Portrait of an Artist: Lyric Soprano and Classical Rockstar Marlissa Hudson

I've learned that when Washington, DC-based organist/pianist Marvin Mills calls you, good things follow. So when my telephone rang, and I heard his voice on the other end, I was curious and excited. And while I can't remember what he said line by line, I do remember the words "classical" and "lust" and I was hooked. Marvin has been collaborating with lyric soprano Marlissa Hudson who is shaking up classical music and making it weak in the knees with her latest project, "Lust." With her lush coloratura voice, Marlissa takes listeners on a sensual sonic ride, making classical music for the "grown and sexy." Below are a couple of my favorite images from a portrait shoot I did with this dynamic duo!

Pianist Marvin Mills and Lyric Soprano Marlissa Hudson, June 26, 2013, Kensington, MD

Lyric Soprano Marlissa Hudson, June 26, 2013, Kensington, MD

A Fathers' Day Photo Gallery

This weekend, it's dad's turn in the spotlight, and here is a gallery of some of my favorite dads (and grandads:) photographed over the past few months. Enjoy!

2013 Capital Pride Parade Highlights Reel

The 2013 Capital Pride Parade filled the streets of Washington, DC with technicolor wonder, as well as Wonder Women, and the most wonderful woman of them all, actress Lynda Carter, who served as the parade's Grand Marshall. Mayoral hopefuls also came out to shake hands, kiss babies, and enjoy this grand event. Here are a few highlights from the parade!

Vantage Point: A Child's Eye View of Baptism

I've covered every rite of passage in the Christian church - weddings, confirmations, First Communions, even funerals - but my favorite rite, by far, is that of baptism, specifically baptism of infants and children. There is the ritual of the baptismal gown - usually a billowy white satin or lace affair that's sometimes accompanied by a coordinating bonnet. And there is the child's reaction to the cold baptismal waters - a reaction that is, at best, mild curiosity, and, at worst, an ear-piercing scream. Usually, though, the high point is their reaction to the baptismal candle. There is something soothing and magical in the glow of the dancing flame, I suspect. 

Firstborn, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

Waiting His Turn, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

The Blessing, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

Make a Wish, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

A First Communion Memory

The month of May ushers in all sorts of rites of passage - from final exams to graduations, baptisms, and, in the Roman Catholic Church, First Communion. At Saint Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Arlington, VA, over 100 children received their First Communion over the course of two days. The boys, dressed in dark suits, and the girls, in the white dresses and veils that symbolize purity, lined up and marched into the church, two by two. Watching these children, I thought about my own First Communion, decades ago. I hope that their memories of their day will be as dear to them as mine are to me.

Getting last minute instructions before service, photo by Shannon Finney, Arlington, VA, May 2013

The somber walk down the aisle as the service ends, photo by Shannon Finney, Arlington, VA, May 2013 

The children is all smiles at the photo-op following their First Communion, photo by Shannon Finney, Arlington, VA, May 2013

Shadow and Light and One Heck of a First Date

First Date, photograph by Shannon Finney, February 2013, West Palm Beach, Florida

Sometimes the best photos just happen when opportunity and 
preparation collide, as they did on this day as I strolled around the 
historic Breakers property in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was an

unusually brisk evening, with thick, fluffy white clouds hiding the sun 
from us on the ground. It was an epic game of atmospheric peek-a-boo. 
For a brief moment, I managed to catch the sun, soaking in its

generous warmth, but then, as the day grew older, I realized that I 
would have to continue this pursuit another day. I had run into the 
couple pictured above earlier in my walk. We greeted each other and they

told me that this was their very first face to face meeting after 
months of telephone calls, online chatting, and Skyping. They noticed 
my camera, and awkwardly asked if I would snap a photo of 
them with their iPhone, which I did. They thanked me and I 
wished them luck, and I walked on, continuing my stroll. 
An hour later, as I retraced my steps, I spotted this couple, again, 
only this time, in the shadows of the sun, and the sounds of the surf, 
they were still. In the interim, between our initial meeting and now, he

had taken off his jacket and placed it around her bare shoulders. 
And there the two were, motionless, but not emotionless. I hope that 
their first date was not their only date.

Toes in the Sand for a Little Weekend Ahhh:)

It's the weekend and (hopefully) the end of your work week, so why not take a mental escape to blue skies, sandy beaches, and water that's just the right temperature:)

Key West, Florida, February 2013, photo by Shannon Finney

The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, February 2013, photo by Shannon Finney