albert ting

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Last week I just happened to run into my friend, Albert. He casually mentioned how he had the day off of work so I asked him if he wanted to join me on a little photowalk in Anacostia. I was preparing for our IGDC photo walk over the weekend so I thought it would be fun to do together. The little photowalk ended up being a photo adventure and the last stop was at the Francis A Gregory Library. I have heard about this library before but honestly, being there in person is nothing like the photos. It is breathtaking. The whole front facade is made up of diamond shaped reflective pieces. So the front of the building looks like a mirror with windows in between the diamond shapes and the interior of the building is wood paneling.

Albert and I spent some time taking pictures in the front and the interior of the building. All of that was so fun. But when we were leaving, I asked him if we could take more pictures of the reflections. He agreed but somehow we ended up walking around the side of the building and then eventually to the back. Both of our mouths dropped in amazement when we saw A WHOLE WALL OF REFLECTION and the best part about it was that there were fall colors on the trees so I feel like it made it even more special. It’s like a double whammy of color right in your face. It was so hard for me to contain my excitement. I’m pretty sure both of us said “Wow” at least 20 times. I immediately asked Albert to stand in the center and pose a little bit. If you ever need someone to give you some fierce posing, talk to my friend, Albert.

The settings for this image is F4.0 at 1/125th sec and ISO 500 with my Sony A7II and 16-35mm wide angle lens.

All photos available for print and licensing >

This is a portrait of my friend, Albert from one of Artechouse’s installations earlier this summer. I love it because of the cool lights in the background, the color, the mood but my favorite part of this image is because it is of Albert.

I’ve known him from a few years now and have been following him on instagram even longer than that. But it hasn’t been until the past year where I have really gotten to know him. We’ve spent some beautiful mornings together taking pictures and have spent some amazing evenings together talking and laughing. We have a lot of things in common, one of the main things being photography but he just inspires me so much every time we get together. I am always amazed by his images but what I love most about him is that he is not afraid to be himself. I mean look at this!

But because of him, my interest in street photography and portraiture has grown so much. Even when I’m standing right next to him, he can see things that just pass me by. He has taught me to be more patient, not care what anyone else thinks and I appreciate him so much for that.

To be honest, I don’t think he reads my blog or will ever know that I’m writing this about him. But I just would like him to know how much he inspires me to be me and how much I value his friendship. Thank you, Pootie! Hope we can get together soon after I get back from California to catch up and take more pics <3

My camera settings for this image is F4.0 at 1/500th of a second at ISO 5000 with my Sony A7II and 16-35mm wide angle lens. Have I mentioned how much I love this camera in low light situations?