B. Slack Photography

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Kylie

2013-08-12T07:31:00.000-04:00

~ Sweet Kylie ~

Hi my name is Kylie. I am 7 days old.

I am moving across the country in 3 weeks.

My favorite things to do are eat and sleep.

Father: Active Duty Navy 2001-Present
Mother: Active Duty Air Force 2005-2010

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Thaddeus

2013-08-05T06:32:00.000-04:00

Hi my name is Thaddeus. I am 2 years old.

My parents met in ROTC in College.

I love to play with cars, trucks, and bikes. My favorite new toy is a workbench with a drill and table saw. I love being outside.

Father: Active Duty Navy: 2002-2008

Mother: Active Duty Navy: 2003-Present

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Sweet Caroline

2013-07-29T07:03:00.000-04:00

~ Sweet Caroline ~

Hi, my name is Caroline and I am almost 8 months old. I was born at 28 weeks weighing 1 lb 14 oz, so my corrected age is almost 5 months old.

My Dad is an F/A-18 pilot who went through the Top Gun course. He flew F-14's as well.

My favorite thing to do is hang out with my Dad and play on my activity mat.

Father: Active Duty Navy: 2001-Present.

(the flight gloves fit up to my shoulder)

(I fit in the helmet)

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Fiona

2013-07-22T07:48:00.000-04:00

~ Determined ~

Hi my name is Fiona. I am nine months old.

My parents have been stationed in 8 different states and deployed around the world.

I love following the dogs around the house, and going for wagon rides around the block.

Father: Active Duty Navy 2002-Present

Mother: Active Duty Navy 2000-2009, 2009-Present (Reserves)

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Family and Child Photo Location Recommendation: Norfolk, Cheasapeake, Suffolk Virginia

2013-07-16T20:34:00.000-04:00

As a new feature to Bridget Slack Photography blog, I would like to include recommendations for great photo locations. A good location can be key to a successful photo shoot. For kids I have found that an outdoor location like a park is often easier than a studio. It is important to check park rules to insure that professional photographers are allowed. Many parks have restrictions for professionals.

Today I am recommending: Sleepy Hole Park in Suffolk VA

I used this location for a child and family photo shoot. The children were 1 and 3 years old and absolutely loved this park. There is multiple play houses, a giant tire, and a great swing set area. I photographed the family in June. The front part and great flowering gardens, fun brightly colored benches and a neat colorful mailbox setup.

More information about this park can be found at:
http://www.suffolkva.us/parks/parks/regional/sleepy-hole/

Happy Photographing!

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Owen

2013-07-15T06:52:00.000-04:00

~ Semper Fi ~

Hi my name is Owen. I am 1 year old.

My Dad deployed twice to Iraq and once to Honduras.

I love to sit and read my "But not the hippopotamus" book over and over again, knock down megablock castles, and hang upside down.

Playing outside and climbing the wrong way up a slide isn't too bad either.

Father: Active Duty Marine Corps 2002-2006

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Hayden and Sophia

2013-07-08T07:22:00.000-04:00

~ Top Gun ~

Hi our names are Hayden and Sophia. We are 4 and 3 years old (respectively).

Our Dad has deployed 4 times with the Navy.

Hayden: My favorite things to do are: bounce in a bounce house and ride my scooter.

Sophia: I love the color pink and princesses.

Father: Active Duty Marines 1991-2001
Active Duty Navy 2001-Present

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Catherine

2013-07-01T06:50:00.000-04:00

~ Aim High ~

Hi my name is Catherine. I am nine months old.

My Mommy and Daddy met shortly after going on active duty, but their orders took them to different places and they spent the next few years living on different sides of the world. I am very glad they knew that love like theirs was worth waiting for.

My favorite things are: jump, jump, jumping in the jumper and trying new foods.

Father: Active Duty Air Force 2004-2010

Mother: Active Duty Air Force 2004-2007

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Delaney

2013-06-24T07:18:00.000-04:00

~Let the Journey Begin~

Hi my name is Delaney.

I am 1 year old.

My Mom and Dad have more than 29 years of service between them.

At 1, Delaney already has a taste for adrenaline! In addition to being tossed in the air by Daddy, Delaney loves to ride around the neighborhood on her pink motorcycle and matching pink jeep.

Father: Active Duty Navy 1995-2004
Navy Reserves 2004-Present

Mother: Navy Reserves 2002-2004
Active Duty Navy 2004-Present

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Dandelion

2013-06-21T21:52:00.000-04:00

The official flower of the military child is the dandelion. Why? The plant puts

down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. It's an unpretentious plant,

yet good looking. It's a survivor in a broad range of climates. Military children bloom everywhere

the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in

the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They're ready to fly in the breeze that

take them to new adventures, new lands and new friends.

