National Lawyers Convention at the Mayflower Hotel

This past November 13-15, we were honored to photograph the annual Lawyers Convention hosted by the Federalist Society at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. This yearly event consists of a series of panels, debates and receptions with the highlight being a sold out black tie dinner held at the Washington Marriott Marquis on Thursday evening. The keynote speaker at the reception was Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito. Here are some images from the convention.

Supreme Court Justice Scalia speaking at the opening of the 2014 National Lawyers Convention
held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC.

Supreme Court Justice Thomas speaking with attendees at the
National Lawyers Convention in Washington DC - Nov 13-15 2014

Federalist Society's Executive Vice President Leonard Leo (left), and President, Eugene B. Meyer (right) with Supreme Court Justices, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia and Samual Alita

Supreme Court Justice Alito, guest speaker at the 2014 National Lawyers Convention.

Senator Orrin Hatch addressing the 2014 National Lawyers Convention.

Senator Orrin Hatch addressing the 2014 National Lawyers Convention.

Former US Attorney General Michael Mukasey addressing the 2014 National Lawyers Convention

Tom Brokaw and Gary Sinies honored at by the Easter Seals

Recently we were chosen by the Easter Seals association to photograph their Advocacy Awards ceremony for the Washington, DC; Maryland, and Virginia areas honoring veteran journalist Tom Brokaw and actor Gary Sinise, for their work helping veterans.

TV anchor man, Tom Brokaw, addressing the Easter Seal Advocacy Awards dinner in Washington DC

Brokaw was honored for his work advocating for our military and veterans through his journalistic endeavors. He gave an impassioned speech about how society is becoming disassociated from our military and we need to get reconnected.

Actor and advocate, Gary Sinise, addressing the Easter Seal Advocacy Awards dinner in Washington DC

 Sinise was honored for his work with veterans through his Gary Sinise Foundation and his co-founded Operations International Children. Sinise quoted Winston Churchill about doing his “bit to help.” He shared how during WWII the elderly would knit socks for the soldiers fighting, as everyone was doing their bit to help. 

Gary Sinise receiving his award from Iraq combat veteran and Congresswoman, Tammy Duckworth (D) Illinois

Disposable Cameras - Are They Worth It?

This question keeps popping up on both bride's internet sites and in my meetings with prospective clients. Will these cameras give you worthwhile quality photographs? Let's think about who will actually use the cameras - most likely either kids or somewhat inebriated guests are the ones drawn to them. As a rule neither of these groups make good photographers.

Lets look at the true cost of these cameras: 
Each disposable camera will cost you about $6.
Let's say you have 15 tables at your reception.
Total cost of cameras:  6x15 = $90

After the event or wedding each of these cameras will have to be processed and printed. The average cost of processing and printing each camera is $8.
Total cost of processing:  8x15 = $120

Your total cost for purchasing and processing 15 cameras is therefore $90 + $120 = $210

This may not seem like a lot of money, but think about this for a moment. What kind of a quality image do you expect to get from a $6 camera, made of plastic with a plastic lens and a flash that has a range of about 5 feet? The answer is NOT GREAT! You will be very fortunate to get 3 good photographs from these 15 cameras - which, if you break the cost down, works out to $70 per photograph!

My advice - DO NOT WASTE your money on these cameras. Your professional photographer uses equipment valued at thousands of dollars to capture you looking your best and will certainly do a far better job than these disposable cameras.