DC... Part Deux

After a few days of doing my part to get rid of a cold contracted from my DC travels, I said to myself , "Enough is enough!" and found the strength to update the blog. Thanks to all of you who continue to look for updates well beyond their expected date (and chastise me too in the process).

So I've shared with you all how wonderful and moving the whole DC-Inauguration-Celebration thing was, but there was a lot more to my trip than just the official events. I'll get to those too, but for now I want to tell you about some other things that happened. I got to hang out with some very good friends, got to meet some new friends and got to take what I think are very cool photos in some places I was introduced to by said friends. Overall the experience was well worth it. I can't wait for my next adventures. So much to photograph, so little time...

First of all I have to thank Ken for being an incredible host. He is a true friend and master of the Mojito. I'm a lightweight so I can only handle one... at a time, that is... outstanding!

Before and After

He'll probably kill me for posting his photo, but I like to live dangerously... This photo just reminds me of his friendly disposition and personality. He's one of the genuine best.

Next, up another friend I've grown to cherish. Believe it or not we've known each other for over 10 years now and this is the first time we've actually been in the same room together. Zun is one of those people you start a conversation with and you feel like you've known them all your life. This was one of those rare moments when all the hype is brought to reality... AND you are pleasantly surprised! Zun is top notch.

As it turned out he happened to be staying about 8 min from where I was. Imagine that. Obama really is the Great Uniter, aye? (Zun is Canadian..get it? Aye?... never mind.)

More photos below and ...

Happiness... camera, good food, iPhone...

The crowds before the Inauguration

A cool song I heard playing near the National Mall. I got one if anyone wants to hear it.

Very good Italian food.

18th Street Lounge. Best.Music.Ever.

Want to see more? Click here

Wow

So. First things first, I missed my flight back from our nation's capitol. This was a new experience for me, despite the fact that I have had many chances to miss flights before. Missed the plane by ten minutes.
The ticket agent, very much Whoopie Goldberg-ish, only looking less "celebrity" and more "not another late passenger trying to ruin my nap" eventually helped me find a new flight...the next day!
So having been delayed I thought I would show you all some of the photos I took during one of the greatest events of my life. I really did witness history in person!

Wow.

Annnd... (*wink* at Camille) no matter how you feel philosophically about our new President, this will be a defining moment in American history. This is the moment that life as we know it in these United States changed forever. For good? Would we really let an opportunity to create the nation we want slip through our fingers over pettiness, ideological differences or inaction? Those things seem pretty small compared to the monumental acts of altruism, compassion and strength Americans have brought forth throughout our very brief history.

I remain hopeful. On to the photos...

Barack Obama is EVERYwhere:














Can you imagine our new President doing the samba?


This one took me aback for some reason.

Part Two tomorrow

I'm a Travellin' Man

I have been truly blessed to be able to go to many of the places I love. 2008 took me to several destinations that I will be showcasing over the next few weeks.

First off New York City. I think NYC is one of the greatest cities on earth. The energy, the people and that sense of immediacy you get just walking the city are intoxicating. I'm sure as a visitor to the city I have a very different take on how life really is. Daily living must be as challenging as in any other city, if not more so. But for me the experience is like no other. This is not a fish-out-of-water view either. I've been to many places and seen many things.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, circa 2001 comes to mind! You know who you are...

But NYC is a city I could visit any time and know that I would meet the most fascinating people and have the most fun ever. Everything you could possibly want in one place. Amazing.

Anyway, you all know I can go on like this for days, but I'll spare you and just show a few of the hundreds of images I took there. Enjoy.

Times Square


Yes, I DID have to do some shopping. Just doing my part to stimulate the economy!


The street vendors had some really cool things for sale. If you like the product and you are able, support their efforts. Most were exceptionally nice to talk to.


You never know who you will run into in NYC. This is Harry Benson, one of my all time favorite and most inspiring photographers. You're probably familiar with his work even if you don't know his name. To see why I was smiling so much at having met him, visit http://www.harrybenson.com. The saying goes "if there is an event of great importance going on, Harry Benson has already been there to cover it."




