Ian Wagreich Photography

Kim and Kevin

2010-05-31T15:32:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to Kim and Kevin who were married May 22, 2010, at the Masonic Temple in Alexandria, VA. It was an incredibly beautiful wedding in a gorgeous setting and we wish many best wishes to them both – and to Cinco who was amazingly behaved despite being overwhelmed with excitement on his parent's big day.

Brownies In My Equipment Case

2010-05-03T13:42:00.004-04:00

The Bay Area's got a lot of great things going on and one of my more favorite assignments was to photograph the brothers at the Sugar Bowl Bakery in the East Bay where I conspicuously parked my gear under a conveyor and had brownie crumbs drop in all afternoon.

If you shop at Safeway or at Starbucks then you know their products -- those scrumptuous one-bite brownies and doughnuts among other tasty treats. Their success is at the end of a long road, starting as refugees in Malaysia and is an amazing testament to how perseverance and opportunity can make the American dream come alive.

iw

L.A.'s Crematorium

2010-04-29T15:44:00.004-04:00

I've been working on a series for years on where we go when we die. Not so much about death but the mechanics of where our bodies go at various stages of post life. It's not all about cemeteries, you'd be surprised. Here's the latest installment from Los Angeles County's crematorium.

The Los Angeles County crematorium

The gravesite marking the ashes from the unidentified people cremated in 1999.

The smell of burning remains filled the air around the facility.

The crematorium used to sit on the adjacent Evergreen Cemetery.

iw

Dr. Wagreich, the Photographer?

2010-03-04T10:26:00.003-05:00

Photography is a lot like being a doctor. Really. Patients step into a sterile white office and just as a matter of course, reveal an intimate and sometimes private part of themselves to a complete stranger. Something they wouldn't even share with a friend of spouse.

And yes, there's an odd parallel with photography. A brief window into a subject's soul opens up and I am gifted with an intimate moment with a complete stranger. It doesn't happen with everyone but when it does it's a wonderful part of what I do. Knowing folks and learning about what makes them tick is a draw for me to the profession. That's about as close to a parallel as I can draw to my grandfathers who were both doctors.

So after weeks of navigating the turbid waters of e-mails and voice mails with his handlers and PR folks, I managed to carve out 15 minutes and four setups with Steve Forbes at the Forbes headquarters in Manhattan. For all the hype and hullabaloo that was created I managed to forge a brief connection for a few minutes chatting with and photographing this highly personable and sensitive individual full of passion, and yes opinion, about the world.

iw

The Aftermath

2010-02-15T08:54:00.003-05:00

Will all the excitement about the snow I took a breather and headed out to some favorite spots in the George Washington National Forest for some quiet time.

Happy shoveling!

iw

Bridget and Chris

2010-02-01T23:32:00.010-05:00

Bridget and Chris' wintery wedding was a fantastic collaboration between bride and groom as art directors, photographer and mother nature at the Briar Patch Inn in Middleburg, Virginia. While Chris shared his artistic eye and playful spirit, Bridget called on mother nature to grant her wish of snow and ML and I were there to capture so many unique and wonderful moments. Most brides would shudder at the thought of a snowstorm on their wedding day but we all had a little twinkle in our eyes for the good fortune it brought us in pictures. Or perhaps it was the Natty Boh! Thanks to all the stars that aligned it was a memorable Saturday.

Chris put his talented skills as an illustrator onto a pint glass party favor - a rendition of a photo from our engagement session!

For about 10 minutes nobody breathed as we hijacked the bride's dress about 100 yards out to the barn in a snowstorm.

Yes, that's a Steeler's garter.

When we contacted the owners to let us shoot at the barn they thought we were a little crazy

Bridget's sister crafted this cake, rolling thousands of sugar balls.

Natty Boh (3rd from left) and friends

Post-dollar dance mayhem

Thanks all for a great day.

iw

Bring it on Darryl and Ron!

