Life Through a Lens

Brynnan & Jim Engagement Photos

2010-04-16T14:44:00.004+01:00

Brynnan & Jim, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Brynnan and Jim cheerfully agreed to be the subjects of my first-ever couples portrait shoot. We met at Dumbarton Oaks for a fun afternoon of wandering the beautiful spring gardens and took loads of pictures along the way... it was a great experience. Thanks guys, and congratulations on your engagement!

Brynnan & Jim, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

2010 DCist Exposed Photography Show

2010-03-08T14:46:00.010Z

2010 DCist Exposed Photography Show, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I am thrilled to have a photo included in this year's DCist Exposed Photography Show. Last year, the show included my photo of the Waffle Shop. This year, I will be exhibiting a photo I took during DC's 2009 Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

Opening night was this past Saturday, and over 1600 people showed up to the Long View Gallery for what turned out to be a fantastic evening. The show runs through March 24 (note the date correction), so there is still plenty of time to check it out! All 47 images in the show were taken in or around DC by local photographers, and all the work is for sale at reasonable prices. I encourage you to stop by the gallery if you're looking to add some new art to your walls!

2010 DCist Exposed Photography Show
March 6-24, 2010
Long View Gallery
1234 9th St NW
Mt Vernon/Convention Center metro

Gallery hours:
Wednesday-Saturday 11-6pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Snowpocalypse 2009 in D.C.

2009-12-20T22:05:00.009Z

Winter Wonderland in Foggy Bottom, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

The Washington, DC metro area received around 18" of snow in 24 hours this past weekend. For most of us, including myself, it was a good excuse to leave the car parked and stay home in our pajamas all day, wrapping Christmas gifts and catching up on things around the house. I did manage to bundle up and get outside for a few photos on Saturday afternoon, just as the snow was beginning to taper off. A few shots are featured here, and the full gallery is available on flickr.

Thank you to DCBlogs for including the above photo in DC Blogs Noted for December 21, 2009.

Foggy Bottom Rowhouses, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Ski D.C., originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Bike's Day Off, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Snow Jogger, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade 2009

2009-12-07T13:46:00.005Z

Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade 2009, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

It was a very snowy day for the Middleburg Hunt's Christmas parade this year in downtown Middleburg, Virginia. The snow made for some beautiful scenery but also difficult photography. My Canon 40D is not fully weather-sealed, so keeping it safely dry was a challenge. It was a great morning, though... everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the wet weather, and I came home with several shots I was happy with.

A couple of my favorites follow below; the full set can be viewed here.

Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade 2009, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

"Sand and Foam"

2009-11-30T13:46:00.002Z

"Sand and Foam", originally uploaded by soleil1016.

It has been a busy fall here, and I apologize for the lack of photoblog posts. To start the holiday season off on a tranquil note, here is a shot from my recent weekend in Puerto Rico - a little stroll on the beach sounds pretty nice right now, to work off all that turkey I ate last week!

EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Late day sun at Pike Place Market

2009-08-20T15:33:00.002+01:00

Late day sun at Pike Place Market, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Finally finished editing most of my photos from my trip back to Washington last month. This photo of the streets around Seattle's Pike Place market has some crazy lens flare (intentional), but I like the effect. Shot with the XSi and EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens.

EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Meet Lacey!

2009-07-31T15:30:00.002+01:00

Lacey, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Lacey is my family's new Australian Shepherd pup. Unfortunately, she is growing up clear across the country in Washington state, but I did get to spend a couple of weeks with her while she was still in the young puppy stage. What a cutie.

I took a number of portraits of her, but I love the way her eyes jump out at you in this shot. I used Adobe Lightroom for most of the post-processing, applying the "Aged Photo" effect for the sepia conversion.

EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Lens: EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400

"Old Waffle Shop" a Finalist in the Washingtonian contest!

2009-07-21T19:45:00.004+01:00

Old Waffle Shop, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

My photo "Old Waffle Shop", which features the classic 1950s diner in Penn Quarter located across the street from Ford's Theater (site of Lincoln's assassination), is a finalist in the July "Best Photo" contest at Washingtonian magazine. If it wins, it will be published in the September issue!

Please place your vote by July 31, 2009 at http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/13093.html

Thanks!

---

Thank you also to FamousDC for the shout-out on July 21!

Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington, DC

2009-07-06T14:34:00.016+01:00

Fourth of July 2009 in Washington, D.C., originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I set a goal for myself that this year I would get some real photos of the Fourth of July celebration at the National Mall. I met up with some fellow DC photographers, Phil and Brian, on the Virginia side of the Potomac, where we set up our tripods a couple hours in advance and waited for the big show to begin. It was well worth the effort! I've seen a number of fireworks shows in my life and I have to say the DC spectacle tops them all, at least in terms of incredible scenery. It was pretty special to be here for the holiday.

Fourth of July 2009 in Washington, D.C., originally uploaded by soleil1016.

More photos can be seen at my Zenfolio site, where you can also order prints. Full slideshow follows below.

Thank you to DCBlogs for the spot in July 7th's DCBlogs Noted!

Lazy summer afternoon

2009-06-29T16:26:00.003+01:00

Lazy summer afternoon, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This group of teenagers was kicking back on the Chicago waterfront on a pleasantly warm June afternoon. I like the desaturated color version, but I tried a black & white conversion that is appealing to me, as well. Any preference?

We are all keeping our fingers crossed for a clear and not-too-hot Fourth of July weekend here in DC, void of the severe thunderstorms and steamy afternoons that we've seen over the past few weeks.

2009 Budweiser Upperville Jumper Classic

2009-06-10T14:51:00.006+01:00

2009 Budweiser Upperville Jumper Classic, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I was happy to make it out for the Grand Prix at the Upperville horse show this year, despite taking the LSAT exam on the following day! It was sunny and 80 degrees (about 20 degrees cooler than last year, phew), which made for a beautiful afternoon, but I think heavy rain earlier in the week unfortunately kept a lot of folks from competing who might otherwise have been there. The class had only 18 entries and was finished in one hour without a jump-off (which is the jumper version of a tie breaker).

Full slide show follows below. If slide show fails to load, photos can be found here.

Heart of Magnolia

2009-06-04T16:43:00.003+01:00

Heart of magnolia, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A week full of showers and gray weather needs a little spot of color! This magnolia was one of many blooming back in April at the National Arboretum in D.C.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Yosemite Valley

2009-05-29T14:32:00.003+01:00

Yosemite valley, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Just back from a whirlwind weekend in Yosemite. Between all the wedding celebrations, I only had time to get in a couple short hikes - mostly in the southern section of the park, around Wawona. I think I saw more fancy cameras than wildlife! I was blown away by the natural beauty of the place, though I don't think I will try to visit on a Memorial Day weekend again. There were just hoards of people everywhere. I look forward to making a return trip during a quieter time of year, when I can spend more time on photography and less time sitting in traffic. =) I still managed to get a few photos that I'm happy with, including a couple of the Yosemite valley as seen from the "tunnel view". Hard to mess up a shot of a landscape like this!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (with the EF-S 10-22mm lens)
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 19 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Mare with newborn foal

2009-05-21T13:35:00.002+01:00

Hug in B&W, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I am off to Yosemite National Park in California this Memorial Day weekend for a wedding, and hope to bring some great pictures back to DC with me to share next week. Until then, I'll leave you with this beautiful moment between a mare and her hours-old filly. I've since captured quite a few shots of this foal, now about a month old, some of which can be seen here.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 191 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Cherry Blossom Festival Photography Exhibition

2009-05-01T20:27:00.005+01:00

Fallen blossom, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A photo of mine was a winner in the Yelp DC Cherry Blossom Photography contest and will be on display at the TangySweet in Dupont Circle for the entire month of May. All of the featured photographs are available for purchase. Please stop by and check it out - it's a great excuse to have some tasty frozen yogurt while you're there!

The "official" opening of the show will be on Thursday, May 14th, from 6:30-9:00pm.

Exhibition details:
Yelp DC Cherry Blossom Photo Contest
TangySweet Yogurt Bar
2029 P Street NW (Dupont Circle area)
Washington, DC
May 1-31, 2009

Middleburg Spring Races

2009-04-21T14:18:00.008+01:00

Two-horse race, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I spent a beautiful sunny afternoon watching the spring steeplechase races in Middleburg, Virginia last Saturday. Our picnic spot was right on the rail just before the turn to the finish line, which made for some exciting duels down the stretch home and plenty of great photo opportunities. I did a little experimenting with panning as well; the most successful attempt was probably the photo above, taken with an exposure of 1/60 second.

