Best Buddies Leadership Conference

July 21–Bloomington, IN—Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and Miss Teen USA Kaleigh Garris stand with participants of the World Cafe at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University.  This event allows participants meet in small groups to learn and discuss how to engage in the #bestbuddies movement.    

Photographing groups is challenging. You try to set up the situation.  People are impatient. No doubt you have arrange and cajole this large group. No matter how much you prepare something goes wrong. However, many happy technical issues.  The ISO was sent at 5000 allowing the natural light to assist the exposure.  Shot with my NIKON Z6 and a NIKON speedlight. The flash automatically set to fill in the shadows of the front row.  The camera was set on the AI mode. Using the right high end equipment always helps to make technically great images. Especially when one is dealing with other issues.————-    #bblc2019 #nikon #nikonz6 #nikonnofilter #larrylevinphoto #dceventphotographer #dceventphotography

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin

All rights reserved. No publishing or usage granted without written permission 

Instagram @larrylevin
LinkedIn Laurence L. Levin
Facebook Larry Levin 

Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace 

Sunflowers at McKee-Besher Field

July 06--Montgomery County, Maryland--McKee-Besher Sunflower Management Field has three huge fields dedicated to growing sunflowers.  The main purpose is to provide seeds for mourning doves.  Hunting season for the doves is in late fall.  In addition, the seeds provide nutrition for other birds and mammals in the area as well as for bees and insects.  

Although there are acres and acres of sunflowers, my favorite photos are close-ups.  Was working with the Nikkor 80-400mm lens with a teleconverter which turned the lens into a 640mm lens.  It was heavy carrying this setup through the field especially it was mid-day and close to 90 degrees.  However it was challenging and fun, dealing with the high in the sky sun and the heat.  All shot on the Nikon Z6

A Red Admiral Butterfly

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin

All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.

Instagram @larrylevin

LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 

Facebook Larry Levin 

Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Tom Brady and Best Buddies Football Game

Tom Brady entering the field at Harvard Stadium

May 31--Harvard Stadium Boston MA--For the twentieth year,  Tom Brady has played football with Best Buddies.  Brady is the quarterback for both teams which include Brady's Patriot teammates past and present, celebrities, supporters and Best Buddies participants.  For the same amount of years, I have photographed this game.  I try to do something different each year.  One year I went on the field and photographed the huddles, other years game action, this year the concentration was on groups.  In the planning meeting, it was decided for me to just get certain people on the sidelines.  Posed photos yes, these are the photos everyone wants.  Each situation takes time to arrange.  There is the effort to get everyone with nice expressions, eyes open and enthusiasm.  Sometimes you get lucky however there is a lot a cajoling and even making the governor take knee to photograph him and two Buddies.

Actor Michael Chiklis with Buddy Players 

Buddy Global Ambassador Josh Felder with Miss USA Cheslie Kryst. 

Tom with his Buddy Katie Meade

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker

Tom Brady and Anthony Shriver with

The Buddy Ambassador with Miss USA and other super heroes.

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin

All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.

Instagram @larrylevin

LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 

Facebook Larry Levin 

Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Sam Kolton Bar Mitzvah

Torah Reading

May 18--Washington, DC--The right of passage, Sam Kolton's Bar Mitzvah.  Watching other Bar Mitzvah photographers it seems their images do get to be quite staged.  Thus as we do take the traditional photographs, we try to make it fun as well as quick.  This is the second Kolton son whose Bar Mitzvah I photographed, so we knew each other and they knew the routine.  Get the photos and lets make it fun, capture those goofy moments that will be treasured.

Proud Mom & Son

Friends

The "Entrance" 

The Chair Dance

The Two Grandmothers

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin

All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.

Instagram @larrylevin

LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 

Facebook Larry Levin 

Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Indiana University Alumni Event

Keynote Speaker Lisa Pratt

May16--Library of Congress--Washington, DC--When you get to an event and notice the podium is placed at a glass wall and the sun is setting.  With no additional lighting, you have to understand how to make the proper camera adjustments to get good exposures.  It was a great speaker, IU Professor and Alum, Lisa Pratt, who is the NASA Planetary Protection Officer.  A full audience to hear her talk about space and the galaxy.

After shooting plenty of images to make sure there were several quality images, you could see how the light was glowing on the audience.  Soft lighting and golden hour light made the images of several individuals as well as the audience look special.

All images made with a Nikon Z6.

Rick Van Kooten, IU Executive Dean

Sallie Jo Mitzell, President, College Alumni Board

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin

All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.

Instagram @larrylevin

LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 

Facebook Larry Levin 

Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

The National Press Photographers Foundation Appointment and Michel du Cille Fund

Earlier this year, I accepted an appointment to the National Press Photographers Foundation board.  The NPPF is a non-profit organization that promotes photojournalists through providing grants and scholarships for education and continuing projects.  This is quite an honor to be associated with such a noble cause that not only helps a photographer grow but helps to share their work with others. 

Many times the public overlooks the importance of photojournalists.  Our goal is to amplify their significance and stress the important role visual storytelling has to society.  Thus the work we do helps photographers; enhancing their storytelling skills of the important issues of the day.  Helping one benefits the entire profession. 

