Early Summer Fun
Residents enjoying the early hot summer sun at an apartment complex in Columbia Heights neighborhood
Executive Portraits--An alternate approach
For many years the default scheme for professional portraits is a basic solid colored backdrop with subject looking very serious. While that look is still important and necessary, there is still plenty of room for creativity and whenever possible I suggest to clients to do something in addition to that traditional look that will make headshots stand out just a bit more on the company website, press releases, publications and social media. Here is an example.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Maurice Lyles
Mr. Maurice Lyles. My neighbor, friend and respected elder passed away 2 days ago at age 88. Almost immediately he became a mentor of mine and I could always call or knock on his door and I could talk with him about anything, whether out front, out back or in his living room. I would take an annual portrait of him every year around his birthday, June 12. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take his portrait this year. This photo is by far my favorite of him. He was 82 at the time. A Washington, DC native and long ago retired, Maurice was a prolific jazz drummer, still playing gigs regularly up until about 2 years until his health declined. Every year, faithfully, the stars and stripes would hang proudly in front of his house and in a flower pot on Independence and Memorial Days. He was married twice and both wives passed on years ago. Always keen of mind and spirit, there was very little small talk. He would always jump right into a very serious and relevant conversation about some of the most important topics of our time whether that be national and local DC politics, race relations, healthy eating, the economy, gentrification. You name the subject, Maurice had a strong view. Mr. Lyles was a voracious reader, with books literally all over his three story Bloomingdale townhome. On occasion, he would would insist on lending me books from his vast library to share some of the insight and wisdom he acquired. Our one friendly point of contention was sports and NFL football in particular. I am a Giants fan. He was 100% Washington. My heart and prayers go out his family and loved ones. He is a part of a passing generation that we must never forget. Rest in Peace, Mr. Lyles. I will miss you...
JoJo Fekwa, Artist
JoJo is a native of Cameroon who has been taklng his art directly to the people on the streets of Washington, DC. for over a decade now. I just happened to catch him setting up and unloading his van along 14th Street.
DC 2015 FunkFest and Parade
Highlights from Washington, D.C.'s Annual FunkFest and Parade along the city's historic and revitalized U Street Corridor.
Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Same-Sex Marriage
Citizens rally outside United States Supreme Court during historic oral arguments on same-sex marriage, April 28, 2015, Washington, DC (Rodney Choice/www.choicephotography.com)
Lena and Candy
Familia Es Familia
NFL Pro Bowl Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson, NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver, teams up with PlayWorks for recess and a conversation on Bullying Prevention during a visit to a Washington, DC elementary school.
Lisa and Charles
Ron
Ron has worked at Tastee Diner in Bethesda, Maryland for 25 years.
Grapevine, Texas
Brian
I met Brian about one year ago on the street. He is homeless and struggles with heroin addiction. Whenever I see him we stop and talk for a while. I really enjoy our conversations about a wide range of topics as Brian is insightful, intelligent and incredibly frank and self-aware when it comes to discussing his life of addiction. I hadn't seen him in a while because he relapsed and was ordered by the courts to an in-patient drug rehabilitation center where he spent almost 2 months. This was the alternative to a jail sentence for violating his probation by testing positive.
Construction Workers -- Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Strong
Brightwood
Taylar Lee
Singer Taylar Lee, Jazz Studies Major, Howard University
Singer-Songwriter Veronica King
Singer-Songwriter Veronica King
http://instagram.com/veronicakingmusic/