July 4th, 2009:  DC Shot List's Picks for

the Unique, Interesting or Unusual July Fourth Shots

July 4th, 2009, photograph by John Ulasek.

Almost two weeks ago, DC Shot List put out a call to readers for photos of the unique, unusual or interesting persuasion.  We received some fantastic ones back and thank you for that.  The following is a mini gallery of the best pulls from the overall response.

Check out the talent!  The explanations for DC Shot List selecting them are below each picture.  Oh, and if you see anything you like, just click on their name to see their website!

John Ulasek

Because of course there will be fireworks on Independence Day!  And you see John's work featured at the beginning of this gallery, too. (Do we also spot Christopher Chen taking a shot at the viewer in that photo, by the way?) 
The Shot List couldn't make a decision between the two.  Both have Ulasek's "in-the-moment-of-the-moment" feel.

Rob Fredley

Another bottle rocket shot, but from the eye of Rob Fredley. 
This is a fantastic shot because it is the quintessential final moment of a seemingly quiet and serene scene.

Amanda McLean

Yes, yes, yes, we have seen fireworks photography...but there is something about this one in particular...a high fStop resulting in crisp focus in fore and back grounds? Or could it be the color and the detail of the memorial?  Or the color mixed with the boats?  Something very bewitching about this...

Meaghan Gay





Hesitant to break them up, DC Shot List wants to show you all three with the favorite being the first one.  There is something to be said about a fleeting moment of absolute bliss.  The big deal to adults is the three day weekend...but the big deal to kids is so much more...conquering the deep end of swimming pools, getting to eat as many chips as you want with your hot dogs, swinging as high as you can go, with Mom or Dad giving you a boost...and all of this with no worry to this young lady as to how she will get the Murphy Project finished in time for Monday morning's huddle up meeting.

Katie Harbarth

Sometimes it's not the viewpoint that makes it creative, but how the actual photo flows upon itself.  In this case, Katie has put together a concept that seems to invite the eye to stay in perpetual motion with the shot.

Jon Haber

For this Fourth of July Weekend, Jon went to the Capital and took shots of the dome.  Jon is very skilled putting together photomontages, digitally, as well as digital painting - a creative use of filters.  If you look closely at this picture, you will notice several interesting things.  Not every window, moulding, etc is the same.

M. Adam Clarke

Remember the firefly shot from last week?  (If not, it is featured below) Well, this was shot by Betsy's husband, M. Adam Clarke, as she was making that shot.  This is interesting, in particular, because of the comparison a viewer can make on the light exposure needs for the goal of the image.  Plus, the composition is very Arnold Newman.  That makes DC Shot List smile.

Fourth of July Fireflies, 2009, Betsy Spruill Clarke

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

DC SHOT LIST'S FIRST PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Remember when we kept asking you to send us your Flickr link?  Well, here's why...DC Shot List wants to start doing a Photo of the Week, pulling from a group we created.  The first photo of the week is by Jon Haber, entitled Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.

Here is what he says about his shot:  "Noticed this while walking along a canal in Amsterdam. Ironic considering my job in 'preparedness planning'."

YOUR THOUGHTS, PLEASE.

We encourage constructive criticism...What do you like?  What would you do differently?  So, please share your thoughts with us and Jon.

JON, THANK YOU FOR SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTO!

ABOUT JON HABER
2009 has been a good year for Jon, having work on display at the Kentlands Mansion as well as Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, MD.  His love of photography started with his first camera, a Kodak Instamatic (complete with flash cube). Self-taught in both the technical and artistic aspects of photography, Jon spent his early years immersed in the world of film, and he's now creating photography and art entirely digitally.  
For more information - http://www.jbhaber.com/index.htm
Flickr Page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbhaber/

ABOUT DC SHOT LIST'S PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Want to submit for the Photo of the Week?  Go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcshotlist/ and check it out.  Send us your flickr page, too, Mister!