Small Wonder Media: Blog https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog en-us (C) Small Wonder Media [email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Sat, 11 May 2024 02:08:00 GMT Sat, 11 May 2024 02:08:00 GMT https://www.smallwondermedia.com/img/s/v-12/u963216542-o186970116-50.jpg Small Wonder Media: Blog https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog 120 113 Radical Harmonies Panel Discussion https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/radical-harmonies-panel-discussion

"Radical Harmonies" chronicles the Women's Music Cultural Movement and its evolution from a "girl with guitar" to a revolution in the roles of women in music and culture.

In its heyday of the 1970s and 80s, women's music opened doors for women musicians, producers, sound and light technicians, and for new women-owned recording companies and women-oriented shows.

Panelists: Dr. Dee Mosbacher, Dr. Boden Sandstrum
Moderator: Frankie Witzenburg, Rainbow History Project
March 17, 2024
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DC Jr Library LGBT History Martin Luther King Rainbow History Project Washington Women's Music https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/radical-harmonies-panel-discussion Sat, 11 May 2024 02:08:01 GMT
Fierceness Served Panel Discussion https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/fierceness-served-panel-discussion

The Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse documentary focuses on the history of a Black LGBT performance venue, rehearsal space, and meeting place for artists and political organizations in Washington, DC from the 1980s to the mid-90s.

The film features the work of Coffeehouse artists as well as interviews with surviving members and supporters.

Public Screening & Discussion
Panelists: Christopher Prince, Wayson R. Jones
Moderator: Ashley Bamfo, Rainbow History Project
February 25, 2024
Shaw Neighborhood Library, Washington, DC

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DC Fierceness Served LGBT History Rainbow History Project Washington https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/fierceness-served-panel-discussion Sat, 11 May 2024 01:56:34 GMT
Talking Trans History https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/talking-trans-history

DC Trans Pride History Panel
Panelists: SaVanna Wanzer, Rev. Brian Hamilton, Holly Goldmann
Moderator: Rev. Diedre Gray, Director Trans Pride Initiative, Rainbow History Project

Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Washington, DC

May 20, 2023

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DC Trans Pride Martin Luther King Jr Library Rainbow History Project Trans Pride https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/talking-trans-history Sat, 11 May 2024 01:32:06 GMT
Logan Circle and the LGBTQ Community: A History https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/logan-circle-rhp

Logan Circle and the LGBTQ Community: A History
Panelists: Larry Rosen, Sak Pollert, Ed Bailey, Maurice Dorsey, Nicolas Shi
Moderator: Jeff Donahoe, Rainbow History Project

A collaboration of the Logan Circle Community Association and Rainbow History Project

June 7, 2023

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) LGBT History Logan Circle Rainbow History Project Washington DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/logan-circle-rhp Sat, 11 May 2024 01:20:28 GMT
2022 LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/2022-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) LGBT LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service LGBT History Martin Luther King Jr Library Memorial Service https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2024/5/2022-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service Sat, 11 May 2024 00:52:09 GMT
OutWrite 2019 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2020/11/outwrite-2019 "Queerification" - Regie Cabico

I was asked to record two short performances at OutWrite 2019, featuring Regie Cabico and Wo Chan. They opened with these pieces. Regie's is called "Queerification" while Wo Chan's is called ""What I Do With My Face/Except." 

"What I Do With My Face/Except" - Wo Chan

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Cabico Chan DC LGBT OutWrite Regie Washington Wo https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2020/11/outwrite-2019 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:51:47 GMT
CyrusOne https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/7/cyrusone I was asked to photograph a new CyrusOne data center in Virginia. These are photos from the public areas. The rest of the shoot included proprietary technology, so I will not post them. The above photo is a neat hanging light fixture in the lobby. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/7/cyrusone Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:59:47 GMT
2019 LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/6/2019-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service Rev. Rob Apgar-TaylorRev. Rob Apgar-Taylor speaks about a common spiritual thread. I was honored to record the LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service again. I wanted to include the above segment about common spiritual threads. The Seattle Police Pipes & Drums performed to open the proceedings. 

Seattle Police Pipes & Drums I've included the shortest of the speeches. Others are available in the gallery

Paramedic Brian Allen Shepler

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Arlington National Cemetery LGBT LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service Memorial Service https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/6/2019-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:39:13 GMT
Quiet https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/1/quiet I've been rather quiet on the media front lately. In November 2018, I completed a web development program through George Washington University. Since then, I have focused on advancing my skills. I haven't had much time for media projects, though I continue to provide my services. 

I invite you check out my coding work! https://irenerojas.com/

It's challenging but fun work!

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2019/1/quiet Thu, 31 Jan 2019 19:01:30 GMT
DC Authors Guild "Perfect Pitch" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/11/dc-authors-guild-perfect-pitch Shanon Lee; Bridget Matzie; Howard Yoon; Kristen Hinman; DC Authors Guild; Perfect Pitch Panel; East City Book Shop; Publishing; Washington; DC Shanon Lee (third from left) asked me to photograph the DC Authors Guild "Perfect Pitch" Panel at East City Bookshop in Washington, DC. The panel discussed best practices for pitching written works to editors and publishers. The panel included Bridget Wagner Matzie, Howard Yoon, Shanon Lee, and Kristen Hinman. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions... 

and take notes (complete with a fountain pen!). 

Shanon Lee; Bridget Matzie; Howard Yoon; Kristen Hinman; DC Authors Guild; Perfect Pitch Panel; East City Book Shop; Publishing; Washington; DC

Shanon Lee; Bridget Matzie; Howard Yoon; Kristen Hinman; DC Authors Guild; Perfect Pitch Panel; East City Book Shop; Publishing; Washington; DC Shanon Lee; Bridget Matzie; Howard Yoon; Kristen Hinman; DC Authors Guild; Perfect Pitch Panel; East City Book Shop; Publishing; Washington; DC Shanon Lee; Bridget Matzie; Howard Yoon; Kristen Hinman; DC Authors Guild; Perfect Pitch Panel; East City Book Shop; Publishing; Washington; DC

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Authors Books Bridget Wagner Matzie DC East City Bookshop Howard Yoon Kristen Hinman Publishing Shanon Lee Washington Writing https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/11/dc-authors-guild-perfect-pitch Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:59:16 GMT
Docs in Progress Community Stories Festival https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/11/docs-in-progress-community-stories-festival
I was grateful when Docs in Progress asked me to photograph some of the 2018 Community Stories Festival events. These are opportunities for DC area filmmakers to share their documentaries. The event also included work by students from the Docs in Progress Activist Video Youth Summer Camp (seen above). 

 For me, the most interesting story was "When Mickey Came to Town". In the 1990s, Disney bought land just a few miles down the Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two Civil War battles. They wanted to create a history-themed park there. Public outcry eventually made them scrap the plan. I grew up in Northern Virginia and had no idea this had even happened. Sam Sheline was producer and director. 

More from the events. 

Docs in Progress; Community Stories Festival; Sandy Spring Museum; Documentary; DRIVER PROFILE - OLD MEL; Shaun Rosa; CULTIVATION AND COMMUNITY; Alicia Rodrigue; GET HAPPY WITH DR. BOB; Ketayoun Darvich-Kodjouri; Ahlan Graham; Rini Saha; CYNTHIA FARRELL JOHNSON: CELEBRATING ART, MUSIC AND OUR ANCESTORS; Marlene Magrino; Christina Orticke; Waleed Waite; RINGRAZIAMENTI: THE SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY TABLE TRADITION; Kirsten Keppel; AUSTIN'S VOICE; Jennifer Lewis; WINGS OF FANCY; Kirsten Rumsey; COSMIC DESIGNS; Jay Mallin Docs in Progress; Community Stories Festival; Sandy Spring Museum; Documentary; DRIVER PROFILE - OLD MEL; Shaun Rosa; CULTIVATION AND COMMUNITY; Alicia Rodrigue; GET HAPPY WITH DR. BOB; Ketayoun Darvich-Kodjouri; Ahlan Graham; Rini Saha; CYNTHIA FARRELL JOHNSON: CELEBRATING ART, MUSIC AND OUR ANCESTORS; Marlene Magrino; Christina Orticke; Waleed Waite; RINGRAZIAMENTI: THE SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY TABLE TRADITION; Kirsten Keppel; AUSTIN'S VOICE; Jennifer Lewis; WINGS OF FANCY; Kirsten Rumsey; COSMIC DESIGNS; Jay Mallin Docs in Progress; Community Stories Festival; Sandy Spring Museum; Documentary; DRIVER PROFILE - OLD MEL; Shaun Rosa; CULTIVATION AND COMMUNITY; Alicia Rodrigue; GET HAPPY WITH DR. BOB; Ketayoun Darvich-Kodjouri; Ahlan Graham; Rini Saha; CYNTHIA FARRELL JOHNSON: CELEBRATING ART, MUSIC AND OUR ANCESTORS; Marlene Magrino; Christina Orticke; Waleed Waite; RINGRAZIAMENTI: THE SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY TABLE TRADITION; Kirsten Keppel; AUSTIN'S VOICE; Jennifer Lewis; WINGS OF FANCY; Kirsten Rumsey; COSMIC DESIGNS; Jay Mallin

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Austin's Voice Boys in the Boat Community Stories Festival Cosmic Designs Docs in Progress Documentary Dr. Renaissance Film Get Happy with Dr. Bob MD Takoma Park When Mickey Came to Town Wings of Fancy https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/11/docs-in-progress-community-stories-festival Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:22:21 GMT
A Reunion Thirty Years in the Making https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/10/a-reunion-thirty-years-in-the-making

In 1985, Ed Boyajian was a 22-year-old soldier stationed in Korea. He was tasked with escorting three infants to their adoptive parents in the United States. He had always been curious about what happened to them and had recently begun looking for them. He was able to find two of the three women, and discovered they both lived in northern Virginia. They set up a reunion of sorts. This was also the first time these two women had met each other. The parents of one of the women were able to attend, and brought two giant scrapbooks. It was interesting to hear how neither had been really exposed to Asian culture while growing up (or distanced themselves from it), but had begun exploring it more in the last few years. 

Ed gave the women copies of the original adoption agency form, complete with their original names. Perhaps it's the start of a new form of family.

The husband of one woman had been a professional hip-hop dancer. Ed's sons were in hip-hop dancing classes. Time to show off!

