Ever since the 1st of March, I've been extremely busy with photography and life in general. I took a long break from blogging, but wanted to post a summary of my Spring and Summer.
* March 4th - I visited Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie in MD where they had an event featuring Maurice Hines, the jazz singer and choreographer, and some cast from the Arena Stage production of Sophisticated Ladies. They did a live tap performance. There was also The Art of Fashion® exhibit and auction with artist Maggie O’Neill who created paintings inspired by Neiman Marcus Spring Trends. All proceeds benefitted the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
There were other things going on that evening, including a Fashion Rules trivia game hosted by Washington Post Fashion Editors, Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther; Manolo Blahnik Spring Trunk Show Shoe Salon; Makeovers by makeup artists from Le Métier de Beauté, and international beats were heard from DJ Neekola.
* Mar 6 - Eric & Lisa's Wedding. I've known the couple for a few years and was glad to see how their relationship blossomed. It was a pleasure to be able to photograph their wedding. It was at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA. The bride's brother and I worked together to capture the wedding.
* March 7-10 - WPPI. Although I had heard about the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference in Las Vegas, I had never been to it. I had wanted to go, and also because I had not even been to Vegas at that point. I went with a group of photographers from around DC and it was a great experience. It's one of the best events for photographers to attend, as so many photographers go there to learn and be inspired.
* March 13 - Ben & Colleen's Wedding. I've known Ben for a few years and met his bride-to-be Colleen when we met for a meeting about their engagement shoot. I was also glad to be able to photograph their wedding.
* March 16 - Clarendon Court House St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Arlington officials, businesses and community groups paraded up Wilson Blvd in decorated floats from N. Barton to N. Irving Street for about an hour. I had some friends that were in the parade representing envirocab. Go green.
* March 21 - A Chic Affair Bridal Show. At the Long View Gallery in Washington DC, they had a mini-bridal services convention and also a bridal fashion show. The fashion show was a bit unconventional in that the room it was held had an urban and industrial feel to it.
http://www.achicaffairdc.com/
* March 23 - Being an American Essay Contest Gala. Having known Christa Floresca of Pink Jams!, she hired me to photograph a Bill of Rights Institute event. It was an exciting evening for everyone and especially for the students and their teachers who were involved in the essay contest. The parents were very proud.
* March 25 - Terra Cotta Warriors. In hearing that these statues were going to be at the National Geographic Museum for a limited time in DC, I had to check them out. There were many people who went to see it and I'm glad I was able to get a ticket and time slot to see it. There was a sense of fascination and even a little eerie feeling seeing these statues. It's a part of history, unearthed and on display. It was cool to see the exhibit.
* March 26 - CUSP Fashion Show. I heard about this fashion show at the SHADOWROOM club in Washington, DC. It was packed in there and it's a good thing I knew one of the models in the show, as she helped me to get set with the show. The fashion show worked out rather well even in such an environment, but it helps to further prove that you can show fashion just about anywhere.
* March 27 - Tashia Senn Collections Presentation. At the Ted Gibson Salon and Hela Spa in Chevy Chase, MD, local designer Tashia Senn presented a fashion show of her clothing. Tashia fused a modern look with a beautiful palette of earthy colors and added fancifulness where needed. It was also great to see Bianca, a contest of America's Next Top Model there.
* March 31 - Photo shoot with Nadia.
* April 10 - ANTM Cycle 15 Auditions - When I heard that there was an audition for America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 at Pentagon City Mall, I was curious and wanted to check it out. It's quite a phenomenon and fascination of models and aspiring models to want to be on the ANTM show. I got there early enough, and there were long lines for several hours. Knowing Paul Wharton, I was able to get some pictures of the audition event, and I knew several people there.
* April 10 - Fashion for Paws. One of the top events of the year is Fashion for Paws which was held again at the Italian Embassy in DC. Every year this charity fundraiser fashion show brings together an impressive list of notable people to raise funds and walk the runway for The Washington Humane Society. Every year there seems to be more and more people in attendance, and so much so that it has outgrown the venue. The local media has this event fully covered and I'm glad I'm able to contribute to this event and to have photographed it for several years.
* April 23 - Jete Society Dance Party. I heard about this party and it has been lauded as one of the best events of the year to attend. The Jete Society is part of The Washington Ballet and this year's event was at the magnificent House of Sweden on the Georgetown Waterfront in DC.
http://www.washingtonballet.org/contribute/special-events/jete-society-dance-party.htm
* April 28 - WH Pet Correspondents Dinner Preview event - When I heard Buzz Aldrin was coming to this event at the Helix hotel in DC, I had to see him. Here's a man who's been to the moon and who was also on Dancing with the Stars. It was a brief moment in having him at the event, but enough to get a picture of him and his wife. http://www.animalfair.com/home/?p=5393
* May 1 - "Investing in Hope" Fundraiser for Becky's Fund at 2010 GOLD CUP. This was the 4th annual fundraising event at the Virginia Gold Cup and many people came out to support Becky's Fund. Even if people aren't so interested in watching the horse races, it's still a very sociable event to get dressed up for, and of course it's for a great cause.
http://www.vagoldcup.com/vdirections.cfm
* May 4 - Martinis and Makeovers. There are times when I donate my photography services for an event, and this was one other time in supporting the Got Your Back Network. This is Dr. Andy Baldwin's non profit for military families. The widows of our heroes were given the royal treatment as Saks provided the makeovers, Patron provided some liquor and it was held in the Degrees Bar and other areas of The Ritz in Georgetown. http://www.gotyourbacknetwork.org.
