Photoshop for Digital Photographers

March 1st: Scott Kelby was at the Washington Convention Center in DC for a new tour: Photoshop for Digital Photographers. I was excited to hear Scott teach again in person as he was here last year on one of his stops for his Down & Dirty Tricks Photoshop Tour. Scott's practical and informative teaching brings incredible value, and his humor keeps things going throughout the day. I'm thankful that his tours stop in DC, but I'm sure he likes it here too.

GLiTTARAZZi's First Year Anniversary

February 27: GLiTTARAZZi is a Washington D.C. based gossip blog by writer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Kelly Ann Collins. To celebrate the first year of the GLiTTARAZZi blog, she threw a party at the ultra cool Shadow Room in Washington D.C.

I rolled into the Shadow Room with my compact camera. This night was more for fun than working the camera. I enjoyed hanging with the people there and dancing the night away. Even at 3am energy was still abounding, but it was time to go. Outside a couple fights erupted, but the incidents were quickly suppressed with cops on the scene. What a party, what a night, yet in a few hours there would be light, where the GLiTTARAZZi still shines.

Pink Fashion ROCKS!

February 24: At the Long View Gallery in Washington D.C., Pink Fashion ROCKED! In partnership with the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, Pink Jams! presented Betsey Johnson and 14 hot Washington DC designers in a unique fashion show that sported the color pink. It's for a great cause as the proceeds from the show benefits Pink Jams!, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and the DC Fashion Foundation.

Each of the fashion designers involved with this show specifically created a garment to be shown in the Pink Fashion Rocks! runway. During the runway show iTunes' 2009 Rewind Best New Rock Band, Charm City Devils performed. The pink garments were available for silent auction following the runway show. It was a packed venue, yet it was good to see so many people come to the event to support the featured causes.

Designers: Betsey Johnson, Belafigura, Bill Johnson Studio, Ceci G Originals, Chaude Custom Clothes, Chez Kevito, Diahna Lynn, Ibhana, KAS Collections, Kustom Looks Clothier, Michael Kaye, Plastic Heaven, Tashia Senn, Tsyndyma Designs, Walish Gooshe, and West Potomac Fashion Design.

The Host Committee: Fernando Batista, Deidree Bennett, Christine Brooks-Cropper, Maggy Francois, Michael Dumlao, Christa Floresca, Kelly Collis Fredrick, Angie Goff, Wendy Gordon, Kate Marie Grinold, Maimah Karmo, Kate Michael, Janelle Morris, Ora Nwabueze, Pergrin Pervez, Jane Roser, Kiki Ryan, Barbara Saylor, Lisa Shapiro, Bryan Thomas, Krystal Ugo, and Jenny Zinn.

Here are a selection of photos of the event: http://vithaya.zenfolio.com/pinkfashionrocks2010

Black Eyed Peas in D.C.

February 23: The phenomenon that is The Black Eyed Peas started in 1995 and they've been on an incredible journey to where they are now. Last year they became one of eleven artists who have held the number one and two spots on the Billboard 100 with their songs "Boom Boom Pow" and I Gotta Feeling." Their song "Imma Be" recently became their third number one song on the Hot 100. All of these songs plus the singles "Meet Me Halfway" and "Rock That Body" are from their latest album called "The E.N.D." which means "The Energy Never Dies." The group's frontman will.i.am describes it by saying to Billboard: "It's a diary...of music that at any given time, depending on the inspiration, you can add to it." He further went on to say to Billboard that "I'm trying to break away from the concept of an album. What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That's not an album. There is no album anymore." The music is described as "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that." Well, I like that music and apparently so does many people worldwide.

I was glad to be able to go to the Black Eyed Peas concert at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. LMFAO and Ludacris opened the show and producer David Guetta laid down some wicked cool tracks. The Black Eyed Peas rocked the venue. They had an elaborate set and costumes. Very hip and cool, and futuristic too. I didn't make it to the after-party at the 9:30 club, but I'm sure it was hoppin'. Here are a few pictures from the concert, but my group was in the 400 level, so we weren't very close. But I can dance wherever I am. :)

John Mayer: Battle Studies at The Verizon Center

February 20: It was an exciting night for many in DC with the John Mayer concert, with Michael Franti & Spearhead opening. The restaurants were packed, the fans were pumped up, and the Verizon Center seemed like it was at full capacity.

The concert went well, the vocals were clear and the music was at the right volume. Michael Franti & Spearhead dished out an energetic and fun mix of songs, and many will recognize their hit Say Hey (I Love You).

When John Mayer came on, the house roused with cheer and a frenzy of flash bulbs went off as he started off his set with Heartbreak Warfare. The show wasn't extravagant as far as effects, but his presence and songs were enthralling. He's been in the music biz for 10 years and he's thankful. I think he loves DC fans just as he loves fans everywhere else, but we'll see if he makes a hell-a-boat to cruise the Potomac.

Fall 2010 Collections - DC Fashion Week

In the midst of DC Fashion Week, three International Designers showcased their Fall 2010 collections on Feb 17 at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington D.C.

* Tatjana Tatalovic: Award-winning Serbian Fashion designer, ELLE Magazine most significant fashion collection of the 2009 Belgrade Fashion Week.

* Artemiza Cruz: Award-winning Mexican Fashion designer, 2009 Golden Palm“Revelation for design in Fashion Clothing' at Mexico Fashion Week.

* Ruben Gonzales: Argentinian designer showcased his Fall 2010 Haute Couture Collection

* Hair and Make up by Hela Spa and Ted Gibson salon
* Jewelry by artist designer Stella Basiluk

* SPONSORS/PARTNERS:

* PHYTO Hair care
* LIERAC Paris Skin care
* SOFITEL Hotel Washington DC Lafayette Square
* Alliance Francaise de Washington DC
* COACHRIDER Earth Friendly Private driving service

* Reception sponsored by Peacock Cafe
* Lighting production - JBV production
* Fashion show production - Planete Chic

The District Dish - First Anniversary

February 15: The District Dish celebrated it's first year and it's first Live Taping! Attendees had the opportunity to witness the LIVE taping of three future episodes of The District Dish. Complimentary hor d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and mingling with fans and past show guests were also in the mix. I took some pictures of the live taping and then later on snapped a picture of Sonya Gavankar McKay, Matt Paxton (of Clutter Cleaners, as seen as A & E's "Hoarders," and Kate Michael of The District Dish.