Cicadas 17 years

Close up view of cicada on a leaf ©TimeLine Media Cicadas 17 years
Close up view of cicada on a leaf ©TimeLine Media

Virginia

This summer, we expect to have an explosion of cicadas – 17 years after the last time this brood was above ground. Since the last time they were around, their nymphs have been buried underground. Although it is unknown how or why they have such a long dormant time, it is precisely timed. So do not be alarmed if you are awakened by their loud buzzing later this summer! Being that the first time I remember this phenomenon was the summer before my wedding, I will have this strange date range in mind.

Off camera flash to simulate daylight on a cicada in the garden ©TimeLine Media - Cicadas 17 years
Off camera flash to simulate daylight on a cicada in the garden ©TimeLine Media

On this occasion, I found some cicadas sitting on large leaves in my garden. It was not moving at all even though I was adjusting my camera and flashes on stands. In this case, I used a macro lens to get the camera as close to the cicada as I could. Surprisingly, it did not move even as I got the flash and lens remarkably close to its face!

Cicada on a leaf in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Cicada on a leaf in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Clematis bloom in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Clematis bloom in the garden ©TimeLine Media

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703-864-8208

Tysons Tower Apartments

Tysons Tower Apartments ribbon cutting at their grand reopening ©TimeLine Media
Tysons Tower Apartments ribbon cutting at their grand reopening ©TimeLine Media

Tysons, Virginia

This post is one year following the grand reopening of the Tysons Tower Apartments. On this occasion, the caterer referred me for this event. Augustin from The Chef’s Table Caterers and Event Planners contacted me since we have worked many Santa Breakfast’s together.

Ice sculpture and cake at the Tysons Towers Apartments ©TimeLine Media
Ice sculpture and cake at the Tysons Towers Apartments ©TimeLine Media

At this time, the apartment building was celebrating their grand reopening. For months prior to the celebration, they renovated all the apartments and the common areas of the facility. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, and the reception, it was nice to the residents happy with the results. To be sure it was tough work to coordinate the project with so many residents. Now they celebrated the results! Without a doubt, the residents and staff have a beautiful new building to work and live.

Hummus and pita plate from The Chef’s Table Caterers and Event Planners ©TimeLine Media
Start of buffet line at the Tysons Towers Apartment 2019 Grand Reopening reception ©TimeLine Media
Start of buffet line at the Tysons Towers Apartment 2019 Grand Reopening reception ©TimeLine Media
Reception room with residents celebrating the grand reopening of their residence in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Reception room with residents celebrating the grand reopening of their residence in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Staff at the Tysons Towers Apartments after their 2019 grand reopening reception ©TimeLine Media
Staff at the Tysons Towers Apartments after their 2019 grand reopening reception ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
7036-864-8208

Quarantine 5 – 2020 Clematis Blooms

Clematis flower blooming in the back yard ©TimeLine Media
Clematis flower blooming in the back yard ©TimeLine Media

Falls Church, VA

As can be seen in my 2020 Clematis flowers, my garden is growing beautifully this year! This is despite my very limited knowledge on how to grow anything out of the ground. When the blooms start to come out in Spring, I usually get a few photos. However, the quarantine keeping us at home gives me a new subjects to test some lighting setups.

Macro image of Clematis bloom with extra lighting ©TimeLine Media
Macro image of Clematis bloom with extra lighting ©TimeLine Media
Setup of camera and off camera flashes in the back garden ©TimeLine Media
Setup of camera and off camera flashes in the back garden ©TimeLine Media

During this shoot, I used my camera with two speedlight flashes. Although you see two speedlights here, only one was actually adding light to the photos. One was only used as a trigger for the off camera flash. While moving the lights around, I found that the small lights were nice to control what parts of the flowers were illuminated. After each photo, I could move either the flash or the camera with very slight movements. It produced a large set of varied images! I felt it was a productive way to spend a lock-down afternoon.

Newly opening 2020 Clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Newly opening 2020 Clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Flower bloom with some added sprayed water ©TimeLine Media
Flower bloom with some added sprayed water ©TimeLine Media
Lady bug on a clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Lady bug on a clematis flower ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208


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