A few more of my favorite shots follow below.

Middleburg Spring Races 2009, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Streamlined, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

The final turn, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Facing Off

2009-04-17T16:24:00.002+01:00

Facing off, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This was taken during a performance by the Capitol Area Budokai club during the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival earlier this month. I don't know much (anything) about martial arts, but I've been told that this sword fighting discipline is called Kendo and the swords are Katanas. It was interesting to watch!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Blossoms in Blue

2009-04-14T13:33:00.002+01:00

Blossoms in blue, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I spent an afternoon wandering the National Arboretum recently and found all kinds of fun things to take pictures of. The variety of spring flowers were perfect subjects for my 100mm macro lens.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Love beneath the cherry blossoms

2009-04-08T15:30:00.002+01:00

Love beneath the cherry blossoms, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I'm way behind in getting the nearly 1,000 photos I took last weekend processed and uploaded. So far, though, this one stands out as a favorite of mine. This couple was having a sunrise photo shoot at the Tidal Basin - I hope they got some good ones! If you happen to recognize them, let me know and I will email them a copy. =)

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Deserted alley

2009-04-03T14:51:00.002+01:00

Alley, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I came across this empty back alley in Georgetown the other day. Georgetown is full of these little crannies and you never know what (or who) you'll find. For being an "upscale" part of town, there's some shady business in these parts!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Stroll along the C&O Canal

2009-03-31T19:58:00.002+01:00

Stroll along the C&O Canal, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Spring has officially arrived in D.C. with the kick-off of the 2009 cherry blossom festival last weekend. On Saturday, rather than braving the cherry blossom crowds around the tidal basin, I took a walk around Georgetown on a misty afternoon and spotted this couple out for a leisurely walk along the C&O canal towpath.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Meet "Hanalei"

2009-03-27T13:15:00.002Z

Hanalei at one week, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Hanalei is the newest addition at the farm where I help out on weekends. She is quite a bold little filly, curious about everything... including my big camera! I'm sure this isn't the last you'll see of her on my blog, especially since she is such a willing subject.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 116 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Pollen season

2009-03-24T13:24:00.002Z

Pollen, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I've been having fun playing around with my new macro lens, the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM. Manual focus is much more difficult than I remember and makes for many frames to get the shot I'm looking for. (This is actually a spider plant in my apartment - I was home with the flu yesterday and took advantage of being stuck inside by taking a closer look at some of my friendly houseplants!)

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Umbrellas Up

2009-03-12T13:40:00.003Z

Umbrellas Up, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Took this on a rainy night last March in Dupont Circle with my trusty Canon Powershot A620 and liked how it came out. Not sure I would have been so keen on setting my SLR down on the wet pavement!

Beautiful day for a stroll

2009-03-09T14:04:00.002Z

Stepping out, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

After receiving several inches of snow last week, combined with wind chills well below freezing, the DC area was treated to an early dose of spring this weekend when it warmed up to 70 degrees. This mare is due to foal in about a month, and she took advantage of her first bath of spring by instantly rolling in the dirt and getting herself even dirtier than she was to begin with. She looked pretty pleased with herself.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Tracks in a frozen field

2009-03-06T19:58:00.002Z

Tracks in a frozen field, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

With temperatures headed towards 70 degrees this weekend, it looks like spring is officially on the way. It will be easy to forget that just a few days ago, we had six inches of snow on the ground and a wind chill below zero...

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/13.0
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Snow Day on the National Mall

2009-03-03T16:56:00.002Z

National Mall snowman, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

DC received about six inches of snow from this week's end-of-winter storm... what a way to welcome in March! Unfortunately, most of the people I know still had to make it into work, albeit with a couple hours grace. Snow days just aren't what they used to be in grade school. After I got out of the office, though, I had time to wander down to the National Mall and get some fun wintry pictures - this is really the only major snowfall we've had here this year!

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 125

Beautiful Butterfly

2009-02-26T14:20:00.002Z

Beautiful butterfly, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A little spot of color on a cold wintery day. The butterflies are now part of a permanent installation at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 640

DCist Exposed opens tomorrow!

