With Spring in full effect and the new moon in full swing, I decided it was a great time to take some night photos in Shenandoah National Park. I got the weather wrong and never saw the night sky because of clouds, however, the next morning was one of the best sunrises I’ve seen in a long time!
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Shenandoah National Park - https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
Big Meadows Campground - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/big-meadows-campground.htm

One of the highlights of the year in the DC area is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Each year, they bloom all over DC and bring in crowds from everywhere! It is always a site to check out!
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

In anticipation of the Cherry Blossoms and in search of new spots to photograph, I took advantage of a night in DC to venture out. I got off the Metro at Arlington Cemetery, walked down to the Mount Vernon Trail, and then headed to the mall to capture a series of sunset and night photos! If you are ever looking for a shortcut downtown, make use of the Arlington Cemetery Station!
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Arlington Cemetery Station - https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/arlington-cemetery.cfm
Mount Vernon Trail - https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm
National Mall National Park - https://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm

I traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for a teaching conference, and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to take a few photos during my breaks between sessions. The scene from the back of the Galt Hotel, where I was staying, offered an incredible view of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and Jeffersonville, IN. On the last night I was there, I traveled to Jeffersonville, IN, on the other side of the Ohio River to take a picture of the city!

https://galthouse.com/
https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=kentucky/clarkmemorialbridge/

Have you ever driven past a place a thousand times and wondered what was there? Bristoe Station is that place for me. I pass it probably almost 4-5 times a month and have never stopped. I am regretting that now. It has some very nice trails and scenery! It would look even more amazing with leaves on the trees of snow on the ground. I'll be back!

www.pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/bristoe-station-battlefield

Photography is very much a hobby for me and I enjoy learning how to take new types of photos. I have taken a few portraits. I am trying to learn more about how to do photography for events and products. It has been a fun change of pace! Check out these Crepes that my friend made! She teaches classes on how to make crepes! It was fun learning how to shoot food photography!

www.instagram.com/crepes_byc/
​www.airbnb.com/experiences/4569036

If you are ever looking for a small town vibe in a big urban area, Occoquan, VA is a great place to explore. Lots of little shops and nice views along Occoquan River. Around the holidays, the town truly looks like it is straight out of a Christmas movie.

www.occoquanva.gov/

There is a wetland in Woodbridge, VA that has a nice boardwalk that you allows you to explore the area. This year, in honor of the holidays, they lit the area up with a beautiful Christmas light display.

www.visitpwc.com/listing/neabsco-creek-boardwalk/1648/

The New River Valley will always be a second home for me. I attended college at Radford University and then began my career as an educator in Radford. Some of my favorite memories took place right there in the Valley. I lived in the NRV before I got into photography and since getting into it have never done a dedicated trip for photography in the region. My long term plan is to photograph the whole Blue Ridge Parkway. This seemed like a fitting way to experience the area in a new way.

www.blueridgeparkway.org/
www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/mabry-mill-mp-176.htm
www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/peaks-of-otter/
​​www.nps.gov/places/thunder-ridge.htm

I've lost count of the number of times I've driven past Shenandoah River State Park and chosen to go to Shenandoah National Park instead. Little did I realize how much I was missing. Shenandoah River State Park has amazing views and sits right on the Shenandoah River. Definitely plan to head back when it gets warmer to try camping out there and to do some fishing!

www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river