Year in Review: Nature in my Neighborhood

 

Blue Herron

2022 Washington, DC--Reflecting upon the year, realized my bike rides and walks on the trails near my house weren’t as numerous as previous years.  Within minutes are two national parks with miles of trails.  Photographing nature is both thrilling and fun.  It tests your patience, you learn to observe behaviors and if they did it once, most likely it will happen again.  There is luck involved too, being at the right place at the right time.  Here are a few images from photos outside my window, Glover Archbold Park, and the C&O Trail.  

Long Tail Duck

Barred Owl

Blue Heron

Eastern Painted Turtle

Deer

American Robin from my window, January 2022

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Rated #1  DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

Year in Review: Philly Social 2022

Attendees Philly Social 2022

LEARNING, SHARING, NETWORKING

 

September 9-11, Philadelphia, PA-- My other job as a Notary Public is such a wonderful experience.  Not only do I assist my neighbors and community with a vital service, I have a camaraderie with other Notary Publics from across the country.  As a Notary one must continuously study and learn.  There was a wonderful gathering of leaders who shared their knowledge and expertise.  The Philly Social held in September for three days provided a social gathering, networking, and learning.  The intimate atmosphere provided great interaction for sharing ideas and making friends.  No doubt each person who attended added to their knowledge and skills. Plus, everyone had fun!  The next Philly Social is planned for September 8-10, 2023.  

Jen Neitzel, Judi Gold, Laura Biewer, Judi Lawrence 

Intimate classroom setting 

Every question was answered

Networking

Camaraderie 

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Rated #1  DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

The Portrait: What Makes it Good

Besides photographing events, my other passion is making portraits.  Formal and informal portraits provides the subject with images for social media and publication.  With informal portraits the key is to use the light to best capture that gesture, facial expression and moment.  With formal portraits you are trying to accomplish the same as informal shots but the photographer has better control of the light, pose, and situation.  The goal of the portrait is to provide a photo that connotes a feeling of friendliness, approachability, and confidence.  When working with a photographer, it is just that, a collaboration.  The subject needs to be relaxed and trusting.  The photographer needs to be skillful with their technical expertise, lighting and camera technique.  Importantly, the photographer needs to have a personality that exudes confidence, patience and friendliness.  The photo session needs to be fun in order to make wonderful images.  

South African Economics Minister Malose Letsoalo
At a luncheon meeting 

My lifelong friend Nancy D.
Catching the evening light

John & May
Anniversary 

David, Notary Public
Portrait for LinkedIn

Judi, Notary Public
Portrait for LinkedIn

Kit & Oliver
and two Grandsons

Kit & Oliver
Just in time for sunset

Kirsten and family

Kirsten
Portrait for business

Lawyer at the Supreme Court

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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The Potomac Exchange

Potomac Exchange at Italian Embassy with Ambassador of Italy HE Mariangela Zappia

As the official photographer for The Potomac Exchange, I am honored to be an integral part of each meeting.  Established in 1977, to provide a networking luncheon for foreign ambassadors posted in DC with business leaders to promote cultural and business opportunities. 

At each lunch meeting, held under Chatham House Rules, there is a free flow of ideas and information. Photos are taken during each meeting, the handshake line, introductions, and active discussions. 

 

The challenge at every meeting, is to work stealthily and make images that are noteworthy as well as for a memento for the visiting dignitary.    

South African Ambassador HE Nomaindiya Mfeketo

• Ambassador of India HE Taranjit Singh Sandhu

Ambassador of Poland  HE Marek Magierowski

  

• Ambassador of Panama HE Ramón E. Martinez de la Guardia

• Ambassador of Germany HE Emily Saber
  

• Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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

  Instagram @larrylevin

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  Rated #1  DC Event Photographer by Peerspace

  
  

  All photography made with Nikon Z6, 4000-5000 ISO and Z Nikkor 24-120mm

My Photo Class at Trinity Washington University

Field Trip to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Teaching is a great gift. It allows me to share my passion for photography and show how the lessons of photography can be applied one’s work habits and career goals.  This is my 8^th year as an adjunct professor at Trinity Washington University.  The Digital Photography class is an elective and non-major course. The class is limited to 12 students, which is good for both students and me.  Students use the cameras that they have, usual the camera on their phones.  In the class we stress the basics, understanding light, composition, and catching the moment.  It is amazing to see each assignment and the wonderful images each student makes.  While most don’t go on to a photography career, they do gain an appreciation for photography and valuable career skills.  

Class with Sharon Farmer

I am thankful to @sharonfarmer for giving another voice to my classes.  She shares her love of photography and another perspective.  And the students loves her!

Invest Africa Meetings

H.E. Yoweri Museveni

Uganda Meeting

December 16, 2022 Washington, DC--Invest Africa is a worldwide organization that facilitates private and institutional investors in opportunities in African countries. The December 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC brought 50 Heads of Delegation to the US.  After the summit, Invest Africa was able to bring several Presidents to meet with government, corporate, and institutional leaders.

 

I was honored to be the photographer for Invest Africa.  The first meeting was with H.E. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.  Although all in attendance needed to pass a Covid test and be masked in the room, Museveni removed his masked while he spoke.  An additional hurdle was the low light in the room, to make any photograph a flash was needed.  With the right equipment and good timing, the photos look natural.

Green room meeting

H.E. William Ruto

The second meeting was with H.E. William Ruto, Republic of Kenya.  Was able to squeeze into the green room with Ruto and his team with Paul Hinks, Chairman Invest Africa US.  This was a private unique session that was documented.  The main meeting was standing room only, that made it difficult to maneuver in the room.  With careful movement, was able to capture as much as possible.  

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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

Instagram @larrylevin

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Rated #1  DC Event Photographer by Peerspace