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December 24, 2013

Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery

Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery - ©TimeLine Media

It’s Christmas Eve! We will be heading out to spend the day visiting with family, have a nice meal, and exchange presents. We’ll repeat that with the other half of the family the next day. Needless to say, it is a great time of year! I enjoy the time off, and the freedom to make new family photos. So many families make new photos this time of year, and we will do the same. It is such a blessing to have our families close so that we do not have to travel far to see them. We hope that all of you have a safe holiday, and get to relax with some time off too.

There are many major roadways that pass the area of Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, DC. The sprawling burial grounds for service men and women is decorated for the holidays at each marker. Wreaths are laid onto each grave site by donations and with the work of many volunteers.

The wreaths are nice remembrances for all those that have served, and passed. To honor them, I spent a quiet morning walking the grounds, and discreetly taking a few photos. I walked from the Visitors Center all the way to Section 8 which is across the highway from the Pentagon, and near the Air Force Memorial. No section was missing wreaths from the sections bordering the roadway, all the way to the top of the western hill.

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December 21, 2013

Personal, Photography, Travel | 0 comment

Early Morning Washington DC Photos

Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC - ©TimeLine Media

Sunrise Light

The light in the sky just before sunrise can be stunning. On the drive into Washington, DC this morning, there was a beautiful dark blue sky that was lightening with each minute. The clouds that started gray, reflected pinks, red, then oranges as the sun started to rise above the horizon. I was attempting to get to one of the monuments or memorials on the National Mall while the sky still have this amazing color, but I knew that I would not make it. Right after parking, I jumped out and headed to the first open scene that I could find. This was right along the banks of the Potomac River looking towards Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery.

Potomac River and Memorial Bridge out of Washington, DC - ©TimeLine Media — Potomac River and Memorial Bridge out of Washington, DC – ©TimeLine Media

The blue sky and the pink clouds were stunning – but it was just a moment after they were at their most saturated. I felt lucky that I was able to safely get these images. I had contemplated pulling over the side of the road when it was perfect, but that was just too much of a risk!

Early Morning Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC - ©TimeLine Media — Early Morning Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC – ©TimeLine Media

The Lincoln Memorial is a strong monument to our 16^th President. Normally, the grounds are swarming with visitors enjoying the views of the other monuments stretched out from the steps. Early in the morning, though, it is very peaceful and you can get unobstructed views of the structure and statues inside. I freely had the time and space to get all the photos that I wanted without disturbing any of the few visitors that were also there. There are only a few of the images from this morning, I’ll be sure to post more soon.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC - ©TimeLine Media — Statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC – ©TimeLine Media

Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Memorial - ©TimeLine Media — Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Memorial – ©TimeLine Media

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December 20, 2013

Personal, Photography, Travel | 0 comment

Iwo Jima Memorial Photography, Arlington Virginia

Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media

These are the shortest days of the year. Although it can be depressing to have such a small duration of daylight, it works out really well for photography. The best light for outdoor photos are around the times when the sun is rising or setting. The sun will be closer to the horizon. Objects will take on more character with this kind of light. Shadows will work with you more from this angle. On this morning, I went out to the Marine Corps War Memorial aka the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, VA.

This is a popular spot for view the National Mall right across the Potomac River in Washington, DC. Being elevated above the Mall make a great vantage down onto the unobstructed view to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building in the distance. The position of where the sun is rising this time of year does not make for the most dramatic view of the Mall, but it works very well for the Iwo Jima. The position of the memorial has the faces of the statues facing right into the rising sun. The light hits them on the lit side, then falls off to a nice shadow behind them at sunrise. Later in the day, a higher position for the sun will not be as dramatic. The shadows will fall underneath the statue, and whole scene becomes more flat and less interesting.

The good light and the lack of people around these areas are why photographers get out so early to get these photos. It is lucky to be so close and have access to them. I will definitely take advantage even though it is very cold! Soon, it will be necessary to get up very early to get these as the days will get longer, and the chase for the best light becomes harder.

Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media — Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA – ©TimeLine Media

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Sunrise Light

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