Okay...this isn’t Southeast Asia and I do not lead photo tours in that part of the world (for the moment, but I am looking to do so in the future).
This is the Bartholdi Fountain in Washington, DC that was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Does that name ring a bell? No, he did not design the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, but rather the Statue of Liberty in New York City. C’mon, who can forget that memorable ending scene from Titanic when Kate Winslet looks up at the Statue of Liberty as she starts her new life in America. American cinema at its finest (excuse me, I think I just threw up in my mouth)!
I have been busy...wait for it...post-processing photos! The last couple of months, due to my nomadic lifestyle, I have not had the quality time to properly process my photos with my Apple MacBook Pro and external monitor (my desktop computer is in storage somewhere in Illinois). I now have a workstation setup with my external monitor in place and the last couple of days I have been feverishly processing my photos from when I was in Southeast Asia last year (I have over 700 gigabytes of photos). So for the next couple of weeks be prepared to journey with me as I traverse through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Back to the 15 ton and 30 foot tall Bartholdi Fountain. Fatigue started to set in after photographing the memorials and monuments in Washington, DC, so I sought out lesser known sites and hidden gems around the city. The blue hour sky was not the greatest that evening as it was spoiled by overcast, rainy weather and light pollution. Perhaps it was a result of the political demagoguery pollution coming from nearby Capitol Hill!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Reach out and touch someone!
Hello and goodbye to the new Flickr!? Or will Flickr take a Tumble(r)!?, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
The best part of photographing at Gravelly Point is the absence of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The only touchy-feely going on here is reaching for the skies!
Notes:
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 17-40 f/4 L lens
ISO: 1600
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter: 1/400
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Korean War Veterans Memorial - Washington, DC
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” - General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command in Korea
For me personally I have always found the Korean War Veterans Memorial one of the most profound and at the same time saddest memorials on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It may have to do with the fact that it is often overlooked by the nearby memorials of the ever so popular Lincoln Memorial and emotional Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Korean War has been nicknamed, “The Forgotten War” since it has been overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. It is unfortunate that most Americans still overlook this period of our history.
The memorial consists of nineteen stainless-steel soldiers on combat patrol marching through rough terrain. It was dedicated in 1995 to honor the nearly 37,000 Americans who gave their lives in the 1950-1953 war (or conflict as some may call it).
As a photographer I have alway found it difficult to photograph the Korean War Veterans Memorial from an artistic point of view. It doesn’t have the grand Parthenon-inspired architecture like the Lincoln Memorial nor does it have the majesty of the World War II Memorial. Also, the lighting on the statues can be very contrasty and not consistent from statue to statue. I have been at this memorial many times and I have always had a hard time looking for a creative angle. One morning I walked down to the memorial before sunrise and circled around the soldiers before I eyed this composition.
I was playing around with Nik HDR Efex Pro 2 and I came up with this unique color scheme. It reminded me of those old Korean War film footage that were shot in black and white and later converted to color.
2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War. In light of the Memorial Day holiday, which in the United States is a day to honor and remember the fallen who have given their lives in service to their country, I wanted to pay tribute to these soldiers and let them know they have not been forgotten.
Honor the Fallen!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
For me personally I have always found the Korean War Veterans Memorial one of the most profound and at the same time saddest memorials on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It may have to do with the fact that it is often overlooked by the nearby memorials of the ever so popular Lincoln Memorial and emotional Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Korean War has been nicknamed, “The Forgotten War” since it has been overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. It is unfortunate that most Americans still overlook this period of our history.
The memorial consists of nineteen stainless-steel soldiers on combat patrol marching through rough terrain. It was dedicated in 1995 to honor the nearly 37,000 Americans who gave their lives in the 1950-1953 war (or conflict as some may call it).
As a photographer I have alway found it difficult to photograph the Korean War Veterans Memorial from an artistic point of view. It doesn’t have the grand Parthenon-inspired architecture like the Lincoln Memorial nor does it have the majesty of the World War II Memorial. Also, the lighting on the statues can be very contrasty and not consistent from statue to statue. I have been at this memorial many times and I have always had a hard time looking for a creative angle. One morning I walked down to the memorial before sunrise and circled around the soldiers before I eyed this composition.
I was playing around with Nik HDR Efex Pro 2 and I came up with this unique color scheme. It reminded me of those old Korean War film footage that were shot in black and white and later converted to color.
2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War. In light of the Memorial Day holiday, which in the United States is a day to honor and remember the fallen who have given their lives in service to their country, I wanted to pay tribute to these soldiers and let them know they have not been forgotten.
