Photo By Blasko

The "Big Three" of DC

2009-10-10T22:43:00.004-04:00

I've always considered the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol the "Big Three" historical sites in Washington. Here they are on Sept. 20 as seen across the Potomac River from Arlington, Va.

DC Noir

2009-10-07T23:59:00.002-04:00

I've been watching a lot of film noir on Netflix lately, and I wondered what Washington, D.C., would look like in that style. Here's my best take on it.

A Foggy Day In DC

2008-11-18T21:49:00.007-05:00

On Friday, Nov. 14, I rose early to take pictures of the Capitol in the fog. It's something I always wanted to do because I've never done it before. Because this was new for me, I went "all in" and used techniques I've never tried before, including black and white, high ISO grain, soft focus and some Photoshop wizardry. Above are some images that I created from the shoot.

Election Days Past

2008-11-02T23:05:00.009-05:00

In May 2007, a friend asked if I could take some pictures of his campaign button collection. I just bought some new lights and I thought this would be a good way to experiment with them. Here's what I came up with. I thought these photos would be good to post now with Election Day 2008 coming soon.

Tiger In Fall

2008-10-19T23:38:00.008-04:00

I've been spending a lot of time at the National Zoo lately for a personal project. Above are some pictures I took Sunday afternoon of one of the zoo's tigers. They are one of the most popular exhibits at the zoo and are a lot of fun to shoot because, if you are patient and prepared, you are rewarded with a shot like this...

I also couldn't help but think of the first stanza of William Blake's poem while shooting:

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright

In the forests of the night,

What immortal hand or eye

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

Wolf Run

2008-10-09T22:54:00.003-04:00

A Mexican wolf runs along the edge of its habitat at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6.

Pictures of Abe

2008-09-21T00:53:00.013-04:00

Last week, I had an opportunity at work to shoot a bust of Abraham Lincoln. I was interested in Lincoln's downward, almost mournful expression in the piece, and I wanted to capture that tone with the natural light from a nearby window.

Washington National Cathedral

2008-08-30T18:30:00.011-04:00

Some images of the Washington National Cathedral that I took during an Aug. 19 visit.

Washington National Cathedral: Details

2008-08-30T17:51:00.018-04:00

The Washington National Cathedral is huge. It is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the U.S. It is 30 stories high and about two football fields long. If you live in Washington, you can see it from miles away -- day or night. Above are some details of the cathderal that I shot during an Aug. 19 visit.

"Air Jaws"

2008-08-19T23:29:00.003-04:00

I was going through some old camera flash cards the other night when I came across this image of pre-historic shark jaws. I took it during a December 2007 trip to the American Museum of Natural History in New York with my trusty Canon A610 PowerShot.

Arlington Memorial Bridge (And Some Geese)

2008-08-15T23:27:00.009-04:00

Here are some pictures of the Arlington Memorial Bridge that I took on Aug. 12. The bridge, completed in 1932, connects the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River.

This is a shot that I've wanted to do for some time. I scouted locations, noted the light and carefully considered which lens to use. The geese were not planned, of course. They were a late, but welcome, addition to the shoot.

Life On the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

2008-05-17T18:57:00.014-04:00

Back in September, I took an 18-mile hike along the C & O Canal with my camera in tow. Below are some of my favorite images from the trek:

Pennsylvania Avenue At Night -- Part I

2007-10-11T22:44:00.001-04:00

Cars cruise down Pennsylvania Avenue on Oct. 4.

Pennsylvania Avenue At Night -- Part II

2007-10-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

Cars cruise down Pennsylvania Avenue on Oct. 4.

Pennsylvania Avenue At Night -- Part III

2007-10-11T22:38:00.000-04:00

Cars cruise down Pennsylvania Avenue on Oct. 4.

U.S. Air Force Memorial -- Part I

2007-09-27T22:16:00.000-04:00

Cars drive past the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 25.

U.S. Air Force Memorial -- Part II

2007-09-27T22:14:00.001-04:00

Cars drive past the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 25.

