The Many Colors of Joshua Yospyn 

Article and Interview by Betsy Spruill Clarke.  Photography by Joshua Yospyn...NATCH!

What do flying tortoises, crushed food and fashion have in common?  Well, besides being the key elements of an insanely mad, yet couture-savvy chef's dream, they are also the lucky subjects of Joshua Yospyn's photography.  His signature recipe--vivid color and straight-forward angles, mixed with a dash of occasional conceptual cropping--pops with drama while complimenting the viewer's imagination. 

Currently exhibiting with John Ulaszek, Meahgan Gay and Steven Goldenberg in "Flaunt: Photography & Fashion Collaboration" at Anacostia's Honfleur Gallery, Josh is also a virtual resident of Heather Goss's Ten Miles Square.  And, if you regularly read the Washington Post, you can also see his photojournalist side.  

Very open to discussion on his photography experience, Josh is also laid back, yet, quick with the wit.  Through the following interview, as he shares his thoughts on exhibiting in Anacostia, color and concept, and flying tortoises, we get to see the multi-faceted side of Josh that is, much like his art, very prismatic...

DCSL:  How did the idea for FLAUNT come about?
JY:  I think a trifecta formed between Ten Miles Square, Honfleur Gallery, and Project Beltway.  Months ago they probably banged heads and came up with an idea to showcase locally made portraiture and fashion.  FLAUNT aside, I met Amy Cavanaugh with the Honfleur Gallery during FotoWeek last year and she sold me on Anacostia.  That part of town doesn't get enough attention from the D.C. arts community.  It houses fewer galleries than 14th Street, but they make up for it with temporary exhibitions and art fairs inside vacant buildings.

DCSL:  The use of color in your work is outstanding and the creative "subtraction" or cropping out of certain aspects of your images is absolutely interesting as it all seems to work together.  Can you shed some light on how you develop your concepts?
JY:  Thank you!  What's a concept?  But seriously, I'm a minimalist.  I keep it simple and do my homework.  When I shoot models in remote cities, I'll get there hours ahead of time and drive around looking at the sides of buildings.  Or locally, I'll spend hours taping origami paper to the wall.  Or I'll spend half a weekend and rearrange my house to paint pieces of plywood.  When I'm done I'll say, "ok, I need a subject."  Then the process begins again.  Can she also bring her two cats?  Would she mind vacuuming? 

Are those blue eyes?  Can we also use her wiener dog?  Do you have orange lipstick?  Would you mind smoking this cigar?  Where can I get a red snapper?  It doesn't always work.  But I keep trying new ideas and moving through the process.


DCSL:  Did you study photography your whole life?  How did you get into it?
JY:  I didn't discover it until a few years after college (I'm 32 now), when I dated a photographer/painter for four years.  I started shooting and got hooked.  Before I met Kristen I used an Advantix point-and-shoot.  Do they still make those things?  I got a Canon A40, shot some 35mm with her dad's F3, bought a Nikon 990, a Mamiya AF, a D100, so on and so forth.  Immediately after college I was building websites and pretty good at Flash, but my interest there waned as I found photography.


DCSL:  Is there anyone in specific who inspires you?
JY:  The painter Nuno de Campos.  He placed in the National Portrait Gallery competition a few years ago and I saw him speak during the exhibition.  His "Magnet #3" is brilliant and I began to think more anonymously.  He succeeds with a brush where I attempt with a camera.  Other heavy influences include Annie Leibovitz's DVD inspiring me to buy the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II and Richard Avedon's American West.  The digital cameras I want are ridiculously expensive, so I've returned to shooting and scanning medium format film.  And I've never been happier.