Experts say that military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and

extremely resilient. Military children have learned from an early age that home is where

their hearts are, that a good friend can be found in every corner of the world and in

every color, and that education doesn't only come from school. They live history.

They learn that to survive means to adapt, that the door that closes one chapter

of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and

new experiences.

I have to thank my friend Amy for sharing the above poem and her beautiful children for me to photograph.

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Atticus, Sophia, Isaac, Natalie, and Dagny

2013-06-17T07:18:00.000-04:00

~Full Speed Ahead~

Hi our names are....Atticus, Sophia, Isaac, Natalie, and Dagny. We are: 9, 8, 7, 5, and 2 years old (respectively). Since Atticus was born, our family has moved 4 times.

Atticus: I like to play outside, play baseball, and play my viola.

Sophia: I like to read and play with friends.

Isaac: I like riding bikes and playing catch with Dad.

Natalie: I like to play outside with friends and playing dressup with my little sister.

Dagny: I like princesses, playing outside, and playing dressup with my sisters.

Father: Active Duty Navy 1993-2013
Mother: Active Duty Navy 1996-2005

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patriots" Monday: Jack

2013-06-10T06:46:00.000-04:00

~ Big Shoes to Fill~

Hi my name is Jack. I am 18 months old.

I have moved 3 times in my life.

My favorite things are: Watching airplanes, giving hugs and kisses to the dogs, feeding ducks, and splashing in water.

Father: Active Duty Navy 2001-Present
Mother: Active Duty Air Force 2005-2010

Jack taught us to always keep laughing.

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

Meet the "Little Patiots" Monday: Hudson

2013-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first of many "Meet the Little Patriot Mondays." It has been my honor to spend time with, and photograph each of the children we will feature. I am touched by each of their stories and so honored to be able to share them with you.

Little Patriots is a unique project as every child you see comes from a family with least one or both parents who are currently active duty or are military veterans. These innocent faces unknowingly live up to their name, they are our true Little Patriots.

Hi my name is Hudson. I am 9 months old. My Dad deployed with the Army 1 month before I was born. I met him for the first time 3 weeks ago. My favorite thing to do is push my toy cars and trucks around the house.

Father: Active Duty Army 2009-Present

Hudson taught us that dog tags make good teething toys.

To nominate a "Little Patriot" for the project, send an email to bridget@bridgetslackphotography.com

For more information on Little Patriots and to view more work by Bridget, please check out our website: www.bridgetslackphotography.com

What motivates you?

2013-05-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

As a photographer, it is important to continuously challenge yourself. We should push lighting limits, search for new creative concepts, search for new compositions, and continue to grow. Traveling to new places, meeting new people, visiting a local gardens, or entering a themed contest has helped inspire me. The following is my story of how a gallery show call for submissions turned into what will be a lifelong project.

A local photography gallery was accepting submissions for a Patriotic Show opening in July. Living in Washington, DC, being a military veteran, and an active duty spouse, I felt that I was surrounded by Patriotic themes. I already had countless photos from monuments, military ceremonies, warships, and aircraft but nothing seemed special enough for submission to the gallery show. Thinking more about what is patriotic and what drives someone to love their country, I focused on sacrifice. What would motivate an individual to a life of service for their country and what would keep them in service? The answer was love...family, siblings, parents, spouses, and above all, children.

This project has grown to much more than just a gallery submission. For me, this project is near and dear to my heart and is dedicated to the military child.

Every one of the children photographed has at least one parent who is or was active duty. The majority of these children are from dual military parent homes.

These are the "Little Patriots"

Happy Photographing!

Washington DC - Cherry Blossom Watch 2013 (4)

2013-04-08T15:38:00.000-04:00

What a difference a week makes!

It is not peak, but many trees are in full bloom down at the Tidal Basin. You will not be disappointed if you want to find somewhere to take photos, but may be disappointed in the traffic. I recommend going on a week day and leaving time to find parking.

The Washington Monument is covered in scaffolding and not ideal for photos this year.

You can see that the trees directly around the basin are opening up but not yet in full bloom.

This week at the Arboretum, is not ideal for photographs. The beautiful trees from last week are no longer flowering, and the later blooming cherry blossoms have not yet begun to blossom.

I can't wait to see what the cherry blossom trees look like next week.

Happy Photographing!

