Every year as the old year ends and new one starts we trying to summarize what we achieved. This first summary chapter of 2018 is focused on landscapes. Some of the travels this year were spectacular and images are amazing. Enjoy the selection of some of the best.
Car show is an event that seems to attract a wide range of audiences everywhere. Obviously not everyone is getting excited about the same things or even looking at the same things. However, it is hard to dispute that it brings crowds. It was not any different earlier this year in DC. 
There were plenty of new concept cars, some with new fuel, some extra small, some self driving. Pretty much something for everyone. Toyota showed some really interesting concept cars on the floor. On the left, Toyota FCV Plus Concept. On the right, a Toyota i-Road, not sure if that is still a car or a fancy tricycle. They both look small and you have to judge for yourself if you would want to drive one of them.
A more advanced Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell car, was also shown. You could actually see how hydrogen makes this car go.
Hydrogen fueled engine of Toyota Mirai
The future is already here and you can buy one of those cars. They are a little pricey and you can only drive them in California. So for all those of you in other parts of the country for now you can just look at the pictures.
Among the concepts was Huyandai autonomous Ioniq. Looking just like the rest of the Ioniq line it is well equipped with LiDAR system allowing for autonomous driving. At the same time still looks like a normal car.
Another interesting feature was presence of a lot of small cars. From a smart car, through a selection of other small vehicles. While they are not for taking long trips, they could be adventageous for driving and parking in a city.
However, not all cars were small, concept, there were also the special ones. Those that we love looking at, some of us can even afford them and they always draw crowds.
The DC car show was not all just about the cars. It was also about fashion with creations by KennyKAS Custom that were part of the The ART-of-Motion display. Beautiful creations, super patient models produced just a superb display.
Don’t worry if you missed it, there will be next one coming. It is always fun to see the cars, sit in at least some of them.
Cherry Blossom Festival last week was spectacular. The cold snap a week before did not seem to stop the flowers. The weather this spring though is very variable. Saturday was sunny but Sunday turned out to be overcast. While many photographers do not like bright sunlight for taking the pictures, in case of the cherry blossoms it is nice to have just a little sunlight. The contrast you can get between beautifully blue sky and white or lightly pink flowers does not have to be super sharp. Hiding under the trees when taking photos makes them lit up very gently, just like those pictures taken in 2009.
One unbelievable part of the Cherry Blossom Festival is the number of people coming. Everyone taking pictures with whatever tool they have, mobile phones, iPads, compact cameras, SLR cameras, or professional cameras. There were tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, the trick was to not bump into anyone or hit anyone with your gear.
As it was quite warm and calm, people were on the water enjoying the views, taking pictures and getting tangled up in blossoms.
The main question is: in how many ways can you photograph the blossoms and Washington landmarks, how many shapes do the trees have? I would say as many as there are people looking at them. Everyone will take different pictures and have a different point of view. Here are some of mine:
There were not just cherry blossoms, there were also beautiful tulips and kids as well as adults hiding between them. There were also some magnolias still in bloom.
Some people came all dressed up in beautiful outfits, kimonos, colorful dresses like the lady in a picture above. There was lots of color contrasting with the white and pink flowers present everywhere. Girls in white dresses, colorful dresses, boys in black suits. Everyone wanted to take a memorable image to take home.
Cherry Blossom Festival is a great time to spend outdoors with your family or friends. Just be prepared for crowds, relax and take it easy.
Agnes Caruso Photography 