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Alexandria Dancing Korea Nikon D850 Old Town Reunion Scrapbooks Union Square VA https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/10/a-reunion-thirty-years-in-the-making Tue, 09 Oct 2018 02:29:50 GMT
Capturing Fire 2018 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/7/capturing-fire-2018 Nico WilkinsonNico Wilkinson I recently recorded the the semifinals of the 2018 edition of the Capturing Fire poetry slam. These were my three favorite poems. I shot the videos in 4K and edited in a 1080p timeline. I've been doing this recently and I love how good the final videos look. 

Mia S. WillisMia S. Willis Mackenzie BoyerMackenzie Boyer

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Capturing Fire Capturing Fire Poetry Slam LGBT Performing Arts Poetry Slam Washington DC Woolly Mammoth Theatre https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/7/capturing-fire-2018 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:23:24 GMT
Women Leadership, Lesbian Activists and the DC AIDS Crisis https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/women-leadership-lesbian-activists-and-the-dc-aids-crisis I recently recorded a panel presentation titled "Women Leadership, Lesbian Activists and the DC AIDS Crisis," for the Rainbow History Project. It was really interesting to hear about a chapter of LGBT history I had not thought about. This is a short segment I found particularly interesting, shortened to Instagram length.

You can find the entire discussion here: https://youtu.be/gxV6gfUxdVE 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) aids crisis dc history leadership lesbian lesbian leadership lgbt lgbt history rainbow history project washington women leadership https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/women-leadership-lesbian-activists-and-the-dc-aids-crisis Tue, 29 May 2018 19:02:05 GMT
2018 LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/2018-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service Short ClipShort Clip I was grateful to be asked to record the LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Service again at Arlington National Cemetery, for the Rainbow History Project. This section really caught my attention. (It's short to fit Instagram time limits.) 

You can watch the entire ceremony here: https://youtu.be/oTN-oC9s5bw 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) arlington arlington national cemetery lgbt lgbt fallen heroes memorial service speech va https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/2018-lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-service Thu, 24 May 2018 20:11:54 GMT
Government House at Annapolis https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/government-house-at-annapolis

I visited Annapolis this past weekend. I discovered an open house celebration for the 150th anniversary of Government House, the governor's mansion and early legislative building. Many artwork details caught my attention. I really liked the snakes on the vase above. Here are some more photos.

An adorable cake.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) annapolis government house governor maryland md https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/5/government-house-at-annapolis Mon, 14 May 2018 19:01:17 GMT
Discussion at The Color Purple https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/4/discussion-at-the-color-purple Jennifer D. Williams, Shanon Lee, Keri Potts, and Larry Miller

Shanon Lee is a writer, journalist, activist, and filmmaker. She was part of a panel discussion on sexual assault awareness after a showing of "The Color Purple." It took place at AFI Silver Theatre. She asked me to take photos to update her website. She was joined by Jennifer D. Williams, Keri Potts, and moderator Larry Miller.  (Yes, Shanon's hair was indeed blue.)

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) afi silver theatre jennifer d. williams keri potts larry miller sexual assault awareness shanon lee the color purple https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/4/discussion-at-the-color-purple Tue, 01 May 2018 01:30:28 GMT
WPOW Portfolio Review 2018 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/4/wpow-portfolio-review-2018 Women Photojournalists of Washington asked me to make a short video about its annual portfolio review and seminar. This year's speakers were Carol Guzy and Brittany Washington. Guzy is only one of four people to win a Pulitzer Prize four times and the only journalist to do so. Washington is a multimedia producer at the Open Society Foundations. The above video is a 1 minute promo, for advertising future reviews. This next video is a a 2 minute summary of the event. 

I shot the footage in 4K and edited in a 1080HD timeline in Premiere. I love how much leeway 4K gives you, even if it makes computers a bit ornery!

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 4k brittany washington carol guzy corcoran dc photography photojournalism washington women photojournalists of washington wpow https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/4/wpow-portfolio-review-2018 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 18:48:54 GMT
HBCU College Fair Interview https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/2/hbcu-college-fair-interview

I was grateful to help Jarrad Henderson cover the 16th annual HBCU College Fair, founded by the Alfred Street Baptist Church. This year's main sponsor was Facebook, the video client. We had two video shooters. My task was collecting interviews, but the reverend left before we could talk. I met with him the next day at the church. This was one of my favorite clips. 

This was also my first time shooting in 4K. This was all natural light, the advantage of using a DSLR's full-frame sensor. In Premiere, I imported the video into a 1080p timeline and scaled the video down. I think it came out nicely. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) alfred street baptist church event hbcu college fair historically black colleges and universities howard-john wesley nikon d850 reverend doctor howard-john wesley https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/2/hbcu-college-fair-interview Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:44:32 GMT
A Night of Queer One Page Plays https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/2/a-night-of-queer-one-page-plays The DC Center for the LGBT Community asked me to capture A Night of Queer One Page Plays. The plays were selected from submissions from last year. It was performed at Ten Tigers Parlour in DC. 

The night ended with a performance by Regie Cabico of "Faith, Hope & Regie."

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) dc center dc center for the lgbt community lgbt performing arts queer one page plays ten tigers parlour washington dc https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/2/a-night-of-queer-one-page-plays Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:33:02 GMT
Sights at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/1/sights-at-the-smithsonians-udvar-hazy-center Space Shuttle DiscoverySpace Shuttle DiscoverySpace Shuttle Discovery I took a trip to the National Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. The last time I was there, Space Shuttle Discovery was being installed. It was interesting to see how the display was now set up. 

I primarily ended up focusing on the propeller-based engines of the planes. They're just so neat. 

North American P-51C Mustang, Excaliber IIINorth American P-51C Mustang, Excaliber IIITwo generations of propeller planes, with the North American P-51C Mustang "Excaliber III" in front. Monocoupe 110 Special, Little ButchMonocoupe 110 Special, Little ButchMonocoupe 110 Special, Little Butch Nieuport 28C.1Nieuport 28C.1Nieuport 28C.1 Grumman F6F-3 HellcatGrumman F6F-3 HellcatGrumman F6F-3 Hellcat

Mooney M-18C Mite Horten Ho 229 V3Horten Ho 229 V3Horten Ho 229 V3. It looks like a bug about to bite.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 50mm airplanes flight museum mustang national air & space museum national air and space museum nikon d850 planes propellers space shuttle space shuttle discovery https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2018/1/sights-at-the-smithsonians-udvar-hazy-center Tue, 16 Jan 2018 20:39:32 GMT
Above Fire & Brimstone: Stories from LGBT People of Faith https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/12/above-fire-brimstone-stories-from-lgbt-people-of-faith  

I've started a personal project called "Above Fire & Brimstone: Stories from LGBT People of Faith." Religion has long been used to discriminate against LGBT people, yet many LGBT people still seek the guidance and community of faith. These are oral histories in collaboration with the Rainbow History Project

I chose to show them on Instagram due to its 60-second video limit. I saw it as a challenge and found that the short limit was actually rather freeing. I only have to focus on that one minute segment at a time. I'm posting the videos every few days. Follow the project at #AboveFireBrimstone on Instagram.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) above fire & brimstone faith instagram lgbt lgbt faith religion spirituality https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/12/above-fire-brimstone-stories-from-lgbt-people-of-faith Mon, 04 Dec 2017 22:44:43 GMT
Wreath Laying for LGBT Veterans 2017 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/11/wreath-laying-for-lgbt-veterans-2017

I was asked to record the annual wreath laying ceremony for LGBT veterans this past Veterans Day. It was a held at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. It's believed to be one of the few cemeteries in the world with a dedicated LGBT area. The event was sponsored by The DC Center and the LGBT Fallen Heroes Fund.

It has taken a long time, but LGBT veterans are finally receiving the respect they deserve. The video contains some interviews at the end of attendees explaining the importance of visible recognition. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) cemetery congressional cemetery dc lgbt lgbt veterans memorial military respect veterans veterans day washington https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/11/wreath-laying-for-lgbt-veterans-2017 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 19:54:53 GMT
NVIDIA GTCDC 2017 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/11/nvidia-gtcdc-2017 Lt. General John “Jack” Shanahan, the Pentagon’s director for defense for warfighter support, speaks about the growing use of AI in military data research, at NVIDIA GTC DC 2017, on November 1, 2017. I was thrilled to be asked to once again photograph the NVIDIA GTCDC conference in Washington, DC! The conference focused on deep learning, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. 

An attendee interacts with "Isaac," articial intelligence software, at NVIDIA GTC DC 2017, on November 2, 2017. Greg Estes, NVIDIA vice president of developer marketing, speaks during the keynote at NVIDIA GTC DC 2017 on November 1, 2017.

An attendee at NVIDIA GTC DC 2017 interacts with augmented reality technology, on November 1, 2017.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) greg estes lt. col. john shanahan nikon d850 nvidia ronald reagan building technology virtual reality washington dc https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/11/nvidia-gtcdc-2017 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:18:48 GMT
Williams Engagement https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/8/williams-engagement I recently photographed the Williams surprise engagement. Fellow Mizzou alum Jarrad Henderson gave me the opportunity after his originally scheduled photographer had to drop out. It took place at the W Hotel in Washington, DC. Family and friends waited in the next room, ready to congratulate the newly engaged couple. It was so much fun to be in the middle of the excitement and joy!

The fiancée and her sister The fiancée calls her mother

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) dc engagement engagement ring nikon d800 ring surprise engagement washington https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/8/williams-engagement Tue, 29 Aug 2017 15:56:17 GMT
By & By Band Photos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/5/by-by-band-photos I had the opportunity to photograph By & By, a bluegrass band in the DC area. They wanted promotional photos, so I worked with an eye towards album cover photos (square-ish photos). We did the shoot at Lincoln's Cottage in DC before their performance at Bourbon and Bluegrass 2017. We had free reign throughout the cottage, so we did shoots in various locations. 

I really like the backlit feel of this photo.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Armed Forces Retirement Home Band Banjo Bass Bluegrass By & By DC Folk Guitar Lincoln's Cottage Music Violin Washington Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/5/by-by-band-photos Wed, 24 May 2017 20:15:30 GMT
LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial 2017 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/5/lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-2017

I've been working with the Rainbow History Project to document LGBT events in the Washington, DC area. I was honored to record the 2017 LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial ceremony. For some people, this is the first time an LGBT officer member's family is included in a memorial service. 

