Shenandoah Valley Heritage Ride

Ahh, the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley. They can be strenuous at times, but rewarding nonetheless. June 3rd was a perfect day in the valley for cycling, and we were joined by a couple hundred other enthusiasts. The participants fell into two categories: those who wholly supported the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Shenandoah Valley and those who were looking for a good springtime Virginia endurance ride. Admittedly, I didn't even know of the BGCNSV existed until we signed up for it. I'm glad we participated! The event was very well-organized, with rest stops stocked full of refreshments and policemen and volunteers patrolling the 70-mile loop to help with flats or injuries. It's only their 5th year holding the Shenandoah Valley Heritage Ride, but I'm already looking forward to the next one. Photos...

 

Ai Se Eu Te Pego

Our recent trip to Playa del Carmen went as planned: debauchery, tomfoolery, a crazy good time. This is the second detsination wedding I've attended in as many years, and I'm lovin' em! I partied with some old friends and met some new (international) ones. Jania and I did not return without an abundance of pictures. I'm talking a whole sloppy mess of digital memories that we had to sort through. I complied a video preview slideshow montage of some of the best. And however crude the video may be, I believe it wholly captures the essence of our trip and it really gives those who weren't there a pretty good idea of what they missed!

Washington Wizards: A Season Of Futility In The Nose-Bleeds May Actually Cause A Bleeding Nose

When the NBA announced that it would in fact hold a shortened schedule, my brother and I decided to become first-year Wizards season ticket holders. Since I've never had season tickets, it was quite exciting. It's been a roller coaster, to say the least; a roller coaster that only goes down, goes really slow, and feels frustratingly discombobulated. The Wizards got their first win against the Raptors, and that felt good.

Note that the pictures below are taken from Section 413, Row B, so I'm quite a ways away from the action. That said, I experimented with my Minolta 100-300mm Zoom xi (f/5.6 max aperature at 300mm) and the Minolta beercan 70-210mm f/4.

2011: Year in Review

2011 is over, and the most fitting way to pay homage to such a year is through imagery. Dewey Beach, Vegas, NYC, Chicago, Bermuda, Harrisonburg, DC--all fun times and lasting memories. Enjoy.

I've also posted some favorites from 2010 here for your viewing pleasure.

Christmas Eve

It was just another Christmas Eve Party at the Fadul household. I put my new flash umbrella to work, along with my Minolta 3600HS and Sigma EF-500DG Super flashes. Still trying new strobe tactics, but I'm generally pleased with how the photos came out (and equally displeased with how many times my exposure settings were off due to user error)! Merry Christmas everyone!

 

Chicago: Trip #1

I called this album 'Trip #1' because I liked the city so much that I plan to visit again. Marco was a great host for giving me a place to stay and showing me around the city. I squeezed in quality time with friendly faces (Doug, Charlie, Bonnie, Min) during my brief weekend there. Here's the gallery.

 

National Zoo & Mall

I've posted some images of our quick visit to DC during the last day of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Unfortunately, the trees were no longer in bloom.

Jason's (Then Mandy's) Ring

I was tasked by a coworker and groom-to-be Jason Harmon to photograph his engagement ring before he proposed to his fiancee, Mandy. Below are the results of the photoshoot! A lot of the pictures had dust spots because I was silly not to clean the lens before taking these macro photos...

Friends Visit Harrisonburg

Johann, Christine, and John visited Harrisonburg for a very chill weekend. Thanks guys (and Tammy) for being great models and photography subjects!

Christmas Snowfun

Christmas week with the family.The kids are always good photo subjects and the snow in the background provides some artistic negative space.

Pics continued here.

Stranded In Blacksburg

I finally got around to posting some photos from the blizzard weekend in December. The family happened to get stranded in Blacksburg that weekend for Kenny's graduation. Virginia Tech also treated everyone to a free basketball game against CSU if they could make it to Cassell that Saturday night. Click the thumbnails to get to the gallery.

Graduation photos

VT vs. CSU, December 2009

Criose: Baja Mexico

These pics are highlights from our cruise on the Roycal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas cruise ship, with ports of call in Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta (leaving from LA). Check out other pics from this vacation here.