Art Soiree

Art Soiree presents a perfect way to end the FotoWeek DC in an elegant and memorable fashion.

Join us Sunday, November 15th at 7pm for the most unique event in the city

“THROUGH THE EYES OF MEN”

You are invited to an exclusive photo-exhibition featuring five most esteemed local male photographers at a brand new, upscale and sophisticated venue – The Reserve – latest addition to the DC Restaurant and Lounge Scene. The Reserve is the perfect place for a casual yet elegant evening of dining, wining and lounging in an industrial, modern two level loft-like space. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to see Women’s Beauty through the lens of these prestigious photographers, savor great wines from around the world and delight in complimentary food samples from Chef De Pue.

We are proud to present:
5 photographers 5 personalities 5 passions 5 imaginations 5 techniques

HISHAM IBRAHIM
TONY POWELL
SERGIU ODAINIC
JERRY R. HARKE
ANTHONY BRICE

Our Art Soiree is all about exhibiting exceptional art in a unique setting for ONE NIGHT AND ONE NIGHT ONLY. This time you’ll be able to meet and interact with the photographers and appreciate their work. Come early to groove to new beats from DJ MOVA and continue into the night with DJ ODAINIQ.

Courtney Portraits!

Courtney Caldwell. Georgetown. October 22, 2009. All images © Tony Powell

To see the entire photostream click here!

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

© Tony Powell. October 22, 2009

Samantha Craig

Samantha Craig. October 21, 2009. Northwest Washington, DC & National Harbor Waterfront, MD

Makeup by Carl Ray

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

© Tony Powell. Samantha Craig. 10.21.09

DANCERS AND BODY MODELS CALL!

DANCERS AND BODY MODELS CALL!

If interested, direct message me at tonypowell1@comcast.net instead of responding to this post or call me at 301.343.7805. I’m preparing for a gallery show – Body Language - of new images captured in darkness, experimenting with the effect of light on bodies in motion and at rest.

Looking for uninhibited, spontaneous dancers/models between the ages of 18-26 to collaborate with on this project. Up to 6 photos will be given to each dancer/model to add to your portfolio.

All photos taken in a safe, relaxed, and professional environment with a maximum time commitment of 3 hours. Forward this post to anyone you think fits the criteria and may be interested. Thanks, Tony

Carrie Miller Portfolio

Click here to see the entire photo shoot!

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. 9th & G Sts., NW. October 10, 2009

Shortly before photographing Barack Obama and Lady Gaga for Washington Life Magazine on Saturday, Carrie Miller and I were able to squeeze in our first photo shoot together. I’d seen her a few times with lawyer and night-lifer John Burns, while I was shooting over the summer at the W Hotel, but I never had a chance to introduce myself. I decided to ask her to shoot with me when I saw her again this past Thursday night at the grand re-opening of the W. My instincts were dead on. Carrie is one of the most naturally gifted models I’ve worked with to date. I normally leave a shoot with a handful of usable images but the portfolio Carrie and I created Saturday yielded dozens.

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. Chinatown. October 10, 2009

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. Chinatown. October 10, 2009

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. Dupont Circle, NW. October 10, 2009. Clothing by Terra Boutique

Little did I know that time was of the essence if we were to make this work. She was heading back to school at USC Sunday night, so when I got the call on Friday that she could only shoot Saturday, I had to scramble to make it work. And work it did!

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. Chinatown. October 10, 2009

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. 9th & G Sts., NW. October 10, 2009

I didn’t  want to try to round up a few assistants in a day so I decided to shoot before and during the “golden hour” – the hour after the sun has risen above the horizon line or the hour just before the sun dips below it – a time of day when the shadows cast by the sun are least harsh. With the help of her boyfriend John, I was able to shoot, guerilla style, at a few different locations around DC.

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. 9th & G Sts., NW. October 10, 2009

© Tony Powell. Carrie Miller. Dupont Circle, NW. October 10, 2009

Backgrounds exist everywhere. Training the eye to make use of any location and deciding how to light it is the great challenge. The process of creating an image is as rewarding, if not more so than the image itself. The only way to surmount a new obstacle is to take a chance at thinking or doing something in a different way. I’d never grow in understanding if I always did what I’ve always done. Instead of canceling the shoot when it started to rain lightly, I went with it, taking advantage of the even, overcast lighting produced by the thick overhead clouds – the greatest of all softboxes….and it’s free! With a set of brand new White Lightnings and my new Canon 5D, we set out to create something that was never there before.

