Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC

Presidential Salute Battery

2012-03-04T20:43:00.004-05:00

Recently, my wife Tracey Attlee and I spent a morning walking through Arlington National Cemetery. While we photograph Full Military Honors funerals at Arlington several times a month, we like to visit the cemetery on occasion to look for unique views to photograph. This time we photographed the US Army's Presidential Salute Battery firing for a Army Brigadier General's funeral. Please click on images to enlarge.

The battery.

Detail of the blanks.

FIRE!

Soldier securing one of the 75mm cannons.

Soldiers securing one of the 75mm cannons.

Moving out.

History of the Presidential Salute Battery.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer based out of Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his architectural photography.

Todd A. Smith Image Published in British Journal

2012-01-20T14:55:00.007-05:00

Woodrow Wilson's favorite fireside chair is the subject of a recent still life I photographed for the Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, DC. My image went on to be published internationally in the British journal "Textile History", Volume 42, Number 2, November 2011 in an article titled "Textile and Time: Reactions to Aged and Conserved Textiles in Historic Houses Open to the Public in England and the USA", by Dr. Margaret Ponsonby.

Please click on image to enlarge.

Todd A. Smith is an expert No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his professional architectural photography.

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

2011-12-16T09:35:00.021-05:00

Between architectural assignments, I've been going through my film archives seeing what I would like to have digitally scanned. Below are images of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom I'd taken during my former Marine Corps career. Please click on images to enlarge.

F-4S Phantom from VMFA 115 landing aboard USS Forrestal at dusk in the Mediterranean Sea.

F-4S Phantom from VMFA 321 flying over the Caribbean. Taken from the boom operators station on an Air Force KC-10 tanker. I've always loved the distinct lines of the Phantom.

Two F-4S Phantoms from VMFA 321 flying over the Caribbean. Taken from a window of an Air Force KC-10 tanker.

F-4S Phantom from VMFA 321 close up view of pilot. Taken at very close range from an Air Force KC-10 tanker's boom operator's station.

Two F-4S Phantoms from VMFA 321 flying over the Caribbean. Taken from an Air Force KC-10 tanker in the boom operators station. While watching the Phantoms, the trailing Phantom suddenly did a quick barrel roll. I asked the boom operator to contact the pilot to do another so I could photograph him. He did and I got a great shot.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his architectural photography.

Still Life Photography

2011-11-19T22:44:00.001-05:00

Made a batch of "Pride of Deer Camp" BBQ sauce this weekend. Thought it would make a nice subject for a still life using the selective focus technique.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his architectural photography.

Dusk Photography

2011-11-07T13:57:00.012-05:00

One of my favorite types of photography is dusk photography. The vibrant, saturated colors after sunset really make an image stand out. Dusk shots take much advance thought and preparation. Decisions on the best angle of composition and lighting and solutions to possible technical challenges all must be made before the critical moment. There is only a very short window of time to carry off a successful dusk shot. Below are three recent dusk shots I photographed on a professional assignments. Please click on images to enlarge.

Yale West Apartments, Washington, DC. Front exterior.
Architect: BBG-BBGM, Washington, DC.

Yale West Apartments, Washington, DC. Dusk view from roof top pool.
Architect: BBG-BBGM, Washington, DC.

The Residences on the Avenue Apartments, Washington, DC. View of Washington Circle from penthouse apartment.
Executive Architect: Hickok Cole Architects, Washington, DC; Design Architect: Pelli Clarke Pelli, New Haven, CT.

Washington Winter Antiques Show

2011-09-20T15:12:00.001-04:00

The upcoming Washington Winter Antiques Show being held from 5-8 January 2012 will feature an exhibit titled, "Treasures of the First Families". The Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, DC has loaned the exhibit an 1817 Fauteuil Pierre-Antoine Bellange armchair.

My image of the chair taken for the Woodrow Wilson House will be featured in the shows catalogue.

Please click on image to enlarge.

Pentagon Attack Remembrance

2011-09-08T10:44:00.003-04:00

On 11 September 2006, the Pentagon held a 5th anniversary memorial observance for people who died in the attack on 11 September 2001. 184 beams of light were projected skywards, one for each person.