Honor the Fallen!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, October 21, 2013
Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery - Washington, DC
Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery - Washington, DC, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
The guard is changed every hour on the hour Oct. 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities to view the change because another change is added on the half hour and the cemetery closing time moves from 5 to 7 p.m.
An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. Soon the new sentinel leaves the Quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle to signal to the relief commander to start the ceremony. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and stay silent during the ceremony.
The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknowns who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor. Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.
The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.
Duty time when not "walking" is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they study Cemetery "knowledge," clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard. The guards also train on their days off.
The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."
============================================
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.
Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Honor the Fallen!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Arlington National Cemetery - To Honor, Remember & Explore
Arlington National Cemetery - To Honor, Remember & Explore, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
I had the great opportunity to partake in a moving and patriotic experience last year while I was in Washington, DC. Every December an organization called Wreaths Across America coordinates a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a wonderful way to remember, honor and teach our youth about our fallen veterans.
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.
Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Honor the Fallen!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C.
"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
The week of May 15 transforms Washington, D.C. into one of the safest cities in the world. Why? Because National Police Week, which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on the nation's capitol to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, October 14, 2013
Political Storms bursts over Washington, DC
People accuse me of “Photoshopping” my photographs. That’s crazy! All my photographs are SOOAA, that is “straight out of Apple Aperture.”
I was walking in Lafayette Square, a public park located directly north of the White House, in Washington, DC last week. I noticed these cumulus clouds and composed a couple of photographs. I know this is Washington, DC where everything is an illusion, but I pulled no magic tricks in post-production. I simply increased the contrast and bumped up the vibrancy. Mother nature gets all the credit for this one.
It has been a roller coaster week here in the nation’s capitol. Scandals have burst over the political weather front from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limiting free speech to the Justice Department spying on reporter’s phone records.
I guess my “Photoshopping,” I mean my SOOAA skills, aren’t the only scandals brewing in Washington, DC.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
I was walking in Lafayette Square, a public park located directly north of the White House, in Washington, DC last week. I noticed these cumulus clouds and composed a couple of photographs. I know this is Washington, DC where everything is an illusion, but I pulled no magic tricks in post-production. I simply increased the contrast and bumped up the vibrancy. Mother nature gets all the credit for this one.
It has been a roller coaster week here in the nation’s capitol. Scandals have burst over the political weather front from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limiting free speech to the Justice Department spying on reporter’s phone records.
I guess my “Photoshopping,” I mean my SOOAA skills, aren’t the only scandals brewing in Washington, DC.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Good Morning Vietnam!
Or should I say good morning Washington, DC! Actually, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is only about 1,000 feet from where I photographed this so I wasn’t too far from a “Vietnam” theme.
The ugly looking obelisk with the scaffolding is the Washington Monument which has been under construction since the August 2011 earthquake. If you are planning a trip to the Nation’s capitol soon, be warned that construction will not be completed until sometime in 2014. That’s really a bummer because everywhere you take a photograph in Washington, DC it seems the Washington Monument is always in the background.
I got up early this particular morning because in the spring and summer the sunrise runs parallel to the Lincoln Memorial (rising near the Washington Monument) and bathes the statue of Mr. Lincoln in warm, soft light. As you can see from my photograph that didn’t happen, so I had to settle for this lonely jogger running along the Reflecting Pool.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
The ugly looking obelisk with the scaffolding is the Washington Monument which has been under construction since the August 2011 earthquake. If you are planning a trip to the Nation’s capitol soon, be warned that construction will not be completed until sometime in 2014. That’s really a bummer because everywhere you take a photograph in Washington, DC it seems the Washington Monument is always in the background.
I got up early this particular morning because in the spring and summer the sunrise runs parallel to the Lincoln Memorial (rising near the Washington Monument) and bathes the statue of Mr. Lincoln in warm, soft light. As you can see from my photograph that didn’t happen, so I had to settle for this lonely jogger running along the Reflecting Pool.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Friday, October 11, 2013
Painting the renewal of spring and the ephemeral nature of life -cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC
Painting the renewal of spring and the ephemeral nature of life - cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
“No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of spring.”
Samuel Johnson
"I had always planned to make a large painting of the early spring, when the first leaves are at the bottom of the trees, and they seem to float in space in a wonderful way. But the arrival of spring can't be done in one picture."
David Hockney
“Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'”
Robin Williams
A local artist paints the arrival of spring of the pale-pink cherry blossoms in bloom along the Tidal Basin in the nation’s capitol of Washington, DC.