A Passion for Fashion

Check out all the photos here !

Lindsay Kin wearing a vintage Bob Mackie © Tony Powell

Sunday’s fashion shoot at Meridian Hill Park and later – 35th & Reservoir in Georgetown –  was like a dream come true. I never really thought I’d be able to assemble a first-rate group of hair and makeup artists, or work with models and designers that I admire without having deep pockets or Leibovitz as a last name. But with lots of honest hard work and plenty of gentle begging I was able to do just that.

Andrew Paterini wearing Andrew Nowell and Stefanie Ball in a gown by Carmen Marc Valvo © Tony Powell

Stefanie Ball and Andrew Paterini © Tony Powell

With my website launching on my birthday – November 14th – I needed one more photo shoot to complete my fashion gallery (for the time being) in time for the launch. My good friends Susanna Quinn and Lily Mazahery were gracious enough to lend me current and vintage couture dresses from their personal collections just for this photo shoot. With dresses by Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Bob Mackie, and Carmen Marc Valvo, I was entrusted with clothing worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Lindsay Kin, Brooke Monahan, and Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

The hair and makeup team for this shoot were all new to me but it felt like we’ve been together from the start.

Lindsay Kin wearing Nicole Miller, Andrew Paterini, and Brooke Monahan in vintage Vera Wang © Tony Powell

I saw Shana Janelle Swain’s makeup before I ever met her, at a fashion show I photographed at K Street Lounge over the summer. Eduardo Bravo is a very popular hairstylist in Georgetown, and hair & makeup artist Myken Garcia was introduced to me by styling wunderkind James Cornwell backstage after the Fashion Fights Poverty (FFP) runway show last Friday night! One of the most talented and kind people I know, clothing stylist Anais de Viel Castel, agreed to help me bring the clothes to life. We started at Washington Life at the exact same time 3 years ago and have been friends ever since!

Crystal Hannon wearing a dress by Studio D Maxsi © Tony Powell

Two other meaningful things happened that night, at FFP. When I saw through my lens, model Lindsay Kin, walk down that runway in the  Chinese Ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel, I knew right away I had to work with her. She was wearing clothes by Studio D Maxsi, and as soon as that set was over I left my camera (something I never do) to race back to meet both model and designer before being swallowed up by the next wave of outfits and models to go out on the runway. I had been waiting to meet the right model to wear the red Bob Mackie dress that leads this posting. When I met Lindsay I knew she was the one. She was kind enough to oblige and I can say that never has an idea in my mind been so easily transferred to the real World. I almost didn’t go the runway show that night…the organizers were very busy and I didn’t know if I had place from which to shoot. That’s the beauty of staying open, of moving towards fear, not running away from it. I went that night despite the fear I wouldn’t have a place to get a good shot. It turns out that FFP founders Sylvie Luanghy and Kadrieka Maiden not only had a place for me, it was the best center spot in the house…and I almost stayed at home.

Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

Andrew Paterini © Tony Powell

Portrait shoot with George Clinton

George Clinton, photographed by Tony Powell

Thursday, September 24, 2009 The Lofts, Adams Morgan, at the home of Julian Epstein and Lee Barona

George Clinton © Tony Powell

George Clinton © Tony Powell

Urban Chic Shoot

Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

Crystal Hannon © Tony Powell

Thanks to the staff of Urban Chic, yesterday got off to a great start with a photo shoot at one of the most solid and of the moment boutiques for ladies in DC. When model Courtney Caldwell and fashion blogger/stylist Mekeda Saggau-Sackey approached me – at Noche de Gala last Monday – about shooting there, I couldn’t resist. Washington Life Magazine has sent me there twice to cover events: Shoshanna Lonstein’s trunk show and a Spring shopping event, so I knew the layout, but found the back patio and parking lot to be great impromptu locations to take pictures. Courtney is a natural. I could have photographed her all day. I brought along my newest model/friend, Crystal Hannon, to get to know her, in front of the lens, before our really big couture shoot this Sunday – two very wealthy friends have agreed to loan vintage couture dresses by Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Calvin Klein, and Nicole Miller. Our first shoot together yesterday was a great success, even though my Pocket Wizards had a mind of their own and decided to trigger the strobes whenever they chose. I guess I’m heading over to Penn Camera today. After the Urban Chic shoot, Crystal and I found a wooded area on Whitehaven that was ideal for playing around with black and white photography. I learned from it all and the results exceeded my expectations. If I can walk away from a shoot with a handful of solid images I’m satisfied. Yesterday’s shoot yielded dozens. Let’s just hope that the rain stays away this Sunday!!!

Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

Crystal Hannon © Tony Powell

Courtney and Crystal © Tony Powell

As seen from above…

The first installment in an ongoing gallery of images designed to challenge my eye to find form in any surrounding.

Donovan House Rooftop – Sunday afternoon, September 13, 2009

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Model Mayhem-Walish Gooshe Fashion Show at K St. Lounge

Check out all the photos at www.tonypowell.smugmug.com

© Tony Powell

I can’t thank model and friend Andrew Paterini enough for inviting me to last night’s Walish Gooshe fashion show at K Street Lounge. Not only did it provide an opportunity for me to practice my craft but it was also a chance to meet a host of new models to work with, from Model Mayhem, a “Facebook-type” website for the fashion industry. Two photo shoots are already lined up. Runway shooting is both challenging and rewarding…it’s a living form of photography, one with many elements that need attention at any given time: lighting, model’s expression, when to trip the shutter, exposure, movement of the clothing, etc. The task at hand last night was made all the more difficult with the discovery that there would be no additional “hot” lighting for the runway show. With no extra lighting, I would have to use flash – once again the 580 EX II flash and Quantum Slim Compact battery pack saved the day. Not ideal, however…using a flash at a fashion show is like playing Stravinsky on a toy piano. It works but there is a loss of integrity and also the odds of getting many usable images decrease. Why? I was surrounded by other photographers also using flash and whenever any two go off at exactly the same time, both flashes cancel each other out. You have to shoot more to get more usable photos. When a show is brightly lit and I can stop motion with a high shutter speed instead of a flash, the number of photos from which to choose greatly increases.

Models with Walish Gooshe © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Models © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

The Petrochenko Twins

© Tony Powell

Click here to see the video from yesterday’s shoot!

I met identical twin sisters Diana and Kristine Petrochenko at the Endless Summer Beach Bash at L2 last week and immediately saw their potential for modeling. Lifeguards by day, and L2 hostesses on the weekends, by night, I assumed they’d never be able to squeeze me in to their schedule for a photo shoot. Much to my surprise they not only had time yesterday, but we’re already planning our second shoot. They’re here in DC for a few more weeks as part of a summer foreign exchange program with their native Latvia, so time is of the essence. I called on bulletproof makeup artist Carl Ray, stylist Christopher G. Johnson, and my very reliable photo assistant Kevin Smoot, for another day of shooting on the fly. Over a 4 hour period from an artist’s alley in Northwest to an electrical supply depot in Northeast, Diana and Kristine never missed a beat. Our final stop: the fountain at Dupont Circle, where locals and tourists flocked to watch the twins in action.

Makeup artist Carl Ray © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Petrochenko Twins © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

A Model Team

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Jacqueline Akoko © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Yesterday was probably one of the most artistically satisfying days of my life. Having been a studio photographer for so many years, a long-term goal has been to amass enough equipment and a team of stylists and assistants to enable me to set up shop wherever I’d like – indoors or out. It’s finally happened and yesterday’s shoot couldn’t have been more productive. A Higher Power is always at work in my life…it’s only when I get out of my own way can I feel its presence. I felt it in a big way yesterday when all the major components required for a successful photo shoot came together beautifully – but not without a few minor snags along the way. The hair and makeup artists with whom I was blessed to work with on this shoot each have A-list celebrities and politicians as regular clients, so I was particularly humbled when all agreed to work with me. Hairstylist Johnny Wright, makeup artist Carl Ray, and stylist Christopher G. Johnson, teamed up with two of my favorite models Rhiannon Day and Jacqueline Akoko, and my assistants Kevin Smoot and Poppia Ahmed for a full day of shooting in and around Georgetown. Of course I’d have to pick one of the hottest days this year on which to shoot. Even the steady breeze at Jack’s Boathouse (our first location) couldn’t abate the heat, which maxed out at 96 degrees. It felt like 105! My new Canon EOS 5D Mark II is, by far, the best digital camera I’ve ever owned and at 21 mega-pixels, it’s a relief to no longer need to rent it’s equivalent. After a few hours on the pier at Jack’s we packed up and headed over to Dean and DeLuca for a much-needed break before meandering through Cady’s Alley shooting guerilla style, from place to place, challenging myself to determine composition, aperture, and shutter speed on the fly. I felt like Andy Warhol with his entourage as we travelled (7 of us) through the streets of Georgetown en mass. What a scene we caused, a few times….all in the name of art! Next up? The Russian twins from L2 later today. Carl, Christopher, and Kevin are all on board. One more shoot next week and I’ll have enough photos from which to choose to complete the BEAUTY gallery of my website www.tony-powell.com, which I hope to launch by October 1.