2009-02-19T14:20:00.004Z

2009 DCist Exposed Photography Show, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

If you are in the D.C. area tomorrow night (Friday, Feb. 20th), please stop by the Gallery at Flashpoint at 916 G Street between 5-9pm to check out the opening of the 2009 DCist Exposed photography show! Admission is free, with complimentary wine and snacks. If you can't make it tomorrow evening, the exhibition will be on through March 7 (more information here). My photo of the Waffle Shop (featured in the poster above) is in the exhibition, along with 44 other incredible shots. All of the art is for sale at reasonable prices, too, if you're looking to add some photography to your home.

Hope to see you there!

Heavy with blooms

2009-02-17T16:31:00.002Z

Heavy with blooms, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I took this with the XSi and the "nifty fifty" - or EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. A little playing around with Adobe Lightroom yielded this final product. My two orchid plants are both in the middle of their long winter blooming season. I'm pretty proud of myself for not killing either plant over the last year!

Outgoing

2009-02-13T19:47:00.002Z

Outgoing, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This was one of the first photos I took with my Rebel XSi. I still think it's one of my favorite shots of the D.C. metro. Believe it or not, this was handheld (1/15s) - that in-lens image stabilization really helps!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 23 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Shadow Play

2009-02-11T16:20:00.002Z

Ren in shadow, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A good friend of mine owns several Friesian horses, who are the most willing and friendly subjects! This is Ren. He's a matched pair for Mick, her other gelding.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Just a few last shots from Inauguration weekend...

2009-02-05T20:31:00.002Z

Fist-pumping excitement, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I couldn't resist sharing just a few more random photos from inauguration weekend. I promise, no more after this!

Ponies and porta-potties, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Third-place winner in the Washington City Paper's inauguration photo contest.

Obama Cupcake - yum!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Red velvet cupcake from Baked and Wired in Georgetown.

Presidential Inauguration 2009: Faces in the Crowd

2009-01-29T15:47:00.003Z

Cheering above the crowd, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I don't think I've ever seen so many happy faces in one place! Here are just a few of the smiles from inauguration weekend.

Big Smile, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

One face in a sea of many, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Shoulder dancing, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Happiness, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Presidential Inauguration 2009: Inaugural Parade

2009-01-26T15:11:00.002Z

President Obama approaches!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I was one of the fortunate few who got through to Ticketmaster and was able to get bleacher seat tickets for the inaugural parade. Even with a place to sit, it was a very chilly 6 hours between when I showed up in the morning (10am - I had to work a few hours from home that morning and nearly missed making it through security!!) and when the parade actually started (a bit past 4 pm - only 1+ hour late). My feet took the brunt of the cold, and by the time the President passed, I was happy to go warm up at home and watch the rest of the parade on TV! Still, it was exciting to be there and feel the energy of the crowd. I have a great deal of respect for the folks who showed up at the crack of dawn to claim their little piece of sidewalk and were tough enough to wait the entire day just to see President Obama pass by. That's dedication!

The Obamamobile!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

President Obama and daughter Malia, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Presidential Inauguration 2009: We Are One concert

2009-01-22T21:37:00.004Z

Big turnout for the We Are One concert!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I'm still catching up (and warming up!) after a very busy and exciting inaugural weekend here in D.C. To be in the middle of it all and experience first-hand the optimism and excitement of the hundreds of thousands of people who descended on D.C. for President Obama's inauguration was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can see all of my pictures here, but I've selected a few of my favorites to share with you over the next several days!

U2 performs!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

President-elect Obama speaks at the We Are One concert, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Sheila

2009-01-14T22:39:00.003Z

Sheila, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Yesterday we lost our Australian Shepherd, Sheila, and I wanted to share this photo I took of her just a few weeks ago on Christmas day. She blessed our household for nearly 15 years, her unfailing good spirits bringing us much joy (and occasional frustration - she had a penchant for chasing squirrels that far outweighed any amount of concentration she might have had for obedience training, as well as an early love of chewy garden hoses...). She also gave us a beautiful daughter, Pesto, and the two were partners in crime for years until Pesto passed away from cancer in 2007. My parents are now left empty-nested and dog-less for the moment and may remain that way at least for a while - Sheila has left some very big shoes (paws?) to fill.

Boardwalk to Nisqually Beach

2009-01-12T15:12:00.004Z

Boardwalk to Nisqually Beach, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

View of south Puget Sound on a wet winter day at Tolmie State Park, just outside of Olympia, WA.

