Washington x2: Orchid Mania

More images from my week in D.C.

Washington 1

I have been Suzy McTraveler this month, and my latest adventure led me to Washington, D.C. It was great being back in city I love (and miss), and it was wonderful to see old friends.

Attempting to document my former commute on Metrorail, I ran into a big of a snag with Metro security . . . a couple of times. Eluding arrest, I managed to get some great shots. I am hopeful the resulting body of work will live up to my expectations.

The highlights: I was able to visit with several D.C. friends, as well as meet up with Nebraska Erica, who was introducing The District to her poetic genius. I caught a lovely orchid exhibit at the National Botanic Garden, stopped by the Hirshhorn Museum (not that interesting despite its reputation), spent time in Eastern Market, and discovered a few new and wonderful coffee/restaurant establishments.

I was delighted to see the Columbia Heights neighborhood progressively developing into a safe, exciting neighborhood. I was also pleased to know scary H Street has come a long, long way in the five years I've been gone. Good job, Washington.

Images: I'm uploading a bunch for your viewing pleasure. I'll begin with some images from Capitol Hill and Eastern Market. Orchids and others to follow.

Philadelphia

Last week I attended a photography conference in Philadelphia. It was my first trip to Philly, and it did not disappoint. I rather enjoyed experiencing Reading Market, and I loved once again being in a city that is so pedestrian-friendly.

Modern art, historical architecture and good friends . . .

Here's an ugly fish image from the Reading Market for your viewing (dis)pleasure.

02/23/10

Super Heroes

I miss my nephews and their sweet, sweet super powers. Protecting the world is a tough job, but with capes and swords, these guys are well on their way. Thanks, fellas.

I screwed up a whole month of blogging. Sigh.

Oh goodness. So . . . my free time was hijacked by the start of the new semester. It seems strange that when I return to my studies as a fine art photographer that I can't manage to make an image a day, but so it goes.

I've been busy teaching a couple of sections, making new work, and generally taking care of school business. Currently, I'm prepping for two exhibitions. One solo exhibition, which is evidenced by today's photos . . . of my show cards. I'm showcasing the Miss Fortune portfolio during Lexington's Gallery Hop. Locals: Please come!

The other exhibition, opening the same night, is UK's advanced student photo show. It's a juried exhibition with cash prizes, where advanced students showcase new work. It should be a good time. In addition to the cash prizes, I'm starting a new tradition within our department, that I hope will be a lasting one. On the evening the students hang the show, we'll cast ballots for the best-in-show. I'm calling it "The Big Shot" award, and it will come with street cred, as well as the winner's name engraved on a trophy (of some sort) that will be displayed prominently (somewhere) in the photo lab. Each year during this annual exhibition, students can pick a new winner and have that name added. It's pretty geeky, but I'm just so excited about it. Once I make/secure the trophy, I imagine a photo will appear on this blog.

So. Clearly my life in the past month has been photo-filled, although not photo blog-filled. I'm hoping to get back in the habit. Stay with me.

Thursday 01/14/10

This is an image of the Reynolds Building, where the art studios and grad students live. After an early morning and afternoon spent teaching, I arrived for my evening lighting class. I've always appreciated a good yellow-orange glow against a near-night sky. (And I can see my house from here.)