of Nicole shopping in one of DC's most eclectic marketplaces.

-S. Christine

Pretty Little Things

2010-10-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I paid a visit to Eastern Market, one of the most charming neighborhoods in DC (in my humble opinion). While browsing the marketplace for new artwork, I came upon a vendor who was selling some cool pieces made from recycled materials. I had to take a picture and share just a few of the cool things on his shelf.

- S. Christine

Let There Be Light

2010-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Walled within an Eden-like sanctuary, the front yard of the San Juan Hotel is manicured with lush greens, and the picturesque beach that serves as its backdrop frames the structure ever-so-perfectly. It's easy to have a jaw-dropping moment of awe, stepping foot on the grounds of this Waldorf Astoria owned gem. However, the inside is easily just as breathtaking. The stunning decor exudes richness and the furniture is plush, yet chic. The dark colored fabrics with golden undertones and antique pieces, commingled with modern art selections, create a mysteriously elegant feel. More than anything, I was mesmerized by the lights within the hotel. They were striking. Here are a few of my favorites.

Marie

Puerto Rico: Rest and Relaxation

2010-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love the water. I love the beach. Nothing in the world makes me feel more relaxed. Sharing these next few pictures is my way of spreading the R&R.

A Puerto Rican Dream -- Images Coming Soon

2010-10-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I decided to take a quick trip to Puerto Rico. I left on Saturday and got back yesterday. The area where I was -- Isle Verde, near San Juan -- was quite scenic. In search, solely, of a lot of relaxation and a little fun, I vowed to only take pictures with my point-and-shoot camera. It's low maintenance, I don't have to worry about adjusting the settings, and it's easy to carry around. For most of the trip, I stuck to my photo-snapping pact. However, with one hour remaining on the island, I decided I could not leave without capturing some of the scenes.

This first picture encapsulates what I experienced while on vacation. Whenever I stepped outside, the contrast between the coolness of the indoors and the high temps outside, created a steamy atmosphere. It created an instant moment of relaxation. This palm tree, which sits about 100 feet from the ocean, was the first image I shot when I walked onto the sand from my beachside residence. The film of fog on my camera created a natural filter, making for a a picture which I thought was rather dreamy.

I'll be sharing more images soon.

Marie

Field of Dreams

2010-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, I got tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather take than my "heartbeats" Adam and Noah. These guys are my cousins, but I look at them more like little brothers. This was their first MLB game and mine, as well. Joining us also was one of my bestest friends, Shanelle; it was her first MLB game too. We all had a blast!

Marie

Oklahoma City Memorial

2010-09-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

This week my travels took me to Oklahoma City, OK. Being the ever curious traveler, I made it a point to do several things on the Oklahoma City “must do” list. I visited the zoo (one of the top ten zoos in the country), had a steak at Cattlemen’s Restaurant (as seen on the Travel Channel and in the travel book “1000 Places To Go before you Die”), saw a movie at the luxurious Moore Warren Theater (heated seats…wow!), and, perhaps most memorable, visited the site of the Oklahoma City bombing.

As you know, on April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. 168 people were killed during this senseless act of violence (the details of which I will not describe here so as not to give more power to the perpetrators). The memorial consists of two twin gates with the moments before (9:01am) and after (9:03am) the bombing etched on each respective gate. Between the two gates lies a serene reflecting pool that pays homage to the devastating moment the bomb struck. Facing the pool are 168 small and large empty chairs, which represent the children and adults who lost their lives.

What struck me most about the memorial was that it was not only moving but also conceptually brilliant. The feeling of gravity and serenity is captivating. I lingered near the empty chairs and reflecting pool longer than I planned but my spirit was revitalized by the meditative moment. It may sound trite but the hour I spent at the memorial truly reminded me that our next moments aren't promised . . .

