Oktoberfest in Shirlington, Virginia (Part Two)

Yesterday, I posted the first set of photos from Shirlington's Oktoberfest.  I came away with 47 total images that I wanted to share so I thought I'd break it up - 47 is a bit much for one post.  As promised, our story picks up with the two beer festival attendees (yes, me and my husband) leaving the taps behind and heading out into the wide world of beer.  But first, babies. I love these images for two totally different reasons.  On the left, the mom looks so peaceful and loving but there's a creepy doll to reflect back on the live child she's holding.  I think it's kinda eerie.  On the right - seriously, this guy is doing it right.  I'm glad people don't put all their plans on shut-down to have some kids.  Why not bring your baby to the beer festival? Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer All my kids images ended up being vertical so I apologize for the strong repetition of diptychs here. Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer There was an "authentic" German band, complete with dancing troupe.  Do you still call it a troupe if they're doing this kind of dancing? Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer There were some interesting people walking around our little "urban village."  Check the dude on the left.  Secret undercover agent. Guy on the right's on top of it. Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer And now for some random "street" shots.  Street is easy peasy at festivals.  It's packed and if there are people dressed up, everyone's already expecting to have a camera in their face.  Plus, it's so simple to pretend you're shooting something else.  I love photographing festivals. Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Now these two images were taken literally within 10 seconds of each other.  The lady on the right cracks me up!  How can anyone look this miserable at a street festival? Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Of course there were dogs.  This is Northern Virginia after all, and we love our dogs.  It's impossible to hold an outdoor event, even one where the primary activity is eating and/or drinking, without having every dog in the neighborhood show up.  I rather enjoy it. Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Okay so I want you to take a little bit longer with the images below than you might ordinarily.  I spent some time figuring out the best orientation for the one on the right.  It's a lady stepping over a puddle.  You can see her in the reflection, as well as the people that were standing behind her.  I think it's pretty neat.  I also really like the lady smoking a cigar on the left. Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer But after many beers and lots of heavy, bad-for-you food, it was late and it was time to go home.  Until next year! Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer Oktoberfest in Shirlington - Arlington, Virginia event photographer

Doggie Day Swim – Alexandria Event Photographer

Dogs are awesome.  There is very little that makes me happier than hanging out with a bunch of dogs.  So it was with great delight that I photographed the City of Alexandria's Doggie Day Swim yesterday at the Old Town Pool.  It was packed and there were dogs everywhere, which was totally fantastic.  Their owners were pretty cool people, too. Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria The doggies were really hilarious about getting into and out of the pool.  Some were great leapers - capable of massive jumps and splashes. Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Others simply barked at the tennis balls floating around or yipped at their owners.  They so badly wanted the balls, but just couldn't make it into the water.  Getting out again was a hilarious endeavor.  Most of the dogs couldn't pull themselves up over the side of the pool so they had to splash around looking pathetic before some kind soul would help them up.  For their efforts, the doggies made sure to splash the heck out of everyone shaking off. Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria I'm amazed my camera even survived this.  More doggies!  Wet doggies!  Cute doggies! Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria I came after work and there was some terrific golden hour light. Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria This is Bob.  Bob was called something long and complicated when he was a race dog (!) but his lovely owners took him in about a year ago and gave him a much more sensible name.  He was absurd in the water and it was cracking me up.  His dad seemed to think he only got in the water so he could get dried off.  Sounds reasonable to me. Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria Man, I love doggies.  If you're interested in having me photograph your pets, drop me a line and we can discuss!  If we talked at this event (or if we didn't talk but you see your doggie here), please email me and let me send you a photo! Doggie Day Swim - Old Town Alexandria