Another diversion!

Yup, I was trying to do a lot of weddings this summer, but they didn’t pan out for me as a solo shooter. I did assist for a number of weddings with some awesome results. But for most of the summer, I concentrated on an event called the Northstar Dance-o-rama held by the Arthur Murray studios of Minneapolis, MN.

Ballroom Dance Photography

Ballroom dancing gets my wife and me from the front of the TV for at least a few times a week. We have been doing it since before our wedding in 2004 and have continued since. Thanks to our local studio owner, my company, TimeLine Media got the opportunity to provide the photos and videos for the event. With both needed from us, we needed to bring a lot of equipment. With flying fees the way they are, it was nearly impossible to fly. So, we decided to drive from northern VA to Edina, MN. This would be the longest car trip I would ever take! My uncle helped us to drive by taking most of the driving load up to Chicago, where we dropped him off to visit family. We then finished the trip stopping to see friends in Madison, WI before arriving in Minnesota.

The event was a lot of fun – but a lot of work for us! I had not been to a dance-o-rama and stayed for the entire time on the dance floor. I ended up taking close 5000 pictures. If you’d like to see them, they are posted at

http://www.timelinedc.com/client/Northstar08

We had a good team that worked exceptionally hard for the participants, and I hope they enjoy the results of that work. Following are some pictures of the poor Chrysler Town & Country that was loaded down from floor to celing, back to front with photo equipment, printers, video cameras, and computers for over 2000 miles. Thanks to everyone that helped! We hope to see all the students and instructors again next year!

Program at the Northstar Dance-o-rama
Program at the Northstar Dance-o-rama
Rented van for trip from Virginia to Minnesota
Rented van for trip from Virginia to Minnesota
Mileage driven from Virginia to Minnesota for the Northstar Dance o Rama
Mileage driven from Virginia to Minnesota for the Northstar Dance o Rama
Charle resting after the Northstar Dance o Rama
Charle resting after the Northstar Dance o Rama

Summer Fun!

It’s been a crazy summer, so I have not had a chance to update this blog. What have I been up to? I have photographed some weddings, some parties, some portraits, and a lot of family get-togethers. Here are some of my favorites – some not portfolio worthy, but some great memories. Here are some pics from when my cousin Christina visited after working at Busch Gardens for her summer break. Enjoy!

My cousin and her friends leaving for home after their summer break

Visiting the airport is always filled with lots of energy! There is a lot to do, and many tasks you need to get done. Additionally, there is the emotions of separating from friends or family. At this time, it was a happy sendoff. My cousin worked close by during her summer break. Now, she was returning to the Philippines with her friends. Obviously I was impressed with what she has accomplished. Being that she is coming halfway around the world to work, I am wondering if I could do something like that. Considering she had to work speaking a language that is not native to her, in a part of the world she is not familiar, that is impressive. Best of luck Christina, and I hope we get to see each other again in the future!

my uncle and mom watching my cousin check in for her flight after summer break

TimeLine Mediawww.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

More infrared

Here are some pics that look more like traditional infrared film – with all color removed. It has a neat glow to them that you don’t get from ‘regular’ capture. They are perfect for landscapes however, strange on portraits. At this time these were taken at Burke Lake park along it’s 4-mile hiking trail.

shoreline in infrared light around Burke Lake Park ©TimeLine Media

Along the shore line of the lake, the glow that the converted sensor seems to tame the highlights from direct sun reflecting from the water. Whereas usually I have to tone down highlights, these seems to be recovered nicely in post. Being that I am still new to infrared capture, this is one of the newest lessons I have to keep in my memory.

infrared photo of a grass field around Burke Lake Park ©TimeLine Media

Viewing vegetation is especially nice in the infrared spectrum. As can be seen, the grasses glow a nice lighter tone that what you see when standing in the field. This is also true compared to the green tones seen in color. While it may be true that you eye can distinguish the most different green tones, the infrared keeps the texture and blades rendered. It does this without getting confused in the color.,

small railroad track in infrared light around Burke Lake Park ©TimeLine Media

Finally there is this track of a mini train at the park. Somehow the contrast of the posts against the organic leaves makes the track pop more than in color. Again, I need to adjust my pre-visualization when shooting my infrared camera as this was an unexpected result.

TimeLine Mediawww.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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