My image of the event, titled "Remembrance" was judged into the Alexandria Art League September show this week.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Alexandria Art League August 2011

2011-08-03T11:19:00.003-04:00

My image of a housing development and an old barn near Leesburg, Virginia was juried into the August 2011 show, 'Scapes: All Media Membership Landscape Exhibit. "Vanishing Landscape" also won an Honorable Mention from the guest juror Sarah Tanguy who is an independent curator and critic, as well as a curator for Art in Embassies (AIE), US Department of State, based in Washington, DC.

Please click on image to enlarge.

The title "Vanishing Landscape" comes from how the housing development has urbanized the rural landscape.

To capture this image, I used my 4x5 view camera with KodaK HEI Infrared film sheet film an a #29 red filter. I metered the exposure using a hand-held incident light meter adjusted for the film's exposure index and filter factor.

I really enjoy photographing landscapes as I use many of the same techniques, equipment and attention to detail as in architectural photography.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Scale Model Photography

2011-07-12T12:59:00.002-04:00

One thing I enjoy about architectural photography is the range of assignments of that require problem solving to create successfully. Scale models are an example. Photography of scale models requires careful studio lighting and finding the precise angle that enlivens the entire building to the viewer. Please click on images to enlarge.

4025 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Architect: Cunningham + Quill, Washington, DC.

Quarry House, Gen Echo, MD. Architect: Cunningham + Quill, Washington, DC.

Quarry House, Glen Echo, MD. Architect: Cunningham + Quill, Washington, DC.

Scale models help the client visualize the design of an unbuilt project. I always enjoy photographing them.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Honoring Our Fallen Veterans on July 4th

2011-07-05T21:40:00.005-04:00

Fourth of July is a time to honor and reflect on the memory of our nation's men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In this spirit I photographed a still life of my wife Tracey's uncle, F1C Michael Bielko, USN. Michael's life was lost in WWII when his ship was sunk by a German U-boat. I included his official Navy portrait, his Purple Heart medal and the gold star service flag that hung in the front window of any home where an immediate family member died in honorable service of our country during WWII.

Please click on image to enlarge.

Michael was killed during Operation Torch on 12 November 1942 when his ship the USS Tasker H. Bliss was torpedoed by the German submarine U-130. U-130 sneaked into the heavily guarded Fedhala Roads, Morocco and fired five torpedoes at three U.S. transport ships at anchor. All three transport ships sunk. Four months later on 12 March 1943, U-130 was sunk by the American destroyer USS Champlin near the Azores.

Michael Bielko is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia. He is not forgotten and Fourth of July gave us inspiration to remember him in our prayers once again.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Macro Flower Photography

2011-06-27T12:35:00.005-04:00

For a complete change from my normal scale of architectural photography, I did some macro photography of flowers last week with my wife Tracey Attlee. Tracey was photographing local rose gardens in preparation for her presentation on rose photography to the Arlington (Virginia) Rose Foundation July 10 at 2:00 p.m., Merrifield Garden Center located at 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax VA. So, off I went with her, armed with my macro lens and close up filter. Please click on images to enlarge.

I liked the mature rose with the rose bud. A friend comments that it looks very Japanese.

Had to hand hold my bee shots as they move about very quickly.

A Globe Thistle, reminds me of a 4th of July fireworks.

The vivid magenta roses against this grey statue of the woman holding a garland caught my eye.

Polo Photography

2011-06-22T12:09:00.004-04:00

Watching a show on polo last week reminded me of photographing Arena Polo at Great Meadow Polo Club in Virginia for several seasons. Arena Polo is played in an enclosed stadium about the size of a football field. That makes it spectator friendly because its easy to see the action. Its a fun way to spend a Saturday evening in Virginia horse country. Please click on images to enlarge.

Kelly Elliott. She taught John Walsh of "America's Most Wanted" how to play polo.

Debbie Nash of the team "Los Tigres".

One can see the finesse when the fast action is frozen in time with a camera.

Just out of reach.

The Attack.

