Category Archives: dc

my new favorite photog: joe shymanski.

things that make me happy.

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“cubans” photo by joe shymanski.

there is nothing i love in life more than art. i love every type of art, and there is isn’t anything that makes me happier than wandering through an art market, full of incredible artists displaying their work, and the undeniable energy of people’s exploration and admiration as they meander through the stalls. so…imagine my delight (yippie!) at discovering the 4th annual downtown holiday market right in my neighborhood – open everyday from 12-8pm until dec. 23rd – woohoo! the market features over 150 exhibitors, including some truly amazing artists as well as area vendors, and live entertainment. the market’s focus this year is environmental sustainability, and i absolutely love everything about it.

the highlight of my shopping was meeting the absolutely fabulous photographer joe shymanski. his photos, powerful and gorgeous images from dc + around the world, immediately drew me in – and his crazy awesome personality kept me at his booth for almost an hour. i fell in love with this large framed print of cuban cigars from one of his trips to cuba. his photography talent is perfectly complemented by his killer woodwork skills, and i am in awe of all his repurposed, rugged wood frames! i can’t wait to hang this piece and i am so happy to have met such a phenomenal photog! you can catch joe at the holiday market until dec 20th AND at eastern market every weekend. you can visit his site here but the real treat is seeing his latest work in person – nothing is better than amazing photographs hanging in gorgeous frames + getting an opportunity to chat with the artist!

enjoy!

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Filed under dc, just for fun, photography

jessica + holly: married!

love conquers all.

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jessica + holly are married!

on november 15th jessica + holly pledged their love to each other and joined their lives in the company of their most cherished family and friends. in a traditional jewish ceremony at the JCC in dupont circle, their amazing rabbi spoke of the transcendence of love and the power of two people to change the world. the wise mahatma gandhi proclaimed that “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” and i know that jessica + holly’s wedding will be another step toward lasting equality for all couples.

the day was utterly spectacular and full of moments i will cherish my entire life. i have incredible respect, awe + love for these two women and consider it a true privilege to have been witness to their union. their story is one of endurance in the face of adversity, friendship in light of challenges, and ultimately, of love’s ability to truly conquer all.

jessica + holly chose to honor their love by celebrating it, and they honored me by allowing me to document it. i am so very proud to have taken photographs that tell the oldest love story of all time: of two people who fall in love, brave every challenge imaginable to be together, and in the end, live happily ever after.

jessica + holly: here’s to your happily ever after!

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blonde photo llc

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this final image is my favorite. taken at the very end of the night, after the girls changed from their wedding attire into jean chic with the rest of their guests, they posed in front of the awesome human rights campaign building, a final testament to their right to love, honor + cherish each other for the rest of their lives.

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Filed under dc, photography, photojournalism, wedding

moody monument.

stormy winter weather.

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this image totally creeps me out – but i love it! i took this photo after a recent session, and i love the drama that it conveys. the washington monument creates such a stark skyline for dc and i love how it always looks so different, just begging to be photographed ;) 

i *might* be in a little bit of denial about the fact that it’s december already…this wicked winter weather really cramps my shooting style, but it does keep me indoors + editing…i am currently working on day 3 of a major edit marathon and apologize for my lack of communication…im digging through emails and trying to catch up with blogging, but i still have SEVEN weddings to edit, as well as a dozen lifestyle sessions, which i hope to have completed in time for the holidays!

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Filed under dc, just for fun, photography

rin-rin + jon: married!

a delightful day at the woodend sanctuary.

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i love rin-rin + jon! and i am *so* incredibly happy that i was a part of their absolutely wonderful wedding celebration at the woodend sanctuary last month! 

they were married on the most beautiful fall day, surrounded by the stunning foliage of the sanctuary’s wedding grove. the mix of gorgeous fall colors, chinese accents + elegant decor made this wedding remarkable. i am still in complete awe of the phenomenal paper garden (below) that rin-rin’s father designed and created by hand! 

the day was full of excitement + energy, and the incredible love between rin-rin + jon, and from their families + friends. rin + jon are silly, fun, smart, creative and totally in love and their entire celebration was a true reflection of that. i just enjoyed watching them dance, laugh, and toast everyone with unbridled glee – it was a perfect way to spend a sunday and an idyllic way to begin a life together.

rin-rin + jon: congrats!! all of your amazing efforts + DIY creativity resulted in a fabulously superb wedding! thank you so much for welcoming me into your lives + your family for a brief, but meaningful time. it was an honor and a privilege to document your love.

enjoy!

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my absolute favorite photograph, captured at the very end of the day:

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5-star vendor reviews:

the woodend sanctuary :: a perfectly blissful wedding location in chevy chase, md.

windows catering :: the stellar danielle couick was fantastic!

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Filed under dc, photography, photojournalism, wedding

ufo america: first contact.

on the set of a tv pilot.

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two weeks ago i joined up with a very talented (not to mention fun!) crew filming in dc. they are producing the pilot for a new series called ufo america: first contact. it’s a reality show that investigates ufo sightings, and it’s being pitched to the sci-fi channel! my amazing friend andrea chesney invited me to be part of the team while they shot the segment here on capitol hill. for a change i was on the other side of the camera, one of the cast – a cameo role if you will – a photographer providing insight and professional opinion on some of the recorded anomalies that were being investigated.

led by the awesome john d’auria, we braved freezing temperatures + brisk winds to film outside in front of the capitol. it was the coldest night ever, but i had a great time and i learned so much! i am truly fascinated by ufo theories/sightings/research and it was very interesting to be in the presence of some of the most renowned researchers in the field. their passion + enthusiasm for the project was infectious and i can’t wait to see the final results!

here are some of the photos i managed to catch in between my very important acting debut ;)

enjoy!

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ufo researcher peter robbins on the set.

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robbins discusses his book left at east gate.

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andrea + john d!

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see the youtube trailer for UFO AMERICA here!

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Filed under dc, me, photography, photojournalism, television