- S. Christine

9-11 Day of Service

2010-09-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001. We all remember where we were when we learned that terrorists had attacked our great nation. After being in the hallway at my locker, senior year of high school, I walked into my classroom and was frozen by the image that kept replaying on the television screen. No one was working. My teacher wasn't teaching. The bell that would normally ring, was silenced. Every television in the school was on, and the only sound to be heard was the echoes of news reporters, speculating as to what we were witnessing. We didn't understand. Even those of us who had never seen the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or who had never visited Pennsylvania, mourned the loss of those whose lives were so quickly taken away in callous acts of what boiled down to a lack of respect. In that moment, everyone realized that our lives would forever be changed. We also knew that September 11, would forever be a day of infamy.

It's been nine years now, but when I hear "September 11," my heart still drops. I am reminded of how the acts of a few can impact so many. This same realization, that "The acts of a few can impact so many" is what led me to volunteer this year on September 11. I joined forces with volunteers, mobilized by Greater DC Cares, to tackle one of over 50 projects throughout the D.C. Metro Area. At the Ayrlawn YMCA Program Center in Bethesda, we, persons from all over the country, who now reside in and around DC, pitched in to complete a variety of tasks ranging from repainting the outside curb and staining picnic benches and classroom furniture to replacing moldy ceiling tiles.

May we never forget how we felt nine years ago, and may we memorialize the lives of those who lost theirs in the tragic events of 9-11. May we respect others and allow our differences to unite us instead of dividing us. May we realize that life is about service and there are many ways, large and small, to serve. May we forever remember . . . .

Marie

141 Thomas Street

2010-09-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite neighborhoods within DC is Ledroit Park. Ledroit Park was one Washington's first suburbs. The area was developed in 1870 and dubbed the "romantic neighborhood" for its narrow, tree-lined streets and Victorian inspired homes. During the 20th Century, the neighborhood became the residence of many elite African-Americans such as Paul Laurence Dunbar and Duke Ellington. Although the area has undergone many changes, one can still sense the romance of this historic district.

While walking the neighborhood with a friend of mine, I met a former resident. Caleb Thomas moved to Ledroit Park in the 1960s after serving in the United States Army. He spoke reverentially of the era as he proudly stood in front of his former home, 141 Thomas Street NW. We were captivated by his stories and pleased to hear that Ledroit Park lived up to its remarkable reputation. I was also thrilled that Mr. Thomas allowed me to snap a few shots of him in front of his former residence. I absolutely love it when life gives me these moments!

- S. Christine

Getting Jacques to Smile

2010-09-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Toni and Jacques are like twins. They look alike, act alike, and they both have a great sense of humor. However, Toni likes the camera, while Jacques does not. Jacques has been out of the U.S. for the last year. He just received a Masters degree from London School of Economics (yes, he's a braniac). On their way out to dinner, I thought I'd snap a few pics of the "twins." However, getting Jacques to smile for the camera was quite a challenge. In the end, he said that he finally posed because he wanted to make his sister happy. However, I'd also like to think that my photographer's persistence (also known as nagging) had something to do with his change of heart.

- Marie

Congratulations Christa and Julian Thompson!

2010-09-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of shooting one of my favorite couples. I introduced you to Christa and Julian back in June (See post titled: "Dressed in Love"). They are two awesome people who are about to embark on a lovely journey of love and commitment. I am so happy that they have found each other and that they have made one another so happy. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to not only shoot their engagement photos, but to shoot in the Bahamas!

The day was hot and humid. Due to the weather, humidity, and time constraints, there were many challenges to overcome. But in the end, I was able to capture some great moments of the two. And I must say, Christa and Julian truly are troopers for remaining pleasant and playful in grueling weather during this shoot!

- S. Christine

First Photo Shoot: 12 Lessons Learned

2010-09-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I recently finished shooting my first official photo shoot, and more specifically, my first engagement shoot (a teaser for this shoot can be seen in the previous post). Christa and Julian, the affianced pair, are close friends of mine. I will post photos as well as more background about the shoot and the models later. Today, I wanted to post a few lessons I learned from this experience that I plan to apply to my next shoot. These lessons come from mistakes I typically make. Some of these may apply to you and your subjects while others may not. But feel free to borrow any of my lessons if they do apply!

1) Shooting in RAW was extremely helpful as I was able to focus more on composition and inspiration. However, I must remember not to completely ignore Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed…and not be crippled by them either.

