Walking up 16th Street in Washington, DC you pass the Masonic temple, which is somehow more foreboding than other buildings several times its size. The glow of the city lights up the clouds. (Canon 5D Mark ii; 1/6 sec @ 4.0; ISO 3200)

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Every summer on the National Mall in DC we celebrate culture through the "Folklife Festival." This year, one of the highlighted countries was Wales. This beautiful cut of wood, made by a Welsh artisan, was on display along with the woodworking tools. I have to say, I'm really proud of this photo. (Canon 5D Mark ii; 1/1250sec @ f/4; ISO 100)

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This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July with barbecues, swimming, binge eating, lemonade, and, yes, softball. Happy 4th everyone!! (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/100 @ f/8.0; ISO 100)

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I am always thrilled by cultural events. Usually, they come to me when traveling, but, this one we found in our own back yard. Luckily, I was carrying the camera. This trombone ensemble was filling a city block with fantastic, fun, and hopeful music in a very American style. The band performs at a local church, but they don't have a CD - we asked. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/160 @ f/5.6; ISO 500)

ALSO, watch the short Video Clip.

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Once in a while I happen upon a photographic accident that makes me look like a real photographer. This weekend was a birthday weekend, one of the best in memory. And, as if the luck gods were smiling down on me, I took this photo. The sheer luck that my shutter would be open at the exact same split second as this photographer to the left is mind boggling. (Canon 5D mark II; 1/40 sec @ f/4.5; ISO 6400)

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One of my favorite spots in DC is the Lincoln Memorial. Lincoln, to me, is such a great example of reason and patience in the face of an unimaginable situation. In contrast to his left hand, clinched in a fist, Lincoln's right hand is relaxed, representing patience - at least to me. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/6o @ f/4; ISO 6400)

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Summer is upon us. Time to find a new hat to keep us in shade. Oh, and smile! (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/1000 @ f/26; ISO 6400)

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Today's POD takes us back to the Vietnam Memorial, which was decorated with white and red roses yesterday for Father's Day. War sucks, but I'm glad for those men and women who fought the fight. I'm also glad for the many fathers, mothers, and people who helped to build our nation in ways that did not involve war. Teaching, parenting, building, working in offices, farming... the list goes on for generations. (Canon 5D Mark II; 25 sec @f/22; ISO 6400)

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Today's POD should have been the winner of a photo contest, but apparently the judges didn't see it that way. I took this photo as a still-life study to resemble a still-life painter named Morandi, who used lots of drab colors and solid objects. I'm still not a huge fan of still life, but I like the splashing water - a split second frozen in time. (Canon 5D Mark II; 24-105 lens; 1/60 @f/22; ISO 6400)

More details about the photo contest

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Guards stand watch and the flag hangs at half mast today in front of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. The museum is closed following yesterday's shooting. The gloomy weather fit the mood. -- Click the above image for other photos around the museum this morning.

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