Photos: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial -The Memorial and the People

This photographic essay is about the  Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and the people who visit it.  The memorial stands out to me because of the peaceful spirit there.  The design of the memorial allows people to get very close to the spirit of Dr. King.   Visitors are invited to touch the roughness of the Mountain of Despair.  From the main entrance they are encouraged to look  through the opening of the Mountain of Despair towards the Stone of Hope.  I found the Stone of Hope which includes Dr. King’s statue to  not be very tall and to give a sense of Dr. King being right there among the people gazing out at them. Also, Park Rangers give very informative and inspiring talks about the King legacy.   I think that a  visit to this great memorial should be on everyone’s list of things to do.

In these images I have intentionally included the people and tried to show their connection and  reverence for Dr. King.

Have you visited the King National Memorial?  What was your experience?

www.lonniedawkins.com

Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall – Remembering those who served.

It was a beautiful but cold fall day when ceremonies and remembrances took place honoring those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.  On Veterans Day 2011 in Washington, DC. dignitaries were on hand as well as veterans and family and friends of the fallen.   The most moving part is seeing the tributes and flowers being left at the wall and seeing people reacting to the names.  Many bring paper to trace the names.

One name that stands out for me is a childhood friend Curvin Clayton of Durham, NC who died at age 20 in Vietnam.  He was known as Cup and I often think about what life for him would be had he lived a full life.  Each person present has a story to remember about someone on that wall.

The brilliant sun caused beautiful reflections on the wall as though it was blending people present and the fallen together once again.

Tremendous gratitude to those who served and gave the supreme sacrifice.

Colors being presented at Vietnam Veteran Memorial

Visitors at Veterans Memorial wall tracing names

Some of the names on the Wall including Curvin Clayton

Brilliant sun allowed beautiful reflections on the Wall.

You’re only as good as your last biscuit

My cheese biscuits....At least they look pretty.

I recently learned how easy biscuits are to make or thought I did.

Last week I went online and found a recipe for cheese biscuits and made what turned out to be great biscuits even though I didn’t quite have all the ingredients that the recipe required.  Since I had no buttermilk I just used whole milk.  I had no shortening so I used butter.  I had no cheddar cheese so I just used what was left in a package of mixed shredded cheeses used for making Mexican dishes and though it was not quite the quantity required it was ok.  I followed the recipe and what resulted was some excellent cheese biscuits that were all eaten within an hour out of the oven.

Later in the week I was asked to make them again.  It was the same situation except this time I did have some cheddar which I shredded up.  I threw a little extra cheese in and added some herbs.  They turned out even better and I was so proud of myself.

Strike three!  Last night I thought I would get all the correct ingredients and make some more of my out of this world cheese biscuits especially since it would be Christmas Eve and we have a few guests in the house.  I bought buttermilk and plenty of cheddar and thought I would double the recipe.  With  a double batch I was hoping there would be a few extra remaining to show others how great they were.

Everything was going great this morning until I finished mixing all the ingredients and was ready to roll out the dough (yea, I can roll out dough for biscuits now).  It was only then that I realized that I had forgotten to cut in the butter with the dry ingredients.  I give myself credit for realizing my major mistake before putting the biscuits in the oven.  On the other hand trying to cut butter into already mixed biscuit dough is not easy.  It’s too late for that little pebbles look.  Nevertheless, I did what I could and put them in the oven to see what would happen.

They look pretty, they are edible, and there are plenty left.  That is all I can say for them.  My grandson who normally can’t get enough of them is not too excited about them this time.  Maybe he is too excited about Santa and toys to care about biscuits.

Bottomline,  it doesn’t matter how great your biscuits used to be or were before.  You’re only as good as your last biscuit.  That’s the rule.  I’ll get it right the next time.

Have you had any baking screw ups lately?

 

Same old blanket but beautiful new baby.

Whenever I see someone show a picture of their beautiful new baby and I see what looks like the same hospital issued blanket it brings wonderful memories.  There is something about those blankets that I really adore.  Their simplicity makes the babies look all the more beautiful.   Though the blankets all look the same each baby still looks unique and special.

Earlier this year NPR published a wonderful article about the blankets and asked people to submit pictures and stories of their babies wrapped in the blankets.  I had taken a picture of my grandson Laron within an hour of his birth and I submitted it.   NPR included the picture in the article NPR Article: Born In The USA? This Blanket Might Look Familiar.

Laron

 NPR Article: Born In The USA? This Blanket Might Look Familiar

Does this look like the blanket your bundle of joy was wrapped in?  Did the blanket follow you home?

Photos: Obama’s 2009 Inauguration-Huge crowds and excitement. Ever again?

Crowd on the Metro headed to President Obama's inauguration.

By far the largest and most exciting crowd I have ever been in is the huge gathering in Washington, DC for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in  January 2009.  The excitement and the “I got to be there” feeling was rampant despite the freezing cold weather.  People had gathered from all over the world for the occasion and were excited to be there.

The crowd was so large on the Metro system and the National Mall viewing the ceremony that it was almost literally impossible to move.   Fortunately, the crowd was respectful and everyone was cordial.  No known issues arose.

After the ceremony the strategy was to get to an area where you could simply move in any direction.  These images show people who had gotten to  a major highway that runs through DC and turned it into a sidewalk and eventually made their way home.  In order to leave the highway pedestrians had to climb over large barriers.  People assisted each other over them.   Late in the evening the highways became highways again.

What a day!