This was a very raw yet beautiful story from one of the speakers. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Army EMS Fallen Heroes LGBT LGBT Fallen Heroes LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial Memorial Memorial Service Military Navy Police Police Officer https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/5/lgbt-fallen-heroes-memorial-2017 Wed, 17 May 2017 01:36:25 GMT
Wiechert Regional Awards https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/4/wiechert-regional-awards In early April, Sean O'Grady and I photographed a regional awards ceremony for Weichert Realtors. Around 400 realtors, vendors, and executives attended. The event was at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Sean ran a photo booth during the receptions, while I photographed, well, everything else. During the auditorium presentation, Sean took group photos on the stage after recipients received their awards, while I was stationary in the audience. I'm very glad I took a monopod, even though I was sitting. My back was grateful.     
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Mark Ackerman speaks at the the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017.

James Weichert speaks at the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017. Receiving an award at the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017.

An award recipient at the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017.  

I also took the opportunity to photograph food and other details. (I loved the squishy dump truck toys!)

Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017. Stress relief toys at Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017. Food at the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017. Photo booth at the Weichert Regional Sales Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2017.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) awards dc food real estate realty ronald reagan building and international trade center washington weichert weichert realtor https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/4/wiechert-regional-awards Fri, 21 Apr 2017 19:14:58 GMT
After Effects Project: 2016 US Election Map https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/3/after-effects-project-2016-us-election-map 2016 Election Map - Contiguous United States I recently decided to experiment with more animation work in After Effects, especially working with many layers. I wanted to make something factual, as if I were creating a map for an organization. I took my information from 270ToWin. I wanted to focus on a centralized location, so I chose the contiguous United States (sorry, Hawaii and Alaska). 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) After Effects Animation Election Election Map Politics United States https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/3/after-effects-project-2016-us-election-map Wed, 15 Mar 2017 20:55:49 GMT
"Lo Estoy Haciendo" Campaign https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/3/-lo-estoy-hacinedo-campaign A few months ago, I worked with Crosby Marketing in Annapolis to edit the Spanish-language "Lo Estoy Haciendo" campaign videos for the CDC. The project encourages Spanish-speaking individuals to regularly test for HIV/AIDS. 

My favorite edit was Che Che's video. 

I found Marilyn's thoughts very interesting and direct. 

You can find all the videos at the CDC's "Lo Estoy Haciendo" and #Haciendolo campaign website

 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) #Haciendolo AIDS CDC Crosby Marketing HIV HIV/AIDS Health Lo Estoy Haciendo PSA Safety Spanish Video Editing https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2017/3/-lo-estoy-hacinedo-campaign Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:50:46 GMT
NVIDIA GTCDC Conference https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/12/nvidia-gtcdc-conference An attendee at NVIDIA GTC Conference explores a virtual reality headset. I was thrilled to photograph the NVIDIA GTCDC conference back in October. I knew NVIDIA created graphics cards, but didn't realize their implications. Two of the biggest themes were "Big Data" and automated driving.

NVIDIA's Greg Estes, VP Developer Programs, welcomes attendees to the GTCDC Conference.

Big Data refers to processing large amounts of data to create solutions, such as making cancer research more efficient and widely accessible. Virtual reality was obviously a big draw, but its implication for automated driving is really interesting.

NVIDIA representative explains automated driving processors.

From a cancer research panel discussion.

Jerry Lee, Deputy Director for Cancer Research and Technology , Office of the Vice President, speaks during the "Is Artificial Intelligence Ready to Join the Cancer Fight?" panel. Erik Lindahl (left) and Gurvaneet Randhawa spoke at the "Is Artificial Intelligence Ready to Join the Cancer Fight?" panel. Lindahl is a professor at Stockholm University. Randhawa is a medical officer at the National Cancer Institute.

Other sights.

An attendee explores a game through virtual reality.

An attendee takes a virtual trip on a simulated Underwater SEAL Delivery Vehicle.

An attendee tests a wearable device that describes the world to blind and visually impaired people at the Horus Technology booth.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Computers DC Jerry Lee NVIDIA Technology Virtual Reality Washington Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/12/nvidia-gtcdc-conference Wed, 07 Dec 2016 22:30:32 GMT
Monterey Bay Aquarium https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/11/monterey-bay-aquarium Egg-yolk jellyEgg-yolk jelly I recently got to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and loved seeing the variety of colors! I especially enjoyed seeing the jellyfish. It was an opportunity to work on photographing through glass and Plexiglass. 

Purple-striped jellyPurple-striped jelly

Stumpy cuttlefishStumpy cuttlefishIt was feeding time, so I got to watch them catch fish all ninja-like. Love me some cuttlefish!

Baby cuttlefishBaby cuttlefish Pacific seahorsePacific seahorse

Bigfin reed squid posseBigfin reed squid posse

The sardine vortex was fascinating to watch, especially when other creatures passed by. They were hiding at the bottom of the tank out of sight until they saw their food. Then it was like they were summoned from the depths. Hammerhead shark with sardinesHammerhead shark with sardinesThe sardine vortex was fascinating to watch, especially when other creatures passed by. They were hiding at the bottom of the tank out of sight until they saw their food. Then it was like they were summoned from the depths.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Cuttlefish Jelly fish Jellyfish Monterey Bay Aquarium Sardines Sea horse Shark Squid https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/11/monterey-bay-aquarium Wed, 23 Nov 2016 20:48:36 GMT
OutWrite 2016 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/9/outwrite-2016 Gabby Rivera: Selection from "Juliet Takes A Breath" OutWrite was back and I was asked to record one of the readings! The above video is a short portion of a reading by Gabby Rivera from her novel "Juliet Takes A Breath." This was part of the session called "Hot Nights, School Fights, & Raging Flowers." I also shot some b-roll of the book fair, including a general shot and a cute moment playing with balloons. You can find all the videos in this gallery.

This was also my first time using my new Sony NX-100 camera, after the demise of my Panasonic. I wanted a camera with a large single sensor. It worked out nicely, I think. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DC DC Center DC Center for the LGBT Community Gabby Rivera Hot Nights, School Fights & Raging Flowers LGBT Novels OutWrite Washington Washington DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/9/outwrite-2016 Thu, 29 Sep 2016 16:39:29 GMT
Ukrainian Debutante Ball DC 2016 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/9/ukrainian-debutante-ball-dc-2016 I was honored to once again record the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies' Debutante Ball DC. It was quite an adventure, with the hotel's AC broken. The staff went across the street to a hardware store and bought all their box fans. They helped to some degree, but nonetheless, the young ladies kept their composure. I was lucky to have someone operating the wide camera. I chose to use the song that was performed live. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DC Debutante Debutante Balls Debutantes Taras Shevchenko Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies Ukrainian Washington https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/9/ukrainian-debutante-ball-dc-2016 Thu, 29 Sep 2016 16:21:34 GMT
"Get Unstuck" with Parachute Coaching https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/6/-get-unstuck-with-parachute-coaching  

Trailer for "Get Unstuck" program by Parachute Coaching

I met Lauren Laitin of Parachute Coaching a little while back and she came to me when she wanted to make an online course. This is the trailer for the program. I shot the video segments, and edited them with the existing intro video and photos she took. We shot at her house and used an online teleprompter site. Setting up the cameras and lights took a while, but everything went so quickly once we started recording. Having a script helped so much. Learn more about "Get Unstuck."

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Career Career Education Education Job Coaching Lauren Laitin Nikon D800 Panasonic Parachute Coaching Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/6/-get-unstuck-with-parachute-coaching Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:19:36 GMT
Renwick Gallery - "Wonder" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/3/renwick-gallery---wonder Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015. Thousands (millions?) of strings came together to create a rainbow of optical illusions. Truly, these exhibits must be seen in person.

Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015. The colors changed in fascinating ways as you walked around. Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015Gabriel Dawe - "Plexus A1", 2015

The newly-reopened Renwick Gallery, part of the Smithsonian, kicked things off in style, with their exhibit "Wonder." They gave nine artists one room each to fill with their creations. The two highlights for me were "Plexus A1" above and "1.8." The last one was especially fun because you were encouraged to lie down on the carpeted floor or couches and watch the ceiling change colors. It was such a nice sight to see signs that actually said "Photography Encouraged." It was such an immersive and relaxing adventure. 

Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015. Netting hung from the ceiling was illuminated by constantly changed colored lights.

Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015. Visitors were encouraged to lie down on the carpet to get the full effect of the light show. Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015

John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015. This was a cast of a cast of a 150 year old tree, the same age as the Renwick Gallery. Some fun moments. 

John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015John Grade - "Middle Fork (Cascades)", 2015Hello down there! Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015Janet Echelman - "1.8", 2015There aren't many museums where this is completely fine. "You're too slow, dad!"             Patrick Dougherty - "Shindig", 2015"You're too slow, dad!" Patrick Dougherty - "Shindig", 2015"You're too slow, dad!" Meta: a photo of someone taking a photo of someone taking a photo of him.

Entire Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Art Chakaia Booker Gabriel Dawe Gallery Janet Echelman John Grade Nikon D800 Patrick Dougherty Rainbow Renwick Washington, DC Wonder https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/3/renwick-gallery---wonder Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:59:48 GMT
The Capital Hearings - "Spark of Genius" Fall 2015 Concert Videos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/1/the-capital-hearings---spark-of-genius-fall-2015-concert Along with the photos I took at the Capital Hearings' "Spark of Genius" concert, I also recorded the concert itself. Here is a sampling of their songs. 

This one is an interesting combination of a hymn leading into "Galileo" by the Indigo Girls. 

"Galileo" - Emily Saliers/Indigo Girls - arr. Tom Anderson for The Capital Hearings, 1992 Here's their take on "Time Machine" by Ingrid Michelson.

"Time Machine" - Ingrid Michelson - arr. Jen Dilzell & Mike Rowan, 2014 This one was a fun mash-up of "Call Me" songs. 

"Call Me" - arr. Rachel Rood for The Capital Hearings Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) A Cappella Capital Hearings Choir D800 DC First Trinity Lutheran Church Music Nikon Performing arts Washington https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2016/1/the-capital-hearings---spark-of-genius-fall-2015-concert Tue, 05 Jan 2016 01:08:51 GMT
Caton Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/12/caton-wedding Seeing the bride

Once again, I was lucky to help Raiza Vega Candelario photograph a wedding. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. 

First dance Puzzle pieces That was shot by putting the lens inside the glass vase. The Washington Redskins and the related burgundy and gold colors were a major theme for the couple. 

Writing on a puzzle piece   Redskins Garter In Memoriam In Memoriam

Some outtakes. 