U.S. Air Force Memorial -- Part III

2007-09-27T22:12:00.001-04:00

Cars drive past the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 25.

U.S. Air Force Memorial -- Part IV

2007-09-27T22:08:00.000-04:00

Cars drive by the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 25.

U.S. Air Force Memorial -- Part V

2007-09-27T22:04:00.001-04:00

The sun sets behind the U.S. Air Force Memorial on Sept. 25. The memorial, dedicated in October 2006, is located just south of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Last Day At RFK: The Game

2007-09-23T22:36:00.001-04:00

In their last game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 on Sept 23. After three seasons at RFK, the Nats will play in a new stadium in southeast Washington next year.

Last Day At RFK: The Fans

2007-09-23T22:26:00.001-04:00

About 40,520 people watched the Washington Nationals play their last game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium on Sept. 23. The Nats said this was the highest attendance of the year and the fans were rewarded for their turnout: The Nats beat the Phillies 5-3.

Jefferson Memorial At Night -- Part I

2007-09-22T20:53:00.001-04:00

Tourists visit the Jefferson Memorial on Sept. 13.

Jefferson Memorial At Night -- Part II

2007-09-22T20:50:00.000-04:00

Tourists visit the Jefferson Memorial on Sept. 13.

Washington Memorial At Night -- Part I

2007-09-22T20:47:00.000-04:00

Cars and buses drive past the Washington Memorial on Sept. 13.

Washington Memorial At Night -- Part II

2007-09-22T20:41:00.000-04:00

The Washington Monument as seen from the Tidal Basin on Sept. 13.

George Mason Memorial At Night -- Part I

2007-09-22T20:38:00.001-04:00

A statue of George Mason sits in the dark on Sept. 13. The memorial of the Founding Father is located near the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin.

George Mason Memorial At Night -- Part II

2007-09-22T20:34:00.000-04:00

In what may be a commentary on the popularity of the George Mason Memorial in Washington, I found this near-perfect spiderweb there on Sept. 13.

FDR Memorial At Night

2007-09-22T20:30:00.001-04:00

Pillars representing the New Deal stand at the FDR Memorial on Sept. 13.

At The Rosslyn Jazz Festival: Kevin Mahogany

2007-09-09T22:54:00.001-04:00

Singer Kevin Mahogany performs at the 17th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 8. His set included several standards from Kansas City jazz and blues singer Big Joe Turner.

At The Rosslyn Jazz Festival: Kevin Mahogany and Kathy Kosins

2007-09-09T22:49:00.000-04:00

Jazz singers Kathy Kosins and Kevin Mahogany perform at the 17th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 8. The vocalists dueted on standards such as "Flip, Flop and Fly" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll."

At The Rosslyn Jazz Festival: Cyrus Chestnut

2007-09-09T22:38:00.000-04:00

Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut performs at the 17th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 8. Over the years, Chestnut has backed several major jazz artists, including Betty Carter, Terence Blanchard and Wynton Marsalis.

At The Rosslyn Jazz Festival: Bobby Hutcherson

2007-09-09T22:31:00.001-04:00

Jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson performs at the 17th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 8. Songs from Hutcherson's set included "All or Nothing At All."

At The Rosslyn Jazz Festival: Regina Carter

2007-09-09T22:23:00.001-04:00

Jazz violinist Regina Carter performs at the 17th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 8. Her set included selections from Duke Ellington and George Gershwin.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part I

2007-09-05T23:21:00.000-04:00

Coach Brian Darling of the Capitalist Tools holds the game ball after the Tools defeated the Leadership Institute during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title. After the game, all the players (and one team photographer) signed the ball as a momento for Darling.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part II

2007-09-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

Wiley Westall of the Capitalist Tools scores the first of the Tools' 19 runs against the Leadership Institute during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, took the title handily with the final score 19-1.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part III

2007-09-05T23:12:00.001-04:00

Mike Spiller of the Capitalist Tools throws the ball to first base during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part IV