Goal! This image was featured in Polo Player Magazine.

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T16:13:00.009-04:00

First, Thank You to our veterans on this Memorial Day weekend. Here are some images from various Rolling Thunder motorcycle rallies in Washington, DC, over the years. Please click on images to enlarge.

The gentleman in the foreground is photographing the riders going past him. The patch on his vest is what caught my eye. I slowed the shutter and held the camera steady to add motion blur to the motorcycle.

Marine Vietnam veteran. The patches, military decorations and pins tell each rider's story.

They'll never forget.

President George W. Bush aboard Marine One in 2008 as Rolling Thunder passes the US Capitol. The rider in the foreground with the huge Marine Corps flag attached to his motorcycle typifies most Marines: they display their branch of service proudly whenever and wherever possible. Someone once said that if you counted the number of Marine Corps bumper stickers on vehicles you'd think we were the largest branch of service.

Here I slowed the shutter and panned the camera with the motorcycle to blur the background.

Little girl reaching out to the riders to show her support. I loved how she held her American flag so proudly.

Former WWII Marine Phil Davidson holding a picture of himself taken in 1937 on his first Harley-Davidson motorcycle. As soon as I saw the 4th Marine Division pin on his vest, I knew he fought on Iwo Jima.

Todd A. Smith is a retired US Marine and a professional No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Quality in the Details: Tradition Homes

2011-05-21T10:28:00.003-04:00

Had the pleasure of shooting for a new client this week, Tradition Homes of McLean, Virginia. Tradition Homes builds custom homes in the time honored tradition of excellent design, quality material and impressive craftsmanship. The two homes I photographed felt solidly built the minute we walked in. My assignment was to illustrate Traditon Homes' range of woodworking options on such details as door trim, crown molding, coffered ceilings, wainscoting and newel posts. Please click on images to enlarge.

Crown molding in coffered ceiling.

Stairway newel post.

Baseboard with plinth on door frames.

Beadboard ceiling and crown molding.

Crown molding.

Interior passage door frame.

Wainscoting in stairway.

It was a pleasure to see the quality of the materials and workmanship in Tradition Homes properties. And its great to see homebuyers recognize such quality and invest in a home that will last for generations.

Pentagon Attack Remembrance

2011-05-02T14:49:00.002-04:00

As the world contemplates the demise of Osama Bin-Laden, I want to share an image I took on September 11th, 2006. These are beams of light that went up from the Pentagon on the night of the fifth anniversary of September 11th, 2001. There is one beam of light for each of the 189 victims and here is how it looked.

Please click on image to enlarge.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see recent examples of his architectural photography.

View From London Hotel Room

2011-05-01T10:33:00.002-04:00

With all the attention of the Royal wedding this past week, I am reminded of an image I created in London. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working in London for the Washington, DC law firm of Covington & Burling. The firm put us up at the Savoy Hotel right on the Strand, just a few blocks from their London office. When I saw this view from the window in my room, I just had to photograph it.

Please click on image to enlarge.

From left to right, one can see: the London Eye, Hungerford Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Westminster Palace (Houses of Parliament), Victoria Tower, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey.

Would love to return to London some day soon with my cameras as I did not have time to explore the city while on assignment.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC, VA, MD, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Why We Have Earth Day

2011-04-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

Paper mill, Iwakuni, Japan.

Please click on to enlarge.

This paper mill runs 24/7 everyday of the year. One can smell the output from the smoke stacks miles away. Note how the homes are right next to it.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Old Town Alexandria, VA

2011-04-16T18:31:00.006-04:00

Took a walk through Old Town Alexandria, VA last week and did a bit of street photography. Please click on images to enlarge.

Carlyle House

I like the juxtaposition of the old fashioned paddle wheel with the modern propeller.

"Lou" the cat in the window of K. Aubrey Flowers. She is focused on a fly on the window. Lou and her sister Lou Lou live in the flower shop.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Spring is Finally Here

2011-03-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

With today being the first day of Spring, I thought I would share a couple of images of Spring. Please click on images to enlarge.

US Capitol.

Artist painting cherry blossoms in Bethesda, MD.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his architectural photography.