Outtake: Which button do we button?Outtake: Which button do we button? Outtake: Flower girl practiceFlower girl practice

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Bride Caton Caton Wedding Dance Dancing Flower girl Groom In Puzzle Redskins Washington Wedding memoriam https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/12/caton-wedding Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:09:19 GMT
The Capital Hearings - "Spark of Genius" 2015 Concert Photos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/11/the-capital-hearings---spark-of-genius-2015-concert-photos The Capital HearingsThe Capital Hearings I did photos and videos at The Capital Hearings' "Spark of Genius" Fall 2015 concert. It was held in the lovely First Congregational United Church of Christ. I had previously shot video of Word of Mouth there. I took these photos during rehearsal. 

Jaime Alvis, Jen Dilzell, John HazangelesJaime Alvis, Jen Dilzell, John Hazangeles Dileep SrihariDileep Srihari Lyndsey GoreLyndsey Gore Jen DilzellJen Dilzell

The Capital HearingsThe Capital Hearings Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) A Cappella Choir The Capital Hearings Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/11/the-capital-hearings---spark-of-genius-2015-concert-photos Wed, 25 Nov 2015 18:24:32 GMT
Wise Baptism https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/11/wise-baptism I was asked to photograph a baptism. The ceremony was at St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill, followed by a reception at the couple's house. 

The new grandmother

Shooting at St. Joseph's presented some challenges. It has a high ceiling that is painted blue, making it dark inside. Even when using flash, the light gets lost in the space above our heads. 

At one point during the reception, two friends got out hairbands for the little girl. They had fun figuring out which one to put on her head to replace the bow. 

They chose the feather, leading her father to comment on the 1920s flapper look it gave her. 

I liked this quiet moment of baby and grandmother. 

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Baby Baptism Catholic Catholicism Nikon D800 St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/11/wise-baptism Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:50:40 GMT
National Aquarium https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/10/national-aquarium She's missing a flipper, but she keeps on swimmin' I went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I figured it was an opportunity to practice photographing through glass. Here are some of my favorite photos. 

Tree frog It's giving me some serious side eye.

They blend in so well, especially from afar. Poison dart frog photobomb!

Jellyfish

Jellyfish

Ibis? Ibes? Ibises? The internet has conflicting ideas on the plural of an ibis. Poison dart frog

Big fish going for its food. Inadvertent super-artistic photo! Shark convention

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Frogs Ibis Jellyfish Lizards National Aquarium Nikon D800 Parrot Sharks Turtle https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/10/national-aquarium Sat, 17 Oct 2015 20:58:53 GMT
OutWrite 2015 LGBT Book Fair https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/9/outwrite-2015 Saida Agostini - "Let Me Have Been: Four Movements in Joy" I recorded two artist readings at the OutWrite 2015 LGBT Book Fair. The first program was "Threefold: Presenting Three Cave Canem Fellows." The second featured stories about Queer Immigrant Stories. These two videos are from "Threefold." They are also some of the cleanest in terms of explicit content. 

Bettina Judd - "In 2006 I Had an Ordeal with Medicine" Gallery (Note: mature language and content)

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Bettina Judd DC Center DC Center for the LGBT Community LGBT Book Fair Mala Kumar OutWrite Saida Agostini Tafisha A. Edwards Washington, DC Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/9/outwrite-2015 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:19:49 GMT
Quinceañera for Alex Turner https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/7/quinceanera-for-alex-turner Alex Turner and her damas (maids of honor)Alex Turner and her damas (maids of honor).Alex Turner and her damas (maids of honor). I was honored to photograph Alex Turner's quinceañera. In Latin culture, the quinceañera "marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood." In a way, it's a small wedding without the marriage. Like a wedding, the birthday celebrant has damas (maids of honor). There are also dances with the parents. This quinceañera featured a celebration where family and friends lit candles in remembrance of loved ones who had passed away. It was especially poignant as one of the candles was for Alex's grandmother, who was expected to attend the quinceañera but had passed away very recently. Again, like a wedding, the quinceañera had speeches, a cake, and dancing. Welcome, young lady!

Alex enters the hall for the first time.Alex enters the hall for the first time.

Family PortraitFamily Portrait Detail of the remembrance candles.Detail of the remembrance candles.

Alex, her father, and brother share a moment while waiting to take portraits.Alex, her father, and brother share a moment while waiting to take portraits.

Adjusting the tiara.Adjusting the tiara. Alex's friend expresses her joy at seeing Alex in her dress.Alex's friend expresses her joy at seeing Alex in her dress.

  Star wands and glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets were among the decorations.Star wands and glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets were among the decorations.

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Hispanic Latin culture Latina Latina America Nikon D800 Quinceanera Quinceañera Young woman https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/7/quinceanera-for-alex-turner Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:57:19 GMT
Quinceanera - Quick Photos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/5/quinceanera---quick-photos I photographed a quinceañera and sent the client a few photos the next day for social media. I included two portraits, the birthday girl with her "damas" (like bridesmaids), a family photo, a photo showing the poof-iness of the dress, and the entrance. One girl was nearly crying when she first saw Alex in her dress. 

Her dress is so fluffy!

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Birthday Celebration Dresses Quinceanera Quinceañera https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/5/quinceanera---quick-photos Thu, 21 May 2015 15:45:23 GMT
Arsenal of Democracy Flyover https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/5/arsenal-of-democracy-flyover Only airworthy B-29 Superfortress in the world.
Arsenal of Democracy VE Day Celebration, Washington, DC.
In honor of VE Day, dozens of planes took to the skies over DC for the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover. Above is the only airworthy B-29 Superfortress in the world. In the closing Missing Man Formation, John Dailey, director of the National Air and Space Museum, flew the separating plane. Speaking of the NASM, I stood outside the museum's Observatory for my photos. Roll over photos for captions.

Missing Man Formation:
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (bottom left), Grumman TBM Avenger (center), North American P-51 Mustang (right) and Vought F4U Corsair (top). The Corsair was piloted by John Dailey, director of the National Air and Space Museum.
Arsenal of Democracy VE Day Celebration, Washington, DC

Douglas A-26 Invader.
Arsenal of Democracy VE Day Celebration, Washington, DC

Consolidated B-24 Liberator (left) and North American P-51 Mustang.
Arsenal of Democracy VE Day Celebration, Washington, DC
Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Arsenal of Democracy B-29 Superfortress VE Day Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/5/arsenal-of-democracy-flyover Sat, 09 May 2015 19:19:31 GMT
Kogod School of Business Dean's Dinner 2015 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/4/kogod-school-of-business-deans-dinner-2015 I photographed the Dean's Dinner for the Kogod School of Business at American University. The event consisted of a reception followed by dinner. I tried to get a few portraits of the donors and administrators as well. My biggest challenge was correcting for the yellow light in the reception. 

I took some environmental photos I thought could be useful for University marketing and promotional materials. 

More photos. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) American University Dean's Dinner Kogod School of Business Nikon Nikon D800 Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/4/kogod-school-of-business-deans-dinner-2015 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 01:48:12 GMT
Alexandria Police Department Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/4/alexandria-police-department-fallen-officers-memorial-dedication

I was one of three videographers working with Katharine Roman to capture the dedication of the Alexandria (VA) Police Department's Fallen Officer Memorial. The outdoors part of the ceremony was tough. We had unusually cold, freezing temperatures, with a vicious wind. I'm glad I wasn't the audio person. Nonetheless, the outdoor section was also a challenge due to the darkness. The above clip is a short collection of some clips from the outdoor portion of the event. Keep in mind this footage was intended as part of the larger three camera piece. It was certainly a test of the Panasonic AG-AC130. I did need to lighten two or three of the clips, but hopefully it isn't clear which ones. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Alexandria Police Department Dedication Fallen Officers Memorial Panasonic Police https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/4/alexandria-police-department-fallen-officers-memorial-dedication Fri, 03 Apr 2015 19:22:00 GMT
Keller Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/2/keller-wedding Christine and Mike Keller

Some time ago, I helped Raiza Vega Candelario photograph the wedding of Christine and Mike Keller. It was a backyard affair, with a barn providing the backdrop. As part of the ceremony, Christine and Mike combined separate bottles of sand into one jar. I hadn't seen that before but it was kind of neat. 

The wedding ceremony included a sand-pouring portion where the bride and groom emptied separate bottles of sand into a single bottle.

 

The groom and groomsmen played pool to pass time before the ceremony. Applying lipstick.

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Cake Colored Sand Dancing Nikon Nikon D800 Pool Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/2/keller-wedding Wed, 11 Feb 2015 23:38:40 GMT
DC Record Fair 2015 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/1/dc-record-fair-2015 A patron at the DC Record Fair looks through bins of records at Penn Social.

I stopped by the DC Record Fair 2015 at Penn Social in D.C. Two full floors of vinyl dealers. Some big name albums for a lucky few. Link to the photo gallery at the end. 

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles

A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles; Surfer Girl - The Beach Boys; Surfin' Safari - The Beach Boys; Ghostbusters

After my time at the fair, I visited the National Portrait Gallery to finally see the Stephen Colbert painting. While passing through the Kogod Courtyard, I encountered some guys playing Dungeons & Dragons...with Legos. Never know what you'll find. 

A man rolls a dice during a game of Dungeons & Dragons at the Kogod Courtyard in Washington, D.C.

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) & Courtyard DC Dragons Dungeons Fair Gallery Kogod National Penn Portrait Record Records Social Vinyl https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/1/dc-record-fair-2015 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 02:50:39 GMT
18th Street Singers: "A City Called Heaven" Concert https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/1/18th-street-singers-a-city-called-heaven-concert "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit""Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit"
arr. William Dawson
Soloist: Mark Hays

A City Called Heaven: A Concert of Spirituals
First Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington, DC
December 12 & 13, 2014

"Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit"

I had the opportunity to record the 18th Street Singers' most recent concert, "A City Called Heaven: A Concert of Spirituals." It was a nice change of pace from the choir's usual repertoire. It was my first time using two stereo microphones, resulting in four channels of audio. I really enjoy recording in the choir's home venue, First Trinity Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. It's such a bright and airy space. Here are some of my favorite songs from the concert. 

