Fall Season: "In a Sentimental Mood"

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

Pretty Little Things

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

141 Thomas Street

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

DC After Dark Part II

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

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

On Location: Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument

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