2) Planning photos beforehand worked very well. Even though I only shot 70% of my planned photos, preplanning kept me organized and freed me to veer off the beaten path without worrying about forgetting crucial shots.

3) Remember to pay attention to details that may be out of place (bra straps/lines, underwear, hand placement, wrinkles, hair strands out of place, etc).

4) DO NOT GET DISTRACTED BY BACKGROUNDS and forget to pose and, more importantly, to light your subjects.

5) In hot weather, NEVER shoot at a beach unless it is during sunrise or sunset. The weather left us with no choice but to shoot at high noon and, although it worked out, it was absolutely grueling!

6) Begin with standard portraits (and close-ups) and save purposefully blurred and faraway shots for later. The model’s makeup, clothes and hair tend to become less “picture perfect” as the day goes on.

7) Don’t be afraid to re-compose a background.

8) In engagement shots, in order to get an authentic moment from the couple, sometimes getting the man to tell the woman how he feels about her often works better than vice versa. This is because most men tend to be “touch oriented” and often romantically caress the woman while he is speaking to her. Many (certainly not all!) women tend to visibly swoon before the camera when this happens.

9) Sometimes it works well to pose one model and let the other think you forgot about them so that they naturally respond to the posed model. This sometimes creates a more authentic appearing moment.

10) It sometimes works well to give the male a task or “something to do” while shooting.

11) Be aware of where the sun is at ALL times!

12) When torn between working with minimal light or a higher ISO, in post-shoot editing it was easier for me to correct for a high ISO than not enough light.

I am happy to have learned and grown from this experience…and from my mistakes! I hope you find this helpful. Feel free to post your own most common mistakes and significant lessons learned.

- S. Christine

Coming Soon: Christa and Julian's Engagement Shoot

2010-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Shots from Nassau, Bahamas coming soon . . .

- S. Christine

The Streets = My Backyard

2010-08-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

As I walk down the street, I'm drawn to everyday objects. I focus on shapes, sizes, and colors, and pay attention to the ways in which things contrast and compliment each other. I'm also drawn to shadows and how they uniquely cast themselves on objects and take on lives of their own. Being that I live in the city, I don't have the privilege of having a big backyard, so the streets have become my playground. Here are some images I caught while walking, stooping, crawling, laying, and lurking on the streets.

C. Marie

Everyday Things

2010-08-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

When I wake up in the morning, I'm usually rushing to get out of the house and to work. And when I get home, I'm often too tired to take time for myself. Today, however, was different. After putting in 8+ hours at work, I came home and decided to do something I love: take pictures. However, instead of going for a stroll to capture nature or calling up some friends for a photo shoot, I decided to take pictures of things around my home. I shot items in my living room -- my sofa, my lamp, storage baskets -- specifically focusing on interesting angles and depth perception. My challenge: Capture everyday items in a unique manner.

I think I'll do this more often. We often fail to appreciate the little things.

C. Marie

DC After Dark Part II

2010-08-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Shutterbugs!

To piggyback off of Marie's post below, I am absolutely enamored with DC at night. I am a resident of the city and never cease to be amazed by new and interesting sites. Marie and I could barely walk one city block without finding dozens of inspiring details.

The first few pictures are bold and colorful, expressing the youthful energy that can radiate from manufactured objects. The last few pictures are less visually vibrant but, in my opinion, depict the soulfulness and perhaps even the serenity that can be sensed beneath city lights. So I purposefully juxtaposed strong color with monochromatic images to express the dichotomy of emotions I often feel living in DC.

Even if that made absolutely no sense to you, I hope you enjoy! :-)

- S. Christine

DC After Dark Part I

2010-08-21T22:25:00.001-07:00

I've lived up and down the East Coast -- Florida, Atlanta, Tennessee, Maryland, New York -- you name it. I now reside in an area of Northern Virginia called Crystal City, just south of Washington, D.C. I'm as close to the Nation's Capital as you can be without actually living there. As such, I pop in and out of D.C. on a regular basis. There's no place like it. By day it's a buzzing power city, and by night it is truly electric. It is eclectic, to say the least. Each neighborhood has a spice of its own, uniquely flavoring this city that has quickly become one of my all time favorites. Tonight, I captured some sights on Vermont Avenue in the Thomas Circle area. Here's a quick taste of D.C. after dark . . . .

