Abstracts in Adams Morgan

I wanted to learn to see more creatively, so I took a class on abstract photography in Washington, DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood. David Luria of Washington Photo Safari led a group of us photographers through a number of exercises where we looked at mundane objects and tried to use extreme close ups and cropping to make an interesting photo.

Adams Morgan is one of the more culturally diverse and eclectic parts of the city. It's a sensory treat with vibrant colors, smells of all kinds of international cuisine, and sounds of everything from jazz to reggae. I'd shot photos down there many times before but always focused on the wide-open, vista-like shots. Once Ed taught us to look for the art in the ordinary, I saw the whole area differently. See the photos.

His name was Justin

This morning, I visited Arlington National Cemetery for a Veteran’s Day excursion. Section 60 of the cemetery has been designated as the final resting place for all those who died in Iraq, and we spent a good deal of our time just talking with family members who were there to remember their loved ones.

No matter how many times you confront these sacrifices in a personal way, it is always moving. I was touched by a 5-year-old girl and her 11-year-old brother who were there to see their dad. Surprisingly, the young boy spoke of his father with more pride than sadness.

Most memorable was the mother of Army Spc. Justin Rollins. She covered the range of emotions in our conversation -- from beaming with pride for his sacrifice, to remembering his many antics with laughter, to crumbling into tears recalling that yesterday was his birthday. Justin was an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper and infantryman who was killed by an IED humvee explosion three weeks before he was scheduled to go home and planned to propose to his long-time girlfriend.

In the stories of these strangers, the meaning of Veteran’s Day came to life. I thanked his mom, Rhonda, and the many families in Section 60 for their sacrifice, I’d also like to thank all those who served our nation and paid the ultimate price. See the photos.

More about Justin

Rock Creek Park in the Fall

I have been trying to get some decent Fall pictures for years and nothing seemed to be working. This year, I thought I'd try Rock Creek Park. I've heard that the park has an amazing range of Fall colors, and I wasn't disappointed.

I found most of my opportunites along the bank of the creek. This was the first year I got something half decent. See the photos.