DCSL:  Flying tortoises...I love it, but where did this come from? 
JY:  The flying tortoises began in the summer of 2005 after I took a picture of a farm field in Mt. Airy, Virginia.  It's this empty field with hay bales and a red barn in the background.  It bored me and I thought about adding something in the foreground.  So I stitched helicopter blades on a helmeted tortoise and their invasion began.  In general I avoid shooting landscapes because there's not enough subject matter to grab my interest.  But if I add some turtles...  One day I'd like to a make a children's book with them.  My sister is an editor and a mother, so I'd like to make it a family project.

"Fascinated by what one cannot see, he captures faces and poses with something always crucial missing from the frame, whether it is something physical or an emotional connection between viewer and subject. Vibrant colors create impact, but as an empty messenger of what should really be there."
--Ten Miles Square 

DCSL:  Looking forward to it as I know a niece and nephew or two that would absolutely love a book like that.  What was your inspiration behind the crushed food - which is BAD ASS!!!
JY:  The crushed food was the first project I ever did with a ringflash.  My original intention was to take close-ups of a grapefruit.  It wasn't working.  Grapefruit is a very reflective and glossy surface, plus its rind wall is white.  The entire image was blown out and I wasn't getting any detail.  So I gave up, crushed it, took a picture, and drank the juice.  Julia Childs said, "The grand thing about cooking is you can eat your mistakes."  In this case I photographed my mistakes.

DCSL:  Okay, now I'm craving French food.  In addition to artist, you are also a photojournalist.  Are there other areas of photography that you work in?
JY:  I'm one of those nerds who has a 200mm macro lens on a tripod and will sit for 30 minutes in front of a flower, waiting for the wind to calm.  I get excited about dogwoods blooming, magnolia trees, lotus blossoms, asparagus beetles, ladybugs on queen anne's lace, etc. 

Much of my color influence comes from this type of work.  You can't beat nature's palette.

Photography by Joshua Yospyn, listed from top to bottom:  "Guardian Angels 38," (self portrait); "Sara 30;" and "Malinda 31."

Critical Exposure's 4th Annual "Through the Lens of DC Youth" Exhibit

Photo by Jaime Windon

Nearly 50% of D.C. students don't graduate from high school. Only 9% get a college degree. See through the eyes of D.C. youth as they share their photos of the causes, consequences and solutions to D.C.'s dropout crisis.

Location:  ARTiculate Gallery, 1100 16th Street NW (16th & L), Washington, DC 20036 US 
When: Wednesday, May 6, 6:30PM to 9:00PM    Add to my Outlook Calendar 
Phone: Critical Exposure 202-745-3745 x20

Join Adam, Heather, Emma and Jahi for Critical Exposure's 4th Annual "Through the Lens of D.C. Youth" Photography Exhibit!

Reasons to Attend
-Great Photos- See photos & writing by local students, and talk to them about their work.
-Food & Drink- Make a donation of $35+ and enjoy free wine, beer and food.
-Good Cause- All proceeds will support Critical Exposure, a D.C. nonprofit that teaches students how to use documentary photography and their own voices to advocate for school reform and social change.

Suggested Donations
$35 Snapshooter: Cost of a 35-mm point-and-shoot camera.
$75 Shutterbug: Cost of  exhibiting two students' photographs.
$150 Photo Pro: Cost of providing one student with a digital camera.
$500 Photojournalist: Cost of 1,000 photo postcards to send to policymakers.

If you're paying at the door, please bring cash or checks.

A brief program will begin around 7:30pm.

Paying in Advance
Want to skip the line at the front door? Donate online up to 24 hours in advance and they'll have your name on the list.

Spread the Word
If you have friends or colleagues who like art and want to support a good cause, please encourage them to come! Just click on the "Invite More People" link.

"A Vision So Clear With a Sound So Faint" by Byron Coleman

These photos are also part of the S.T.E.P. Up DC campaign, a joint effort with the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates.

Exhibit made possible by the generous support of our individual donors and the Collaborative for Education Organizing of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, All Souls-Beckner Fund, Hattie Strong Foundation, the Crowell & Moring Foundation, and the Charles & Esther Kimerling Foundation.