Marie

Out and About: Bastrop, LA

2010-08-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I absolutely love sharing pictures from my many travels! This week I’m showcasing a lesser-known city in America. Bastrop, Louisiana is a small town located 30 miles south of the Arkansas border. The population is just under 13,000 and feels like the type of place where “everybody knows your name”. I visited this friendly town last week and was captivated by the simple, rustic beauty found in the least obvious places (old buildings, a cemetery, and a swampy bayou).

As I wandered around town a quote came to mind:

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places” - Camille Pissarro

Amen!

- S. Christine

New Love, Old Love, True Love

2010-08-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

While in Pensacola on the beach, I had the pleasure of capturing, with my camera, my two most favorite couples -- my mom and dad and my brother and sister-and-law. They're my heart. My parents have been married for over 30 years and have stood the test of time. Gerald and Jenny have been married for two months and are caught up in newlywed bliss. All four have stars in their eyes. I also jumped in a couple of shots. I just couldn't stay out. Love was in the air!

Marie

Fireworks

2010-08-06T15:08:00.001-07:00

This post comes a little late -- my schedule is to blame. However, I just HAD to post some of my shots from the National Firework Show. This Independence Day was my second in the Nation's Capital. For me, a Fourth of July enthusiast, fireworks don't get any better than this.

C. Marie

Portland, Oregon: Classical Chinese Botanical Garden

2010-07-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a few days in Portland and had a chance to wander around the city and explore. I stumbled upon the beautiful Chinese Botanical Garden located in historic downtown Portland. The 40,000 square foot garden is full of exotic flowers, Asian inspired architecture, and authentic Tai Hu rocks.

Below are a few pictures I snapped while walking the grounds of the garden. I don’t believe these pictures do the garden justice but I hope they inspire you to visit a botanical garden near you.

- S. Christine

Purvis & Robinson LLC: Networking Workshop

2010-07-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to shoot at a networking workshop hosted by Purvis and Robinson LLC. These two “profession-istas” led an engaging training about the spoken and unspoken rules of networking events.

The audience was an impressive group of young men, selected from universities across the country to participate in the Institute for Responsible Citizenship summer program. These young men were selected for this program based on their high academic achievement and commitment to serving their community. They represent some of the top colleges in this country and plan to pursue an impressive array of careers upon completion of their studies.

Througout the workshop, students were fascinated with the training topic and inspired some interesting discourse relating to the art of networking. In fact, the training was so engaging that there were several times that I wanted to join in! Afterward, many students stayed behind to ask further questions. The “etiquette aficionados” of Purvis and Robinson LLC were more than happy to provide these eager learners additional advice.

Below are some pictures from the workshop. I look forward to shooting (and learning more) at future events hosted by Purvis and Robinson.

Thanks ladies!

- S. Christine

Pensacola, FL: Congratulations Gerald and Jenny Robinson!

2010-06-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of flying down to Pensacola, Florida to witness and participate in the nuptials of Gerald and Jenny Robinson. The weekend was full of love and laughter. From the rehearsal to the couple’s send off, it was clear that guests and the wedding party had an amazing time. I myself didn’t want the fun to end!

Below are a few shots I took during the couple’s rehearsal dinner on Friday, June 25. I am proud to say that I have known both the bride and groom for quite sometime. Gerald is the brother of one of my closest friends (Cornelia Robinson). I have always known Gerald to be a generous, sincere, and loving person. I honestly can not picture Jenny marrying anyone more perfect for her than Gerald. Similarly, I think Jenny is the perfect woman for Gerald. I have known Jenny for about two years and she never ceases to surprise me with her honesty (with the exception of the fact that she won’t admit to being short), generosity, and adventurous spirit. She has been such an inspiration to me over these past couple years. Jenny has been so much more than a great friend to me. She has welcomed me into her family, mentored and supported me in my career decisions (and failures!), and pushed me to grow in ways I wasn’t sure I had the strength to. In short Gerald and Jenny, in their separate ways, have each been a blessing in my life. So I couldn’t be happier that they are starting their life together.