2007-09-05T23:09:00.001-04:00

Heather Hogue of the Capitalist Tools swings for the ball during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part V

2007-09-05T23:06:00.001-04:00

Chuck Roman of the Capitalist Tools steadies himself after making at play at second base during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part VI

2007-09-05T23:02:00.001-04:00

Brian Phillips of the Capitalist Tools swings for the ball during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part VII

2007-09-05T22:58:00.001-04:00

Heath Hall of the Capitalist Tools runs to catch a ball headed down the first baseline during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part VIII

2007-09-05T22:54:00.001-04:00

Izzy Ortega of the Capitalist Tools prepares to swing during the Sept. 5 think tank softball championship game against the Leadership Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat LI 19-1 for the title.

Tools Clobber LI For Think Tank Title -- Part IX

2007-09-05T22:50:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Heritage Foundation Capitalist Tools

Coach Darling Gets Doused

2007-09-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

What's a championship celebration without the traditional "dump-the-ice-on-the-coach" ceremony? Teammates Derek Hunter (left) and Brian Phillips of the Capitalist Tools did just that to Coach Brian Darling after the Tools won the Washington think tank softball championship on Sept. 5. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat the Leadership Institute 19-1 for the title.

Faces At The National Powwow

2007-09-02T21:54:00.000-04:00

I went to the National Powwow in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 10 and shot some of the dancers there. These are my favorites.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part I

2007-08-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

Rob Bluey of the Capitalist Tools swings at the ball for a triple during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part II

2007-08-28T23:40:00.001-04:00

Derek Hunter of the Capitalist Tools scrambles for the ball with teammates Brian Phillips and Brian Darling during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part III

2007-08-28T23:36:00.000-04:00

Alex Adrianson of the Capitalist Tools waits to bat during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part IV

2007-08-28T23:31:00.001-04:00

Chris Tucker of the Capitalist Tools makes a swing during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part V

2007-08-28T23:28:00.001-04:00

Brian Phillips (left) of the Capitalist Tools congratulates teammate Heath Hall for making a home run during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Capitalist Tools Make Championship -- Part VI

2007-08-28T23:22:00.000-04:00

Alec Aramanda of the Capitalist Tools swings for the ball during an Aug. 28 game against the National Democratic Institute. The Tools, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat NDI 17-9, allowing them to go to the think tank softball championship next week.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part I

2007-08-16T00:50:00.000-04:00

Jedediah Link (right) and Christie Grennes (background) congratulate Supply Sliders pitcher Kara Kangas after she finished her third consecutive no-hit inning. Kangas' pitching (and her teammates' fielding) helped the Sliders beat the Center for American Progress 11-5 on Aug. 15. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, ended the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part II

2007-08-16T00:46:00.001-04:00

Aaron Thompson of the Supply Sliders bolts for second base after teammate Diem Nguyen makes a hit during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part III

2007-08-16T00:39:00.000-04:00

Kibreab Berhe of the Supply Sliders watches his hit during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part IV

2007-08-16T00:36:00.001-04:00

Aaron Thompson of the Supply Sliders runs to second base during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part V

2007-08-16T00:32:00.001-04:00

Jedediah Link of the Supply Sliders warms up before an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part VI

2007-08-16T00:26:00.001-04:00

Diem Nguyen of the Supply Sliders watches her hit during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part VII

2007-08-16T00:22:00.001-04:00

Supply Sliders coach Adam Salmon throws to first base during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part VIII

2007-08-16T00:18:00.000-04:00

Christie Grennes of the Supply Sliders swings for the ball during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5, ending the season with a 10-4 record.

Sliders Beat CAP To End Season -- Part IX

2007-08-16T00:12:00.000-04:00

Nat Ward of the Supply Sliders swings for the ball during an Aug. 15 game against the Center for American Progress. The Sliders, one of two Heritage Foundation softball teams, beat CAP 11-5 to end the season with a 10-4 record.

Victims of Communism Memorial -- Part I

2007-08-15T00:35:00.001-04:00