Ebisu Shrine, Iwakuni, Japan

2011-03-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

My photograph "Good Luck Masks, Iwakuni, Japan" of the Shinto Ebisu Jinja (Shinto God of Wealth or Business Shrine) was just selected for exhibition in the March 2011 monthly show "Carnevale" at the Art League Gallery in Old Town Alexandria, VA.

Please click on image to enlarge.

Only 108 out of 400 pieces were selected for this show. The juror was sculptor David Page, adjunct professor of sculpture at Towson State University and the Corcoran College of Art+Design. Professor Page said he hoped to see a variety of lively, energetic work in the show and his expectations were met. He said he was most interested in the "communication of energy" and when jurying an exhibit he first looks for the artist's personal vision in the work. He added that he is attracted to works with freshness - whether it is in the style, medium, or subject matter and wants to be moved by the work - to experience some sort of emotional/psychological shift. In this case he states that he wanted to experience "delight."

This image was taken on 4x5 Fuji Velvia color transparency film. The brightly colored masks and surrounding dark wood were at opposite ends of the tonal scale, very bright and very dark. This made it a challenge to expose because of the slow speed of the Velvia film which I rated at e.i. 32. It was fortunate to be there on a sunny day. The grounds were covered in a light sandy soil that reflected the sunlight up into the masks. This not only brought out the vibrant color of the masks but it illuminated the wood structure and its weathered grain. This reduced the contrast in the scene, allowing the film to record all the detail.

The contrast between the brightly colored masks and dark weathered wooden structure is what initially caught my eye. I worked with the composition until I got it just the way I wanted and then went on to manipulate the camera swing and tilt movements unitl I got all the elements in the same plane of focus.

Aerial Photography from an Air Force Tanker

2011-03-08T12:44:00.004-05:00

The news of Boeing's new tanker contract reminds me of flying in an Air Force tanker during my US Marine Corps avionics days. I worked on F-4 Phantom fighter jets. This is my shot of two F-4S Phantoms flying over the Caribbean on our way back from a deployment in Puerto Rico.

Please click on image to enlarge.

I made this shot from the boom operators station in a McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) KC-10 tanker. The Phantoms would refuel in flight every so many hours, saving them from having to land and refuel. While flying in formation behind us, the rear Phantom suddenly did a barrel roll. I thought it would make a great shot so I asked the boom operator, who was in constant radio contact with the Phantoms, to ask the pilot to roll again. Not only did he roll but he stayed inverted for a few seconds, giving me time to get the shot. It resulted in this unique image and remains a favorite in my collection of aviation photographs.

Todd a. Smith is an award-winning Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

Wisconsin State Capitol

2011-03-01T13:08:00.006-05:00

With all the attention the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison is getting recently, I thought I'd share some of my photographs of it. Please click on images to enlarge.

Capitol reflected in the Skidmore, Owens & Merrill (SOM) designed First Wisconsin Plaza at dusk.

Reflection in an office building on W. Mifflin Street in late afternoon. Took a bit of subtle maneuvering to get the reflection just the way I wanted.

Interior detail with young lady in red descending stairway.

Rotunda view showing East Gallery wing and Robert M. Lafollette bust.

The Wisconsin State Capitol was designed by George B. Post and Sons in 1906. The Capitol was begun in late 1906 and finally completed in 1917. This is by far my favorite building in the world. The design, materials and workmanship are amazing.

On a note of interest, Madison used to be famous for its Italian restaurants downtown and in the Greenbush neighborhood. The marvelous stone and marble craftsmen who built the Capitol were mostly from Italy. They brought their families when they settled in Madison. Sadly, only a few of these restaurants remain. One of the best, Paisan's still does.

Todd A. Smith is an architectural photographer in Washington, DC, VA and MD with offices in Alexandria, VA. For projects in NJ, NY and PA he has a second office in Spring Lake, NJ.

Presidential Images for Presidents' Day

2011-02-21T10:52:00.003-05:00

In honor of Presidents' Day, I thought I would share some presidential images I've taken over the years. Please click on the images to enlarge.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. Sculptor: Daniel Chester French

Abraham Lincoln Life Mask. Sculptor: Leonard Volk, c. 1860. Woodrow Wilson House museum, Washington, DC.