I wish you both many more blessings and an overflow of happiness.

Enjoy your honeymoon in Aruba!

Love,
- S. Christine

Amen, amen, and amen

2010-06-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Tonischia Purvis and I met our junior year of college when we were in the Miss Spelman College Pageant. Little did I know then that one of my fiercest competitors would become one of my dearest friends. Toni is one of my "besties!" We have shared much laughter, many tears, lots of secrets, and our biggest fears.

This weekend, never having been to the west coast before, I hopped a plane and made my way to California so I could salute my bestie's achievement and witness her walk across the stage. As I was en route to the ceremony, I sent her a text telling her to remember that I was there with her. She sent me back a text smiley face, not realizing that I was actually in California and would be attending her graduation. When I found her amongst her fellow graduates before the commencement processional, both of our eyes welled up with tears. I screamed, "We can't cry; we have on mascara!" We then burst into laughter and gave each other a big hug.

Trying to think of a word to describe Toni, the adjective "amazing" first came to mind. She always carries herself with grace and dignity, and she maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude no matter what obstacles face her. She never lets set-backs stop her, and she constantly pushes herself -- and others -- towards the pinnacle of success. She is a full-time business owner, student, community servant, and an all around inspiration.

It is, both, fitting and proper that Toni received a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership. She epitomizes the meaning of Christian Leadership and embodies the principles of Christ in her daily walk. This is only the beginning.

I love you Toni. My prayer is that God continue to shower you with blessings you so graciously pour on others.

- C. Marie

Experiments in Black and White Photography

2010-06-11T08:13:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite ways to practice photography is to shoot in black and white. Black and white photos rely heavily on composition, texture, and conceptualization (perhaps even more than a color photo). As a budding photographer, shooting in black and white is a great way for me to learn how to use a picture to capture emotions, develop concepts, understand light, and create a story. As I improve, I hope to buy a black and white film camera to pursue this interest further. Until then, I will continue to use the black and white settings on my DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras and simply enjoy learning and practicing as much as I can.

Below are a few pictures (in absolutely no sensible order!) shot in various locations and settings. They are pictures of friends, family, landscapes, and even a couple inanimate objects.

Enjoy!

- S. Christine

Congratulations Reina!

2010-06-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

In my large extended family, Reina is one of the youngest of my cousins. She is one of the last to graduate from high school - but certainly not the least! She graduated at the top of her senior class, earned a near perfect score on her college entrance exams (ACT), and won a full scholarship to one of the most expensive private universities in the country, Kenyon College. On June 5, I cheered Reina on as she received her diploma.

I could not be more proud of Miss Reina. I wish her the best throughout her college matriculation and know that she will continue to amaze! Be on the lookout for this future author and poet laureate!

Congrats Reina!

Love,

- S. Christine

Dressed in Love!

2010-06-06T07:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend I traveled to Columbus, Ohio (my hometown) to visit friends and family. While there, I spent time with my favorite couple – Christa and Julian. Christa and Julian are now engaged and plan to marry on September 4, 2011. Christa and I have been friends for many years. In fact, I no longer consider her my friend; she is the sister I never had! I have now known Julian for almost a decade and he has definitely become a part of my family. I couldn’t have possibly picked a better husband for my sister. These two compliment each other in the most beautiful way. I am so very happy they found each other and CAN’T WAIT until their wedding ceremony!

Below are a couple pictures of the future Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. I snapped shots of them while we visited the site of their upcoming ceremony. More pictures to come . . . .

I love you guys!

- S. Christine

Savoring the Sunshine

2010-05-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was raised in Pensacola, Florida, a community located smack dab on the Gulf Coast. Growing up, there was always access to plenty of sunshine and water. We had warm-to-hot weather for about three quarters of the year, so "summer" extended beyond the constraints of three months.

