D.C. from a Kid's Perspective

On Monday, the kids and I headed down to Washington, D.C. to return the lens I rented for the Blink of an Eye Photography wedding [that post is coming soon]. Since Penn Camera is just blocks from the White House and we had an hour on the meter, we hopped, skipped and jumped our way over. The kids stood in front of the fence along Pennsylvania Avenue and I took the obligatory tourist snapshot. From there it was past the U.S. Treasury and then back to the car. Once back in the car, I felt a lot like Clark W. Griswold as I circled D.C. shouting, "Hey look kids, there's the Capitol, and there's the Washington Monument!" The kids took turns shooting out their windows with my Nikon. They saw more of D.C. than they ever could have on foot, and it's fun to see how D.C. looks from their perspective—through an open window from the back seat of a car.

Up Next...

1. Washington, D.C. sightseeing from a kid's perspective.
2. A session with Caroline, Abby, Andrew and Phillip.
3. Katie and Kyle's wedding at the Schuster Performing Arts Center.

Pedal Power

Today, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will kick off SmartBike DC, the first high-tech public bike-sharing program in the United States. I was in D.C. Friday picking up a lens for the Blink of an Eye Photography wedding in Dayton, OH, the following day and grabbed this ultra wide angle shot [I was inches from the nearest bike] in front of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Imagine my surprise when, while waiting for my Dunkin' Donuts' coffee this morning [blp runs on Dunkin'], I saw this familiar-looking photo in the The Washington Post. I was just having fun with the 14mm lens—who knew I was onto something so hip and green.

Olympic Hopefuls

As the country and world watches and cheers Baltimore, MD native Michael Phelps to an unprecedented 8 gold medals in a single Olympic Games, our own Olympic hopefuls are setting albeit not World Records but Personal Records every day. And, judging by the Olympic coverage, one never outgrows the funny faces created or marks left behind by their goggles.

Dynamic Duo

I am off to Dayton, OH this weekend to second shoot a wedding with good friend and fellow photographer Carmen Nauseef of Blink of an Eye Photography [this will be the second wedding I have shot with Carmen, the first back in September 2007].  Both the ceremony and reception are being held in the Schuster Performing Arts Center. I can't wait to shoot with Carmen again as well as get inside [and outside] this unique space in downtown Dayton!

Anna

Anna is now on the other side of the pond representing the U.S. Pony Club in the 2008 International Tetrathlon Exchange, but before she left for England and Ireland I got to spend some time with her and her beautiful horse Abe. When Anna returns she'll have just a day or two at home before starting her freshman year at St. Mary's College of Maryland—good luck Anna!

Not Just Any Basement

Good friends and former Sprint Nextel colleagues joined forces recently to start a new business, Just Basements, LLC. Just Basements brings a personalized, client-centric approach to their projects and the principals are involved in every step along the way from design and budgeting to planning and construction. Just Basements asked me to shoot several of their projects for their soon-to-be-launched website. This unique assignment called for an equally unique lens: the NIKKOR 14mm f/2.8 with its amazing 114-degree picture angle.
From darkly colored media rooms to granite covered kitchens, no detail is overlooked and I often forgot I was shooting a basement. I especially liked this media room with its chocolate colored walls and "Take One" sconces.

"An Hour in the Life" — Cassie

Cassie was so much fun to shoot—I just loved her braided pony tails. This "Hour" took place from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and the setting sun presented a few challenges but also some opportunities. Below are some of my favorites.

Long Distance Inspiration

A constant source of inspiration and encouragement both professionally and personally comes from, of all places, Dayton, OH—home of good friend and fellow photographer Carmen Nauseef. Check out her amazing work at Blink of an Eye Photography. Among her work, Carmen is credited with the image of me that appears on my website. Thanks Carmen!

Star Light, Star Bright...

I recently wrapped up an assignment for First Potomac Realty Trust. I have shot several of their commercial properties over the past several months, but this assignment was unique—a twilight shoot. I am proud to say that they will be using the image below and two others in their 2007 annual report.

April Fools

Seriously though, I plan on posting more regularly so do check back. I have a few unique projects that I have completed recently and a new session to announce. But first, I need to submit my application to be a Virgle Pioneer.

You Don't Want to Miss This

Check back tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, for a big blp announcement.

January Offer: 20% Off Picture Calendars

Just in time for the New Year!

Enjoy your favorite blp images year round with these oversize picture calendars. The calendars measure 10.4 by 13 inches—plenty of room for all your photos and even more writing space. You can even insert a photo and text caption on a specific date to highlight a special day such as a birthday, anniversary or graduation.

January-December 2008 Picture Calendar—Sale $48 (regularly $60)
Additional months, up to 24 months maximum—$5.00 per month

Save more when you buy more! Order additional calendars for the home, office or as a gift for the grandparents and save an additional 10%—additional calendars are just $42 each. Shipping is $4.99 for the first calendar and $1.99 for each additional calendar.

Email me or call me today to put together a sample calendar for you.

All orders are subject to 6% Maryland State Sales Tax

Happy Holidays!

During the holidays, we find ourselves both reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the year ahead.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and especially my clients for making 2007 a year I will never forget.  As for 2008, brian lausch photography has lots planned—the days are already getting longer—so check back here for all the latest.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

PhotoStamps

Though a little more expensive than regular USPS postage, what better time of the year than the holidays to affix an unforgettable stamp to your holiday card.

Actual size of stamp approximately 1.75" W x 1.25" H

 

PhotoStamps lets you take your own images and turn them into real U.S. postage. All you need to do is upload a photo, customize it using their easy-to-use interface, and place your order. You can zoom, move, and rotate your image, and then select one of 10 different border colors. PhotoStamps are available in denominations ranging from 26 cent postcards to 41 cent regular first class to $4.60 for packages.

Already mail your holiday cards? There are plenty of other occasions to use PhotoStamps—whether you have a wedding or graduation to announce, a new baby in the family or just a photogenic pet like I do, PhotoStamps are a fresh and fun way to add a personal touch to everything you send in the mail. Or give them as unique gifts.

Want an unexpected image for an unforgettable stamp? Email or call me. Or create your own PhotoStamps from your snapshots at photostamps.com.

December Offer: 20% Off Prints

Past and current clients—20% off all 8x10 and larger prints!

Now through December 31, 2007, order any 8x10 or larger color, black and white or sepia print and receive 20% off the regular price.

8 x 10 $30 $24
8 x 12 $35 $28
11 x 14 $40 $32
12 x 18 $50 $40
16 x 24 $75 $60

Visit your gallery here, and then email me your order—it's that simple! Forgot your gallery password? No problem. Just shoot me an email and I'll send it right over.

All orders are subject to Maryland State Sales Tax and USPS shipping.