"I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock""I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock"
arr. Moses Hogan
Soloist: Yannick Morgan

A City Called Heaven: A Concert of Spirituals
First Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington, DC
December 12 & 13, 2014

"I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock"

"Witness""Witness"
arr. Jack Halloran

A City Called Heaven: A Concert of Spirituals
First Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington, DC
December 12 & 13, 2014

"Witness"

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 18th street singers choir concert concerts dc spirituals video https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2015/1/18th-street-singers-a-city-called-heaven-concert Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:55:18 GMT
Word of Mouth Fall Invitational 2014 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/11/word-of-mouth-fall-invitational-2014 "Love Me Again" - John NewmanWord of Mouth covers John Newman's "Love Me Again" at their 2014 Fall Invitational.

Soloist: Jessica Dobis
Arrangement: Daniela Murch

"Love Me Again" - John Newmann

I was very excited to work with Word of Mouth again, recording their Fall Showcase 2014. This was my first concert using a Zoom H6 for audio, along with a Rode NT4 mic for ambient audio, and a feed from Clear Harmonies' board. The final audio was a mix of the feeds. I really enjoyed using the H6 and look forward to getting much use out of it. The concert was at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in DC, in their simplistically beautiful main space. 

"Warpath" - Ingrid Michaelson/Edwin StarrArr. by Rachel Rood
Soloist: Hannah Jacobson

"Warpath" - Ingrid Michaelson/Edwin Starr

"I Won't Give Up" - Jason MrazWord of Mouth covers Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up" at their 2014 Fall Invitational.

Soloist: Jose Morales
Arrangement: Wright

"I Won't Give Up" - Jason Mraz

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) A Again Cappella Give I Ingrid Jason John Love Me Michaelson Mouth Mraz Newmann Up Warpath Won't Word of https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/11/word-of-mouth-fall-invitational-2014 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 02:11:31 GMT
Capturing Fire 2014 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/capturing-fire-2014 I was honored to record The DC Center for the LGBT Community's Capturing Fire spoken word festival for the third year in a row. I was there for the semi-finals and finals, hence some of the artists appear twice in the gallery. 

This shoot had its quirks. To accommodate all the performers, the performance space was across the room from the stage and its bright lighting. To capture audio, I clipped a lav mic to a music stand just in front of the performers. It was too difficult to mic each user. I also did what I could to remind waiters to bend down in front of the camera, but they still appear. Nonetheless, here are my two favorite performances from the night. Many performers did not respond with poem titles in time to post the videos. Adele Hampton was a competitor. Sarah D. Lawson did not compete but I still enjoyed her poem. 

 

Sarah D. Lawson - "Untitled [Dinner Party]"
Sarah D. Lawson - "Untitled [Dinner Party]"

Adele Hampton - "Untitled [Groupon]"
Adele Hampton - "Untitled [Groupon]"

Gallery [Note: some poems contain mature language and themes]

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Adele Hampton, Capturing Fire Capturing Fire 2014 Gabe Moses Keith Jarrett Queer Sarah D. Lawson Spoken The DC Center The DC Center for the LGBT Community Word https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/capturing-fire-2014 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 01:01:09 GMT
Slideluck! https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/slideluck  

I'm excited and honored to announce that an abridged version of "On Stage: Girls Rock! DC" was accepted into Slideluck DC IX! This year's theme was "Solstice" and "On Stage" played well into the idea of birth and growth. Enjoy the video!

http://slideluck.com/irene-rojas/

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/slideluck Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:45:30 GMT
York Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/york-wedding

On June 7, I was a second shooter for Raiza Vega Candelario. It was a laid-back house wedding, held in a backyard. How laid back? The groom and his party wore flip flops. It was such a beautiful afternoon and fun to shoot. Here are some of my favorites from my shoot. 


The groom's party serenaded the bride during the ceremony. The groom's party serenaded the bride during the ceremony.
The groom and his party serenaded the bride during the ceremony. 

Tess and Lloyd York Wedding

Wedding guests snuck away during the reception to watch the Belmont Stakes.
Some guests snuck off to watch the Belmont Stakes during the reception. 

Tess and Lloyd York Wedding

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/6/york-wedding Mon, 09 Jun 2014 15:00:22 GMT
Word of Mouth Spring Invitational 2014 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/5/word-of-mouth-spring-invitational-2014 I recently recorded Word of Mouth's Spring Invitational a cappella concert. It was like a flashback to my college a cappella groupie days! It's always cool when you get assignments through, ahem, word of mouth. My work with The 18th Street Singers is what led to recording this concert. Thanks for the opportunity! Here are a few of my favorite songs from the night.

Word of Mouth
"At Last" by Etta James

Word of Mouth - "At Last""At Last" - Etta James
Soloist: Jessica Dobis
Word of Mouth Spring Invitational
Rosslyn, Virginia
Mary 17, 2014

The Lobby
"Nobody's Perfect" by Jessie J

The Lobby - "Nobody's Perfect""Nobody's Perfect" - Jessie J
Soloist: Olivia Brice
Word of Mouth Spring Invitational
Rosslyn, Virginia
Mary 17, 2014

Lost & Sound
"Love the Way You Lie" ft. Rihanna - Eminem (Note: Language)

Lost & Sound - "Love the Way You Lie""Love the Way You Lie" ft. Rihanna - Eninem
Soloists: Tracy Walsh & Will Jin
Word of Mouth Spring Invitational
Rosslyn, Virginia
Mary 17, 2014

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) A Cappella Concert Lobby Lost Lost & Sound Mouth Of Sound The Word https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/5/word-of-mouth-spring-invitational-2014 Thu, 29 May 2014 17:02:20 GMT
Ukrainian Debutante Ball DC 2014 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/4/ukrainian-debutante-ball-dc-2014 I'm grateful to Raiza Vega Candelario of Raiza Vega Photography for contacting me about recording a Ukrainian debutante ball while she shot photos. This is the version I've chosen to show. It omits the names of the girls and their dates. It was a new and different experience. Pretty neat.

Ukrainian Debutante Ball DC 2014

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Ukrainian debutante Ukrainian debutante ball https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/4/ukrainian-debutante-ball-dc-2014 Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:44:25 GMT
Greenline Real Estate Videos - Editing https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/4/greenline-real-estate-video Over the past few months, I edited a series of videos for GreenLine Real Estate in DC, through People's Television. The project consisted of agent profiles, neighborhood profiles, and an overall video about the company.
To reiterate, I was the editor, not the shooter, for these videos. I've chosen to show the more story-driven videos here.

H Street Corridor Video

 

Company Profile Video

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) H Street Corridor People's Television Profile video Street dc editing green line real estate real estate https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/4/greenline-real-estate-video Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:59:05 GMT
"On Stage: Girls Rock! DC" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/1/-on-stage-girls-rock-dc "On Stage: Girls Rock! DC"

My story from the 2013 Girls Rock! DC summer camp. I had such a great time following the girls and watching them come together and finally perform. It really was awesome, especially considering that some of the girls had never even played an instrument before the first day.

I chose to focus on some of the older girls, since I felt it was a bit safer from a safety perspective. They also tend to give better interviews. I tried to get a variety of instrument players for the interviews, and looked for at least one girl (Myiah) who was attending for the first time. Truly, it was such a fun experience learning that such an opportunity exists, and watching the girls overcome their differences to put on a real show at the end of the week on stage at the 9:30 Club, one of the most famous music venues in the country.

Now the technical stuff: I shot it all on a Nikon D800 with a JuicedLink audio adaptor, with a shotgun mic and Sennheiser wireless mice for the interviews. I edited in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Girls Rock DC Girls Rock! DC Music Music Education Nikon D800 Non-Profit Non-profits Rock Washington, DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2014/1/-on-stage-girls-rock-dc Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:14:19 GMT
Small Potatoes in concert https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/11/small-potatoes-in-concert Small Potatoes - "Cherokee Bill"Small Potatoes - "Cherokee Bill"

I was able to record a small house concert featuring Small Potatoes, a folk band. It was all shot with a Nikon D800 with a wireless feed from the amp. "Cherokee Bill" (above) was my favorite song.

Video gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) d800 house concert nikon d800 small potatoes small potatoes band https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/11/small-potatoes-in-concert Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:29:45 GMT
Piano Audition Video Sample https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/piano-audition-video-sample I was recently asked to record a high school senior's audition pieces as part of his college application materials. Here's three short samples from the shoot.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/piano-audition-video-sample Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:37:27 GMT
"On Stage: Taloni on Drums" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/-on-stage-taloni-on-drums "On Stage: Taloni on Drums"A short vignette from a drummer's perspective of the Girls Rock! DC summer camp.

A while ago, I spent a week with the students of the Girls Rock! DC summer camp. The camp teaches women's empowerment through music education. During the week, the girls attend instrument practice, workshops, and band practices. At the end of the week, they performed on stage at the 9:30 Club in DC. Some of the girls didn't know how to play instruments at all at the beginning of the week, yet by the end, they had formed bands and had created decent songs. It was very intensive, with some bands working on their performances late until the night before.

Due to changes in my schedule, editing the larger piece has taken longer than I expected. I created a short vignette so I could have something to share. I wouldn't call it a trailer though, since it uses a lot of footage that probably won't be in the final video. In this video, Taloni speaks about her experiences with the camp and her band. The final piece will go into greater depth about the students' experiences.

If there was one technical thing I learned, it's that the sound system at the 9:30 Club is extremely powerful and LOUD. I had been to a concert there before but it didn't have nearly this much volume. There is some camera shake at the end because the building was literally shaking. I did my best to physically weigh down the camera by pushing down from the top, but as with gambling, the house always wins. The house also won in the sound department. I had a feed from the sound board but since it was so loud in the room, I couldn't hear the loudness distortion through my headphones. So the lesson? Next time, I need to use input levels that are so low, they probably seem too low. Fortunately, I was able to control the rest of the audio from the week.

Nonetheless, I genuinely enjoyed seeing these different girls work together to create a performance and overcome their stage fright in just one week. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 9:30 Club drums girls rock dc girls rock! music music education on stage summer camp https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/-on-stage-taloni-on-drums Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:30:38 GMT
"Unraveled" Videos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/-unraveled-videos This past weekend, I was one of three videographers recording "Unraveled," a play sponsored by a local church. It focused on the psychiatric practice of Dr. Angelique Preston and some of her patients. One of the patients included a transgender woman. While I initially cringed and assumed it would be a damnation sermon, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the doctor say that God loved her how she is now and that she should work on loving the skin she is in. The following video contains three clips from different parts of the play: the transgender patient, the firm partners, and Dr. Preston's friend who stops by with news about a recent property purchase. 

