Saturday, March 29, 2014

startupland

March 13, 2014 - The premiere of startupland was at Landmark's E Street Cinema in DC. There were two screenings of first two episodes of the series, with more episodes coming soon.

According to the startupland Kickstarter page "startupland is a documentary series that weaves together the stories of five early stage tech companies in an accelerator together with stories and insights from entrepreneurs and innovators around the country. The vision is to inspire and educate entrepreneurs on the ins and outs, ups and downs, successes and failures of starting and building a company."

Although these first two episodes are set in DC, there is footage from other cities around the nation. It's more than just about tech companies. It's more about a broader message to globally inspire, encourage and support entrepreneurs, innovators and their teams. Viewers of the series should be able to relate with those in the documentary with their stories. Yet the series also shows part of the sacrificial and "non-glamorous" side to the business. It's a sobering look at the prospects of startups, and it may make one "count their costs" or gauge their ambitions within the reality of pursuing their dreams.

Steve Case was there to say a few words about startups and some members of the staff and crew of startupland were there to answer some questions. 










 
 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/76065318/startupland-a-documentary-series

A Special Lunch with Maimah


March 5, 2014 - It seems there are many times when we see someone around and don't have much time to talk to them. This was the situation with Maimah Karmo, and we both wanted to catch up and get to know each other better. It was a blessing to have lunch with Maimah at Coastal Flats in Fairfax Corner. Maimah is the author of 'Fearless: Awakening to My Life's Purpose Through Breast Cancer.' What a beautiful, courageous and inspiring woman who helps others.
 
I was shown my table that I reserved and before Maimah arrived, I decided to sit facing toward the front of the restaurant so we could see each other when she arrived and so she could have a window view which was about ten feet behind me. So the window light on Maimah helped and so did the light within her, giving her that expression and smile. I liked her pose and aligned the chandelier above her (sort of like a halo or crown). I took this picture with my iPhone.
Being around people like Maimah can put a person in a great place, and in community we can grow.
I'm thankful for her time and encouragement in life. It's a life worth fighting for. Keep on and live well with passion and purpose.
 
 

Friday, March 28, 2014

A Picture of Bri

I enjoy both indoor and outdoor photo shoots, and the weather plays a factor in which one is done. It has been a long cold winter interspersed with some decent weather days. I've got a home studio set up where I can set up seamless paper backdrops. After photographing a few days of Crystal Couture Show & Sale in early February, I talked with one of the models about doing a shoot. I wanted to share a photo from a shoot with a model named Bri. Carlamia Ottey was the makeup artist and Kia Green was the stylist. In this photo I wanted to incorporate more shadow to give the image some mood. 

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Crystal Couture Show & Sale 2014

Crystal City Show & Sale brings around 60 stylish boutiques and designers together, providing a one-stop shopping experience and the excitement of runway fashion shows. Crystal City in Arlington VA is just outside of DC and near Pentagon City Mall and Pentagon Row. Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal Drive and 18th Street surround the 11th floor of 251 18th Street South where Crystal Couture was held from February 4-8, 2014. The Crystal City Metro Station is next to the building for convenience, as well as several parking garages and great restaurants.

Crystal Couture guests are able to browse fashionable offerings on the rack and also on the runway as models showcase fashions from participating boutiques. Drinks from a bar are provided by Celebrity Cruises, free make-up and hair makeovers are available, and fashion consultants are on hand to talk style. Music is provided by DJ Neekola. Admission is free. Each fashionable night goes from 6-10pm hosted by a different media personality, and there are runway shows every 15 minutes!

Crystal Couture:
Produced by - Crystal City Business Improvement District
Runway/Production Manager - Maggy Francois
Host - Vornado/Charles E. Smith
Media Sponsor - DC Modern Luxury (DC Magazine)
Bar & Lounge Sponsors - Celebrity Cruises

Highlight photos from the last day of Crystal Couture Show & Sale (2/8/14) by Vithaya Photogaphy.

http://crystalcity.org/do/crystal-couture4