Tag Archives: virginia

Airport on the Potomac: a Photo Story

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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is one of three airports serving the greater Washington D.C. area. The airport is also called National Airport, Washington National, Reagan, or DCA.

The airport is three miles south of Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River. It is easily accessible to residents in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland by vehicle and a stop on either the blue or yellow lines on the Metro. This rapid transit system serves both the inside and the outside of the Capital Beltway.

Passengers can be dropped off by loved ones or ride shares at one of two locations with access to all four terminals. Terminal A is the oldest terminal and services flights mostly from Air Canada, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Terminal B services American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. American Airlines and jetBlue share Terminal B/C. Terminal C is used solely by American Airlines.

On March 22, 2017, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Washington National, announced the plans for “Project Journey,” a $1 billion remodel. To this day, scaffolding and alternate routes for security check-in, limit access to some of the areas inside the airport. The National Hall, which connects all the terminals within the airport, is only accessible for ticketed passengers. The public can only view the National Hall from the departure level through the glass.

People who are not flying but like to watch airplanes take off and land have another option to view this beautiful airport. Gravelly Point is a park north of Washington National and connects bike riders to the Mount Vernon Trail. There are picnic benches, a large field, and plenty of opportunities to take photos of incoming airplanes.

An American Airlines flight arrives in the late afternoon at Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia on January 27, 2020 amid mostly clear skies.
Elements of Photography: Sense of Place, Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines
Drop-offs and pick-ups on January 28, 2022 are visible from the metro platform at the Ronal Reagan Washington National Airport metro stop.
Elements of Photography: Rule of Thirds, Sense of Place
Passengers departing from Washington National on January 28, 2022 are dropped off by loved ones or ride shares at Terminal C.
Elements of Photography: Linear perspective, Rule of Thirds
Passengers seen on January 28, 2022 are waiting to check-in for their flights at the departure level and take in views of the expansive National Hall and the airplanes outside.
Elements of Photography: Movement
Passengers are walking through the National Hall in between Terminal A and B/C at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 28, 2022.
Elements of Photography: Movement, Leading Lines
Passengers arriving at Washington National leave the secure are to get their bags from baggage claim on the first level of the airport on January 28, 2022.
Elements of Photography: Silhouette, Rule of Thirds, Framing
On the arrival level of Washington National Airport passengers look at multiple screens to see which baggage claim carousel their checked bags will come to on January 28, 2022.
Elements of Photography: Motion, Rule of Thirds
A family is seen with their luggage heading towards the parking garage on one of the people movers on January 28, 2022.
Elements of Photography: Motion, Graphics
Photographer at Gravelly Point captures an airplane arriving at Washington National Airport in the late afternoon on January 27, 2022. Gravelly Point is located less than a mile north of Washington National.
Elements of Photography: Shadow, Repetition, Decisive Moment, Sense of Place

On the Mount Vernon Trail, the control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is clearly visible in the late afternoon on January 27, 2022. Elements of Photography: Rule of Thirds, Framing

Hey Ms. Bartender

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Bartending is one of those trades that looks simple but, it is a whole lot more than just slanging drinks and collecting a tip. Since I’ve been going through a bit of a transition lately, I decided to go to the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, Virginia. I have to say, it was a great experience and they are fully committed to making all their students amazing, KNOWLEDGEABLE bartenders.

I walked into the Professional Bartending School one Friday and signed up that afternoon. The first thing I saw was a student conducting her speed test. It was awesome, and slightly intimidating, to see her move so quickly behind the bar and she ended up with an amazing time! The convincing factor was the amazing testimonies I received from the students who were around. Some were practicing, others were waiting for the next class to start but, they all said they were learning so much and having more fun than they imagined. To hear first hand how great current and former students felt the program was really helped convince me that the Professional Bartending School was for me.

I learned to make a variety classic cocktails and a variety of drinks that I didn’t even know existed. Once we completed the lecture part of class, we were able to practice and perfect making each and every drink. Once you complete the course, you have to take a written test and a speed test. I have photographic memory so, I wasn’t too worried about studying for the written test but, as the speed test got closer and closer, I got nervous. Although I practiced every day and studied as much as possible, I couldn’t shake the nerves. I took the written test to calm myself down and it worked! I did well on the speed test and even did it in a faster time than I had even hoped for!

If you or someone you know is considering bartending school or just want some more information, check out their website or feel free to contact me.