Spring is here and it is time to party!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Rite of Spring - Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
Walk, run, or bike to see the annual cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.
The cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a commemoration for the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity which officially established formal relations between the two countries.
The Yoshino Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC only bloom in the spring and the window of opportunity is very small. I photographed this on a Monday when the cherry blossoms were beginning to peak and by that Friday night strong winds blew most of them off the trees. As with any once-a-year photographic opportunity, it can be very crowded with people, especially at sunrise.
The most photogenic groups of cherry blossoms are located around the Tidal Basin which is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River. That morning hordes of photographers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts were jockeying for position to get a view of the pink cherry blossoms.
It took me over 1,000 hours in Photoshop to clone out all the pesky people in the background to get this lone biker in the scene, or actually, I secured a presidential order to keep everybody back at least 500 feet from my shot or I simply waited until this lone biker walked under this cherry blossom branch where I was camping out with my Canon 5D Mark II.
What story do you believe?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
The cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a commemoration for the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity which officially established formal relations between the two countries.
The Yoshino Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC only bloom in the spring and the window of opportunity is very small. I photographed this on a Monday when the cherry blossoms were beginning to peak and by that Friday night strong winds blew most of them off the trees. As with any once-a-year photographic opportunity, it can be very crowded with people, especially at sunrise.
The most photogenic groups of cherry blossoms are located around the Tidal Basin which is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River. That morning hordes of photographers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts were jockeying for position to get a view of the pink cherry blossoms.
It took me over 1,000 hours in Photoshop to clone out all the pesky people in the background to get this lone biker in the scene, or actually, I secured a presidential order to keep everybody back at least 500 feet from my shot or I simply waited until this lone biker walked under this cherry blossom branch where I was camping out with my Canon 5D Mark II.
What story do you believe?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Congress is Crooked or the Blue Hour Tilt?
I can’t decide which title is better so I will leave it up to you guys. Which title do you prefer?
======================================
Mark Twain once opined, “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” Those are the culprits that lollygag in the Capitol Building so there is no need to waste my time talking about them. So let’s talk about the geometric “H” shaped building you see on the top right hand side of the frame.
The East Building of the National Gallery of Art was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. Inside is one of my favorite paintings, Salvador Dali’s “Sacrament of the Last Supper.” Dali was an eccentric guy so I thought of him when I composed this photograph. No, I was not on drugs when I composed this shot. To quote Salvador Dali, “I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.”
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
======================================
Mark Twain once opined, “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” Those are the culprits that lollygag in the Capitol Building so there is no need to waste my time talking about them. So let’s talk about the geometric “H” shaped building you see on the top right hand side of the frame.
The East Building of the National Gallery of Art was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. Inside is one of my favorite paintings, Salvador Dali’s “Sacrament of the Last Supper.” Dali was an eccentric guy so I thought of him when I composed this photograph. No, I was not on drugs when I composed this shot. To quote Salvador Dali, “I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.”
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, October 7, 2013
Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren - "Hero of Little Round Top" andthe Guardian of the Gettysburg Sunset
Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren - "Hero of Little Round Top" and the Guardian of the Gettysburg Sunset, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
If you want to learn about some not so boring history you can read his Wikipedia entry. I am not diminishing the importance of the battle of Gettysburg nor the brave men who fought and died in the largest battle ever fought in North America. I have been to Gettysburg Military Park many times and love learning about this period of American history. Heck, I am the type of guy that watches “Gettysburg” just for fun and that movie runs over four hours! Come to think about, if not for General Warren’s initiative at Little Round Top the Union Army would have lost that battle and perhaps the entire war. Maybe you should read more about him.
General Gouverneur Warren is a very dedicated soldier because every time I come to Gettysburg he is always there defending Little Round Top or perhaps he just loves watching those spectacular Pennsylvania sunsets.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Springtime at the U.S. Capitol - Washington, DC
"I love to go to Washington - if only to be near my money." - Bob Hope
The U.S. Capitol Building’s distinctive dome stands as Washington DC’s famous landmark. The 19th-century neoclassical building has served as the seat of American lawmaking since the first Congress in 1800.
If the bright colorful flowers don't bring a smile to your face then maybe this will:
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. - P. J. O'Rourke
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
The U.S. Capitol Building’s distinctive dome stands as Washington DC’s famous landmark. The 19th-century neoclassical building has served as the seat of American lawmaking since the first Congress in 1800.
If the bright colorful flowers don't bring a smile to your face then maybe this will:
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. - P. J. O'Rourke
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)