Eternal Vigil

Eternal Vigil, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

It was early morning and the rain had slowed down a bit by the time Manny and I arrived at the statue of the three Vietnam soldiers in Washington DC. Located just across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they seem to have emerged from the trees and have paused to stare at the black wall of names. They are extremely realistic and detailed. The overall feeling there was one of sadness.

Stepped into a Painting

Stepped into a Painting, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

When Manny and I got out of the taxi that dropped us off at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., the sun was so bright and the sky was so blue it felt like we had stepped into a dream or a painting Mary Poppins style. After exploring the place and taking about a thousand photos, we decided to walk back outside and take a photo of both of us in front of the Cathedral. One day I hope he brings his kids here and remembers being here with me.

Freedom in Golden Light

Freedom in Golden Light, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Manny and I were walking to the National Mall from our hotel in Chinatown. As we crossed Constitution Avenue we looked to our left, and were amazed to see the U.S. Capitol Building covered in golden light. There was a concrete island in the middle of the street, so we setup our tripods on it and started shooting. This was shot at 250mm which provided a nice view of the Capitol dome and the statue of freedom at the top.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Where troubles melt like lemon drops, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Colored light beams find a resting place on one of the giant columns that support the roof of the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

Antipodes

Antipodes, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

American artist Jim Sanborn is into cryptography. There's a message hidden in this piece of artwork which is located just outside the Smithsonian Institution's Hirshorn museum. Although Manny and I stared at it for the better part of a minute, we didn't solve it.

Waiting and watching

Waiting and watching, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Washington D.C.'s Union Station is an amazing place with a long rich history. Although it opened to great fanfare in 1908, by the late 1970's it was deemed structurally unfit and was almost razed. Restored in the 1980's this grand train station is now considered a wonderful addition to the District of Columbia.

The tripod police are in full force here. We were told that no tripods were allowed to be setup on the floor of the station so we climbed a flight of stairs to an elevated restaurant and had a snack while taking HDR sequences.

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.