Events – Page 6 – Developer and Photographer

Clarendon Day

It seems that now is the time of neighborhood festivals. There have been a spate of them in the last few weeks in D.C. and surrounding areas. Saturday was Clarendon Day, celebrating that part of Arlington. I could make snipey remarks about how everyone in Clarendon is a yuppy or some such business, but instead I'd rather show some photos from the event. I think neighborhood festivals are a great idea - bring people together, give local businesses a chance to reach out to the community, things like that. Mostly it's good times. Plus, festivals are a great place to practice street photography. There's a whole buncha people, lots of stuff going on, and most people aren't even going to notice that you're snapping a camera in their face. I also took lots of pictures at the burrito eating contest, but that's a post for another day (perhaps tomorrow!).

And, naturally, there were doggies.

And kids.

I'm going to end with this selection of incredibly bland-looking clothing. There was an entire stall's worth of this stuff.

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September 26, 2010 by Amber Categories: Events

Doggie Day Swim – Alexandria Event Photographer

Dogs are awesome. There is very little that makes me happier than hanging out with a bunch of dogs. So it was with great delight that I photographed the City of Alexandria's Doggie Day Swim yesterday at the Old Town Pool. It was packed and there were dogs everywhere, which was totally fantastic. Their owners were pretty cool people, too.

The doggies were really hilarious about getting into and out of the pool. Some were great leapers - capable of massive jumps and splashes.

Others simply barked at the tennis balls floating around or yipped at their owners. They so badly wanted the balls, but just couldn't make it into the water. Getting out again was a hilarious endeavor. Most of the dogs couldn't pull themselves up over the side of the pool so they had to splash around looking pathetic before some kind soul would help them up. For their efforts, the doggies made sure to splash the heck out of everyone shaking off.

I'm amazed my camera even survived this. More doggies! Wet doggies! Cute doggies!

I came after work and there was some terrific golden hour light.

This is Bob. Bob was called something long and complicated when he was a race dog (!) but his lovely owners took him in about a year ago and gave him a much more sensible name. He was absurd in the water and it was cracking me up. His dad seemed to think he only got in the water so he could get dried off. Sounds reasonable to me.

Man, I love doggies. If you're interested in having me photograph your pets, drop me a line and we can discuss! If we talked at this event (or if we didn't talk but you see your doggie here), please email me and let me send you a photo!

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September 8, 2010September 8, 2010 by Amber Categories: EventsTags: dogs, old town

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Ah, the RenFest. Honestly, I was both disappointed and impressed with the festival. Not quite as many over-the-top enthusiasts as might have thrilled me, but at the same time, quite an impressive showing by the festival producers. I hadn't been to a renfest since I was a little kid. The buildings, characters and overall showmanship are excellent. But like most of the world, the people-watching is the best part.

After a while, we figured out that the people in the best costumes were part of the festival. Though some of the guests had come in full regalia, they really couldn't touch the people who were actually paid to be there. And I must say, the entertainment was bangin'. We saw a juggling act that had us rolling in our seats laughing. Good times!

Characters at the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Apparently each day Lady Katherine Parr must decide whether or not to accept His Majesty King Henry VIII's marriage proposal. I don't know if she always says yes, but on yesterday she did. For whatever reason, David was adamant that we witness this enactment. I was more impressed with the acrobats.