Washington DC- Cherry Blossom Watch 2013 (3)

2013-04-02T21:02:00.000-04:00

It is not yet the festival peak, but the cherry blossoms are making progress. Today more of the white flowering trees and a handful of pink trees had started to open. With the progression of the trees has followed the progression of festival traffic. Plan on driving delays and walking a distance when parking. If possible, taking the metro will be your best bet. I imagine by this weekend we will see more of the pink trees opening and even more people at the Tidal Basin.

I will have another update for you at the end of this weekend.

Happy Photographing!

Washington DC- Cherry Blossom Watch (2) 2013

2013-03-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

The cherry blossom festival is officially underway, but I don't think the cherry blossom's know that yet. I did another pass of the tidal basin today to check the blossom's progress. The Tidal Basin area is already full of people and tour buses. Around East Potomac Park there were a only handful of trees with small white flowers. The majority of the buds are still closed and fairly tight. The buds did show more pink color then last week. I imagine this next week will have quite a bit of progress. Below are a few pictures from the Tidal Basin area.

For photographers and enthusiasts looking to photograph the cherry blossoms this week, I am still recommending the National Arboretum. The flowers are already blooming. I think we passed one other car the whole time in the park. If you stop by the Administration building at the National Arboretum they have a pamphlet locating the cherry blossoms in the park.... so easy and convenient. Below is one of the trees from the Arboretum.

I will have another update of the Tidal Basin next week.

Happy Photographing!

Blossoms In The Snow

2013-03-25T16:04:00.002-04:00

It may be Spring according to the calendar, but the weather hasn't caught up yet.

It will be interesting to see how the snow and cold weather will affect the cherry blossoms this year. Some flowering trees east of DC in Maryland are pictured below.

Later this week we will post an update of the tidal basin cherry blossom tree progress.

Happy Photographing!

Washington DC - Cherry Blossom Watch 2013

2013-03-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

Its that time of year again, the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival begins March 20th.

20 March- 14 April are the official festival dates.

For those of you interested in making a trip to see the beautiful flowers, you can follow along this blog for weekly updates.

Today, 18 March, there just buds on all of the cherry blossom trees.

It you are in from out of town and looking for flowering trees, there are a few cherry blossom trees that are further along at the National Arboretum.

For more information about the official National Cherry Blossom Festival:
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

12 Days of Christmas, Day 12

2012-12-22T21:55:00.002-05:00

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

You can never fail with pictures of children on Santa's lap. If the children smile, the picture is great. If the children don't smile, or do anything that doesn't count as smiling, you can look back and laugh for years to come. If you want a picture of your child smiling but they are terrified to sit on a stranger's lap, you can always do what we did: have the parent wear an oversized Santa snuggie. You are able to get the effect of Santa without traumatizing the child; really a win-win situation.

Merry Christmas

12 Days of Christmas, Day 11

2012-12-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

You can never go wrong with classic Christmas themes. Rebrand them with little ones to retell the well known stories and to personalize them, preserving this Holiday Season's magic forever.

Day 12 to follow...

12 Days of Christmas, Day 10

2012-12-20T21:51:00.001-05:00

Day 10: Deck the Hall

Decorating for the Holidays is a great time to capture Holiday memories. Such careful concentration by this little one makes the photo so sweet. Oversized lights, candy canes, and wreaths are great props to add to the photographer bag.

Day 11 to follow...

12 Days of Christmas, Day 9

2012-12-19T20:10:00.000-05:00

Day 9: Home for the Holidays

This theme focuses on family interaction. The holidays are a perfect time to capture both close and extended families during a time where the backgrounds are magical and the subjects are joyous. In this case, the father and daughter are taking time to relax and enjoy the lights of the Christmas tree. More great options would be reading a Christmas story together or enjoying the warmth by a crackling fire. In any season, family focus makes a great photo, but especially during the holidays.

Day 10 to follow...

12 Days of Christmas, Day 8

2012-12-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

Day 8: Santa Baby

There is something cute about little kids in buckets, in presents, and in giant stockings. Perhaps because when they were a little older they won't let us take their photos in a bucket. These props will work best with small children, or you'll need really big props.

Day 9 to follow...

12 Days of Christmas, Day 7

2012-12-17T18:56:00.001-05:00

"Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man."

Day 7: Candyland

The "Candyland" theme is perfect for kids of all ages. This little one would like nothing more than to crawl over and eat the Gingerbread House. Baking cookies, drinking hot chocolate, or making a ginergerbread house is a great way to incorporate some bright colors and a lot of fun into your photo.

Day 8 to follow...