Woodrow Wilson Bust. Sculptor: Jo Davidson. Woodrow Wilson House museum, Washington, DC.

(official White House photo)

Me at the White House with President Clinton when I finished my tour with Marine Presidential Helicopter Squadron HMX-1.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

Yale Steam Laundry Condominiums

2011-02-17T11:22:00.005-05:00

Sometimes, a large view is the best way to convey the scope and design of a project. This image of the Yale Steam Laundry Condominiums in Washington, DC is a perfect example.

Click on image to enlarge.

This front elevation of the BBG-BBGM (new east tower) and John Ronan (historic Yale Steam Laundry building) Yale Steam Laundry Condominiums was a challenge to make. One wide shot would not cover the entire building. An extreme wide angle lens would have distorted the building. This view took several images combined as a panorama in post production to accurately render the building.

Todd A. Smith is Washington, DC architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website or call 703-751-1688 to see more of Todd's work.

Rolls Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy at 100

2011-02-13T21:21:00.001-05:00

The iconic Rolls Royce "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament celebrates its 100th birthday this month. Here are three images of President Woodrow Wilson's 1923 Rolls Royce as part of a recent shoot we did for the Woodrow Wilson House museum in Washington, DC.

Click on image to enlarge.

In the first image, a close up, I wanted to convey the feeling of motion so I used a slow shutter speed to blur the American flag in the subtle breeze.

The second image is a front view of President Wilson's 1923 Rolls Royce. This image gives the Spirit of Ecstasy a sense of place and scale.

The third image took a bit of planning and coordination. I needed the light to skim the north facing front facade of the President's home. This involved waiting four months until June when the sun would hit the north facade. Moving the car was the next challenge. When a member of the Washington, DC chapter of the Rolls Royce car club started up the car it backfired so loudly that the embassy neighbors up and down the street were either ducking or peeking out their windows to see what was going on. After several false starts the engine finally caught. Only then were we able to move the car into position and make the shot.

Meanwhile in Great Britain, one hundred Rolls Royces were recently driven through London on the 6th of February to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the enduring, iconic Spirit of Ecstasy.

Todd A. Smith is a Washington, DC architectural photographer, with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC or call 703-751-1688 to see more of Todd's work.

Louis Sullivan's Bank in Columbus, WI.

2011-02-10T17:27:00.021-05:00

Below are five images from downtown Columbus, WI. Four are views of the Farmers and Merchants Union Bank, Louis Sullivan's last "Jewel Box" bank, built in 1919. One is a view of the Columbus City Hall designed by T.D Allen of Minneapolis, MN in 1892. Please click on images to enlarge.

Above, Sullivan's design is on the right, and on the left, the 2006 addition designed by John G. Waite & Associates of Albany, NY. The new addition, on the left, was designed to replicate the feel of the original downtown architecture.

Columbus, WI, City Hall

Farmers and Merchants Union Bank as seen from roof of Columbus City Hall. This view shows the 1980 addition to the bank designed by the Bunce Corporation of Madison, WI, which was torn down when the new addition was built in 2006.

Front elevation of the original 1919 Sullivan design, right, and the 1980 addition, left.

Northwest facade. Ever notice the roaring lion's head shadow from the square block pillars' ornament?

Sullivan used lions and lion's heads in the design throughout the bank. This shadow only appears from the sun hitting the ornament at certain time of the year and resembles a lions head, even though there isn't one in the ornament.

I look for the unique angles of a subject. It adds interest to the image. This bank has been photographed hundreds if not thousands of times by historians, architects, and tourists for its association with Louis Sullivan. Sullivan's most famous student was Frank Lloyd Wright. Columbus, WI also boasts a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house built in 1956.

Todd A. Smith is a Virginia architectural photographer specializing in residential and commercial projects as well as scale models. Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

Jonen Ji Temple, Iwakuni, Japan

2011-02-08T09:57:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, a vignette will bring the viewer into a shot and tell the story better than a wider shot will. I will use vignettes in my architectural photography to help bring an intimacy to a space.