PICTURE EQUALITY.

Volunteer as Paparazzi for Paul Wharton's Annual DC Foster Kid Fashion Show

 
Mobile upload of the space by Paul Wharton

Paul Wharton is looking for a few photographers to volunteer as part of the paparazzi for his annual DC Foster Kids Fashion Show, this Friday, May 1st, from 6-9PM. 

"I'm looking for photogs to flash away like the paparazzi!! I want the kids to fell like superstars," said Paul.

As you know, because of the ages and living circumstances of the kids, these will not be images that you can sell, but it is a great opportunity to give back while honing your fashion photography craft!

If you are interested, I can guarantee that this will be a fun activity because it's a Paul Wharton event.  Please email him for the details and to let him know that you will be helping out.  paul@evolutionlook.com

I am unable to attend :( because I'm already committed to another job that evening, however, I would love to get the scoop on how the event turned out, so let me know!

Looks Like Somebody's Got a Case of the Mondays

Article and Photography by Betsy Spruill Clarke

I terribly apologize for not posting anything, yesterday.  I fell into a bit of a busy hole that I couldn't climb out of.  And I'm sure...at least I hope...that many of you are looking forward to a "Flaunt" wrap-up.  And I'm workin' on it!

This isn't a cry out for pity.  But I'm hoping that the photo of the pig will soften you up just a bit, though, no?

Let's face it, May is quite a busy month for almost anyone, especially in DC.  I'm an event photographer, who temps for a local association's meetings director.  So, you can imagine, that May is going to be quite a blur, by the time June 1 comes around. 

That being said, here is what I promise to you that I'm doing in an attempt to combat any productivity slope on the blog:

More Interviews
I'm reaching out to local photographers to put them in the spotlight.  I hope that I'm asking the questions that you would want to know.  However, I really am open to suggestions of photographers to interview, as well as suggestions for questions! This is also true for gallery owners and exhibit producers.

Photo of the Week
Why do you think I'm asking for your flickr pages?  I really want to spotlight a photo (or two) every week, with encouragement for critiquing.  So send me those links and let me check out what you have!

Upcoming Calendar Items
Please keep sending me your press releases and heads ups on stuff around the area.  I love it and you never know what I will post.  I mean, of course if it has to do with local photography, then it's pretty much a shoe-in.  However, I also recently posted HABATAT Gallery's John Kuhn Piano upcoming arrival.  And why not...that piano is sweet!

Ideas? Thoughts?
Please fill in the blanks.  I'm open to any ideas because a blog should be constantly evolving.  So please, shoot me any thoughts on the areas that matter to you.  Or, even better, maybe you're interested in submitting to DC Shot List...by all means!  I would love it!

Here is what you can look for this week:

More calendar listings, including one for Critical Exposure, this Friday. 

An interview with Flaunt's Joshua Yospyn

A wrap-up piece on Flaunt

Maybe even the first photo of the week

Please stay tuned...it can only get better from here!

Flickr Me Your Folio, Today!

As soon as we get in enough photos to select from, DC Shot List will start up the "Shot of the Week."  The image will be open to all comments in an effort to inspire the good ole days of critique, but also to show off DC's strong suit in the photography market.

"Shot of the Week" is selected from a pool of photos submitted by you on the DC Shot List Flickr group page.  The best way to join the group is by shooting me your link via Flickr.  You don't need to be a pro or have a pro account, so don't think about using that as an excuse!  Once you are in, you can start submitting what you think is your latest and greatest or even those that you are "middle of the road" on. 

The spirit of this "Shot of the Week" is feedback. 

DC Shot List Group Page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcshotlist/

Betsy's Flickr Page:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/betsyhiggison/

Can't wait to see what you got, Hot Shot!

