Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (February 2013)

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a place I've wanted to visit for several years, but haven't for various reasons.  After visiting St. Louis' World Bird Sanctuary in December, I felt even more irked that I've put off going for so long.  I knew that eagle nesting season was coming up, beginning in February and ending in late March.  Unfortunately I put off my visit until Valentine's Day when the eagles were already nesting and not as active, but that's OK, because I know I'll be going back again! Again, the folks I've met in Maryland parks (or in this case, a National Wildlife Refuge operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service and a non-profit formed in 1987) are some of the friendliest, most helpful people.  I didn't happen upon a ranger with an ATV and spare time on his hands like my last experience in Maryland, but I was advised by a very helpful woman from the Friends of Blackwater who was kind enough to reference the most recent eagle sighting logs.

Other than some ducks, geese, and a formation of Warthogs, my day began with nothing in sight.  No birds, wildlife, or squirrels, let alone the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrels Blackwater is known for.  I also found that the wildlife blind was useless, as there was no wildlife around.  I later used my car as a mobile blind.

01

It wasn't long before I came across this Great Blue Heron; we almost ran into each other - we were about 20 feet apart before we noticed each other.  For this reason it allowed me to stay close and watch as it fished for tadpoles.  I was very shocked it was perfectly happy fishing with me just 6 feet away, as though I didn't exist.

02

Sunset was coming quickly, and I wanted to be in a pretty spot along the shoreline.  Along the way I spotted some Red-Winged Blackbirds, and stopped to watch the sun drop below the horizon not far from a pod of Pelicans.

03

Earlier in the day I'd spotted a single Bald Eagle, in its nest 1/2 mile away.  But it was after the sun had set that I finally began seeing both Golden and Bald Eagles take to the skies.  As I was leaving, I spotted a pair of Bald Eagles flying off into the dusk, and a lone Great Blue Heron on the water.

04

Washington Auto Show: 2013

It's become a New Year's automotive tradition of mine to see the Washington Auto Show every year, much like my annual Fall trip to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park to enjoy the car culture along Virginia's most scenic Autumn route.  This year, just like the last, I brought only my beloved 85L II lens to take in the petroheads' art.  I enjoy using a tight lens like the 85L because it forces me to be creative in creating new perspectives to an auto show that thousands of people photograph.  It takes a lot of effort to get a full car shot using the 85L, and that's just part of the challenge... because that's what everyone else is shooting; do I really want that shot?  How can I make it unique?  I hope you enjoy my carporn from the 2013 Washington Auto Show! Bonus points if you can identify the cars from just their detail shots; leave your guesses in the comments section!

You can also see the entire set of photos at my Facebook Page here.  Don't forget to LIKE my Page!

01

This Chrysler 300 has had a $10,000+ drop-top conversion done to it.  It was for sale, and had a potential buyer place it on hold.  The US Army also had a display, featuring a minesweeping Bobcat, and soldier launched UAVs.  I wonder if anyone actually returns the drone in a conflict zone like the sticker asks, like a library card.

02

There were also some local celebrities on hand.  DJ Flounder, known to the DC area from his time with DC101 on Elliot in the Morning, and Captain Planet!  I also feel that the kid below was paying too much attention to the Maserati, and ignoring the awesome Chevy tow truck begging for attention just a few feet away.  It had a Stingray on the back, for sale.

03

Jake and I also had the rare opportunity to demo Jaguar's latest model, the 2014 F-Type S:  a 380HP roadster that aims to compete with Mercedes' SLK55 AMG and SL Series, and BMW's Z4 sDrive35is.  It is also available with a 450HP Supercharged V8 engine.  We found it very comfortable, and we enjoyed the envious looks of onlookers as we tried the vehicle out in the enclosed Jaguar display area.

04

I was also happy to see the direction Lincoln is continuing to move in.  I truly hope to see them continue to recover and separate themselves as a retro-modern luxury brand.  That being said, the Chevrolet Impala is a welcome sight with a refreshed yet understated look, but a rear end that reminds me of a VW Passat.

05

06

Etihad at Dulles (January 2013)

Once again, Dulles welcomes a new international carrier to the Washington, DC area.  The United Arab Emirates has recently seen a boom of travel demand to DC and beyond.  Several months ago I covered the beginning of Emirates Airlines' flight service to Dulles, and just a few months later Etihad Airways, the official state sponsored airline of the UAE, has also established a travel route to Dulles, serving the Washington, DC region.  I was present for Etihad Airways to cover the welcoming ceremonies, as well as document examples of the luxurious amenities offered in Etihad's First and Business Classes.  I was also fortunate enough to meet and take a quick photograph of the United Arab Emirates' US Ambassador, H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba. The day began with some light snow accumulation overnight and into the morning.  Ground crews were actively clearing ramp areas, and de-icing aircraft prior to departure.

01

02

The picture below was one of several photographs of mine distributed as Etihad's press release images.

03

Aboard the Boeing 777, I met and photographed the United Arab Emirates' Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba.

04

Guests were given demonstrations of the aircraft amenities to expect on a flight.  First Class passengers interacted with the aircraft's head chef.  Seats in First Class can be customized to either offer an ottoman, a guest seat for meals, or even convert into a bed for long flights.

05

Business Class travelers also enjoy gourmet meals and many seating options to make flight more relaxing.

06

All classes enjoy world-class flight staff and modern airline amenities to stay connected, comfortable, and entertained.  Even children have special gift bags to make airline travel more enjoyable.

07

Some of my photos have been made available on Etihad's website alongside Etihad's Press Release.  The release and my photos have been distributed to travel and aviation media, where my photos have been published covering this event.  Stay tuned here for updates from more media outlets.  Click the image caption to go to the full articles.

[gallery type="square" columns="4" ids="570,566,558,557,577"]

Best of 2012

01

As 2012 draws to a close, enjoy 50 of my most notable photos from the past 12 months.  I've been very lucky to have participated in some historic moments, witnessed remarkable events, and met many interesting people along the way.  2012 was almost undoubtably my most successful year in photography.  Thank you to my friends at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the FAA, NASA, and everyone I've met along the way this past year; you've made 2012 a truly unforgettable year!  Here's to 2013 being just as amazing!

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

Speedlites for Sale!!!

UPDATE:  All Speedlites have now sold.  The Boss FDR-1 did not sell, and will be back up for auction on or about the 30th. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have upgraded to an all Speedlite 600EX-RT setup... so I am now selling my old Speedlites.  If you're interested in some gear, they'll be on eBay for the next 7 days (Auction / Buy It Now ends December 17th so act quick), and they will ship in time for Christmas!  For the guitar players out there, I also have a Boss FDR-1 Fender Deluxe Reverb pedal for sale.

It's all on eBay right here!!!

BLOG_01