This year, the D.C. Area (where I now reside) experienced record-breaking snow. But for the fact that I had to go to work, I would've hid in an underground heat-filled passage during the cold months, appearing again only upon the receipt of a green twig hand delivered by a little birdie. Needless to say, this year's brutal winter (my first here) left me miserable. However, just as I couldn't take it anymore, the sunshine appeared. Slowly but surely, the snow melted and buds that were once beneath the surface, began to burst into blossoms.

Now the first days of summer are here, and I am savoring the sunshine in all her splendor. To celebrate the advent of the solstice, I hit the road for Annapolis, Maryland. Its old-town charm and water-front location bear some semblance to home. And while there's no place like home, until I can get there, I'll let Annapolis serve as a friendly reminder of the summery place I long for . . . .

- C. Marie

On Location: Vietnam Memorial

2010-05-31T11:12:00.001-07:00

In celebration of Memorial Day, I spent a couple hours at the Vietnam Memorial. I encountered many touching moments as I wandered around the grounds of the monument. After paying my respects, I snapped a few shots in an attempt to capture the moment. I felt honored to be among America’s heroes and extremely thankful for all who have served this country.

Happy Memorial Day

- S. Christine

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived” — General George S. Patton

Experimenting with Bokeh Photography Techniques

2010-05-27T17:51:00.001-07:00

The word bokeh comes from the Japanese word for “blur”. It refers to the way in which the lens renders out of focus points of light. This technique, produced by adjusting the aperture setting to a low F-Stop number (larger aperture), blurs all but the main point of focus of the picture.

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In this first example, aperture is set at a relatively high F-Stop (F/25.0) number (smaller aperture), causing all portions of this picture to be in focus. However, although the main focal point is the angel, you may be somewhat distracted by my cookbooks. To correct this problem, the bokeh technique can be used to draw attention to the focal point by blurring some of the detail in the background.

In the next photo, I blurred the background to increase the focus on the angle, leaving the angel clear but my cookbooks blurry. Although it now seems clear that the angel is the point of focus in this shot, you will notice that one of the angel’s wings is somewhat blurry. One reason for this is that a larger aperture produces a smaller the area of focus. The blurry angel wing lies just outside of this small area.

In the next photograph, I turned the figurine so that the entire body of the angel fits within the area of focus. As you can see, the angel, including its wings, is clearer in this picture. Keep in mind that instead of moving the angel into the area of focus, I also could have left the figurine in its diagonal stance and simply increased the aperture setting to a higher F-Stop number (smaller aperture), widening the window of focus.

In this final picture, I kept the angel facing forward (to keep its entire form in focus) but moved the books further into the background. I did this because the bokeh technique often works best when the object of focus is farther away from the background. You may notice that the books in this photo are a bit blurrier than the books in the previous photograph.

As you can see, bokeh photography is one of my absolute favorite techniques! I am always drawn to photos that successfully utilize bokeh. Although I have not yet perfected this technique, you can expect to see a lot more my attempts on this blog . . . you may have already noticed some of the blurred edges on my close-ups of flowers!

I look forward to sharing more bokeh photos with you as I continue to develop this skill.

- S. Christine

On Location: Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument

2010-05-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, we decided we wanted to shoot a D.C. landmark. While there were plenty of options, for us, it was easy to select our first landmark shoot -- the Lincoln Memorial. We arrived about an hour before sunset and shot late into the night. To us, President Lincoln is a symbol of truth, honesty, integrity, independence, and freedom.

"Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow. " - Abraham Lincoln

-C. Marie and S. Christine

Out and About – D.C. (Adams Morgan)

2010-05-23T16:23:00.001-07:00

Greetings Shutter Bugs!

Sometimes I just can’t help myself! I went for a walk through the city on Sunday and was inspired at every turn. If you live in or have visited D.C., then surely you have seen monuments and visited your share of museums. I agree that these sites are beautiful, but I always encourage visitors to see the city through a different set of eyes. Walk down a lesser known street, peer into an alley, stop and stare at a mural, and simply take in all the beauty there is to behold within an urban landscape.