Now, we are within a year of the next Presidential election.  Do you think there will ever be another inauguration with the level of excitement and “got to be there” feeling?  If and when President Obama is re-elected what do you think the turn out will be?  What are your memories of the day and traveling to the inauguration?

www.lonniedawkins.com                        Lonnie Dawkins on Facebook

5 Suggestions for a better photography session.

I have been shooting models, actors, families and others for a number of years now and have 5 suggestions that I think will be helpful for those considering a shoot especially for the first time.

1. The Appointment.
Sit down and discuss with the photographer the purpose of the photography and what you expect as far as location, looks, wardrobe, delivery, usage, and any special requests. Ask questions and decide whether or not the photographer can deliver and expect to pay a professional price for professional pictures. If you come to an agreement, decide on a date that you know you can keep, sign the contract, make your deposit, and be sure to keep the appointment. Final payment is expected on or before the day of the shoot.

2. The Wardrobe.
Bring the clothes that were discussed but also bring a few additional backup items in case the key wardrobe items that you brought don’t work. Make sure the items you bring fit properly and are flattering. Oversize clothes or clothes that are too tight can ruin your look. If you are doing a variety of looks I often ask people to include a basic pair of jeans and a basic white shirt as one. Also, have your clothes organized so that you can quickly change from one look to another. When you change clothes, keep all your things in one place so that you are not likely to live anything behind.

3. The Hair.
Make sure your hair is behaving and is the way you like it. Guys, get your hair cut or make sure that you are comfortable with it. Don’t get to the shoot and be surprised at how it looks. Ladies, make sure your hair is manageable, and that there are not unattractive loose hairs sticking out or other issues. If you get to the shoot and you decide you don’t like the way your hair looks that can be a real downer. Unless you have made some arrangements there won’t be a hairdresser on the set. You can not expect the photographer to edit your hairstyle unless you are prepared to pay extra.

4. The Makeup.
With digital photography everyone except for young children need makeup. This includes men. This makeup should be applied on site by a makeup artist who understands photography. Having this makeup artist on site allows whatever needed changes that need to be done. It also allows the photographer and makeup artist do a check in the photographer’s light before the shoot begins. The photographer is responsible for the final image and is not going to want to try to digitally correct makeup his team did not apply.

5. The Fun.
Photo shoots are work but should also be enjoyable occasions. Come rested, bring music if you like, and be ready for a fun occasion. Relax, trust the photographer and don’t be nervous about how you are going to look in the pictures. It is the photographer’s job to have the pictures turn out the way you discussed. He or she will make suggestions that will help and will check with you to see if you’re headed in the right direction.

Congratulations! Be happy that you have taken the time to create images that you, your family, organization can enjoy for many years.

I would love to know if you have any other suggestions.

http://www.lonniedawkins.com                 http://www.facebook.com/LonnieDawkinsPhoto

Headed to the Chapel. Engagement Photography

Jameal and Doug, a wonderful young couple,  announced their engagement.  We met at a beautiful location in Maryland and took pictures.  Wishing them many years of happiness!

www.lonniedawkins.com                               Lonnie Dawkins Photography on Facebook

The Beauty of Fruit and Vegetables. Edible Art.

I normally only photograph people but recently did a photo shoot for a grocery store grand opening.   The arrangement of the produce was beautiful and made wonderful images.

The produce display in the store was so beautiful that it was a shame for anyone to disturb it.  Grocers became artists.  Not being an art gallery the pieces had to be removed for purchase.

Edible art!

www.lonniedawkins.com                  Lonnie Dawkins Photography on Facebook

 

Waldorf and Southern Maryland’s “Little Vegas” past. Gambling: Few Reminders today.

Today many head home to Waldorf, MD and beyond on US 301 and have no idea of the history that they are driving past everyday.  It was only this week while researching for a project for a client that I learned about this lively side of Waldorf and Southern Maryland‘s history.  This post is not about the pros or cons of gambling.  Instead it is an attempt to point out some of the relics of a time gone by that can still be seen.

US 301 from Waldorf to the Potomac River Bridge was known as “Little Vegas”  or “Slot Machine Alley” during the 1950s.  Las Vegas had nothing on Southern Maryland as far as the number of slot machines and the revenue from gambling at that time.   US 301 was known as Sin Strip – bright lights, lots of celebrities like Guy Lombardo, Paul Newman, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton. They all performed on the Strip according to an article in the Baltimore City Paper.  Waldorf was the Mecca of this Strip and was described in an article as a tiny little truck stop town along a major shipping route that hosted slot machines in every building and restroom along route 301.  Casinos were legal in Charles County for about 20 years ending in 1968.

There are two icons that can still be seen today and though many of us pass them few have any idea what they are.   One is the sign for Wall’s Bakery with the Tepee on top and the other is the Waldorf Motel which is shown in the video above and one of the pictures below.  Both are on the right side as you enter Waldorf from the north.  Neither will probably be there much longer.

Wall’s Bakery known for its eclairs was housed in the Wigwam building after it closed in 1968 when gambling was outlawed.  The Wigwam — originally opened as a Native American themed casino.  The Tepee-shaped building sported dancing girls, fine food, and performances by Doris Day and Brenda Lee according to Louise Lockhart, an 18 year employee.  The Wigwam/Wall’s Bakery building has been recently torn down and this sign is all that remains.  According to Wikimapia apartments are planned for this site.

The Waldorf Motel was a popular gambling casino and motel.  Today it stands empty though in recent years a Rip’s Restaurant occupied space in this building.  It is probably one of the few casino buildings still standing.

Well, it sounds like Waldorf and the 301 corridor have changed quite a bit since the 50s and the many times I have driven to Waldorf never would I have thought of Waldorf as a Little Vegas.  Never!   What about you?

Photography: Children being children

As a photographer I usually don’t try to pose children.   Give them a minute and they will give you a pose much better than you could imagine.  Just be ready.