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
  

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  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

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From my Window Seat

When flying, alway try to get a window seat.  The cliche, it is a window to the world, is all so true.  Flying out of DCA National Airport provides two option when the plane departs heading north bound.  On the left side of the plane, you get a view of the Pentagon.  On the right side, you get the view of the monuments on the National Mall.  No matter how many times I fly, although I have many images from both sides of the plane, it is a challenge to capture it again.  Weather conditions, the light, or cloud cover make it picture unique.  That is why photography is fun and a passion.

The Pentagon, low cloud ceiling

Chicago Lakefront, the Northside.

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Pairs of People, book by Jeanne & Mark Shriver

 https://amzn.to/3T6XFml

My friends Jeanne and Mark Shriver, collaborated on an incredibly meaningful children’s book titled, Pairs of People.  An interactive book that teaches the power of working together to make things better in one’s community.  This vibrant book incorporates math in a fun way to show how adding can multiply the effort when people work together.
As you read this book with your kids, the lessons of friendship, leadership and camaraderie and simple multiplication are strategically placed throughout.  It’s fun way to show all the children in your life the importance of getting out, engaging in activities with others and doing good things. Pairs of People makes a wonderful holiday gift. Use this link to buy the book.

See the interview on the Today Show and they used my photos. 

#Ad I am a #amazonaffiliate 

Axios Live Event: Guarding Against and Responding to Cyberattacks

On October 13, photographed the Axios Event: Guarding Against and Responding to Cyberattacks. A most interesting presentation on the prevention of hacking of the internet. Highly respected speakers and a presentation by Google, a six part YouTube streaming documentary entitled "Hacking Google". Three panelists include Dmitri Alperovitch, founder of Silverado Accelerator, Chris Frates, Founder of Storyline and Thomas R. Bossert, President Trinity Cyber, Inc. See the Axio website https://lnkd.in/ed9hNQJ5 Worked this job with Ralph Alswang. 

Photographed with Nikon Z6 cameras, low light set for video, and a video screen backdrop that camera setting were right there would be a flicker.  A technical challenge but all overcome with a little knowledge and luck. 

Heather Adkins, of Google and Dmitri Alperovitch, Silverado Policy Accelerator 

Chris Frates, Storyline

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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The Anderson Wedding

Prep time

Sneak preview

October 8--Washington, DC--The Anderson wedding! As one of the additional shooters, it allows me to find special moments. Happy to be part of a team.  Weddings are fun and a challenge, the goal is to make memorable images and create a story. My preference is to find those family and friend photos that create lasting memories.  People are looking their best, and enjoying the celebration, this helps to make wonderful images.  Here are my favorites, each image has its own story.  What are you favorite wedding photo memories?

 

Thanks to my fellow shooters. Johnny Bivera & Gabby Rhoads

The Dress

The ceremony

The new family

The Cake

Celebration Dance Mother & Daughter

Bride & Groom

Groom's Family

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Greatest Athletes in the World

 

Game action from throughout the week. 

June 6-10--Special Olympics USA Games--Special Olympic Athletes are greatest athletes in the world.  I say that without reservation. As a basketball referee for my fifth USA Games competition, from firsthand observation, the determination, attitude, skill level and sportsmanship of these athletes, you can’t help to be inspired.  From the modest beginnings in 1968, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was determined to prove to the world, individuals with IDD, have the fortitude and passion not only to participate but to excel in athletic competition and everything else.  A disability is only an ability to do something even greater.  

I have been given an amazing gift to be part of the Special Olympics family.  Working in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, working games locally and being invited to officiate the USA Games is an honor.  Along with many officials from across the US, the family of volunteers worked a week at these games.  There are not enough adjectives to express the brilliance of the basketball players and teams who participated.  The skill level and quality of games rival any tournament anywhere.  The joy and excitement of participation and sportsmanship is beyond.  Here are images of the wonderful friends I have who happen to be basketball officials. 

 

              The 2022 USA Games Basketball Officials 

With my longtime compatriots, William Asmond, Keith Lampel,

 Kathy Awkard, Sarah Sowers, Samuel Jackson.

With my fellow lead officials Pat Geigel, and Kevin Krisak, we have been 

at several games together and this was the first time we worked together.  

