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The Second Annual Classical Christmas Recital at Covenant Fellowship Church featured a blend of classical and traditional Christmas music, sung by a small ensemble of nine singers, joined by piano, violin, and flute. Among the songs performed were: Ding Dong Merrily on High, the Wexford Carol, I Saw Three Ships, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Mary Did you Know, Go Tell it on the Mountain, O Holy Night, Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, selections from Handel's Messiah, and more. 

The recital also included solo interludes featuring the instrumentalists, including Debussy's Clair de Lune/Silent Night and Ravel's Prelude and Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin for piano; Bartok's Vielles Danses, for flute and piano; and Bach's Chaconne for solo violin.

Mop Factory Interview

The Annual Christmas Concert at Covenant Fellowship Church is always a mix of unexpected moments, festive performances and a lot of fun. This year was no exception. The band, Mop Factory Interview, started a cotton snow ball fight at the beginning of their song, with the crowd continuing to throw the snow balls throughout their performance of "The Christmas When Everything Went Wrong." 

The audience was delighted by performances by Bubba and the Sleigh Bells, The Describers, Edge of Nowhere, and more. The audience joined in the performance with Christmas Carol-Oke. Several audience members gave memorable performances that brought joy and laughter to all who attended. It was a great show and I am already looking forward to next year.

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The Annual Children's Christmas Play at Covenant Fellowship Church is always a great way to kick-off the Christmas season and this year's production was no exception. Miracle on Main Street, was performed by the Kindergarten through 6th graders. The evening began with a student art show and guest reception, followed by the musical and homemade cookies afterwards. Our photographs provide only a brief glimpse into the fun and joy of the Christmas pageant.

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One thing I have learned is that great photos are often about timing. Being at the right place, at the right time is half the formula for capturing a great photograph. So here is my tip: Do a little research before going out to shoot.

The photo above is an example of the benefit of such research. On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I knew that I was going to have the opportunity to shoot some of the iconic locations and monuments on the National Mall. Wanting to make the most of the opportunity, I did a Google search on photography in Washington, D.C. It was very helpful. There is a wealth of information out there ranging from the rules of taking pictures on Federal properties to tips for getting the best pictures.

One insightful tip I read was related to the time of day. A writer stated that the Lincoln Memorial (as well as other monuments and attractions) is usually jammed with people. Getting a clean photo of the memorial is difficult due to the throngs of tourists pressing in for their opportunity to photograph the monument. However, in the early morning, the monuments are often deserted. They suggested that the combination of the low early morning sun shining into the chamber through the columns of the memorial and the absence of tourists make shortly after sunrise the perfect moment to shoot the Lincoln Memorial.

As a result of that tip, I woke up way too early, walked miles on the national mall almost by myself, and snapped some great photos of many of the monuments on the national mall. Researching where you are going may help inform your plan and help you be in the right place at the right time.

Photo taken with a Nikon D70, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/20s f/6.3.0 at 18mm, ISO 200

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I have read blog from many photographers who preach always carrying your camera. I don't always follow that advice. However, I was glad I brought my camera when a surprise honoring of my mother at Beulah Baptist Church, turned out to be a marriage proposal! Congratulations to Rev & Bev! 

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What a fun event to cover! It was a gorgeous day for the 4th Annual Golf Fundraiser to benefit the Bridge Course at Covenant Fellowship Church. The fundraiser was held on Monday, June 18th, 2012 at the Concord Country Club in Chadds Ford, PA. We had a great time taking pictures at the event, which benefits a a great course.

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