rowhouses, old town

Roses

by John Ferguson Weir

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC

the kirtland temple, ohio

the pittsburgh popcorn company

last chance

Last chance to get the new Jonathan Canlas book, Film Is Not Dead: a digital photographers guide to shooting film at a discounted rate. It goes back up to the original price tomorrow. This is a great opportunity, not just for photographers, but for anyone who is interested in learning to shoot film to get great instruction and guidance. You don't have to own an expensive film camera to benefit from this book. Jonathan gives camera recommendations in this guide for a variety of budgets. This book is less than what I paid for my first community photography class and is far and away more valuable. You don't need this guide to learn how to shoot film but it will definitely make it less expensive and your learning curve will be less steep. You can purchase the book here.

pamela's diner, pittsburg pa

happy presidents day!

heaven

Hope you are all enjoying your President's Day Weekend. Yesterday was 70 degrees in Arlington. Heaven on earth.

thinking about learning to shoot film?

Now would be a good time. Jonathan Canlas just released a new book entitled, "Film Is Not Dead: A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film". You can read more about the guide here.  After reading the complete document I've decided to become an affiliate for the guide. I'm recommending this book because I want to promote film as a viable option and because, to my knowledge, it is the most affordable, concise and current guide available for learning to shoot and process film. If you know of any others please send them my way! I'm also recommending it because I took Jon's workshop in October of 2009 and feel I can recommend him as a teacher. I support his efforts to make shooting film more accessible and affordable. Disclaimer: if you are looking for THE way to shoot film this is not it. The guide contains recommendations for cameras and other equipment, film stock, labs, workflow etc. based on Jon's personal experience and basic photography fundamentals. In my opinion it's an efficient and rewarding way to shoot film. Will there be some things in the guide that won't apply to you? If you are any good at your craft, yes, of course. To get the most from this book you will find ways to glean what is best for you and your situation and tailor it to your own needs and taste. This book encourages you to do that, to learn the basics and then to have fun and experiment. I recommend this guide for anyone who wants to learn the craft of film photography. It is well organized, easy to read, conversational and honest.

I may add a more detailed review of specific elements and chapters from the book in the future. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions about the guide please feel free to ask.

brick, alexandria va

essentials

a few things I carry around with me

 I'm always curious to find out the everyday things people carry to get them through the day. I'll share a few of mine tomorrow. 

little things

No picture to post today . . . I just came across this little video by Chris of JAC Photography and wanted to share it with you. Reminded me of this statement from one of my favorite authors: "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important"

-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, (Sherlock Holmes) A Case of Identity, 1892

winter

Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you I'm not a winter person. I prefer spring and fall but, I must admit, some days it sure is beautiful.

*photo taken a few weeks ago during our little snowstorm.

in arcadia

A favorite of mine in the Smithsonian American Art Museum by Bessie Potter Vonnoh.

3307 N Street NW

The Kennedy's lived in this home with their children, Caroline and John Jr., when JFK began his presidential campaign. They lived here from 1958-61.

3321 Dent Place, "The Red House"

This is the first house John F. and Jackie Kennedy lived in as newlyweds in 1953-54. It was known as "the red house". Check out this site for more history and images of the Kennedy's time here. The book Camelot at Dawn is a collection of photographs taken by Orlando Suero documenting some of the couples activities around this house and at work. Walking tour maps of the Kennedy's homes and more information is available at the Georgetown Visitors Center located at 3242 M Street, NW.

instax mini: georgetown

on creativity

Because you are a human being all you have to do is to get out truthfully what is in you and it will be interesting, it will be good.   -Brenda Ueland

jacquard

breakfast

Seven grain cereal with a little fruit has become a breakfast favorite on cold mornings.

suggestions?

I'm compiling a short book list for the year. Any suggestions?

groundhog day

I cut these beauties from the front yard this morning. Nice to see a little bit of spring in winter. I know he has

a shaky record but I think we can trust Phil this year.

february

My little sister successfully wrote in her journal every day during the month of January and is resolved to do the same for the rest of the year. I've decided to attempt a mini version of her resolution and post a daily entry here this month. Wish me luck!