2010-01-27T00:54:00.005-05:00

Talented artist musicians Darryl and Ron rocked the studio recently with a fresh look for their marketing and album art. It was such a pleasure to work with motivated creatives and we brought down the house during an awesome session. Thanks guys for giving me your trust and your best!

iw

Capitol Blizzard 2009

2009-12-23T23:33:00.004-05:00

It was a rare event to have a foot and a half of snow on the ground before Christmas in DC (not to mention the Senate being in session) and I took the opportunity to capture solid holiday and winter imagery at the Capitol. Surely they'll be seen in holiday cards for years to come!

Merry Christmas all and thanks for a fabulous 2009!

iw

A Capitol Engagement

2009-12-21T15:42:00.003-05:00

She didn't have a clue.

It began with a private tour of the innards of the U.S. Capitol Dome, then an amazing and romantic sunset over an exclusive view from the roof of the U.S. Capitol down the National Mall (all by themselves). And then he popped the question. Well done Marc because she really didn't know it was coming!

I was privileged to shoot the engagement (well it was really a reenactment only seconds later) of Marc and Amanda on top of the U.S. Capitol on a very brisk Fall afternoon recently. The journey to the top of the U.S. Capitol is a historic and hard-to-get guided walk that begins at the base of the old dome, climbs steep stairways and catwalks between the outer shell and the inner exterior of the Dome (called the Interstitial) with a stop 150 feet above the floor of the Rotunda before ending up at the Cupola below the State of Freedom on the exterior.

There Marc's picture-perfect planned expedition came to fruition when he asked Amanda to marry him. I was privileged to be invited along and wish them both a life of happiness and love.

And by the way, she said yes.

iw

Not Drinking the Cool Aid

2009-12-08T00:06:00.005-05:00

Having been recently married, there is no doubt in my mind that my mom would have been very happy that I surrounded myself with newborns the other night, taking time out from a fantastic visit with friends to capture a brief moment in their new little lives. Sorry to disappoint mom, but nothing rubbed off just yet. One thing is for sure the experience with both families made it seem really easy and I'm grateful that we were able to share the time together. For now though we'll just enjoy these gorgeous little ones from the other side of the lens.

iw

Let It Snow!

2009-12-06T20:09:00.006-05:00

For years now I have been photographing a local family for their holiday card and to document the life of their young daughter. So this year during our planning e-mails I shot back the idea that perhaps we venture out of the living room and den to more diverse environs. It was great when she was an infant, I just got to hang out with her, stay pretty much in one place. Now she is quite the cute little chatterbox, interested in everything and flashing moments of great photographic possibilities at every turn. I felt like the living room was too played out for me, too confining.

Alas, when I woke that morning to wet, rainy skies I thought, oh well, the living room it is.

Far from truth. I arrived at midday to a wonderful autumn snow storm fresh with big huge, wet flakes and a coating of billowy white snow. At every turn the backdrop seemed to beckon and once we got the indoor shot in the can we ventured outdoors to play. I'm not sure if I cherished the time outdoors making snow angels and mini snowmen or the photos I was able to capture.

One thing is for sure: Kids photograph best when they are being kids. So for all you parents who feel pressure to pose them and instruct them, really just let them go be themselves in all their inquisitiveness and follow with a camera, being quick on the draw. They'll produce more beautiful faces and tender moments than you could ever contrive in a dozen sittings.

Let it snow!!

iw

Cupcakes and Mermaids

2009-11-13T22:31:00.004-05:00

Local stylist Beth Chrisner and I collaborated this fall for a daylong shoot with three local models to create some dynamic work in and around the Annapolis, MD area. It is always a pleasure to work with motivated creatives!