Note about the audio: my camera was not the one receiving the feed from the board. The audio I captured through a shotgun mic was intended to help the editor in post-production.

This video is intended as a sample of my stage work.

Unraveled Samples

The show also included a performance by Marcus Canty before the second act. Canty was a semi-finalist on the US version of "The X-Factor" singing competition.

Marcus Canty

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) THEARC THEARC DC' marcus canty morgan camper new hope baptist church unraveled valeta sutton https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/10/-unraveled-videos Tue, 08 Oct 2013 20:08:01 GMT
Videos from "Defining the Times" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/8/videos-from-defining-the-times In addition to those photos, I also shot video at the 18th Street Singers' "Defining the Times" concert. The client wanted to stagger the release the videos, instead of making the public all at once. These are the first four songs from the night.

"Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal" - Alice Parker

"Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal" - Alice Parker "I Am the Rose of Sharon" - William Billings

"I Am the Rose of Sharon" - William Billings "Pilgrim's Hymn" - Stephen Paulus

"Pilgrim's Hymn" - Stephen Paulus "Windham" - Daniel Read

"Windham" - Daniel Read

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 18th street singers alice parker daniel read hark i hear the harps eternal hymn" i am the rose of sharon pilgrim's stephen paulus william billings windham https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/8/videos-from-defining-the-times Mon, 05 Aug 2013 11:46:05 GMT
18th Street Singers Summer Concert - "Defining the Times" https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/7/18th-street-singers-summer-concert---defining-the-times I was excited to be asked back to photograph the 18th Street Singers for their summer concert, on June 29. The concert was titled "Defining the Times: American Music Through Generations." It was a bit of a departure for the choir, not only in theme but also in venue. It was held at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. I had never been there, so I was quite excited. It's beautiful.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the rehearsal.

During the warm up before the concert, they had strong blue lights on the stage. 

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 18th street singers sixth & i historic synagogue sixth & i synagogue sixth and i synagogue https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/7/18th-street-singers-summer-concert---defining-the-times Tue, 16 Jul 2013 22:13:52 GMT
Ospreys in Old Town Alexandria https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/7/ospreys-in-old-town-alexandria

I recently got a Nikon D800, my first video-enabled DSLR. To try it out, I headed to Old Town Alexandria and shot video of an osprey nest. I've heard there are three chicks and the parents. I could only see three birds in the nest. I think the one flapping its wings is a chick, still learning how to fly.

I've shot DSLR video before but I finally have a camera to call my own. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) d800 osprey ospreys https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/7/ospreys-in-old-town-alexandria Sun, 07 Jul 2013 19:07:51 GMT
Capturing Fire 2013 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/6/capturing-fire-2013 I was excited to be invited back to record the Capturing Fire 2013 Queer Spoken Word Summit and Slam. I went to an open mic night and then the semi-finals the next day. I was supposed to record the finals right after the semis but the program went long and the finals were moved to a much later time. I simply couldn't go. Nonetheless, I had a great time and I'm very happy with how the videos turned out. 

These are my three favorite poems. Curiously, they were also some of the tamest poems people performed. 

Keith Jarrett - "A Gay Poem"

Keith Jarrett - "A Gay Poem" Gabe Moses - "Little Fish"

Gabe Moses - "Little Fish" Judson Lewis - "Chic-Fil-A: The Quest for the Forbidden Chicken"

("I am gay. You are tasty. That is our problem" might be my favorite line of the night.)

Judson Lewis - "Chic-Fil-A: The Quest for the Forbidden Chicken"

Gallery (Viewer discretion advised)

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) capturing fire capturing fire 2013 gabe moses judson lewis keith jarrett queer poetry https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/6/capturing-fire-2013 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 15:07:45 GMT
Mentor Foundation USA staff photos https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/6/mentor-foundation-usa-staff-photos I've been doing a lot of work updating Mentor USA's website lately. We wanted to add photos to the staff bios, so photo time. I took the photos out on the balcony of the House of Sweden. I also did the formatting and copy edited the text.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/6/mentor-foundation-usa-staff-photos Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:58:10 GMT
Authentic Career Experiences - Atlantic Media & Skanska https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/5/authentic-career-experiences---atlantic-media-skanska atlantic media, david bradley, authentic career experience, mentor foundation isa

In April, Mentor Foundation USA held two Authentic Career Experiences. One partnered students from the KIPP DC Public Charter School with employees at Atlantic Media in DC, publishers of The Atlantic and other properties. The other involved students from Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in DC going to Skanska Infrastructure Development in Virginia.

Students from the KIPP school were tasked with designing mock websites that would appeal to The Atlantic's demographics and business partners. They scoured articles and laid them out into a logical design. The students were lucky to meet with chairman and CEO David Bradley, who showed them the evolution of magazine publishing.

atlantic media, authentic career experience, mentor foundation usa

At the end, the students presented their websites to their peers and Atlantic employees for feedback.

atlantic media, authentic career experience, mentor foundation usa

Full Gallery

At Skanska, students were guided by Skanska employees in designing sustainable cities based on different environments.

skanska, skanska infrastructure development, authentic career experience, mentor foundation usa Since the event coincided with Earth Day, students were encouraged to plant seeds and write down ways to reduce their environmental impact.

skanska, skanska infrastructure development, authentic career experience, mentor foundation usa As with the Atlantic Media event, students presented their finished cities and answered questions from fellow students and Skanska employees.

skanska, skanska infrastructure development, authentic career experience, mentor foundation isa Full Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) atlantic authentic bradley career david development experience foundation infrastructure media mentor skanska usa https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/5/authentic-career-experiences---atlantic-media-skanska Wed, 15 May 2013 19:02:00 GMT
Mentor USA "I Have A Voice" Session https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/4/mentor-usa-i-have-a-voice-session This is my latest video for Mentor Foundation USA. I shot and edited the entire piece. We wanted a quick informal video that showed a special mentoring session, different from the usual in-school mentoring sessions, for Mentor's social media outlets. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Busboys & poets I have a voice Mentor isa mentor foundation mentor foundation usa mentoring https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/4/mentor-usa-i-have-a-voice-session Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:33:08 GMT
Mentor Foundation USA & Skanska - Authentic Career Experience https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/3/mentor-foundation-usa-skanska---authentic-career-experience  

A.C.E. - Skanska

This is my latest video for Mentor Foundation USA. These students from Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School participated in an Authentic Career Experience (A.C.E.) workshop with Skanska Infrastructure Development North America at their office in Alexandria, VA. Like the H&M A.C.E. video, we wanted to make a video that summarized the event and could also be used to promote the program to other businesses and schools. Skanska actually plans to use this video as part of their diversity and community programs. 

I shot the interviews (and unused b-roll), edited the entire video, and created the graphics. The b-roll from the actual event came from A&E Networks from the event last year. There were a few challenges in making the video but it was fun figuring them out. A small problem was that A&E's footage was shot at 720p, smaller than the 1080p I use on my camera. I just needed scale the videos to fit the frame. Fortunately, they had enough resolution for that. 

On my end, there was the problem of interviewing two people at once with only one lav mic. We wanted to have the kids play off each other while speaking, so I clipped the mic on the shoulder of the kid closer to the center. I'm not thrilled with the extra background noise, but I eventually reduced that. The music also hid it. 

There's the section with Karl's interview. That came from a finished video by A&E. In other words, I didn't have access to the original interview footage. The finished video already had a music track, so I looked for music that was very similar to the background music in A&E's video. I think it worked out pretty well, considering I couldn't edit out the existing music. 

Putting a Small Wonder Media logo at the end was new. I hadn't done it before, but the marketing director urged me to do it. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) ace development foundation high infrastructure mentor phelps school skanska usa https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/3/mentor-foundation-usa-skanska---authentic-career-experience Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:33:37 GMT
National Drug Facts Day 2013 Event https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/2/national-drug-facts-day-2013-event Students reflect on the Memorial Wall at National Drug Facts Day 2013.

On January 30th, about 160 DC-area students came to the House of Sweden for the National Drug Facts Day 2013 event. The students entered by a Memorial Wall, with photos and family stories of young people who had passed away from drug use. The day continued with speakers, with Dr. Lonise Bias providing the keynote. She is the mother of NFL draft pick Len Bias, a victim of drugs. Afterwards, the students broke into groups led by members of the DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, and were encouraged to give their stories a voice through poetry. Some students presented their poems on stage. At the very end, the winners of the H&M Drug Free Slogan contest got their prizes. The winning slogan will be used on a t-shirt sold in DC-area stores. 

When the kids first started with the poetry sessions, they were skeptical. Once the slam guys told them spoken word is essentially poetry, the kids understood better, and it was very neat to hear their final stories and poems.  Full gallery.

David Mineta, National Drug Facts Day David Mineta, Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Dr. Lonise Bias, Lonise Bias, National Drug Facts Day

Dr. Lonise Bias, mother of Len Bias.
DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, National Drug Facts Day The students were divided into smaller groups so that they, together with the DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, could get the chance to compose their own poems regarding substance abuse. A&E Network filmed the day's event.
DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, National Drug Facts Day DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, National Drug Facts Day DC Youth Poetry Slam Team, National Drug Facts Day, spoken word A student performs her poem on stage in the Poetry Slam session.
National Drug Facts Day, H&M slogan winners, donnie weiss, fredy cardenas, betsy somanji
Winners in the H&M Drug Free T-shirt Slogan Contest.
Left: Donnie Weiss, second place; You Can't Lose If You Don't Lose.
Center: Fredy Cardenas, third place; #TeamDrugFree.
Right: Betsy Somanji, first place; Drug Free Works For Me.
Jermaine Crawford, National Drug Facts Day Jermaine Crawford from the HBO Series The Wire spoke to the students about substance abuse.

 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) david mineta dc youth poetry slam team drug abuse h&m house of sweden jermaine crawford lonise bias mentor foundation usa national drug facts day https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/2/national-drug-facts-day-2013-event Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:02:28 GMT
National Drug Facts Day 2013 H&M Slogan Winners https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/national-drug-facts-day-2013-h-m-slogan-winners First place: Betsy Somanji

I shot and edited everything except the two photos in the third place video. I also created the animations.

Last year, H&M and Mentor once again held a slogan contest. DC area high school students were asked to submit drug-free slogans. The winner would be used on an H&M t-shirt to be sold in about 20 area stores, with a portion of the money going to anti-drug causes. The winning design was revealed at the end of the National Drug Facts Day 2013 event at the House of Sweden. Of course, the kids in attendance got shirts.