"McDonald's...The Musical!"


One of these things just doesn't belong here...


These young guys just seemed so happy and carefree. Reminded me of days gone by...


These cakes and assorted desserts are a must. Visit. Buy. Eat!
www.makemycake2.com

And finally, my favorite drink in my favorite city: Lemonade!


More to come...
DBW

Stumbling Blocks

Hi All,
I apologize... one more day as I am having real server issues.

These are just stumbling blocks on the road to victory.

Here is what the week will hold:
New posts with previews of Paris, France and NYC
New post with shots from a dynamic music group I'm working with
On the road to Washington DC...I'm sooooo excited to be taking part in these events.

And a new server in place finally!


From my favorite city in the world~ Harlem, NYC Oct 2008

One more day...
DBW

New post tomorrow, system issues today

Hi All...

Had a few system issues this week:
Installed a new network storage device
Culled through thousands of images from my travels this year
Installed new security and system maintenance software
All this took about 3 days so I'll be posting a new blog entry tomorrow with some new photos!

More to come...

Men and their toys....

Hello All,
Welcome to my first official post of the new year. I am very enthused about the things to be in the coming months. Please check back often as I have lots to share.

You might be thinking the title of this posting is a bit odd for a photography blog.

Maybe.

I'll try to explain.

This post is actually about moving forward, something very important to my situation. We live in rapidly changing times. That indicates to me a need to change and grow in order to thrive. I recently visited a friend's new apartment. This is a first for him; living on his own, earning his own keep in the world so to speak. I know many of us can relate to that feeling of "ownership." Being able to call all the shots in your space, moving things around without resistance, eating straight from the fridge, being as loud or as quiet as you want to be for as long as you want to be... ahh the good times. That strange mix of exhilaration and trepidation is priceless. Right now you could push him over with a feather! It's also a time of heightened responsibility. But growth rarely comes without some type of challenge. Reality will set in one day, but for now he is loving every minute and I am watching with equal parts pride and shared excitement.

As I walked through his new space I came across this image:

Sure just a little something to make the space his own, a reminder that it is his to create in and personalize as he sees fit.

A toy? No a declaration!

I cannot wait to experience that high of ownership again. I am focusing all my efforts on getting the studio open as quickly as possible. The next few months will be lean and strictly business. But at the same time the most exhilarating and most fun I've ever had. My friend gave me a gift, one he knew I would love and keep. This gift will grow with me and help me get through the stressful times. It will give me something to focus on in those times when I am doubtful or anxious. It will give me something to play with when I am at my wits end trying to work my way out of the seemingly impossible situations that lie ahead. This gift is incredibly expensive, but he got it for nearly nothing and for that I am proud of him. He knew the value and immediately pounced on the opportunity. I took a picture:



I bet you thought the picture was of the gift he gave me.

It is, and it is fantastic! But that's not the gift I was describing. The gift he gave me was the gift of a renewed sense of hope, inspired by his taking action in uncertain times. These are the times we live in. If you are not experiencing it now, give it a minute. You will, or someone close to you will. Never lose hope. It is what you can lean on through the daily grind. I'm renewing my efforts to live the life of my dreams and I will gladly open my journey to all of you.

Yes, we men and women have our toys. They remind us that life is our playground.

DBW

Hi All,
The new year brings great things to come for Studio Two Eleven. I had to make some adjustments from my last post concerning our new space. The details are too great to go into. Long story short the building management and I were not seeing eye to eye. That said, I have a great arrangement for an even better space! So far:

• 2000 sq ft of studio space
• Available Gallery space
• Digital Darkroom

...and more to come.



I plan on blogging frequently to track the progress of our move in so please check back often.

I hope you are intrigued. I hope you comment to let me know if you or someone you know would be interested in working in or with Studio Two Eleven.

I hope 2009 is our best year ever!
Talk with you in a few days.!