Jacqueline Akoko © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Carl Ray, Rhiannon Day, and Johnny Wright © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Jacqueline Akoko and Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-10-09

Light Study

All the photos can be seen @ www.tonypowell.smugmug.com in the Abstract Gallery

Light Study © Tony Powell

As I was driving home from Donovan House on 14th street just before midnight last night, a glint of neon caught my eye, and like a tractor beam, I felt an overwhelming urge to turn the car around and make some sense out of the cacophony of colors and angles found in a sculpture outside the HR-57 Jazz Club. I can only imagine what I must’ve looked like getting out of my car in the middle of the night to photographically survey a piece of art amidst patrons eating and drinking on the club’s outdoor patio. Oh well! It was as though the sculpture was asking to be re-interpreted via another media, as though an unfinished dialog needed to be scripted.

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Light Study © Tony Powell

Turquoise Test

Check out more photos from the shoot at: www.tonypowell.smugmug.com

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

I’ve been really fortunate to be the beneficiary of the largess of an individual in town that wishes to remain anonymous. Summer is generally slower at the magazine so it usually isn’t the time to buy new equipment. I was able, however, to purchase my dream camera – the Canon EOS 5D Mark II – the other day, as well as a Tronix Explorer XT 1200 watt portable power supply which allows me now to take all my strobes to any location. I no longer have to rent from Penn Camera! The camera showed up yesterday via UPS and I can’t remember anticipating the arrival of a piece of equipment more than this. Not only does it rival the EOS 1Ds Mark III in pixel count (21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor) and image quality, it’s the first digital EOS camera to record in full 1080p resolution High Definition video. And it’s also $5,000 less! I look forward to shooting and editing my first HD film, with the new camera, in New York City this September. I’ll be collaborating with my best friend from Juilliard, the choreographer and dancer Rebecca Stenn, on a dance film, whose score I will also compose. When aspiring model Turquoise Williams called me up yesterday to arrange a test shoot, I decided to use my very reliable Canon EOS 40D, one last time, before switching solely to the 5D Mark II. A few examples from the yesterday’s shoot!

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

Turquoise © Tony Powell 8-4-09

New Muse

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-2-09

In preparation for our upcoming fashion shoot at Dumbarton Oaks next week, model Rhiannon Day, and celebrity stylist Johnny Wright, agreed to a quick, preliminary photo shoot with me in between events we went to together on Sunday. After leaving a party at the home of the Jamaican Ambassador, we pulled into an area of Rock Creek Park, on the Maryland side, where the harshness of the sun was obscured by the tree line. Although I’m a strobist at heart, there is still nothing like available light for portraits. Rhiannon so naturally knows how to be photographed, that all I had to concern myself with was exposure and composition.

The place: Candy Cane City

Equipment: Canon EOS 20D with an 85mm f 1.8 Series EF USM Telephoto Lens, Westcott reflector (gold), 580 EX II speedlite (off-camera)

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-2-09

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-2-09

Rhiannon Day © Tony Powell 8-2-09

Impromptu Shoot with Sharon @ the W

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

The best thing about the newly renovated Hotel Washington is it’s panoramic view of Downtown Washington, DC from the top floor Sky Terrace. No other view like it. PERIOD! When I ran into Sharon Dougherty on my way into the KEENfest warm-up party Wednesday night, I asked her for an impromptu photo session. The sun was just right and Sharon couldn’t have been more of a good sport. We had to weave through dozens of patrons on the jam-packed roof terrace to get to a far corner spot I knew about from a few years ago when I photographed the President of the Greater Washington Board of Trade there for their Annual Report. The view of the Washington Monument is particularly evocative from that vantage point. Thanks Sharon!

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

Sharon Dougherty © Tony Powell July 29, 2009

Dancers Unite @ Hotel Helix

End of Year Dance Party hosted by Dance/MetroDC – View all the photos at: www.tonypowell.smugmug.com

Area Washington, DC dancers, dance teachers, administrators, and choreographers kicked off the summer season with a cocktail party last night at the trendy Hotel Helix on Rhode Island Avenue. It was an opportunity to catch up with some of my long-time dance friends, as well as to make some new ones. Hosted by Dance/Metro DC, which provides resources, promotion, and collaborative opportunities for the dance community in the Metropolitan DC area, the mood in the courtyard of the Helix Lounge was upbeat and festive. Since my own ballet company disbanded in 2002, I’ve been fortunate to work on various companies around the country. This choreographer-for-hire status took me away from the local dance scene, except for my photography and design for Washington Ballet, DanceSmith, 3 Dancers, and a few pieces of mine performed by visiting companies. Nonetheless, I felt right at home! 