Curious Jay

2009-01-07T16:12:00.003Z

Curious Jay, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This is a Steller's Jay that frequents my parents' backyard in western Washington state, harassing the little birds and generally being a nuisance! He was very intrigued by my whistling, however, which is how I kept him around long enough to snap a few shots. I love his little "eyebrows".

Head in the Clouds

2009-01-05T02:11:00.002Z

Head in the Clouds, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Beautiful Mount Rainier and a dusting of the snow in the foothills outside Orting, Washington. Nothing on the D.C. skyline can top this!

Cabs lined up at Times Square

2008-12-18T15:12:00.001Z

Cabs lined up at Times Square, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Another photo I took during a recent weekend in NYC. I love how the colors really pop in the artificial lights of a city night.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Ice Skaters at Rockefeller Center

2008-12-15T15:07:00.002Z

Ice Skaters at Rockefeller Center, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Just another busy holiday weekend at the Rockefeller ice rink!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Thai Coca-Cola cans

2008-12-11T14:40:00.004Z

Thai Coke can III, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Coca-Cola marketed special edition aluminum cans in honor of last summer's Olympic games. I saw the first discarded can, labeled with Coke written in Thai, while I was in Chicago back in June. Since then I've seen two other "Thai cans" littering D.C.'s streets, both stumbled upon randomly and shot exactly as I found them. Maybe I'll start a series. =)

Thai Coke can I, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Thai Coke can II, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Rock Creek Parkway by Night

2008-12-08T15:22:00.001Z

Rock Creek Parkway by Night, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Having some fun with light trails. If you look closely, you can see the Air Force 9/11 Memorial off in the distance, all the way across the river in Virginia.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 15 sec (15)
Aperture: f/14
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Figures in Shadow

2008-12-01T16:45:00.004Z

Figures in shadow, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

The two wings of D.C.'s National Gallery of Art are connected by an underground tunnel that creates some cool photo opportunities. At the moment, a new installation there looks like it spices it up a bit. Might have to go down and take some new pictures.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.4 sec (2/5)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Show-Off

2008-11-25T15:23:00.002Z

Show Off - B&W, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This great egret at the Assateague Island refuge off the Virginia/Maryland eastern shore was putting on a big show trying to chase another bird out of his space. The other bird took off shortly after this little dance!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 250 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Early Signs of Winter

2008-11-21T14:18:00.002Z

First Freeze of Winter, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Winter has blown into D.C. this week in a big way. Just a few snow flurries so far, but the temperatures are quite chilly and the wintery breeze cuts to the bone. I snapped this photo of frozen dew drops on my way to work earlier this week. Brrr!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Rainy Day

2008-11-19T14:57:00.002Z

Rainy Day, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Wet leaves make for slick sidewalks and messy streets, but the tail end of autumn is still a beautiful time.

Blogged on DCist Morning Roundup: Play with Fire, Get Burned Edition on November 21, 2008.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 42 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Yummy-looking Boots

2008-11-17T14:44:00.005Z

Yummy-looking Boots, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This young horse was debating whether my boots looked tasty enough to take a nibble (verdict was yes!).

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Cake!

2008-11-12T15:25:00.002Z

CAKE!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I stumbled across this beautiful cake sitting outside the Convention Center following the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show. It was made by The Sweet Life in Annandale, VA. Yum!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 39 mm
ISO Speed: 1600

Passing through McPherson Square

2008-11-10T14:52:00.004Z

McPherson Square, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I've been playing around with a new toy, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II. Very fun little lens! Great and affordable alternative to the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 1600

Election Day 2008 in D.C.

2008-11-06T17:36:00.008Z

Polling station in Foggy Bottom, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I wish I had some photos to share of the city-wide celebrations that took place after Barack Obama was announced the new President-Elect of the United States. This town (which voted 93% for Obama) went nuts! A huge crowd congregated outside the White House and partied long into the night, despite the rain. I do have a few shots from my local polling station in Foggy Bottom, but for some photos of the dancing in the streets of D.C., check out these two great posts from DCist.

The above shot was blogged in the Morning Roundup: Moving Forward Edition on DCist, November 6, 2008.

Campaigners, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Huh., originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Middleburg Hunt

2008-11-03T16:17:00.006Z

IMG_4040-20, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I was able to be there for the Middleburg Hunt's Opening Meet of the season this past weekend. (We're talking foxhunting here, just in case you needed some clarification!) It was fun to see all the horses and riders in their best turnout, along with meeting the Middleburg hounds for the first time. The whole morning took me right back to my days as a kid learning to ride next door to the Woodbrook Hunt Club in Lakewood, Washington. Different place, different crowd, but the traditions are the same.

