One of the stops on our western swing, dubbed "Olliepalooza," was Idaho Falls. This fence was built by my father the very day I was born (it was a different era then!). This is a night shot, moonlit. (Canon 5D Mark II - 30 sec at f/4 - ISO 800)

Snapped this shot with the iPhone in the Newseum a few days ago. I love the thick colors and the contrast in moods between the boys sitting in front of the image and the kids on the horses. The background photo was a pulitzer prize winner taken in Mexico. (iPhone 3Gs)

At long last, they're here to save us from a slow and melty demise!! Hoorah! More photos at the link below:

See the slideshow of lots more photos here.

I was going through some photos over the weekend and spotted this image of DC's most iconic structure. I don't know what it is, but I like the composition. (Canon 5D)

This is the view from the top of the obelisk marking the place where British General John Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates following the battle of Saratoga. I visited the site recently and grabbed this shot through the upstairs window.

Once in a while I walk into a scene and just have to stop and pull out the camera. This was an entryway in a museum here in Chicago. I love the candy-lime wall. (iPhone)

On a recent trip through Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, I happened upon a memorable scene. This soldier was just returning from a tour in Iraq. Clearly, this cute little girl was happy to have him home as you can see by their first embrace in who knows how long. I don't know anything about them, but I was touched by their love. Luckily, I had the camera at the ready and captured a slice of the moment. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/80 @ f/4; ISO 1250)

Today's POD takes us back to the beautiful desert of California. Chalfant, CA. Also, this is one of the only images I've used which incorporates a flash. In this case, the flash is used as a subtle lighting source to light the tumbleweed in the foreground. I've been playing with new light sources lately, so you can expect more like this. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/200@f/4; ISO 1600; with flash)

Just a quick little vid about one of my favorite DC events: the Solar Decathlon. Once I get a chance to see the insides of these little houses, I’ll put up a part 2 video.

Click the above photo to see more photos of the houses under construction.

It boggles the mind to think it, but there used to be two giant buildings standing right here. "Tragedy" only begins to describe it. Here's hoping for a better world in the future. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/6 @ f/22; ISO 6400)