Some of the most talented dance minds in DC were there: choreographer/dancers Gesel Mason, Helanius Wilkins, Susan Shields, Vincent Thomas, and Boris Willis, Dance/Metro DC Director Peter DiMuro, Ballet Instructors Harriet Williams, Nancie Woods and Caroline Frankil Warren, Master tap teacher Yvonne Edwards, dance promoter Meera Wolfe, educator-turned-critic Naima Prevots, Joy of Motion Director Doug Yeuell, arts advocate Cara Pomponio, and Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Executive Director, Susie Farr.

 

 

 

 

Family Matters

Moon-bounces, babies, and birthday cake….

Birthday boy Luke and sister Abby © Tony Powell 7-6-09

Just what I needed! A quiet Sunday afternoon with my wife’s extended family in Centreville, VA. before the craziness of the new week!

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

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© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

© Tony Powell 7-6-09

Zoo Shoot

The National Zoo will always be a great place to seek out the harmony of form. These photos are available for purchase at: www.tonypowell.smugmug.com

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Art Salon at White-Meyer House

Art Salon Invitation

GO TO MERIDIAN TO SEE THIS ARTWORK!!

I bumped into my good friend Rebecca Fishman the other day at my daily haunt – the Parkway Deli. As a commissioner with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, she’s an insider in all things DC. I thank her for inviting me to this event. The magazine I have the pleasure to shoot for, Washington Life Magazine, quiets down a bit in the summer months so I get to check out some events I might not normally have the opportunity to get to during busier times. Tonight’s Art Salon was one of those really nice events. The White-Meyer House at Meridian International Center has been taken over by contemporary Chinese art that is, at times, provocative, as well as seductive. It’s a show called Metropolis Now, and provided the backdrop for the DC Commission’s Art Salon which, according to the invitation is, “a monthly convergence of artists, techies, green-collars, art enthusiasts and educators that are creating the momentum for the new era of art.”

The Art Salon is, “modeled after the salons of the late 19th century to inspire and provoke the minds of the creative community.” Meridian President Stuart Holliday was there, along with Meredith Cymermam, Rebecca Fishman, Henry Harris, Pilar O’Leary, Lori Soto, Darren Thomas, Jessica Lange, and arts advocate Philippa Hughes. My favorite couple – Eric Brewer and Kristin Guiter - were also there, going strong, and DJ Brian Liu kept the mood upbeat with his fervent soundscapes. The artwork is on view Wednesday – Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. through July 26, 2009. Closed on Federal Holidays. The White-Meyer House  is located at the Meridian International Center, 1624 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009

Screening “TAKEN” in Georgetown with Innocents at Risk

Andrea Rogers, Tony Powell, Debbie Sigmund

Great time tonight at the cocktail reception in front of the Letelier Theater in Georgetown before the screening of “Taken,” one of the best action films I’ve seen in a long time. In it, Liam Neeson plays a dad bent on revenge as the result of the abduction and trafficking of his vacationing 17 year-old daughter. Debbie Sigmund, founder and head of Innocents at Risk, hosted the event with Andrea Rogers, and they were joined by Donald and Wright Sigmund, Matthew Christian Davis, former Washington Ballet dancer Aaron Jackson, and various Immigration officials among others.

Feldman’s 40th and Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi and Tony Powell

“Every woman wants Mike Feldman and every man wants to be Mike Feldman.” So went the monologue that accompanied a very funny video ribbing of birthday boy Mike Feldman, former right hand man to Vice President Al Gore and founding member of Glover Park Group.

Current and former Democratic A-listers rubbed shoulders with, bankers, analysts and models at the beautifully-renovated Dupont Circle home of former Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart. Halfway through the party, Jon Bon Jovi, along with wife Dorothea, surprised all with a special trip down from New York City.