More pictures from the Opening Meet can be found here!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 44 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:54:00.002Z

081012_NHtrip_0236-18, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Have a safe and candy-filled night! =)

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 37 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Tsankawi Caves

2008-10-30T13:29:00.003Z

Tsankawi caves, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

These incredible rock formations are part of a 15th century Pueblo dwelling outside White Rock, New Mexico. It is officially a detached portion of Bandelier National Monument.

(Shot with the Canon Powershot A620.)

Autumn Palette

2008-10-28T13:40:00.002Z

081012_NHtrip_0428-35, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This little maple just peeking out over the carpet of dead leaves caught my eye on a recent hike.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Abandoned Mill Building in Manchester, NH

2008-10-24T16:28:00.002+01:00

081013_NHtrip_0149-12, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Rounding the corner of this more than 150-year-old abandoned mill building in Manchester, New Hampshire, the dismantled "Pandora" sign that clearly adorned the roof at one point really caught my eye. This place has clearly seen better days, but it was pretty cool to explore - see some of my other shots in my flickr gallery.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Mountains of New Hampshire

2008-10-22T14:22:00.002+01:00

081012_NHtrip_0664-56, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Taken just before sunset outside Whitefield, NH during the "leaf-peeping" season of 2008.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/9
Focal Length: 123 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Lone Silhouette

2008-10-20T15:06:00.004+01:00

Lone silhouette, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Featuring the most noble bird... the pigeon. =)

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/29 (?)
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Autumn Birthday Leaves

2008-10-16T12:55:00.002+01:00

Autumn leaves, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I've always liked October, for the crisp autumn mornings (or not so crisp, maybe, here in DC, but definitely chilly in the Northwest!), the crunchy leaves blanketing the streets, and because it means my birthday is here. For my birthday today, just one of many photos I took last weekend in New Hampshire. The fall foliage was incredible!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Fire and Bronze

2008-10-14T13:52:00.006+01:00

Fire and bronze, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This is on display at the Smithsonian American Art museum. I love the color, lights, and bokeh effect in the background.

Sculpture information: "Sculpture Group Symbolizing World's Communication in the Atomic Age", 1959. Harry Bertoia.

Photograph featured on DC Blogs Noted for October 15, 2008.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 500

Evening Glow

2008-10-08T15:23:00.003+01:00

Evening glow, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I spent most of Sunday at a horse show in Berryville, Virginia. The soft evening light combined with the dust in the air made for a beautiful backdrop in this shot.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 116 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Jump!

2008-10-06T15:07:00.005+01:00

Jump!, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This is just one photo in a series that I took this past June of a beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan, as seen from Chicago. I've put a few other favorites below, all taken with the Canon Digital Rebel XSi and EF-S 18-55mm kit lens. I have to mention that this was also the dawn of the summer solstice - if we hadn't stayed out all night, there is no way I would have been up early enough to catch it! ;)

Man and his dog, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Sunrise over Lake Michigan, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Church in Dupont Circle

2008-10-03T14:46:00.001+01:00

Church in Dupont Circle, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This is Church of the Pilgrims, a Presbyterian church on 22nd & P Streets NW. I'm having fun experimenting with effects in Lightroom!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/9
Focal Length: 10 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Lightning over D.C.

2008-10-01T14:31:00.001+01:00

Lightning over D.C., originally uploaded by soleil1016.

In honor of the big storm that rolled through last night, here's a shot I took back in June of a similar evening. None of my lightning shots yesterday turned out anywhere near as dramatic as this bolt, stretching over the Watergate and the Kennedy Center (lower left).

(EXIF not readily available. Shot with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi and EF-S 18-55mm kit lens.)

Pictures from the new Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

2008-09-29T15:24:00.005+01:00

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in B&W, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

The newest DC-area monument is the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon, unveiled on the 7th anniversary of the attacks. There is a good Washington Post article on it here.

Open arms

2008-09-26T14:35:00.006+01:00

Open arms, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This video installation at the Smithsonian American Art museum changes every second or so - which makes this totally unplanned and pretty lucky. (I just told my friend to stand there and "do something with her arms" - made for an interesting shot!)

