To capture movement in an image, a photographer can either choose to freeze the action (typically using a faster shutter speed) or allow creative blur to show movement (using a slower shutter speed). Choosing the latter, photographer Joe Flood uses a shutter speed of 1/40 to demonstrate the biker’s swift momentum as he zips by the photographer. His vantage point and the evidence of it having recently rained gives the viewer a better sense of the photographer’s experience. Though temporary, this moment evokes a relatable feeling of hustling through the streets with one’s head slightly down to avoid the day’s cold chill.

Evoking the spirit of Impressionist artists, this image by Patrick Thibodeau shows the hustle and bustle that can be seen at D.C.’s Eastern Market in a unique fashion. One way of creating this painterly effect is by using filters and layers in Photoshop, which can provide further control over the final look and feel of the image. Thank you, Patrick, for showing us diversity within the field of photography and for sharing your individual artistic style!

This image, taken by Mark Andre, provides not only a captivating perspective of new buildings in DC (Midtown Center) but also demonstrates the artistry that goes into architectural design. The photograph’s symmetry, which is created by the positioning of the camera and skillful lighting, shows the geometry of the architecture amazingly. The photographer is also using a narrower aperture (f/8.0) to keep the details of the building in focus. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, Mark!

In our local and national news, we so often see images of conflict, and that is why it is so important to share moments of our communities coming together. In this image taken by Kevin Wolf, we see a member of the Arlington Police Department playing basketball with local youth at an event called National Night Out. The event, which started in 1984, occurs on the first Tuesday of August and is meant to increase awareness about police programs and anti-crime efforts in communities.

John Sonderman does a fantastic job of capturing the soft glow of these floating lanterns. Looking at the image, we see the water as still as glass reflecting the shape of the lanterns and their glow, an interesting parallel. The photograph leaves the viewer with a calm and contemplative feeling, which is what I enjoy most about the piece. Thanks for sharing, John!