One of the lessons from last year's event: the kids are very nervous when they are called up to get their award. Too nervous to give a little interview about the inspiration behind their slogans. This year, we decided to do the interviews before the show and show the videos as the kids came up. That way, they only had to focus on not tripping on their way to the stage. 

Betsy Somanji won first place, with "Drug Free Works For Me." I shot, edited, and created the animations in that video. I'm rather fond of the gear animation.

Second place went to Donnie Weiss with "You Can't Lose If You Don't Use." 

Second place: Donnie Weiss

Fredy Cardenas won third place, with "#TeamDrugFree".

Third place: Fredy Cardenas

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) h&m mentor foundation usa national drug facts day national institute on drug abuse https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/national-drug-facts-day-2013-h-m-slogan-winners Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:35:10 GMT
National Drug Facts Day 2013 Submissions Video https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/national-drug-facts-day-2013-submissions-video NDFD 2013 Submissions Video

I edited the videos and created the animations.

January 30th was National Drug Facts Day 2013. In partnership with National Institute on Drug Abuse, Mentor Foundation USA held a big event at the House of Sweden. About 160 high schoolers from the DC area attended for a day of presentations and workshops. 

One of the workshops was a panel where students asked scientists and an interventionist questions about drugs. Mentor asked students from around the world to submit a question about drug use. We played this video at the beginning to help the kids in the audience get their questions rolling. The video was interactive of sorts. A video would play and then we paused it while the panel answered the question. Then on to the next question and so on. When ever you see a stop sign in the lower right corner, it meant a two-second window to pause the video.

I did not shoot these videos. I edited the videos in Premiere and created the animations in After Effects. I've been surprised by how quickly I've been adapting to After Effects. I always thought it was a scary software monster, but I'm finding my past experience with Flash is making the learning curve less steep. Though I have a ways to go before I get to be a sensei.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) anti-drugs drugs mentor foundation usa national drug facts day https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/national-drug-facts-day-2013-submissions-video Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:28:27 GMT
Fun times with After Effects https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/fun-times-with-after-effects I've been playing around with After Effects over the break, slowly getting a feel for it. (Thanks to Lynda.) I found that my experience with Flash and Premiere have come in very handy. There are a number of similarities in the basic of all these programs. Once I understood that, After Effects made a lot more sense. Here's my first animation. It's simple but it was a way for me to put the training videos into practice.

There are probably ways to have made this in a third of the steps it took me, but I don't know them yet. I'll get there though. Yes, I know the perspective is off... baby steps. I dare say I'm actually having some fun.

 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) after effects https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/fun-times-with-after-effects Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:12:03 GMT
Authentic Career Experiences with H&M https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/authentic-career-experiences-with-h-m I recently started working part-time as a multimedia assistant at Mentor Foundation USA. This was my first video for them. I shot the first and last interviews, and edited everything with Premiere Pro. I used Photoshop to create the graphics and lower thirds.

Mentor Foundation USA partners with businesses, often in the DC area, to join high school students with professional mentors in an effort to expose the students to career possibilities. In this case, students followed H&M employees through a store opening to business and professional workshops.

 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Mentor foundation usa a.c.e. authentic career experiences h&m mentor foundation https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/authentic-career-experiences-with-h-m Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:42:11 GMT
Willem de Looper & The Washington Color School https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/willem-de-looper-the-washington-color-school It's been a long time in the making but this video about Willem de Looper (a DC area artist) is finally done. The video looks at his work within the Washington Color School movement, from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) color field painting washington color school willem de looper https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/12/willem-de-looper-the-washington-color-school Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:44:37 GMT
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/10/greater-phoenix-convention-visitors-bureau

Shealah Craighead recently asked me to shoot a reception for the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, held at the United States Institute of Peace. I wanted to highlight the unique architecture of the Institute.

These are my four favorite, not-quite-reception photos.

GREG STANTON, MAYOR OF PHOENIX, AZ

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) greater phoenix convention & visitors bureau institute of peace united states institute of peace https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/10/greater-phoenix-convention-visitors-bureau Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:23:41 GMT
DiGiovanna Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/10/digiovanna-wedding "cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding Recently, Margaret Allen asked me to help her shoot a wedding as a second shooter. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in DC, with all other events at the Westin City Center in DC. These are some of my favorite photos from the day. Gallery.

"cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding "cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding, kiss

"cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding, bride, altar

"cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding, street, dc, crosswalk "cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle", digiovanna, "digiovanna wedding", "st. matthew cathedral", wedding, dance

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) cathedral of st. Matthew the apostle digiovanna digiovanna wedding st. matthew cathedral wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/10/digiovanna-wedding Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:07:42 GMT
Kapple-Sandman Engagement Party https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/kapple-sandman-engagement-party Last week, Shealah Craighead asked me to shoot a last-minute assignment since she would be out of town. It was a surprise engagement party for Kevin Kapple and Will Sandman. One of them had proposed earlier, and had come to the restaurant thinking it would be a tequila tasting. Instead, it was a surprise party with both their parents, family, and friends. It was such a fun event and I'm so glad I could be a part of their special night.

Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) DADT engagement kevin kapple oyamel will sandman https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/kapple-sandman-engagement-party Sat, 22 Sep 2012 12:22:51 GMT
America Means Business - The Stevie Awards https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/america-means-business

[I was the editor only]

Back in June, the Stevie Awards held their "America Means Business" conference for small business owners in New York City. Last week, they asked me to create a video about the conference from the existing footage. The amount and quality of the footage presented some issues, but eventually I was able to create a narrative story.

The video starts a little disconcerting, if I may say. My goal was to have someone explain why people might start a small business in this economy and why this conference was important. From there, I wanted the mentors to tell how they could help other business owners and how the workshops and speakers inspired attendees. Finally, I wanted to end on a positive note, to show that even though these are uncertain times, there are people who strive to succeed at doing what they love.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) america means business business stevie awards https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/america-means-business Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:05:01 GMT
STEM Education with Robbie Schaefer https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/stem-education-with-robbie-schaefer STEM Education with Robbie Schaefer

STEM in an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. It's a buzzword in education, as teachers and education officials have fought to combat the brain drain occurring in American education. American students are falling behind their foreign counterparts in those areas, making them less competitive in the workplace.

Wolf Trap has been looking for ways to get children interested in STEM programs from an early age. They commissioned Robbie Schaefer (of Eddie From Ohio) to create a performance that made STEM elements accessible to young children. Interactivity is an important factor in engaging the children and their imaginations.

For this video, I used two cameras for a slight variety of angles. I put one amongst the kids for a "kids-eye view" of the show. I also had to work around the kids whose parents did not give media permission. They were off to one side but occasionally one would lean over into the camera view. Finally, I was asked not to make an intro for the video. Hence the cold start.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) education robbie schaefer stem wolf trap https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/9/stem-education-with-robbie-schaefer Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:29:03 GMT
Pitts Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/pitts-wedding bride, wedding, ceremony THE BRIDE AWAITS.

This past weekend, Jarrad Henderson, one of my grad school alums, asked for my help in photographing the ceremony at the Pitts wedding in Quantico, VA. The ceremony was held at the simple yet beautiful United States Marine Corps Memorial Chapel on the base at Quantico. These are my favorite photos. Visit the gallery.

wedding, groom, ceremony, priest COMFORTING THE GROOM BEFORE THE CEREMONY.

unity candle, wedding, couple LIGHTING THE UNITY CANDLE

unity candle, wedding, couple EXTINGUISHING THE UNITY CANDLE

wedding, marriage, excitement JOY

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) Wedding ceremony marine corp memorial chapel marine corps chapel https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/pitts-wedding Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:47:52 GMT
OutWrite https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/outwrite My latest video for The DC Center for the LGBT Community. On the weekend of August 4th, The DC Center hosted the second-annual OutWrite Book Fair. It was a two day event filled with book readings and many chances to meet authors and poets. David Mariner asked me to create a 3 minute video about OutWrite that could be used to promote future fairs and that could also explain the event's importance to the public and funders. 

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) book fair lgbt book fair outwrite https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/outwrite Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:03:40 GMT
Favorites: Italy & Paris 2012 https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/favorites-italy-paris-2012 Horse-drawn carriage in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.July 1, 2012 HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE IN FRONT OF THE COLOSSEUM IN ROME, ITALY.

I recently returned from three weeks in Italy and Paris, France. I was even in Paris on Bastille Day.

The Eiffel Tower was adorned with a disco ball during the disco-themed Bastille Day fireworks show, in Paris, France.July 14, 2012 THE EIFFEL TOWER WAS ADORNED WITH A DISCO BALL DURING THE DISCO-THEMED BASTILLE DAY FIREWORKS SHOW, IN PARIS, FRANCE.

In Italy, I visited Rome, Florence, Siena, Sorrento, Pompeii, the Vatican, San Gimignano, Turin, and Milan. In Paris, I visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Versailles.

Leaning Tower of Pisa.July 6, 2012 LEANING TOWER OF PISA

Residents of the Siena contrade of Onda (Wave) march through the streets in celebration of their recent win in Il Palio, a twice-yearly horse race held in the town square. The winners parade their fla RESIDENTS OF THE SIENA CONTRADE OF ONDA (WAVE) MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS IN CELEBRATION OF THEIR RECENT WIN IN IL PALIO, A TWICE-YEARLY HORSE RACE HELD IN THE TOWN SQUARE. THE WINNERS PARADE THEIR FLAGS AND THE WINNER’S PENNANT THROUGH SIENA, ITALY, WHILE CARRYING A PACIFIER IN THEIR MOUTHS.

A priest walks in front of the "Cathedra Petri" in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.July 3, 2012 A PRIEST WALKS IN FRONT OF THE “CATHEDRA PETRI” IN ST. PETER’S BASILICA IN THE VATICAN CITY.

A father and son play with a ball before the Bastille Day fireworks show on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France.July 14, 2012 A FATHER AND SON PLAY WITH A BALL BEFORE THE BASTILLE DAY FIREWORKS SHOW ON THE CHAMP DE MARS IN PARIS, FRANCE.

Interior ceiling of the Pantheon of Rome, also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria Ad Martyres (St. Mary and the Martyrs).July 3, 2012 NTERIOR CEILING OF THE PANTHEON OF ROME, ALSO KNOWN AS THE BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA AD MARTYRES (ST. MARY AND THE MARTYRS).