This close up image of a blue-green patinated bronze statue of a Buddhist monk and yellow flowers brings out the peace of the temple. I felt a wider shot would have had too much information, and the peace would have been lost.

Click on image to enlarge.

This image presented a depth of field focus challenge. I wanted the image sharp from the front toe to the flowers. But, my lens couldn't accomplish this with stopping down the aperture alone. I used quite a bit of front standard swing (or Schleimpflug) on my view camera to give me the depth of field I needed while keeping my aperture at an f-stop setting for maximum sharpness.

This image won honorable mention in the June 2010 Alexandria Art League Gallery show located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

St. Matthews Cathedral Washington, DC

2011-02-02T10:12:00.008-05:00

I work with my photographer wife Tracey Attlee as second shooter at her weddings and when she's shooting business portraits. During a wedding ceremony, I'm usually in the back of the church getting overall shots with a wide lens and close ups of the altar with a telephoto lens.

Click on image to enlarge.

I'm happy to use my architectural photography skills while working with Tracey as it adds a dimension to her work that other wedding photographers do not have.

Tracey's client was thrilled with this image and all of the wedding images of that day.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

Thinking of Summer

2011-02-01T16:27:00.003-05:00

With the news stations predicting ice this evening, I am looking forward to summer! This image of sunrise at the shore is from last summer taken in Spring Lake, NJ while on assignment at the Hewitt-Wellington Hotel.

Click on image to enlarge.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

US Capitol in Snow

2011-01-27T17:05:00.001-05:00

This weeks snow reminded me of an image of the US Capitol I'd taken a couple of years ago.

Click on image to enlarge.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website to see more of Todd's work.

Playing With Fire

2011-01-24T11:22:00.004-05:00

While photographing street scenes in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, one Sunday morning, I saw this Jazz band stand up bass player in an open French door of a restaurant on King Street.

Click on on image to enlarge.

I quickly took the shot from across the street so I wouldn't miss it due to someone walking in front of me or a vehicle suddenly blocking my view. When shooting street photography, it's now or never as the best images can quickly change or even disappear.

I didn't notice the flame tattoo on his wrist until I open the image in post production, hence the name "Playing With Fire". This image was accepted into the Alexandria Art League Gallery January 2010 monthly juried show in Alexandria, Virginia.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC to see more of Todd's work.

Air Force Memorial Flyover

2011-01-22T18:03:00.003-05:00

Going through my archives, I found the images from an assignment for the Boeing Company. On 10 April 2008, Boeing sponsored a flyover of the US Air Force Memorial of four historic military aircraft in honor of US Airmen who died during WWII and subsequent conflicts.

Click on image to enlarge.

From left to right: North American P-51D Mustang, Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, Curtis Wright P-40 Kittyhawk.

Unfortunately the forth aircraft, the Vickers Armstrong Supermarine Spitfire was unable to participate. I am sure it still made for an impressive static display at Andrews Air Force base where the flights originated from.

Being former Marine Corps Avionics with experience working on the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-4 Phantom, Presidential helicopters and the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, this was a dream assignment for me. I was able to combine my architectural photography with flying aircraft. I still get a thrill seeing and photographing high performance aircraft whether modern or historic.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website to see more of Todd's work.

Japanese Castle with Stair Trails

2011-01-20T12:18:00.005-05:00

This image of star trails taken in 1998 over Iwakuni Castle in Iwakuni, Japan, took a bit of pre-planning. I had this image in my mind for over a year before it was taken because I would need a clear night; no haze or cloud cover. Both happening on the same evening is rare in industrial coastal Japan.

Click on image to enlarge

On the afternoon I saw my ideal weather conditions, I travelled to Kintai-Kyo around 4:00 pm to make sure I caught the cable car going up the mountain to the castle before it shut down at 5:00 pm. I set up my 4x5 camera on my tripod, framed the picture, checked and double checked focus. And waited a few hours until dark. Patience is required for architectural photography.

