GABC Maifest Dinner

April 28--Washington, DC--A top the newly renovated Top of the Hay at the Hay-Adams Hotel, The German American Business Council celebrates the sixth Annual Maifest Dinner.

GABC Leadership Award Winner Gregory S. Babe, President and CEO, Bayer Corporation talks to Dr. Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Ambassador Dr. Klaus Scharioth of the Federal Republic of Germany made remarks after he and his wife Dr. Ulrike Scharioth received a GABC Leadership Award.

After dinner desserts.

Photography ©2011 Laurence L. Levin

(It is great to cover the same event for several years. One gets to develop a friendship with the participants and more importantly understand the needs of the events. They don't have to worry about the 'photographer'. Thank you GABC for your continued trust.)

2011 Cherry Blossoms

It was hard for me to wake up early this year to greet the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin. Thus, this is another interpretation of their short lived existence.

Cherry Blossom Pedals in my Glover Park neighborhood.

Photo © Laurence L. Levin

Leslie Sarasin

March 25, 2011--Crystal City, Virginia, Food Marketing Institute President and CEO Leslie Sarasin. For the Food Marketing Institute portraits of their executives and staff. Portraits were made on a seem-less background and in offices. Several days throughout the month so executives who were traveling could be photographed. Three lights Nikon SB-800 and pocket wizards made shooting throughout the office portable and manageable.

National Service Awards

February 15, Washington, DC--Voices for National Service and The Corps Network honored a long list of distinguished individuals who advanced citizen national service. Senator Barbara Mikulski did the opening remarks and announced she will co-chair the National Service Caucus.

(This event held in the East Hall of Union Station in DC. This room is a cavern. It was dark. A request was made to add some light, they did by turning on the podium reading light. Thus as much as possible 'available light' was used to photograph the speakers at the podium. With help from a steady position to avoid camera movement and Photoshop to enhance the images, an amazing latitude was achieved for proper exposure in this low light situation.)

Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, Representative John Lewis with former Senator Harris Wofford and a group of City Year Corps Members.

Photos © Laurence L. Levin

More photos are on Flickr

More information

Press release

Miami Gala Best Buddies

November 19--Watson Island, Miami, FL--Best Buddies Miami Gala celebrating Best Buddies initiative 50 Nation's by 2010.

On the red carpet, Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen USA, and Rima Fakih, Miss USA

Verne Troyer and his buddy

Singer Jason Derulo performed

Photos © Laurence L. Levin

Katherine Schwarzenegger

November 21--Miami, FL--Katherine Schwarzenegger promoting her book, "Rock What You've Got" at the Miami Book Fair.

Photo © Laurence L. Levin

GEICO Commercials: Blindside and Warning

October--Somewhere in Maryland--DCP Productions with the GEICO Caveman and NHL Commentators Greg Loughlin and Joe Beninati. Two commercials shot in two days. "Blindsided" shot in an arena with a crowd of spectators, the Caveman and between period activities. "Warning" was made at a broadcast facility sportdesk with Loughlin and Beninati. Long days but fun working with a talented cast and crew.

Behind the Monitor

Between period action, the GEICO Shot of The Day

GEICO hockey fans

Laughlin, Beninati, The Caveman

Photos © Laurence L. Levin

Havana Banana Bread

October 25--Ellicott City, Maryland--An assignment for SUCCESS Magazine, Mike Lawrence owner of Havana Banana Breads. Photographed at The Breadery. Sometimes you get to a place not knowing what to expect. Luckily, we were able to stage the shot, add product, set up lights and make it work. Plus the bread is delicious.

Photo © Laurence L. Levin

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge

Carl Lewis with Eric Matthes and Daniel Noltemeyer

October 23--Washington, DC--The inaugural EKS Challenge is celebration and an event to change the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants can either participate in a 20-mile bike ride, Criterium Races, a 5K or 3K run with Gold Medal Olympian Carl Lewis. This brings together all people to participate and be included.

Musical Artist Chris Brown leads a group in the 3K fun run

Participants in the 20K bike ride.

Anthony Shriver and Tim Shriver

With an event with several hundred participants and covering a wide area in the city. We had a team of 5 photographers at this event, my post was to cover the start/finish line. Thus the EKS banner in my most of my photos.

Photos © Laurence L. Levin

Halloween Wedding: Irene & Steve

Irene last minute addition to her vows.

October 24--Somewhere in Maryland--Not my usual forte, but for friends how can I resist. A Halloween Theme Wedding, perfect autumn day, great food and friends. A lot of work, sweated a lot but the memories are worth it.

Waiting for the bride.

Steve

The ceremony

Irene

Steve's parents

Irene & Steve

The party in the barn.

The guests brought carved pumpkins.

Photos © Laurence L. Levin

Kraft Volunteer Days

October 7--Washington, DC--Kraft Foods nationwide volunteer day. The government affairs employees help to build a new playground in Ward 8.

The playground, tables, gazebo and benches were built.

Kaboom provided the playground equipment.

Day 2 at Martha's Table, a DC Food Bank, preparing food packages.

Half the employees worked packaging, the others did meal prep.

Photos Copyright Laurence L. Levin

Life Is Sweet 2010

2010 Best Buddies Virginia Life is Sweet
Life is Sweet Chefs and their Buddy

Best Buddies Virginia is dedicated to establishing a statewide movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies Virginia partners with local public schools, universities, government agencies and other disability service providers to service over 10,000 lives in Virginia every year.

This year is the sixth annual Life is Sweet fundraiser. It is the major event that helps fund Best Buddies Virginia activities. Each chef is paired with a buddy to present a desert specially prepared for this event. Over 500 guest sample deserts from each of these award winner chefs and their buddy. For more info about the 2011 event contact Best Buddies Virginia

Kate Jansen, Willow and Suzan Basoglu

RJ Cooper, Rogue 24 and Nick Moore

Laurie Weber, The Swiss Bakery and Jeannine Ballandanderson

Chris Ford, Trummer's on Main and Andrew Roberts

Penny Karas, Hello Cupcake and Chris Filipos

Jason Reaves, Market Salamander and Carter McGavin

Lauren Whitledge, Art & Soul and Kelly Erikson

Susan Wallace, BlackSalt and Lauren Hyer

Michel Richard & Mark Courseille, Central Michel Richard and Jenny Holden

Patrick Bazin, Bazin's on Church and Cameron Graham

Peter Brett, Blue Duck Tavern and Caitlin Donovan

Tom Wellings, Equinox and Mike Charlton

Chris Hutcheson, Acadiana and AJ Kenworthy

Gian Piero Mazzi, Piero's Corner and Eric Latcheran

David Serus & Ryan Witcher, The Ritz Carlton and Ryan Gutkowski

Kate Baltren, Brabo and Sandy Lindamood

Cathal Armstrong, Restaurant Eve and Natalie Mills

David Gaus, Bayou Bakery and Turner Harris

Anthony Chavez, 2941 and Cory Blazer

Michelle Poteaux, Bastille and Max Douglas

Photos © Laurence L. Levin