Discover Amazing Photographic Art Work Through Ten Miles Square

Article and Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

The Managing and Arts Editor for DCist is a busy woman. Just earlier this month, Heather Goss, opened I'm With The Band at Dahlak, featuring the concert imagery by Kyle Gustafson (shown in image to the left), Nestor Diaz and Martin Locraft.  (And if you haven't been yet, you have till May 3rd, so you better get crack-a-lackin if you want a tasty combination of rockin' photography paired with an Eritrean dinner and washed down with a $3 Stella).  And, this Saturday night, Heather does it again with the opening of  "Flaunt: Photography & Fashion Collaboration," at the Honfleur Gallery.

Produced in association with Rachel Cothran's Project Beltway, Flaunt features four outstanding photographers--Joshua Yospyn (shown on the left in image on the right), John Ulaszek, Meaghan Gay, and Steve Goldenberg--paired with four local fashion designers--Dana Greaves, Taimur Baig, Lara Akinsanya, and Will Sharp--creating an ultimate combination in the visual arts.  This exhibit also appropriately includes a fashion show on June 6th, so mark your calendar.

Because of people like Heather, Rachel, as well as Philippa Hughes (The Pink Line Project), DC is discovering how rich it's art, fashion and photography scene truly is and many local, up-and-coming artists are finally getting the platform and exposure they deserve.  Not to mention, those who would love to indulge in the hobby of art collecting, now have a true starting point.

Having covered visual art in DC for DCist, since 2006, Heather also created and now organizes their annual Exposed Photography Show, which has exhibited at Warehouse, Civilian Art Projects and Flashpoint.  Through this experience, she discovered an opportunity.  Recognizing the amazing amount of unknown talent in DC, Heather created Ten Miles Square and uses an unconventional formula that appeals to present times:  promoting local photographers through independent businesses, while fostering a new generation of art collectors by offering genuine pieces at affordable prices--a similar method that also works for Philippa Hughes (shown in photo on left).

Even though she doesn't market Ten Miles Square as a mentor program, she often finds herself treating it as a mentorship.  Pricing, for example, can be quite a mystery for many a modest artist.  Heather encourages pricing to sell, but discourages undervaluing, as well.  This basis for pricing speaks more to the reality of today's economy, rather, than the opinion of the art peice.  "It's not a discussion of how great your work is," Heather explains.

Heather's efforts show that it's not necessary to spend $10K, say, on a work of art, just to be a "true" art collector.  However, spending $50 on a framed photo at Pier 1 or IKEA doesn't count, either.  Going to these artshows and exhibits is a great way to find out what moves you, meet the artists, visit with other art collectors, and maybe even get something original and meaningful to you at an affordable price.

Many who want to start collecting are intimidated, at first.  They are often a bit worried about what others may think of their opinions, tastes, etc, when, in fact, that is not the case, at all.  "It's good because you say it's good.  It's good because you bought it," advises Heather.

As for artists who are interested in working with Ten Miles Square to showcase their work, Heather suggests getting out more often and going to these and other shows to discover more work, get your name out there, visit and network with other artists and find inspiration in their work.  She also advises shooting often, while keeping an eye on what you like.  Finding the niche, so to speak.  "Take one picture that you like and find what you like about it and keep shooting like that." 

Plus, she says getting on Flickr and contributing to things like DCist is also a great way to get noticed.  One of the reasons why Heather is so great at what she does is her visual memory and she browses Flickr, all the time. 

Heather admits that she is also a photographer, but not to the degree of the photographers she represents. When asked what her niche is, she laughs and says "My niche is  to organize these shows!"

Let's not forget that her niche also includes writing about art, which she loves to do and it shows.

Heather's experience puts her in a prime position to advise both artists and collectors.  Considered one of DC's top experts in photography art, she has been a guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show, speaking on the topic of art in the metro area and, in addition to DCist, her writings have also appeared on the Washingtonian web site.  Most recently, for the first annual FotoWeekDC contest, Heather was chosen to sit on a jury panel that included Pulitzer Prize winner Deanne Fitzmaurice and Joyce Tenneson, who is the 2005 Fine Art Photographer of the Year.   Top all of this off with a day job working as an attorney at a large law firm in downtown DC, and you have what could be one of the busiest Washingtonians of today.