Technical Delegate for Basketball, Charlie Zelinsky
and Assistant Technical Delegate Mark Wolfgram

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Fireworks 4th of July

 

July 4--Washington, DC--The walk from my house to the classic vantage point, Iwa Jima Statue and Netherland Carillon, is about two miles.  Carrying my Nikon Z6, Nikkor 200-500mm lens and tripod on the humid night was a challenge.  Arriving 30 minutes before the start, I was able to find a spot among the hundred photographers and spectators.  Photographing fireworks is fun and challenging.  You don't know what you will get.  But using some basic exposures and keeping the shutter open for a few seconds, the results are fascinating.  Originally,  the camera was set horizontally, with a quick realization you need to go vertical, the camera was adjusted.  

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin

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Waning Gibbous Moon

June 14, 2022--Washington, DC--Received a notice about a meetup to photograph the full moon days before.  Couldn't decide if I wanted to go or not.  About forty-five minutes before the moonrise, the decision was made to go.  Rushing to get my equipment packed and rushing to the tidal basin, arrived about 10 minutes before the moon appeared.  Positioned opposite the Jefferson's entrance across the tidal basin, realized my spot was facing too far south to catch the moon over the dome.  As the warm glow started to appear, realized the need to move.  Running the opposite end of the tidal basin, to face a more eastern direction, found an open spot among the many other photographers.  After finally securing the camera to the tripod and manipulating the exposure, made a series of images.  Stayed about 20 minutes and of course one of the first images was the best.  Lesson learned, go do the event if you think you will make a nice image.

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin All Rights Reserved.  No reproduction rights granted without written permission.

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Shot with a Nikon Z6 and Nikkor 200-500mm lens. 

HIGH Quality Photography Makes a Difference

Screen shot from NBC Newscast photo by Laurence L Levin

June 20--Washington, DC--Photos from your event have many uses.  Not only for your website and social media, but for other media outlets.  Other media sources who contact you for your story, often need images.  

 

For example, at a recent award ceremony photographed for Refugees International, one of their awardees was featured in a story by NBC News with Lester Holt.  One of the images provided appeared in the newscast and another image appeared on the NBC News website.

Screen shot NBC News Website Photo by Laurence L Levin 

 

These outside media outlets demand high quality images, made with professional equipment, technically excellent as well as an interesting situation/moment are.  These images attract attention and most importantly help to tell your story.  

 

Sometimes it might take several shots, sometimes it takes the understanding of the technical aspects of situation to get that shot, Experienced photographers work each situation to get those storytelling images.  

 

When it’s time to determine your photography or video needs, find a photographer who understands your needs and has the skills to achieve what you need. Sometimes that is easier said than done. All photographers are not equal. Ask colleagues for recommendations, check their portfolio--do they do the type of photos you want, and ask questions--do you feel comfortable with their work style, personality and business style?  

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin All Rights Reserved.  No reproduction rights granted without written permission.

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Survived and Thrived

Twenty two acres around, the Washington Monument commemorating Covid deaths in the US, by artist Suzanne Brennen Firstenberg, September 2021 

As an event photographer, these last couple years challenged the spirits as well as dealing with the cancellation of in person activities.  The main source of my business came to a complete halt.  This provided opportunities to learn new things, reconnect with colleagues and clients, and go through my archives.   

New prospects for work, incorporating enhanced skills and a better understanding of social media has made me excited about the upcoming events with my clients.  During this unprecedented time, was able to do portraits, photographed a wedding, provided photography for a dentist’s office that will be used for his social media, and did some nature photography along the C&O canal.  Just to name a few things.  

 

Ever so grateful for everyone’s support, encouragement, all the zoom meetings and learning videos viewed. Good things are coming, events are coming back, and looking forward to helping my clients to document and brand their events.

Social Media shoot for Gigi-Montrose motorcycle fashions

Mark & Gia-Ninh Wedding

 

Dr. Phillips for Social Media

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin All Rights Reserved.  No reproductions rights granted without permission

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Maryland Special Olympics Basketball

At the University of Maryland, Special Olympic Participants, players, coaches, officials, scorers/timers.

After a two year hiatus, Maryland Special Olympics basketball tournament resumes.  For more years than I want remember, every basketball season,  I have participated as a basketball official for Maryland, DC and Virginia.  What great lessons of persistence, sportsmanship and just the joy of playing, we can learn from these talented athletes.  And when I get a break, I make photos.  Alway look for something beyond the obvious, hopefully I caught some interesting moments.  All shot with a Nikon Z6 & 28-70 Nikkor Lens. 

Copyright 2022 Laurence L. Levin All Rights Reserved.  Not publication right granted without permission.

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