Team JS4MS is back....Please join us

There are so many distractions in today's world. We're all being pulled in hundreds of directions, that sometimes we don't have time to give back. Many days I feel like the day goes by in 15 minutes, and I didn't get a thing accomplished. Last year was one of those years, where I just didn't have time to give back. For 10 years prior, Margi & I had co-Captained "Team JS4MS", our "team" in the Washington, DC area's annual MS Walk, to raise funds that go toward research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. In those 10+ years, we have raised just over $182, 000, and last month at an awards ceremony in Chicago I was an honored as an inductee into the National MS Society's "Volunteer Hall of Fame". Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, I was not able to attend, so last week in DC, I visited the MS Society's office, and was given this ribbon and a beautiful engraved plaque by chapter President, Chris Broullire and Betsy O'Brien Anderson VP of Development at the Society. I really appreciated all the kind words they had to say during my visit.

TEAM JS4MS is BACK, and accepting donations, and hopefully more & more team members for the 2009 MS Walk. This year's walk takes place on Saturday April 29, 2009. Mark your calendars now. Join us...Drop me a note for more info, or for us to add you to our info emails.

We all need to make the time to give back, the funds raised for research is helping and most importantly working, I know first hand.

And again, it IS Gilbert!

Caron Butler (#3) scores two over Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets.

D3, 24-70, ISO 4000, DX mode

Madame Tussauds had me follow the new wax figure of Gilbert Arenas to the Verizon Center last night for an unveiling between the 3rd & 4th quarter of the Wizards/Rockets game.  The sold out crowd roared when the curtains dropped, and saw real Gilbert was with wax Gilbert. Even Yao Ming had a big smile on his face...so jealous.

It's Gilbert, maybe....

It's Gilbert! or is it?  You decide...Today I shot Gilbert Arenas's wax figure being unveiled at Madame Tussauds in DC.  In the DC area, Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards just about walks on water, although he's on IR, recovering from surgery.  Everyone loves Agent Zero.  From a few feet away, you'd do a double take, it's that true to life. 

Marley comes to Washington

Brownie aka "Marley"

I found myself amongst the dogs today, literally....Got an email a few days ago from the gang at Allied Advertising, Sara, Ivory, & Brandi, asking if I was available to shoot a promotional event for the new FOX movie, "Marley & Me" (marleyandmemovie.com).  I thought the title rang a bell, and it did, Marley & Me was a book for kids that had been in my house way back when ours were young.  I checked out the movie's site and saw that it stars Jennifer Anniston & Owen Wilson, and my A list star alarm went off, so I immediately emailed Allied back and said sure, count me in.  Little did I know that the "talent" wasn't coming into town, but "Marley", or at least "Brownie" who plays "Marley" was there on the Ellipse across from The White House to meet with 20 or so adoptable dogs from agencies in the region.  Turns out that the event was to promote Dog Adoption, aiming at President Elect Obama's statement that "the girls have earned that new puppy" for the White House.  Marley/Brownie is a gorgeous Yellow Lab, which hits home, as our own Bella (Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix) has a sweet spot in the Snyder home.  Bella is THE smartest dog ever, who rules her turf, and  is being courted by the Miller/Gold Agency 

Bella

Usher "The Ladies Only" Tour

Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS ISO 2500

I received a last minute call from a client yesterday afternoon asking if I was available to photograph the Usher concert last night at the Warner Theater in DC and a short Meet n' Greet prior to the show.  I thought about it for a second and said sure, sounds like fun, plus an assignment is an assignment.  A Meet n' Greet consists of fans that have usually won a radio contest, and they have a chance to smile, hug, drool, hug some more, fawn over the performer, and then not want to let go.  I'd say I knocked out each winner's photo with Usher in about 20 seconds, and then NEXXXT.  It worked out well, no problems at all.  The show began shortly after this  (like 90 minutes...).  I was lucky enough to have great access to the venue thanks to TJ, Usher's Tour Manager, Thanks again TJ.  Usher is an amazing performer and dancer, and what a great artist to photograph.