Named DCist Photo of the Day for September 30, 2008!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Old Waffle Shop

2008-09-24T13:55:00.006+01:00

Old Waffle Shop, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This is the result of me playing with my new copies of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom. Too fun!

Named DCist Photo of the Day for September 24, 2008!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 10 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Two's a crowd

2008-09-22T16:26:00.004+01:00

Two's a crowd, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

US Marine Corps Memorial

2008-09-19T14:53:00.003+01:00

Iwo Jima Memorial, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Also known as the Iwo Jima memorial, located in Arlington, Virginia.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Harvest Moon rises behind the Washington Monument

2008-09-17T20:43:00.003+01:00

Harvest Moon rises behind the Washington Monument, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This photo was taken September 17, 2008, during the rising of a full harvest moon. Our first glimpse of it was a bright red orb just peeking over the top of the Lincoln memorial... I will try to get more pictures up. Beautiful sight!

(EXIF not readily available. Shot with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi and EF-S 55-250mm lens.)

Blue Skies Above

2008-09-15T18:35:00.003+01:00

Towering Firs, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Douglas Fir trees in Washington state. (yes, there really are blue sky days in Seattle!)

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 10 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Cicada on Chain Bridge

2008-09-12T16:26:00.006+01:00

Cicada on Chain Bridge, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This photo got a fair amount of attention yesterday when it was named Photo of the Day on DCist.com. Coming from the blissfully low-bug-populated Pacific NW, I find the late summer insects here in the DC area pretty disgusting. The cicadas in particular are too big for my taste... although this one was better looking than some. =)

Captured with the ultra wide-angle EF-S 10-22mm lens, which happened to be on my camera at the time this guy landed at my feet. I was surprised at what a decent job it did of focusing on a subject so close to the lens (within a few inches!).

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Handpicked

2008-09-11T13:18:00.003+01:00

Handpicked, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A shot from my local Wednesday farmer's market. The farms are starting to get their fall produce in, which means the end of the delicious summer corn and the beginning of apple pie season!

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/20
Focal Length: 44 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Sunflowers at Eastern Market

2008-09-09T13:21:00.003+01:00

Sunflower heads, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

With summer winding down, these beauties won't be around much longer.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Rainy Bokeh Friday

2008-09-05T13:30:00.004+01:00

Rainy bokeh, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

They say a storm's a-brewin' for this weekend, with Hanna on the way. Hope everyone on the Eastern seaboard stays safe and dry!

(EXIF not readily available. Shot with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi and the EF 50mm f/1.8 lens.)

Butterfly and Thistle Flower

2008-09-04T13:44:00.001+01:00

Butterfly and thistle flower, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Another summertime shot from the Virginia countryside.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 250 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Curious Cow

2008-09-03T14:27:00.003+01:00

Curious Cow, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

This cow (outside Middleburg, Virginia) was the only one brave enough to check me out at first. The others soon followed.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Trains leaving Foggy Bottom station

2008-09-02T16:39:00.006+01:00

Trains leaving Foggy Bottom station, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A quiet Friday evening in the Washington D.C. metro.

Thanks to DC Blogs for the "Noted" listing on 9/3/2008!

(EXIF not readily available. Shot with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi and the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens.)

Wading on Assateague Beach

2008-08-31T20:16:00.005+01:00

Wading on Assateague Beach, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

A real summertime post for Labor Day. Savoring summer as long as possible!

(Snapped with the Canon Powershot A620.)

After the Rain

2008-08-29T13:56:00.003+01:00

After the Rain, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Seeing as it is a very rainy morning here, this shot seemed appropriate for the day!

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 200

River below Bridal Veil Falls

2008-08-28T12:44:00.004+01:00

River below Bridal Veil Falls, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

Mom and I made record time on our hike down to the falls and back up before heading to Vancouver for a family dinner. This was taken from the footbridge over the creek.

EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 1 sec (1)
Aperture: f/16
Focal Length: 10 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Sunset on the Washington Coast

2008-08-27T16:41:00.006+01:00

Evening view from Ocean Crest Resort, originally uploaded by soleil1016.

I hope to use this blog to feature some of my favorite recent photographs. Feel free to leave comments of all kinds- I would appreciate the feedback!

Thanks and enjoy.

Amanda

EXIF:

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure:	0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture:	f/22
Focal Length:	22 mm
ISO Speed:	400