What's Black & White & Green All Over?  You!

Article and photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

This Earth Day, 2009, DC Shot List wants to motivate the green "monstah" in you with a list of sustainable tips with a photography twist.  Whether you are a photo-arts fanatic or a PRO-tographer, these suggestions can certainly benefit you, your photography and yo mamma, lady earth.

Sustainable Charging - Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are definitely the way to go, when it comes to sustainable shooting.  Energizer and Duracell dominate in marketing their products.  However, Marriott International digital imaging specialist, Adam Clarke, recently sent me this list of rechargies, from "METAEFFICIENT" that seem to have the best ratings.

But what about the batteries you have lying around with possible power still inside?  Battery tester, my friend.  They are cheap, easy and tell you the status of life inside of those mystery cells.  DC Shot List recently found a digital battery tester for under $10 at Batteries Plus in Rockville.

And make those batteries last longer.  Remember the days when you used the camera's viewfinder to frame your shot?  Yeah, they still make 'em like that, and using it instead of your LCD display will help.  And to the protogs?  Yeah, you know your f stop and shutter speed magic?  No need to look at the back of the display after every shot...I do it too and I'm trying to break that habit!

Cameras - Reshoot to Recycle
There are many ways to give your old cameras, new life.  Have 3-5 antiques lying around?  Position them together over the mantle for some insta-cool art! Have a perfectly good camera that you just do not use anymore?  Sell it to KEH, a very honest company from Atlanta, that will give you a very fair and decent price for your second-hand shooter.  Or even better?  Donate it to Critical Exposure, a photography program for kids in public schools.

Adam Levner, co-director of Critical Exposure advises, "At this point the only donated cameras we can really use are digital SLRs.  We try to have the same kind of basic digital cameras for all the students in a particular class because it makes teaching the students how to use the cameras much easier."

Make Photo Paper Green
Believe it or not, DC Shot List was hard-pressed to find any info on how to recycle photo paper.  Primarily because it just can't be done, due to the silver, chemicals, etc...  So, here are a few suggestions for misprints and other old photos that just end up in the trash.

Shred 'em up and use as packaging material.  Not only will you avoid those annoying styro-nuts, but you will also have pretty rad confetti cushioning your breakables.

Make a fabulous collage!  Okay, that one is just too easy, but think about how absolutely awesome Aunt Mildred's blown-out and way too contrasty mug would look pasted on ole what's-his-name's body.  Yeah, it's not home decor that appeals to everyone, but it will keep you laughing.

Still Using Film?
DC Shot List commends you but not for any reason that is green.  Just another film grain addict, is all, but I digress...

Those film cannisters can be used for so many, many things:  cutsie packaging for jewelry gifts, paint samples, medicine vial, change containers, etc.  Heck, I've even witnessed the film cannister be used for other "green" past times, but we won't get into that right now.

Recycle & Purchase Ink Cartridges for Your Furry Friends
PetSmart Charities "Recycle for Life" program enables you to dispose of your ink and toner cartridges properly through their recycling program. Purchase your ink and toner through this program and PetSmart Charities will receive a donation of $2 for every ink cartridge you purchase and $5 for every toner cartridge you purchase.  Plus, for every ink cartridge and cell phone, by the way, that you send back using one of their special pre-paid envelopes, PetSmart Charities will receive anywhere between $2 and $5 dollars!

Photo storage, Sharing and Selling
Online, baby!  Not necessary to print out every single photo you have as a keep sake.  Now you can just keep them in an external hard drive with a couple of DVD back-ups.  Plus, you can really be efficient by using Flickr and other sites to share your shots with friends and family.

PRO-togs, sell your images through sites like Zenfolio.  Your clients can now purchase the files to download, instead of a print or CD.

