I will always remember this day

I will always remember this day, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Can you tell we got caught in the rain? It really felt good to be able to take My 12 year old nephew Manny to Washington D.C. It was his first time there, first time leaving the state of California, first time flying in an airplane and the first time he has ever been so far away from his immediate family. He's a great kid and so easy to travel with. He really got into HDR photography. In fact, some of his photography sold while we were in Washington. He has a great personality and is really funny. Also does some killer Austin Powers / Doctor Evil impersonations

a new birth of freedom

a new birth of freedom, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Above this solitary statue of Abraham Lincoln these words appear: In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Manny and I were on the National Mall in Washington D.C. near the U.S. Capital Building when we realized that the sunset that evening was going to be absolutely stunning. We started walking as fast as we could (pulling our rolling camera backpacks behind us), towards the Washington Monument. I spotted a cab driving down the National Mall and flagged him. He drove us over to the grassy knoll just across the street from the Monument. I paid the driver and he helped us get our bags out of the taxi's trunk. We scrambled up the hill, setup our tripods and started shooting before this spectacular sunset had vanished. You will never realize how quickly the sun sets unless you take the time to watch one.

Sakura American Style

Sakura American Style, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

My Nephew Manny and I had the good fortune to be in Washington D.C. during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. One of the things we learned is that the Cherry Blossoms are not just located at the tidal basin that surrounds the Jefferson Memorial. They were nearly everywhere we visited, even Capitol Hill.

We the people...

We the people..., originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The cornerstone for the United States Capitol building was placed in 1793. It was built, burned to the ground by British troops during the war of 1812, rebuilt and expanded several times even in the midst of a bloody civil war. It has seen the rise of of representative democracy, tolorated and abolished slavery, heard declarations of war and endured the resulting hardships. An extraordinary place to visit and learn.

La Casa Blanca

La Casa Blanca, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

My nephew Manny and I walked over from the Washington monument to the ellipse facing side of the white house. I spoke to one of the guards and asked if I could take pictures using my tripod. They said I could so long as I stayed on the ellipse side of the street. While taking some HDR sequences, we noticed that the 3rd floor, first family residence lights were on and we could see someone walking around and a TV was on. Everyone needs to kick back after work I guess.

Chief Washakie

Chief Washakie, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Before I left for Washington, I made reservations to take a tour of the United States Capitol Building. In the time since I last toured here, a very large underground visitor center has been built. This is one of the many impressive statues located in Emancipation Hall. The subject here is Chief Washakie, who was a Shoshone indian warrior and spokesman. He spoke several languages including english and french.

All I want is a roof over my head

All I want is a roof over my head, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

On this visit to Washington D.C. I knew I wanted to return to the National Cathedral and take my nephew Manny with me. Like me, he was awed by the size and beauty of this amazing place. We did have to contend with one of the docents that obviously disagreed with the cathedral's policy allowing tripods. She looked at both of us with disapproval as we entered and reminded us of the rules that forbid the blocking walkways or fire exits. We dutifully avoided doing either but she kept an eye on us the whole time and commented to me that she couldn't understand why we needed to use a tripod in the first place. I tried to explain the purpose but seemed unconvinced.  I guess we just looked like wild renegade rule breakers! - Ten exposure HDR with the longest being 30 seconds.

Oxcart Decendant

Oxcart Decendant, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Mach 3+ SR-71 Blackbird greets guests to the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport, Chantilly Virginia. This 10 shot HDR sequence was taken using my Gorillapod Focus camera support system. Udvar Hazy does not allow tripods but the guards seemed unsure what to say about my articulated wonder.

Vietnam Era Aircraft

Vietnam Era Aircraft, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly Virginia has multi-level walkways from which you can view the various aircraft that are on the hanger floor or suspended at various levels from the ceiling. I was able to wrap my gorilla pod to the hand rail of these walkways to steady my camera. This allowed me to take my typical 10 shot HDR's and avoid the security guards who zealously enforce the "no tripods allowed" rule.