* May 8 - Ball on the Mall. In my opinion this Ball on the Mall event is one of the best events of the year. This black-tie evening event under a enormous tent on the National Mall is a fundraiser hosted by the L'Enfant Society. http://www.nationalmall.org/ball-mall
* May 10 - Newsbabes Bash for Breast Cancer - This was the 2nd annual event benefiting the Washintgon Newsbabes Team for the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. It was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, DC. Honored guests were Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder & CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Michelle Cross Fenty, President of Capital Breast Care Center Advisory Council. This was an incredibly packed event and not only because of the charity and the honored guests, but the "Newsbabes" from various media outlets were there in support of the event.
* May 12 - Young Professional Network Boat Cruise . There was a boat cruise on the Potomac for young professional realtors in the DC, MD, NOVA area. I was asked to photograph this cruise event.
* May 12-16: GI Film Festival. For the past few years I have invested my time in photographing this film festival because of what this film festival means and brings to military families and the public. The GI Film Festival celebrates the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film, and in a way that we don't always seem to hear. It's like an insider's look into what's going on with the military and their campaigns from those involved (whether in the fight or as a treasured family member), and from the filmmakers that make the films. Actor and musician Gary Sinise is a key supporter of the GI Film Festival and at this year's festival, we were honored to have actor Ricky Schroder with us.
* May 15 - I was referred by someone to photograph the Fashion Delegate Blog Launch party at the home of Clinton Portis. It was actually a backyard and poolside event, and also included the basement area. Clinton was not home at the time, but he graciously allowed for this event to take place, and there was certainly plenty of room for the event.
* Aug 21, Street Glam 2010 - Downtown Silver Spring utilized Ellsworth Drive for their second annual Street Glam Fashion Show. This event featured a VIP reception and a fashion show featuring Downtown Silver Spring merchants and leading and emerging local designers.
This outdoor fashion show started with designs from internationally recognized retailers and local ready-to-wear designers. The first part of the show will featured Downtown Silver Spring merchants including New York & Company, Men's Wearhouse and Metamorphosis. The second part of the show introduced ready-to wear designs by noted designers. Kustom Looks Clothier, who was part of the initial Street Glam movement, again introduced designs that have been praised and worn by pro athletes, politicians and Washington's elite. Booshie Designs, voted the best local designer in the Washington City Paper's "Best of" introduced a fun Fall line. Kas Collections, noted for his edgy W.E.T line and his haute couture perspective, showed a new line that will be featured in his new store at the National Harbor. Thembe's urban gamine styles designs are a favorite among many trendy fashionistas. Ksara Boutique and Amore by Elizabeth Stajka, who are always on the cutting edge of pop and fashion, introduced a fun and flirty ready-to-wear line.
Sponsors of the Street Glam Fashion Show were: Downtown Silver Spring, Kustom Looks Clothier, Courtyard Marriott of Silver Spring, The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, PDB Group Venture, Louella Artworks, Ulta and many other merchants of Downtown Silver Spring.
http://www.streetglamrocks.blogspot.com/
* September 9-16 - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I had the opportunity to photograph MBFW for the first time and it turned out being the first time that MBFW was at Lincoln Center. I photographed several days of MBFW for SVELTE LLC. http://www.svelte-emc.com/
* Sep 14 - SneakerBall - This was the second year that I covered, SneakerBall, "the only black tie and sneakers gala that annually celebrates the best of sports in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. The event is organized to recognize the Greater Washington Sports Alliance Foundation, the non-profit foundation of the Sports Alliance that uses the philanthropic generosity of individual and corporate donors to make strategic investments in emerging non-profits that use sports to enhance children's lives."
* Sep 26 - Planete Chic fashion show - Challenges Spring Summer 2011 collection presented by Planete Chic and Naturally Couture.
* Sep 28 - Walk This Way for Becky's Fund. Eric Finn Custom Clothiers and Becky's Fund held the Second Annual 'Walk This Way' Charity Fashion Show to help Becky’s Fund fight against domestic violence. Walk This Way is a one-of-a-kind event where guests enjoy an over-the-pool runway fashion show, along with complimentary cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, and music throughout the evening. The event featured a silent auction featuring luxurious items.
"Becky’s Fund is a Washington, D.C. based national non-profit organization whose focus is on raising awareness and preventing domestic violence in the community, through education and empowerment. Past community events have included an annual Domestic Violence Awareness Day with the Washington Nationals Baseball Club at Nationals Park, and a "Healthy Relationships" workshop for the Girl Scouts of America in the D.C. area."
Proceeds from 'Walk This Way' will assist in the funding of the next 3 workshops in 2011 for the Girl Scouts, along with the development of a technology program to help victims of domestic violence seek help. Visit www.beckysfund.org for more information and to see how you can get involved. Personally, I detest any form of domestic violence, which is why I support Becky's fund.