And on the topic of CD's...
if you are going to put some images on one, choose a CD-RW, which means "rewriteable," which means if you screw up and forget a specific shot, you won't have to throw out the disc you just burned.  Just burn...and re-burn.

Well, I hope we learned something here today.  Now, turn off that computer, grab your camera, and go outside and shoot now, while it's not raining! 

Mother Nature is showing you her best side, today!!!

DC Shot List's Hot Shot Spotlight on Claire Bouleau

Article and photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke.

If you still haven't been to Claire Bouleau's Photo Graffiti exhibit at Zone Zero Gallery...why?  What are you doing?  Considering that it ends on April 30th, you should probably get crackin'.  That is, if you want to see some really beautiful works of color and moment infusions.

At first, I thought--considering the photo used to market the show--that these were going to be compilations of urban artwork images.  Of course, I was wrong.

While the exhibit is appropriately called "Photo Graffiti," it isn't about spray-paint street murals.  Graffiti, at least by my definition, is artwork--most commonly with a paint-source medium--that permanently changes the appearance of a landscape--often an urban structure.  In this particular case, Claire Bouleau combines camera, light, color, frame, and timing to permanently change the way the viewer would typically see the landscape or setting that she has captured.

The following is the DC Shot List interview with Claire Bouleau...

DCSL:  What was your inspiration behind Photo Graffiti?  How did the concept come into focus for you?
CB:  Some do photography in-studio, or settings that are well prepared and defined.. I  consider myself more of a spontaneous, visual poet, combining reality with imagination. I love to explore the unexpected in the mundane, find beauty where one would not expect it. My camera is my eye, is my mood in the moment. It is both intimate and fragile. Just like with actual Graffiti, I use my camera in open public space, and my response to particular places forms color compositions--photo paintings of emotions--distinguishing my personal world.

DCSL: How would you describe your niche?
CB: Are you talking about my photo work?  If so.. I would not necessarily describe it as a niche. It's more a way of seeing the world in a painterly way. Mood Impressions. I enjoy the ability of playing with some emotional landscape, being surprised, capturing the rumors of colors, situations, shapes, sometimes in a semi-abstract way. I rather prefer to suggest, leave room for imagination and guessing.

DCSL: How did you get involved with Zone Zero?
CB:  Zone Zero was created by two French photographers, Pascaline Steiner, and Jean-Louis Atlan.  More than a gallery, it is a place with a real sense of home for photography.  I like the they treat photography. Its' beautiful, sober, and homey which is a very complex combination. In that way, Zone Zero is a very unique place. I knew Jean-Louis before. He has been following my work for some time , and encouraging me. He belongs to this rare breed of photographers who like [other photographers'] work. Not only that, but he has a keen, inquisitive and generous eye. In a way, I could tell that Jean-Louis Atlan is my mentor. He has been incredibly supportive with a wonderful patience and attention to details.

Claire and owners/creators of Zone Zero gallery, Jean-Louis Atlan and Pascaline Steiner

DCSL: What drew you to DC and how long have you lived here?
CB: I moved from Paris to DC in 1993. Initially to be for just a year, I was willing to experiment life in another settings, with a new language, as a freelancer. I then became a radio and TV producer for the French media. Obviously, I decided to stay here. I enjoy DC more and more everyday, although, I love Paris--my  home city--whose beauty can move me to tears (especially at night).

DCSL: Do you do photography strictly on an art level or are there other areas where you apply it?
CB: I also do photos of artists' sculptures. For instance, I recently worked on Dalya Luttwak's show at the Katzen Center in Washington: Hidden Roots. She does stunning large scale roots. We really had a wonderful collaboration on this project. And the catalogue is great!

DCSL: Claire, your blog says you are also a journalist....do you freelance or work for a specific company?
CB: I am a freelancer. I used to work for the French National Public Radio, France Inter, using words instead of images. Then I switched on to documentaries for French TV productions.

