A Once Upon a Time Jewel on the Potomac

    from a photographer's notebook...

Washington Monument in Restoration Scaffolding      

Were you in Washington back around 1998 - 2000?

If so, you remember a magical sight, especially at twilight.

The Washington Monument was undergoing a major restoration.

An elaborate framework and lots of protective plastic surrounded the stark obelisk, turning it into a shimmering multifaceted jewel.

It inspired many a new look with the cameras, from many different vantage points from sunset through twilight to full night-time. Indeed, on a clear night, it was nothing short of stunning!

I was pleased to have the above photograph selected by Lillian Fitzgerald, Director of Alexandria's Fitzgerald Fine Art, who juried the May All Media Show at the Art League Gallery in Old Town. It will be displayed this month as a 14 x 20 print.

If you are in the area, please join us for the Artists' Reception on Gallery Night in Old Town, Thursday evening May 12th. The Art League Gallery is on the First Floor of the Torpedo Factory at the intersection of King and North Union Streets. 703-683-1780.

This view was shot from inside the Lincoln Memorial on a very clear night in July 1999, looking down the Reflecting Pool toward the Capitol. It was captured on Fuji NPS-160 film.  It is part of a portfolio of images bringing back those jewel-like aspects of the monument's restoration.  They will be offered as custom printed Photo Note Cards as well as laboratory chemistry prints and archival Giclée renderings in various sizes.

You may see additional views of this "Once Upon a Time Jewel on the Potomac" by visiting my photo site on foto-community. Follow this link, and once there, please navigate the "Nightscapes-U.S." folder for some additional Washington by Night images, including some taken on our Super-Moonrise evening earlier this year.

©2011 Steve Ember