It’s been awhile since we posted anything from the Monumental/Federal/National Mall side of things in DC. That’s because we usually prefer to post the nitty-grittier photos that show the side of DC that we, as residents, know and have grown to love. But every now and again we’ll remember that we do live in a tourist destination and one of the most powerful places in the world, and it’s important not to forget that either. This past Saturday evening, we were returning home from Capitol Hill by cab after a late, *crazy* night watching movies and SNL with Brigid and Keith. And in riding by the Capitol Building, we both started to say something along the lines of forgetting about that “other” part of DC that we take for granted, like going by the Capitol as we were or living a mile from the White House. And maybe it’s because neither of us work on the Hill, know any lawyers, or even like to argue about politics, but maybe it’s that to us, DC is not just about memorials and monuments and which political party you belong to… though some would argue it is.
At any rate, it’s interesting to note, in conjunction with posting this photo, that the Washington Monument was completed on December 6, 1884. That means the capstone was put into place a week and 125 years ago around this time. I wonder if the builders thought, at that moment, that the new tallest structure in the world (until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889), would one day become somewhat overlooked by those who live practically in it’s shadow?
Hello Washington. It is (apparently) National Running Day so tie those laces tight, put on your fancy moisture wicking tech-tee, and go pound some pavement. Just make sure to get the run in early because it looks like we are going to be getting some biblical storming tonight starting around 6p and no one likes a soggy run in a thunderstorm. Speaking of which, this could make my bike ride home from work rather unpleasant….hmmm.
The photo above was taken during this years National Cherry Blossom festival (see the Washington Monument in the background for proof!) with my wrist mounted GoPro Digital Hero.
I realized I hadn’t posted any gratuitous monument shots lately, and, in searching through older photos, I found this one that I always liked. An officer just taking a relax to enjoy the view of the National Mall.
Another shot of the crowds of people at the We Are One pre-inauguration concert yesterday… The entrance gates to the areas around the reflecting pool were closed at capacity around 2:30 pm, so we had to gather farther back towards the Washington Monument. I’ve read articles today guessing the attendance between 400,000 - 500,000 people.
Obama wins, and the people celebrated last night in DC. I was definitely awake last night — well past 3am — to the sounds of joyous yelling, car honking galore, and general celebrational noises (fireworks). It’s an interesting time to be living in this city, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things will change in the next 6 months.
“young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.”
I made it over to the Old Post Office Pavilion after the parade on Sunday, and it’s a pretty cool place to spend a few hours. You can take the elevator tour to the tower top, which is well worth the 15 minute wait — and it’s free, too. There is a little history exhibit at the top, as well as the Bells of Congress on display. But most important is the beautiful view of the city from the open-air tower top. It provides interesting angles of the Capitol Building, Washington Monument as seen above, and much of the urban fabric around the National Mall.
…so, I turned the State of the Union address just in time to hear Bush do the “God Bless America” thing and have him be received by roaring ovations. Better luck next time I guess. Now for the pundits.
The photo above is one of the 3 that I submitted in hopes of getting selected to show at the exhibit. This shot is taken from an old Agfa Clack camera. The Clack is a ‘vintage’ camera that was made at the Agfa Camera-Werk AG in Munich some time in the 1950’s or early 60’s. It is a funny little rudimentary camera that shoots 6×9 medium format shots (unfortunatly, 8 shots to a roll is not terribly economical). Honestly, the “Clack” name is pretty money and I bought it for the novelty of the name but it has turned out to be a camera that is really enjoyable to shoot with. There is a “Click” version out there but I haven’t been able to put my hands on it just yet.
-
This shot is a double exposure of the Chinatown Gateway Arch on H St. NW. My favorite parts of the shot are how the crosswalk that cuts diagonally across the rhythm of the windows, the metro pylon that is nestled in the corner of the shot, and the areas near the top of the shot where the terracotta roofs overlapped. I’m very happy with this shot, I think it captures the hectic energy that is around the Verizon Center/Chinatown on a busy night.
-
I also submitted a shot from the Ellipse at Dumbarton Oaks that was also taken with the Clack. The third shot I submitted is a Holga night shot from the corner of 7th and F St. I made the decision to go with the medium format theme for my submissions this year, hopefully it pans out.
-
We attended last year and it was really impressive to see just how much photographic talent DC has. So….wish me luck and I’d encourage everyone to attend and support the local photogs!
We took a walk to the south lawn of the White House to see the National Yule Log and State Christmas Trees. It was very crowded, even for the day after Christmas. The fire burns until January 2nd, and it is fueled by trees from the National Park service that had fallen and been marked for removal during the year.