Since joining the board, we have begun raising funds for the Michel du Cille Fellowship and Scholarship. Michel was honored for three Pulitzer Prizes in Photography, 1986 1988 & 2008.  Needless to say he was a talented and concerned photographer who made compelling and storytelling images.  He worked at the Miami Herald and The Washington Post.  He was a kind soul who mentored many and was a friend to all. In 2014, he died while covering the Ebola crisis in Liberia.

I was fortunate to meet Michel when we students at Indiana University.  We were friends ever since.  I along with many who knew him are honoring his memory and dedication to photojournalism.  

The NPPF is having a print auction to fund this project.  We put out a call for photographers to donate a print to be auction off.  The response was overwhelming.  Nearly 200 images were donated.  What other profession would have such an outpouring of support?  I am humbled and truly overwhelmed by the willingness of so many to help.  They are doing it for Michel.  They are doing it to support photojournalism.  They are doing it, “because this is what we do” (A favorite Michel saying.)

Frank Folwell and I organizing prints late one night. 

Frank Folwell with the David Hume Kennerly image of President Bush and Michelle Obama

Each image has a caption, photographer's bio and print information. 

NPPF board member Frank Folwell has taken the lead in coordinating and managing the images, compiling information, making prints and assembling the work for the online auction. In a limited quantity, this collection of historical and iconic photographs has been printed using archival museum-quality paper and inks.  Each one is personally signed by the photographer. 

Among those who have provided prints for the auction, David Hume Kennerly, David Burnett, Mannie Garcia, Michael O’Brien, Eli Reed, Carol Guzy, Diana Walker, Michel du Cille, Barbara Kinney, Larsen & Talbert, Nikki Kahn and Joe McNally. A memorable picture of Rosa Parks taken by Michel du Cille is included in the auction.

A gallery of several of the photographers who donated prints.  

Nikki Kahn

Carolyn Kaster

Leena Jayaswal 

Dennis Brack 

Win McNamee

Susan Biddle 

Please look at the outstanding images at the auction.  It is up for a limited time, May 1- May 15, 2019.  https://paddle8.com/auction/NPPF

More info about NPPF at http://www.NPPF.org
contact Larry Levin at Levin@nppf.org 

@NPPA

@NPPFoundation

@NPPFscholars

#NPPFduCilleAuction

#NPPFphotoAuction

#PhotoPrintAuction

The Importance of Quality Real Estate Photography

Exterior shot in HDR with full frame sensor

The Importance of Quality Real Estate Photography

It might look easy but in actuality it is such an important sales tool that can't be taken for granted.  As you know, we are a visual society.  Our most precious memories are captured in photographs. We learn better with visuals.  And, we are enticed to buy things by images..

Good images provide you a leg up to market your property.  Making your place look great in photographs demands a professional photographer.  High-end equipment, knowing how to utilize the light and proper post-production are essential tools to quality photography.

Living room and dinning room.  Lines and angles are straight

A camera with a full sensor and large file size capture detail and in all lighting conditions that means better image quality.  The use of HDR (High Definition Resolution) creates images that captures a combination of lighting and brings out details in the photos.  

Various light sources and it looks natural

It is vital to show how the light showers each room.  Positioning, proper exposure and use of all available lights are the qualities that emphasize your space and how it looks.  

Great room and you can see the fire in the fireplace.

The most important aspect is make sure lines are straight and angles are true in your images.  The rooms must not look distorted.  Tilting your camera or a wide-angle lens can distort the room. Proper use of post-production techniques, will straighten lines and make the room look natural.  

For an estimate or any questions please send me an email larrylevin@larrymail.net

Photographs copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin 

All rights reserved. No publications rights granted without written permission.

www.LLLevin.com

Instagram @larrylevin

Cherry Blossoms

Selective focusing

April 04--Tidal Basin--Washington, DC--Every year, there is a migration of people to the tidal basin to view the Cherry Blossoms.  No matter how many times over how many years you go, you still go again.  The change in weather, the vibrancy of color, or just to get up at sunrise to make the official start of spring, photographing the flowers is a necessity.  Every time is different, but the challenge is to make images differently from previous visits.  This year the challenge was to use selective focusing and depth of field.  And most importantly for me to stay out of other photographers' images and try to keep them out of mine.  One exception of course!

All images made with the Nikon Z6.

Washington Monument

Jefferson Memorial

As departing the park, just one more situation. 

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin
All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.
Instagram @larrylevin
LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 
Facebook Larry Levin 
Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy

February 04- Norfolk, Virginia--The National Guard Youth Foundation supports The Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy as well as 38 other organizations in 29 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico.  This program gives students another chance for their education.  Some students just don't do well in traditional system.  The ChalleNGe program provides additional support, opportunities and discipline so that all participants can prosper.

The NGYF needs resources to support the existing programs as well as establish new ones.  As I do get a fee for photographing the NGYF annual ceremony, on this day long trip to photograph this academy, my services were donated.  To help the organization tell the story of how this ChalleNGe helps young people to enhance themselves, this is a worthy organization to support.