New Arrival for First Family

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

There are very few people that throw parties like Rima Al-Sabah. This Kuwaiti Sheika, wife of Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah, always delivers a good time. Yesterday’s baby shower thrown for Michelle Fenty, wife of Washington, DC mayor Adrian Fenty, was a who’s who of the ladies who lunch set. Every so often I don’t really need a note pad because I know just about everyone in the room. It was like that. The list of heavyweights included Alma Powell, Lady Sheinwald, Barbara Harrison, Ann Hand, Mary Ourisman, Grace Bender, and Kathleen Matthews.

Behind the Bench

The 96-year old civil rights pioneer and activist Dr. Dorothy Height was honored by NBA players’ wives today at the Ritz Carlton – Pentagon City. The group, Behind the Bench, recognizes outstanding women who are living examples of leadership and philanthropy. I performed for her, when I was a kid, in 1977, and she remembered it!!!

High-Kicking at the DC Dance Awards!

It’s that time of year again. AWARDS TIME!! DC finally has the dance equivalent of the theatre community’s Helen Hayes Awards – The Metro DC Dance Awards. It seemed as though everyone in the DC dance world was there and I couldn’t have been happier. The reception and silent auction that followed the Awards Ceremony was held at the Watergate’s 600 New Hampshire Avenue.

I decided to take my point and shoot camera along – I needed a break from carrying around my usual 10 pounds of gear – to see how the shots would turn out. I don’t think I’ll try that again. Not too bad for the first time using it in a party situation, but I still don’t know what I’m doing with a point and shoot. Give me a Hasselblad, Canon or Nikon SLR any day.

I got to see some of old friends and to make some new ones: Jonathan Jordan, Sona Kharatian, Carla Perlo, Helanius Wilkins, Katerina Kopsidas, Helen Hayes, Judy Hansen, Harriet Williams, Meera Wolfe, George Jackson, Jean Battey Lewis, Nejla Yatkin, Gesel Mason, Cheles Rhynes, Karen J Reedy, Doug Yeuell, Lesole Maine, Vincent Thomas, Vin Grabill, Lynn Joslin, Dan Burkholder, Ziva Cohen, Laura Diserio, Enoch Chan, and many others!

Spa Romance in St. Michael’s, MD

A weekend getaway at Five Gables always does the trick! 

View of the Inn's new buildings from the Spa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was our 3rd visit to Five Gables Inn and Spa and probably the most memorable. 

The Inn has gone through a fairly major expansion in the past few years to a total of 20 rooms. We stayed in a new room in the new building which also houses the breakfast area. The innkeeper, Barbara, was very helpful and courteous. 

The shower in our room was a work of art in itself. Powerful jets of water – 9 of them – shot out of the wall in all different directions and temperatures. Very VICHY! There was also a built-in bench to relax while being pounded by walls of water. The standard-sized jacuzzi and all AVEDA products were the icing on the cake. Who needs to leave the room? When we did venture out we did it mostly on foot. Everything is easily accessible in St. Michael’s. 

We always opt for the couple’s side-by-side massage after turning into noodles from the 1/2 hour herbal, hydro bath. I chose Peppermint AVEDA oil for the bath – Kellie chose Tea Tree. My massage could have gone on for another hour. ERIN HAS HANDS OF STEEL. 

I have a feeling we’ll be going again by Christmas.

Photos by the Bay, St. Michael’s Diary

© Tony Powell - Tony & Kellie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a way to end the summer! Kellie and I spent our last few days of sanity at our favorite place to unwind:

St. Michael’s Maryland.

© Tony Powell - Osprey Nest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Tony Powell - Boats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Tony Powell - Maritime Museum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Tony Powell - Guardian of the Bay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Tony Powell - Fishing Boats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Tony Powell - 3 Krazy Ladies

Bo Derek, The Kuwaiti Embassy and Me!

© Tony Powell - Bo Derek and Tony Powell March 2008

 

Growing up I had the biggest crush on Bo Derek in the movie “10.” Dudley Moore had nothing on me, in my mind. One of the best parts of being a photographer at Washington Life Magazine is not knowing who, what, or where, I will be asked to photograph.

I received a call, in March of this year, to shoot a possible cover for the magazine that involved Charlie Rose and Bo Derek. Couldn’t believe it! The shoot took place on the second floor of the Embassy Residence of Kuwait during the cocktail hour before the Kuwait-America Foundation 2008 Gala Dinner. President and Mrs. Bush, Condoleeza Rice, Marvin Hamlisch, as well DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, were in attendance. While photos from the shoot didn’t make the cover, it did give me an idea of where this road could take me. Bo (who looks great by the way) was nice enough to take a few pictures with me after we finished the photo shoot. A real PRO!