The Center for Green Urbanism will host the travel photography exhibition, “A Sense of Place”, a new juried exhibition from The Exposure Group African American Photographers Association, Inc. The exhibition will be on display at Washington DC's Center for Green Urbanism in the Tubman-Mahan Gallery from November 14 – December 3, 2011. “A Sense of Place” will showcase the photographic work of the association members who include portrait artists, photojournalists, documentary, and fine art photographers.

I will have three custom framed limited edition prints for sale and on display at this travel photography exhibit… "A Monumental View", "Watch Your Step" and "Italian Sky". Come on out to the opening reception at the Center for Green Urbanism. All of the artists will be there to answer questions and share insight into their artwork. If you're not available Friday night, you'll still have until December 3rd to check out the exhibit.

“Meet the Artists” Opening Reception:
Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6:30-8:30pm
Free and Open to the Public

The following Exposure Group members will be featured:

Gallery Hours:
Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 5 pm
Saturday 11am to 4pm
Closed Sunday and Monday (except for special events)

The Gallery is located at:
3938 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: 202-506-3867

Google Map Directions: http://g.co/maps/wjf3r

Parking is available in the lot behind the Dr. Dorothy I. Heights Library.

RSVP to Facebook Event Page

The Exposure Group is a membership driven, non-profit professional organization open to photographers worldwide since 1978. The mission of the organization is to enhance the skills, professionalism, and productivity of its members through information, education, demonstration, and compensation in the business of photography. The Exposure Group holds its monthly meetings at DCTV in The Historic Brooks Mansion in Washington, DC.

Here are some photos I took recently of various memorials in Washington DC. I was in good company with several other photographers from The Exposure Group. One member of the group shared with us the history of these memorials and what makes each one unique. This information allowed us to better capture the essence of each memorial. Thanks to David Hamilton for all of the great historical information.

I started photographing scenes around the Tidal Basin and finished at the World War II Memorial just after sunset. Most of the images were captured using a specially converted black & white infrared camera, causing the greenery to appear white.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

 
Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Three Soldiers statue

World War II Memorial

Photographer Jason Miccolo Johnson made a presentation last week at Busboys and Poets in DC.  He spoke about the creative process behind his book "Soul Sanctuary" and showed some of the images that were not published in the book.  The 165 photographs in "Soul Sanctuary" highlight elements of the African-American worship experience captured at various churches across the country. Some of the churches were very small, with challenging lighting conditions… whereas others were megachurches and had full stage lighting systems installed.  All of the images were photographed in natural light, without using a flash on his camera.  With all of the book's images presented in black & white, it really allows the viewer to connect with the soul of each photograph. Jason Miccolo Johnson's traveling exhibit will stop next in Little Rock, Arkansas from September 1, 2011 to February 28, 2012.

The Exposure Group (African American Photographers Association) was founded in 1978 under the name Positive Image.  On February 20th, the group celebrated Black History Month with a special program honoring its founding members.  This event, "1978 Evolution of Positive Image", was hosted by The Historical Society of Washington DC.  This afternoon program highlighted the original members' contributions to the art of photography, and their positive images captured of the African-American community.

Each photographer presented about ten of their favorite images, spoke about their thoughts behind its creation and the impact each image had on its viewers at that moment in time.  A panel discussion followed, where members of the audience had the opportunity to ask questions of the photographers.  One of the questions was regarding the scariest situation they've found themselves in throughout their photography careers.  Sharon Farmer replied, describing a photo assignment where she climbed a water tower (3 hours roundtrip) to capture the image she needed… not because she was asked, but because that unique angle was the only one that would effectively tell the complete story.  Sharon would later become Director of White House Photography, and assigned to then President Bill Clinton. She was the first African American and woman to hold this position.

Thanks to Exposure Group member Danita Delaney for bringing her vision to reality with this program.  Also, thanks to video producer Don Baker and fellow production staff members for your commitment to this photography organization.

Marvin T. Jones signing his book "Carolina Genesis"

Founding members (left to right): Milton Williams, Roy Lewis, Marvin T. Jones, Gene Young,
Marisa Nixon, Vernard R. Gray, Sharon Farmer, Edgar Thompson

This is why everyone's looking in a different direction. :o)
Photo by Milton Williams

For more information about the Exposure Group, visit www.exposuregroup.org.  More event photos are available on the Exposure Group's Facebook photo gallery.

A sold out Verizon Center was host to the 2010 How Sweet the Sound Finale in Washington, DC.  Music fans witnessed one of the most spirit-filled church choir competitions of the year.  The participating choirs were regional finalists selected from a 14-city U.S. tour. Grammy Award-winning gospel artists Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans hosted the event.

Marvin Sapp, Karen-Clark Sheard, and Fred Hammond served as judges for the evening, offering some honest and often hilarious feedback.  The audience was treated to special performances by BeBe & CeCe Winans and each of the judges. All the choirs had a unique presentation style… some were very energetic with choreography, while others simply stood there and sang their hearts out.  It was obvious that many hours were spent rehearsing for this one night.  Big shout out to the bands that played live for each of the choirs.  The behind the scenes production and stage management was amazing!  Everything flowed seamlessly… the choir & band transitions, stage lighting, sound, and video production.  Thanks to Verizon for making this a first class production.

The winning choir was "Voices of Destiny" from Compton, CA performing the song "My Time for God's Favor (Presence of the Lord Remix)".  They won $25,000, a performance at the 2011 NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Dallas, and a performance at the 2011 Stellar Awards in Nashville.  During post-show interviews, choir director and pastor Michael Fisher shared a powerful testimony about how far they've come and what this win means to the members of the choir and their community.  All of the choir members are between 18 and 31, and most have never travelled outside of Compton, CA.  After their first flight ever, a tour of the White House earlier in the day, and a finale win… there was hardly a dry eye in the choir.  Congratulations!

• View the Gallery
  

Videos:

• Winner: "Voices of Destiny" of Greater Zion Church Family (Compton, CA)
  
• Runner-Up: "GFC Chorale" of Greater First Church (East Chicago, IL)
  
• V CAST People's Choice Award: "Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor" of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church (Washington, DC)

What a beautiful day it was on Sunday!  Ramona & Burton's wedding took place on 10-10-10 (October 10, 2010) at a church in Southwest Washington DC, just off of I-295.  Afterwards, the wedding party took a party bus over to National Harbor for a few photos, then on to the reception at the Bolling Air Force Base Officers' Club.  ShutterBooth Maryland setup a photo booth all night to entertain guests and provide keepsakes for the bride and groom.  I even took moment to step into the booth.  I really enjoyed myself that day, and laughed quite a bit at the stories told during the reception… whew!

The music for the night was provided by DJ Battle, who kept everyone bobbing their heads and dancing.  Thanks to Marsha & Monica for their wonderful job coordinating the wedding, and my assistant for keeping my lighting in place all afternoon. Most importantly, thanks to Ramona & Burton for allowing me to capture their special day to remember in photographs.