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

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Ah, the RenFest.  Honestly, I was both disappointed and impressed with the festival.  Not quite as many over-the-top enthusiasts as might have thrilled me, but at the same time, quite an impressive showing by the festival producers.  I hadn't been to a renfest since I was a little kid.  The buildings, characters and overall showmanship are excellent.  But like most of the world, the people-watching is the best part. Kids and adults at the Maryland Renaissance Festival Kids and adults at the Maryland Renaissance Festival Kids and adults at the Maryland Renaissance Festival Kids and adults at the Maryland Renaissance Festival After a while, we figured out that the people in the best costumes were part of the festival.  Though some of the guests had come in full regalia, they really couldn't touch the people who were actually paid to be there.  And I must say, the entertainment was bangin'.  We saw a juggling act that had us rolling in our seats laughing.  Good times! Characters at the Maryland Renaissance Festival Apparently each day Lady Katherine Parr must decide whether or not to accept His Majesty King Henry VIII's marriage proposal.  I don't know if she always says yes, but on yesterday she did.  For whatever reason, David was adamant that we witness this enactment.  I was more impressed with the acrobats. Kids and adults at the Maryland Renaissance Festival This last one is pretty soft, but who doesn't love babies?  I love when they turn and smile at me! Happy baby at the Maryland Renaissance Festival