The castle is lit with spot lights until 11:00 pm, and then they're shut off. This allowed me to take one exposure of the lit castle, then when the spot lights were turned off, take a second exposure the stair trails on a single sheet of film. The star trails exposure was for 45 minutes.

When I finished with the photography, and since the cable car had long stopped running, I had to walk down the dark mile long access road from the castle to the bottom with my camera equipment in a photo backpack.

Unique images take planning and going that extra bit to make happen.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website to see more of Todd's work.

Monticello

2011-01-19T17:12:00.002-05:00

While visiting Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello near Charlottesville, VA last summer, I couldn't resist taking an image of Jefferson's house. I didn't want to take the same views everyone else seems to take. I knew from my guide (who happened to be my niece Katy!) that Jefferson was famous for his gardens and interest in agriculture. I wanted this to reflect in my image of Monticello.

Click on image to enlarge.

When travelling to destinations that have photographic potential, I always bring my basic architectural equipment setup, camera, filters, tripod, shutter release, and light meter. That way, I don't let a photographic opportunity slip away.

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website to see more of Todd's work.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Washington, DC

2011-01-17T14:26:00.006-05:00

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC recently completed extensive renovations. I photographed for the architect Jonathan Nehmer + Associates in Rockville, MD and the interior designer HVScompass Boston, MA, office.

The quality of the design, materials used and workmanship were impeccable.

Here are a few images from the two day assignment. Please click on image to enlarge.

Lincoln Suite Parlor

Capitol Suite Parlor

Capitol Suite Parlor Vignette

Oval Suite Parlor

Presidential Suite Bedroom

Presidential Suite Bathroom

Please visit Todd A. Smith Photography, LLC website for more of his work..

Iwo Jima Memorial in Snow

2011-01-14T23:27:00.003-05:00

In early February of 2010, just as a snow storm was beginning, I drove to the US Marine Corps War Memorial, more commonly known at the "Iwo Jima Memorial" to photograph it in the snow.

Click on image to enlarge.

This image took about an hour to make because of having to patiently wait for the subtle breeze to billow the American flag out from the flag pole. Patience is a requirement for an architectural photographer as waiting for the right light or wind condition is a must to capture an image at its very best.

Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

Ground Zero, Hiroshima, Japan

2011-01-12T16:46:00.011-05:00

This image of the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Hall, aka Atomic Dome, was created while studying photography in Japan in the mid 1990s. This was ground zero in Hiroshima, Japan on 6 August 1945 for the world's first atomic bomb dropped during warfare by the B-29 Enola Gay. It was built in 1915 and designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel.

I used my Toyo 4x5 view camera with Fuji tungsten balanced sheet transparency film. This image was created using two separate exposures on the single sheet of film. The first was at 1/15th of a second to expose the sky. Since the building was backlit, it remained in shadow and did not register on film. The second exposure was taken several hours later when darkness fell, and the building was dimly illuminated. The second exposure was for 6 1/2 minutes. Now the sky was black and wouldn't register on the already exposed sky.

Click on image to enlarge it.

I knew what my exposures would be since I had previously scouted the location and took a series of test exposures for the sky and building. It was critical that the camera remain absolutely still during and between exposure's so the two exposures would remain in perfect register.

My camera set up.

I just love creating a technically challenging photograph as I feel it makes for a more memorable and distinctive image.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC, MD, DE, NJ, NY architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.

Published Article Image

2011-01-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

This is the original Yale Steam Laundry Lofts image used in the AIA/DC News article. Visit Todd's website at http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of his work.

Published Article

2011-01-06T17:13:00.002-05:00

The Washington DC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects monthly newsletter, AIA/DC News, has a column called Photographer's Corner. In this column, the featured architectural photographer discusses how a favorite image was created. I am featured in the December 2010 issue. Please click on the image to enlarge it to read.

Visit Todd's website at http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of his work.

US Air Force Memorial

2010-11-15T17:54:00.002-05:00

I photographed to US Air Force Memorial in Arlington, VA for a personal project. Architect: Pei Freed Cobb.

Day time.

Detail of one of the spires.