DCSL: Can you give us a shot of future art project plans?
CB: My next photo project is about DC and it's hidden beauty.

DCSL: 

Looking forward to it, Claire!  Thanks for the chat.

DC Shot List Removes Photography

Article & Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke, Photography Maven

Good Afternoon.

Washington Life called me and nicely asked me to take down my photos from this event for reasons that are understandable.  This is a magazine that people purchase off the news stands and, next to the articles, one big slice of the draw is the photography.  I had posted the photos because I misunderstood a section of their photographer's contract.  However, I respect this request, not only because they are a client and they purchased the rights, but because the boundaries of rights and copyrights also protect photographers like me and it wouldn't be fair for me to abuse those limitations if I expect others to follow them. Right?

So, my article and take on the event does follow this explaination.  However, if you want to see the photos, you can see them in two places:  newstands on May 4th, as select ones will be displayed in Washington Life; and their SmugMug site, on May 4th, where you can see just about every single photo I took at the event!

Washington Life Magazine had their annual Young & The Guest List party, this past Thursday night, and from everything this photographer saw, it was a near-perfect event.

As in real estate, location is key, and being at 1200 First Street--you know, the cool office building flanked by FUR and Ibiza, with the very-rad and visibile-from-street-view letter display in the foyer.  Taking place on the not-quite-finished 10th floor, the layout was open with several different zones that were clearly defined without the need for actual barriers.  For example, Chris Barns and Adrian Loving had an area to DJ and just on the other side of the floor, was a Top 20 band of sorts, yet the sounds did not complete.  Warren Brown and I marveled at the lofty feel and decor, as well as the residential potential for fun, living in a space like that.  (I think he was seriously inspired - in the market for a loft, Warren?) With models on platform stages, tables and lounge settings throughout, the very fun Tommy McFly conducting his radio show nearby, pink-lit trees and lovely lighting, I have to say the event planner thought of almost everything which is why I had smiling faces in every shot.

The Photographer's Suggestion:  The stop & repeat (paparazzi wall) was too close to the check-in table and champagne bar, which--even with lovely WL interns directing traffic--really made it too convoluted and easy for many to skip out on or accidentaly miss getting their photo taken.  Also, I was given a goldish wrist band but the guests were given a hot pink one.  That stood out in the photos, though I did try to get many to hide theirs.  In all honesty, though the event was lavish and wonderful, those who were not there may not see it that way with such a distracting and clubby accessory.

So Grab the Camera or Go Get Some!

Photograph by Claire Bouleau

Well, to be honest with you, most of my weekend will be spent with my husband as we continue to revamp the house, HOWEVER, there are some great things going on and I will be sure to break and go check them out.

You may remember that Adam and I had a bit of trouble getting to Photo Graffiti at Zone Zero before my photo shoot at Hudson, a couple weekends ago.  Well, tomorrow, I plan on seeing both the artist, Claire Bouleau and one of the partners of Zone Zero, Jean-Louis Atlan.  I will be toting my camera, in hopes of getting a quick shot of them and my notepad for any tidbits that I can share.

In addition to this, Inked Souls, will be on tomorrow night and if we have made enough headway on the house, you can bet that we will be there! 

from their announcement:  "Art Whino is teaming up with the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) and Tagür sneaker company to bring you an incredible exhibition of one-of-a-kind, customized sneakers, paintings, and photography.

"Each artist will feature one pair of customized AKA Blank Tagür sneakers along with a painting.

"Four photographers will be featured whose subject matter rangers from 80's Breakers to customized semi trucks."

Um, did you say 80's Breakers photography?  Yeah, we're so there!

Anyway, the featured photographers of this exhibit will be Lady Glock, Michael Colon, James Walker and Roger Snider.

So, whether you've made plans or not, you best be squeezing these events into your daytimer...that is if you care what you expose your eyes to...if you really, really, care...

;)