Without further ado, here are a few of the cool, colorful, and quirky things I came across while strolling through the eclectic Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

- S. Christine

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

2010-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

OK, so I think my little cousins are sooooooo cute -- all of them. One look at these little ladies, and you'll see what I mean. Lillien and Samara are just a sample of what's in store when you're with the littlest members of my family. They're full of life, energy, and imagination. They inspire me to dream big and make use of every single minute. To them, there are no boundaries nor limits in life. One minute they're a chef, the next a doctor, the next a princess. They know that they can be anything they want to be, and I believe in them. The future is theirs to have, and the present is theirs to embrace.

- C. Marie

Out and About - San Francisco

2010-05-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hello San Fran!

My friends will tell you that my camera is like an appendage – they rarely see me without it! So when I journeyed to California this month, my camera wasn’t too far behind. While in San Francisco, I snapped shots at a few well known tourist attractions (Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz) as well as in a few less traveled areas (City Park & San Fran Zoo). I had an absolute blast playing with light and composition during this trip. I hope you enjoy these shots as much as I enjoyed taking them!

La Belle Vie . . .

- S. Christine

More Outdoor Adventures

2010-05-16T17:23:00.001-07:00

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is one of my favorite places to spend time. There's great shopping, delicious food, interesting sights, and entertainment for days. So, when Gerald, Jenny, Kwambe, and I headed down to Old Town, I couldn't help but bring out the camera. I gathered the troops for an impromptu photo shoot, and they were all good sports! These photos were taken in a hidden little spot right on the Potomac. The rustic scenery provided the perfect backdrop, and the sunset provided ideal lighting.

- C. Marie

Silhouettes of Swings

2010-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend my cousin, Kwambe, came from Atlanta to D.C. to visit. Needless to say, we had a blast! He, my brother, Gerald, and my brother's fiance, Jenny, love golf. So a trip to the driving range was in order. I got in a few swings, but had much more fun capturing images!

The pictures, below, emphasize the guys' swing. I shot without flash to get silhouette images of the guys in the foreground and the light from the sky, in the background, naturally shone through. As a result, both the golfers and the scenery, became distinctly interesting elements of the photo. For the sake of contrast, the last picture is in full color.

Simply put, this is raw shooting. None of these images have been retouched.

- C. Marie

God's Little Gifts

2010-05-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Though Taj and Rebecca bear a striking resemblance, they're not twins; they're cousins! They were born just a week apart. And while they live far away from each other, their parents are instilling in them the importance of familial bonding. Taj traveled from South Florida and Rebeca traveled from Seattle to their parent's hometown, Pensacola, Florida, for their christening. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:14).

- C. Marie

Congrats China!

2010-05-14T21:13:00.001-07:00

China is my "baby cousin." It seems like just yesterday she was wearing her navy blue uniform in grade school. Now she's got a degree and I couldn't be more proud! The forecast called for a storm on the morning of China's graduation, and I'll admit, I was nervous that the ceremony was going to be moved inside. Prior to graduation, it started to rain -- enough to put everyone on alert -- but not enough to dampen the festivities. Instead, the sky opened up, and a glimmer of the sun peaked through the clouds. Later that day the sun shone in her full splendor -- but on this day, China's smile shined brighter.

Congrats China! I love you!

- S. Christine

The Soon-to-Be Mrs. Robinson

2010-05-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

My soon-to-be sister-in-law, Jenny, is getting married to none other than . . . my brother, Gerald! This is truly an exciting time, and I've made an effort to capture every moment. I've been chronicaling their experiences since the day they got engaged. A few pics from their mini pre-engagement photo shoot can be seen on their wedding website, which I designed especially for the two lovebirds. Recently, a few of the soon-to-be Mrs. Robinson's favorite girlfriends got together and hosted a lovely bridal shower in her honor. It was a blast! Of course, I showed up, camera in tow, to capture the moment with my lens. Jenny is lovely inside and out, and she's soon-to-be a beautiful blushing bride and the newest Mrs. Robinson.

Cheers!!!

C. Marie

- C. Marie