Detail of the glass wall featuring the "Missing Man Formation". It took a while to get the camera positioned just right to get this composition with the memorial in the background.

Detail of the Air Force Honor Guard Statue.

Items left at the memorial. On the left is a group photo from WWII. On the right are letters from current school children thanking the Air Force.

Night time.

Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

2010 Marine Corps Marathon

2010-11-01T17:29:00.001-04:00

The start of the 2010 Marine Corps Marathon. Note the Marine size starter pistol, a 105mm howitzer.

Marine Corps photographer getting a great angle of the race.

General Alfred Gray, USMC (Ret.) the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps and current Chairman of the Semper Fi Fund.

Helping hand. Marine taking care of one of his own.

Nearing the finish line.

The winner of the handcycle wheel chair race with police escort.

On 31 October 2010 I volunteered my photography services to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund http://www.semperfifund.org/ to photograph members of the Semper Fi Fund Team participating in the 10k, marathon and handcycle-wheelchair races. The Semper Fi Fund provides assistance and opportunities to Marines wounded in combat and their families.

Alexandria Art League October 2010

2010-10-15T11:55:00.000-04:00

The October 2010 Alexandria Art League Gallery show theme was "Dinner Party". My entry "Dressing for Dinner" was juried into the show.

Click on image to enlarge it.

The image was taken in Tilghman Island, MD of a charter fishing boat crewman cleaning the catch of Striped Bass.

Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see more of Todd's work.

Basket Case

2010-08-16T11:02:00.001-04:00

Who says you can't photograph animals with large format? I saw this cat in Iwakuni, Japan, taking a nap in the bicycle's basket and thought it would make an interesting picture. I only had my 4x5 with me, and knew with a shot like this, it's now or never.

Click on image to enlarge.

I set up my Toyo 45AII on my tripod around a corner as not to disturb the cat. I quickly took a spot meter reading, set the lens to the exposure and readied a film back loaded with Fuji NPS sheet film. Picked up the camera and set it down, looked though the ground glass, framed the image and checked focus with my loupe. Loaded the film holder, pulled the dark slide and took the shoot. This took less than 30 seconds which is very fast for large format.

The cat never woke up.

Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

Alexandria Art League, June 2010

2010-06-08T11:53:00.000-04:00

My image of the polo player at Great Meadow Polo in Great Meadow, VA title "The Attack" was juried into the June 2010 all media show at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA.

While my specialty is architecture, I enjoy equine photography in my spare time. The fast paced grace is really an enjoyable change from the more static discipline of architecture.

Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

Alexandria Art League July 2009

2009-06-12T14:56:00.005-04:00

My image of the paper mill in Iwakuni, Japan, titled "Proximity" was juried into the July 2009 all media show at the Alexandria Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA. "Proximity" also won an Honorable Mention from guest juror Kate Frazer owner of the Frazer Gallery in Bethesda, MD.

The title "Proximity" comes from the closeness of the paper mill to the residential neighborhood, and how the residents have to breath the fall-out from the smoke stacks. The paper mill runs 24/7.

The get this angle, I had to climb a ten story fire escape on an apartment building at night. I waited for the unique weather condition of a still, rainy night to capture the smoke rising straight into the atmosphere. Normally, the smoke is blown out to sea by the prevailing winds.

I used my medium format Mamiya SLR with Kodak Tri-X black and white film. The exposure was several seconds and determined by using my spotmeter.

Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see more of Todd's work.

Washington National Cathedral Lighting to Unite

2008-05-11T14:47:00.011-04:00

On May 10th, 2008 the Washington National Cathedral held "Lighting to Unite". World-renowned Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter illuminated the Cathedral with his lighting designs projected from several huge spotlights. Please click on images to enlarge.

Out of the thousands of people attending, I saw I was one of very few who had their camera on a tripod. I used one of my favorite architectural photography tools, a PC lens, to capture the Cathedral's perspectives accurately.

Todd A. Smith is a No. VA, VA, DC DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA architectural photographer with offices in Alexandria, VA and Spring Lake, NJ. Please visit http://www.tasphoto.com/ to see examples of his architectural photography.