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) colosseum eiffel tower leaning tower of pisa pantheon vatican city https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/favorites-italy-paris-2012 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:12:59 GMT
Capturing Fire 2012 Finals https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/capturing-fire-2012-finals  

[Note: These videos might be unsafe for work. Mature content and language.]

Last week, I was asked to shoot video final poetry slam of the Capturing Fire Queer Spoken Word Summit & Slam. It was my first time shooting a poetry slam, as well as my first time shooting in a Busboys & Poets restaurant. Due to cost and turnaround, this was a one-camera shoot. It was really strange doing a one-camera shoot, after so many two-camera shoots. Nonetheless, the performances were short and interesting enough that I didn’t feel I needed to switch to a second camera to keep things engaging. Also, since the performances were meant to be shown straight through, so I didn’t need the second camera to help in covering any edits.

Here are the three finalists in their respective winning order from the final round. While poetry slams aren’t quite my thing, I really enjoyed Joanna Hoffman’s pieces and thought she earned the top spot.

Joanna Hoffman - "9 Reasons"

Joanna Hoffman - "9 Reasons"

Sam Sax - "After My Boyfriend's Drag Show"

Sam Sax - "After My Boyfriend's Drag Show" Sophia Walker - Move Over War"

Sophia Walker - "Move Over War" How Joanna Hoffman got first place...

"Coming Home"

Joanna Hoffman - "Coming Home" "Pride"

Joanna Hoffman - "Pride" Gallery

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) capturing fire joanna hoffman sam sax sophia walker https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/capturing-fire-2012-finals Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:12:18 GMT
Tschida-Donnellan Wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/tschida-donnellan-wedding  

In early May, I shot my first wedding, filling in a friend who had to drop out suddenly. I had never shot a wedding, be it in photo or video, so this was a great opportunity. It was also pretty low-key and the families were great to work with. I also realized that monopods really are your friends when you’re moving around a lot.

I was originally going to break the story into three parts, but realized it lent itself well to four parts: the preparations, the ceremony, the transition to the reception, and the reception. Since these were the online versions, I tried to keep them focused on the highlights and humor of the day. Once again, congratulations to Lindsey and TJ!

Preparations

Preparations

Ceremony

Ceremony

On to the Reception

On to the Reception Reception

Reception

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) tschida-donnellan wedding https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/tschida-donnellan-wedding Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:11:37 GMT
Welcome Home, Discovery https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/welcome-home-discovery Space shuttles Enterprise (left) and Discovery on display during a ceremony to transfer ownership of Discovery to the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19, 2012. The Discovery takes t SPACE SHUTTLES ENTERPRISE (LEFT) AND DISCOVERY ON DISPLAY DURING A CEREMONY TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF DISCOVERY TO THE SMITHSONIAN'S STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER ON APRIL 19, 2012. THE DISCOVERY TAKES THE PLACE OF THE ENTERPRISE AT THE MUSEUM. THE ENTERPRISE NEVER FLEW IN SPACE. THE DISCOVERY WAS NOT CLEANED AFTER ITS FINAL MISSION TO SPACE.

On Tuesday, the space shuttle Discovery was flown to Dulles-International Airport for transfer to the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Today, the shuttle was finally put in its new home. The Smithsonian and NASA had a ceremony in which NASA transferred ownership of Discovery to the Smithsonian. Discovery took the place of the shuttle Enterprise in the Smithsonian’s collection. It was very interesting seeing the two shuttles nose-to-nose. Enterprise never flew into space and was mostly used for landing tests. On the other hand, Discovery flew 39 missions and logged 365 days in space. I’m actually glad the Smithsonian plans to keep Discovery in its current shape, instead of making it spotless. I think this decision lets Discovery’s hard-working nature come through.

Space shuttle Discovery is moved into its new home at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19, 2012. Discovery takes the place of the museum's previous shuttle, Enterprise. SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY IS MOVED INTO ITS NEW HOME AT THE STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER ON APRIL 19, 2012. DISCOVERY TAKES THE PLACE OF THE MUSEUM'S PREVIOUS SHUTTLE, ENTERPRISE.

A young boy holds his drawing of the space shuttle Discovery at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19, 2012. A YOUNG BOY HOLDS HIS DRAWING OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY AT THE STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER ON APRIL 19, 2012.

Visitors to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center were encouraged to sign a banner for the space shuttle Discovery's induction on April 19, 2012. VISITORS TO THE STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER WERE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN A BANNER FOR THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY'S INDUCTION ON APRIL 19, 2012.

Instructors used a cooperative exercise to teach children about teamwork during "Welcome Discovery" celebrations at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19, 2012. The goal was to move the plush pi INSTRUCTORS USED A COOPERATIVE EXERCISE TO TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT TEAMWORK DURING "WELCOME DISCOVERY" CELEBRATIONS AT THE STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER ON APRIL 19, 2012. THE GOAL WAS TO MOVE THE PLUSH PIG TO ONE OF THE POSTERS ON THE FLOOR WITHOUT DROPPING IT.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) CENTER F. STEVEN UDVAR-HAZY discovery nasa space shuttle https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/welcome-home-discovery Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:09:56 GMT
Discovery Comes to DC https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/discovery-comes-to-dc The space shuttle Discovery flies by the Smithsonian Castle on the back of a 747 plane on the way to Dulles Airport on April 17, 2012. Discovery will become part of the collection at the National Air THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY FLIES BY THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE ON THE BACK OF A 747 PLANE ON THE WAY TO DULLES AIRPORT ON APRIL 17, 2012. DISCOVERY WILL BECOME PART OF THE COLLECTION AT THE NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM'S STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER.

 

This morning was the final flight of the space shuttle Discovery. During its 27 years of service, the shuttle flew 39 missions. The final flight took it from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Washington-Dulles International Airport. She now becomes part of the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air & Space Museum. Atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, Discovery flew over a few DC area landmarks, including the National Mall. The shuttle piggybacks on the larger plane because it does not have engines. I stood on the steps of the National Museum of Natural History to get this photo. Having the shuttle fly over the Smithsonian Castle seemed fitting, given its new home.

The space shuttle Discovery flies over Washington, DC on its final flight on April 17, 2012.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) discovery nasa space shuttle https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/discovery-comes-to-dc Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:09:27 GMT
Cherry Blossom Sunrise https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/cherry-blossom-sunrise Jefferson Memorial at sunrise from the Tidal Basin, on March 23, 2012. While I have spent most of my life in the DC area, I had never actually seen the cherry blossoms at sunrise. I decided to change that oversight on the morning or March 23, 2012.

Washington Monument at sunrise, from the Tidal Basin, on March 23, 2012. Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin on March 23, 2012. Bill Seelig takes photos around the Tidal Basin on a 4x5 view camera on the morning of March 23, 2012. BILL SEELIG TAKES PHOTOS AROUND THE TIDAL BASIN ON A 4X5 VIEW CAMERA ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 23, 2012.

Morning in DC from the Tidal Basin on March 23, 2012.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) cherry blossoms dc jefferson memorial sunrise washington monument https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/cherry-blossom-sunrise Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:08:19 GMT
18th Street Singers Rehearsal & Concert https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/18th-street-singers-rehearsal-concert THE 18TH STREET SINGERS BEGIN A CONCERT WARM UP WITH MASSAGES. THE 18TH STREET SINGERS BEGIN A CONCERT WARM UP WITH MASSAGES.

I was asked to shoot photos of the 18th Street Singers in DC before their latest concert. I went to a rehearsal and the warm up before the concert. They were especially interested in facial expressions.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) 18th street singers dc https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/18th-street-singers-rehearsal-concert Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:07:30 GMT
Virginia Imagination Conversation at Wolf Trap https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/virginia-imagination-conversation-at-wolf-trap

 

Back in October of 2011, Wolf Trap asked me to shoot a meeting of the Imagination Conversation, a project of the Lincoln Center Institute. The project aims to address problems in America’s educational system to make American graduates more competitive in the marketplace. I’ve had quite a few teacher friends over the years. As an undergrad, I finally saw how hard my teacher friends worked to create lesson plans for their students. I realized I had taken teachers for granted for a long time. Since then, I have come to agree with what one of the panelists said: we have undervalued education, especially in the last decade. I believe this is a shame and I truly hope initiatives like the Imagination Conversation can show people why education must be a priority for a society.

Back to the videos. They were shot in October. This is not to say that it has taken me this long to edit them. After shooting the meeting, I was asked to first create some videos for the Board at Wolf Trap. Those were intended just for the Board. A few months later, I was asked to create shorter versions that Wolf Trap could post on Youtube. I also created the accompanying graphics.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) virginia imagination conversation wolf trap https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2012/8/virginia-imagination-conversation-at-wolf-trap Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:04:00 GMT
“From North Korea to South Sudan: The Path of Crisis and the European Response” https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/-from-north-korea-to-south-sudan-the-path-of-crisis-and-the-european-response

A video I produced in September 2011 for the EU Delegation to the US through Momenta Creative.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/-from-north-korea-to-south-sudan-the-path-of-crisis-and-the-european-response Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:00:00 GMT
EU Ambassador Vale de Almeida on Upcoming EU-US Summit https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/eu-ambassador-vale-de-almeida-on-upcoming-eu-us-summit

This is a video I shot on November 17 in which EU Ambassador Vale de Almeida spoke about an upcoming EU-US economic summit.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/eu-ambassador-vale-de-almeida-on-upcoming-eu-us-summit Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:00:00 GMT
Joint EU-US Press Brief https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/joint-eu-us-press-brief

Back on November 28, the Eu and US ambassadors held a joint press brief after Pres. Obama met with EU leaders about the European economic situation. The video is 20 minutes long, so feel free to skip around.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/joint-eu-us-press-brief Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:00:00 GMT
Zonta & Scholarship https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/zonta-scholarship

The Washington, DC chapter of Zonta, an international women’s service organization, asked me to shoot a video at their scholarship recipients dinner and then create a short piece that gave an overview of Zonta’s involvement in the educational community.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) scholarship service organization zonta https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/zonta-scholarship Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:45:00 GMT
Ask the EU Ambassador: Social Networking & Human Rights https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/ask-the-eu-ambassador-social-networking-human-rights

My latest video for the EU Delegation to the US through Momenta Creative. Opening graphic by Femath Media.

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[email protected] (Small Wonder Media) ambassador eu ambassador european union https://www.smallwondermedia.com/blog/2013/1/ask-the-eu-ambassador-social-networking-human-rights Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:45:00 GMT