Go to the website to see the video I filmed, participants in their own word explain what the program has done for them.  http://www.ngyf.org it is only 40 seconds and inspiring!

All images made with Nikon Z6, available light, silent mode, being inconspicuous and unobtrusive is important while students are working.

Small classrooms and individual attention is the cornerstone of working toward graduation.

The ChalleNGe program enhances students' self-esteem, self-confidence, and life skills.

Discipline and physical activities 

Hear the testimonial of the life changing opportunities this program  has made.

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin
No publication or rights granted without written permission
www.LLLevin.com
Instagram @larrylevin
LinkedIn Laurence L. Levin
Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Photographers at a news event.  Photo Laurence L. Levin 

Photography: 
The Master Language of Effective Communication

In 2019, everyone has a camera almost all the time.  Technology has allowed today’s picture-taker the luxury of unlimited, spontaneous, image capture and transmission.  Photography that was once expensive and could only produce stiff-looking subjects has morphed into virtually effortless, low-cost, immediate image sharing. Snapshots at your fingertips can be personally meaningful, but not communicate much to a general audience.  

Photographic training can elevate casual image making to an art form. Images have the ability to impact, to inform, to influence, to shape values, to hold attention, and to be powerful documents. With a better understanding of photographic techniques, the photographer can have a powerful marketable career skillthat can consistently makes story-telling photos that communicate.  

For the criminal justice major, learning photography techniques is a valuable skill for crime scenes.

For the nursing major, with the advent of enhanced visual communications in medicine, knowing how to compose and make detailed photographs will be an important skill.

For the business major, photography plays an important role in communicating concepts, ideas, and products, knowing how to utilize images is a vital skill.

Good photography is a tool by which scientists, scholars, business people, doctors, governments, marketers, journalists, advertisers, fashion designers, and others communicate.   It can prove a point, sell a product, influence behavior or maybe preserve a once-ever moment in time.  

Photographic training teaches the individual behind the lens to have maximum impact.  A comprehensive understanding of light versus speed, lenses, knowledge of technique, a feel for proportion and composition, and an appreciation of strategy are all essential if those with genius in their souls are ever to coax it out for the world to appreciate.  Understanding how images make a difference in informing and influencing others is a marketable skill.  

Photography is an important language.  Learning the tools, and a photographer’s images will resonate.  Photography can become the craft of a lifetime or a necessary skill for career advancement with patience, practice, and learned fundamentals. 

One great image can happen by accident.  A career of impactful images must be learned.  Digital Photography 1, FNAR 237, class will expand photography skills that will enhance job prospects. 

Professor Larry Levin

Trinity Washington University

LevinL@trinitydc.edu

Trinity Washington University, Washington, DC Class is Digital Photography FNAR 237 Offered: Fridays noon-2:30. Any digital camera is acceptable for this class, you can use the camera in your phone! No textbook is required. 

One on One training is available too!  My website  Instagram

Jamal Khashoggi

Jamal Khashoggi at the Middle East Institute 69th annual conference panel discussion

November 2015--Washington, DC--In 2015 on assignment for the Middle East Institute for their annual conference, I photographed Jamal Khashoggi.  Didn’t really remember until a reference was made that Jamal was on a panel discussion. Jamal Khashoggi was the journalist who went missing and later it was determined was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. See the BBC Article 

Using Lightroom, ‘Khashoggi’ was entered into the data field and photos were easily found.  An important reminder, how vital it is to add keywords into your files.  As well as keep in contact with your clients and contacts to remind you of the work you did.  Another reason to hire professional photographers, they organize and file their work so when you need it, the images can be retrieved quickly.

With his other panelists, Yochi Dreazen, Khashoggi, Gonul Tol, , Payam Mohseni, Abdulkhaleq Abdullah

Photographs 2018 Copyright Laurence L. Levinlarrylevin@larrymail.net
All rights reserved. No usage rights without permission.
www.LLLevin.com
Instagram @larrylevin

Nobel laureate Gérard Mourou

Gerard Mourou speaking at the OSA Fio + LS Conference

October 2--Washington, DC--One of the perks of photographing events is you meet interesting and brilliant people.  Sometimes you just don't understand their particular line of greatness, but you do realize their statue and importance. Gerard Mourou is one of those people.   The Optical Society awarded him a prize in Laser Science on September 17, 2018 at the annual Frontiers in Optics and Laser Science Awards Ceremony and Conference.  (Fio + LS).  The Schawlow Prize in Laser Science is for Mourou's fundamental contributions in ultrafast, ultrahigh-field laser inventions such as chirped pulse amplification, the led to the new discipline of relativistic optics.  On October 2, the Nobel Committee awarded Mourou shared with two others the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for their "groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser physics"

Mourou receiving his award from OSA. 

Mourou with OSA President Ian Welmsley and Chair Anne Kelley

Mourou with his wife at the OSA reception.

Photographs 2018 Copyright Laurence L. Levin
All rights reserved. No usage rights without permission.
www.LLLevin.com
Instagram @larrylevin
All images made with Nikon D850 with 24-120mm Nikkor and 70-200mm Nikkor