I got a last-minute invite from a photog buddy, and we went out to join the crowds (about 50,000).  The weather wasn’t too hot; the skies were overcast, giving us even light but boring skies.  It was a great day for the races.  Robert Duvall presented the trophy to the winner.

These events are as much about “meeting and greeting” as they are about the horse races.  We didn’t have too much time to go out and shoot photos of the crowds before the races, but, as in Kentucky, Gold Cup folks were wearing their hats.

The ladies had on their new sun dresses and were sporting fresh paint jobs on their toes.  Even the band wore fancy hats and skirts.  

Unlike the Kentucky Derby, we had six races around a meadow course, with jumps scattered throughout.   Each race was a different length (2-4.5 miles), and the riders came from different directions.  The crowd was on the rails cheering them on.

We found a spot on the rails between a couple of jumps to maximize our shooting options.   Our shooting position offered two different jumps and an open stretch.

With fast-moving subjects, we bumped up the ISO to keep the shutter speeds above 1/1000 and the racers sharp.  Between the jumps, we shot them racing by at a full gallop.

It was a fun day at the races for all.  Something I’d never done before.  There is another race in October to give me another chance.  I’m betting the grandchildren would really enjoy being there, too.   Sharing the experience is one of the things that makes photography so much fun.

Champagne bottles stacked to age

and just relax for a few days.  I found a little B&B, Maison Fleurie, right behind Bouchon, the most famous bakery in Yountville.  Despite the fact that the inn provided a lovely breakfast, we had to wander over there to check out their latest offerings, as we could smell them baking all night long.

Macarons in all flavors and colors

From our balcony, every morning we got to watch the hot air balloons rise through the trees.

Looks great from a safe distance

It was pretty chilly while we were there and those balloon rides left at 6 AM.  We said “let’s save that for never….”

Spring was in full blossom in the valley.

Wisteria dripping from the trellises

We stopped at a really fun winery called “Cliff Lede”, not only was the wine wonderful, but the sculptures on the grounds were fun and emblematic of why we were there.   

Since Sarah had never been to San Francisco, we did a whirlwind day tour.  We hit Chinatown, rode the cable cars-right up to the stars, saw Alcatraz—from a distance and of course the Golden Gate.  It was actually some of the clearest weather I’d ever seen.  To top it off, we got to have dinner with 2 of my cousins.  Just a great trip to cap off a truly wonderful year with my amazing wife–I brought my heart right back home.

Starting with the pregame hoisting of the team flag, it was just a lot of fun.

It always reminds me as the teams are introduced; just what a rich American tradition this game represents. It still is touching to watch soldiers unfurl and wave the huge flag.

Finally, the first pitch and the game begins.  Here in DC they have the between innings Presidents race.  In five seasons, Teddy has never won.  To start the season, he tied the shoelaces of George, Tom and Abe together so they stumbled and fell out of the starting gate.  It looked like he might win…, but no, Tom took off his shoes and passed him at the tape.  Oh, well.

Oh and the game, well the Nats won and they are actually in 1^st place.

As a result of this year’s session, you will be seeing some big changes to the Efcubed website and some exciting new ways to connect with us.  I am not going to spoil the surprises, so stay tuned.

One of the really neat features of the conference is the Expo floor where all the vendors show off their new products in small class size demonstrations.  Westcott lighting sets up a booth and brings in live models and there is a crowd of people jammed together like sardines, trying to take their pictures.  The models were really great sports and try to take direction from this babble of shooters. One of the things we learned is to just talk to them about what you want and they will give back good ideas as well. The first day had a very interesting couple from PA.  They were garbed as a fantasy warrior princess and a “Steampunk” explorer.   He made both of their costumes and all the props. 

They were fun to shoot, once you got through the crowds

The other model that day provided quite a contrast—a very serene guitar player. 

Oh, and since the purpose of the booth was to convince the attendees to buy lighting equipment, I have to report that I did indeed fulfill that requirement.

It was an interesting visit on many levels to me.  First, it’s a compelling subject as a photography story.  Most Americans don’t give a second thought about the people behind the casualty statistics.  This facility is top-notch, and the good work happening there needs to be recognized.  Next, I am a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project (whose presence is everywhere in the Center), so it’s always good to see my donations at work.  Finally, I’m a retired Army officer, with an Army officer son in a combat unit, so soldiers and their welfare are important to our family.

I wish I had the ability to make that in-depth photo study, but I wasn’t being sponsored by either the Army or Wounded Warrior Project.  I was there for a couple hours of snapshots – recording images for a Family Readiness Group.  You can learn more about the Center for the Intrepid here.  You can volunteer to assist the Wounded Warrior Project or donate to their mission here.

I went to the Center with my son to meet and photograph some wounded soldiers from his brigade.  He spent both days at the Center on an official visit with them and some of their family members.

These unit visits may seem trivial to civilians, but they are important to soldiers.  Teamwork and unit cohesion are crucial to the military.  They foster a closeness and camaraderie that are hard to explain, but strongly felt by members of the unit.  The visits help maintain the bond and let the wounded soldiers know that they are still members of the unit and not forgotten.  In fact, these soldiers were looking forward to returning to Alaska when the brigade returns from Afghanistan.  The First Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, “Arctic Wolves,” will be home before June.  These troops want to be back with their team for the homecoming festivities.  If they are fit to travel, the Army will send them there.

I was in the main lobby, not in the wards, so I only met soldiers well into their recovery.  These soldiers were no longer self-conscious of their prosthetics.   One just plopped down on the floor for a conversation, like we were at a Saturday afternoon picnic.  They don’t want your pity – just a chance to move on with their lives.

It was a visit all Americans should make.  As you can see, I didn’t make any great photographs in the few hours I had with these soldiers.  That wasn’t really my goal on this trip.  I was just there to provide a simple task for these young soldiers.  Anyone could have done it, but I was lucky enough to be asked.  Thanks, guys.