Maternity Photo Session

2009-09-09T22:15:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful experience it was to capture one of Deb's last days of pregnancy and I am so grateful to her Ethan and the outstanding Liam for coming over to the studio to spend some time with us. Perhaps even more rewarding was letting that little man take the camera and shoot his own photos. Forget showing a kid what he looks like on the camera's LCD to get him back to sane behavior, just give him the camera!

iw

Family Portraiture at its Best

2009-09-09T00:21:00.003-04:00

This shoot last week in DC was so much fun, capturing not only great images but for me the innocence of youth and the fresh joy of his parents. Thanks all for a great time!

iw

Saving the Earth one ecoBowl at a Time

2009-09-01T23:23:00.006-04:00

Shooting the fall lineup last week of nature- and spirit-friendly ecoBowls in Kennebunkport at Presence of Nature was good old fashioned fun and hard work. Sagel and Kelly treated me right and I was so happy to contribute to the marketing for a new business that is certainly destined for great success.

This peaceful shop above the hustle of this lovely port-slash-tourist town plays gentle music as guests browse half a dozen styles of beeswax bowls in a variety of color and then make plans to decorate it according to the soul's delight. Floating candles, pinecones with cool rounded pebbles or potpourri and other dried flowers. Even a cool selection of small green rootless plants called tilandsias are available to choose from. Kids love to create and adults find great interest as well.

These bowls are fantastic reminders of nature in any setting and judging by the interest in the few hours I was there, Presence of Nature is a big hit. See presenceofnature.com and look for photos from iwphoto.com soon enough!

Thanks Sagel and Kelly.

iw

From Mud to Milestones

2009-08-07T00:14:00.007-04:00

It's been just more than a year since the Cedar River rose to the 500-year flood stage and devastated the town of Cedar Rapids, IA. Those who were able to catch the story on the evening news noted a striking familiarity to the scenes we saw after levees along the Mississippi broke and flooded southern Louisiana. Except in Iowa it wasn't covered 24/7. And Louisiana was never forgotten.

I was in Cedar Rapids for the second time this year, this time to photograph Zins Restaurant owners Amy Wyss and Lee Belfield. They, their investors and generous Iowans helped them overcome the odds. With private funds they relaunched their unique upscale tapas restuarant in this working class city with its iconic Quaker Oats factory smack dab in the middle of town burning out the smells maple and brown sugary goodness all night long.

Here more than a year later, residents recite the first edition of local lore. Like the night the hospital needed evacuating and so many hundreds of volunteers showed up in the wee hours of the morning that many more had to be turned away. And their eyes well up telling it. I too get goosebumps listening to others describe the level of support in similar numbers the town poured out to sandbag a water well in danger, to save untold millions in lost business not to mention an astronomical health threat.

What community has ever come together and raise thousands of dollars for a restaurant, a private enterprise, like this one did? I've never heard. And despite still many boarded up homes and businesses and an uncanny quietness about some suburbs, there's talk that's positive, and there's hope that is more than just talk. It's alive.

As I chatted with Amy while enjoying the best Cuban flan I've ever had, I watched Lee walk around the room on what was just any old Thursday night greeting regular guests by their first name and thanking them for their patronage. Just then he showed me it was about good food but it was also about community. That this is not just a place where people came together to dine fantastic, upscale food in a predominantly middle class town, but a place to celebrate their community, and friends and neighbors. Their home. A community that wasn't bitter about lack of federal aid, or forgotten promises. But a community that looked inward to solve its its own problems with a greatness that befits the hearts of its residents.

One thing is consistent, they all speak in hushed tones when honoring those who suffered incredible loss while at the same time acknowledging the amazing fortunes of a community drawn into cohesion from the receding waters of the Cedar River.

iw

At 13,796 Feet

2009-08-01T17:27:00.004-04:00

Hiking Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island was an otherworldly experience. Landscapes that looked like martianscapes, the occasional plant growth that seemed from the same planet. And then the emergence of giant orbs of interplanetary observance over the crest of the summit hills. And when the sun sets the Universe lights are switched on for a rare perspective on where the Earth fits in.

I captured some of those sights here in classic color and the seemingly apropos infra red.

iw

A health food restaurant in my delirium?

2009-03-18T06:11:00.003-04:00

It's 6 a.m. and I'm at Washington National Airport trying to figure out why some courageous, health conscious entrepreneur doesn't come up with a travel restaurant that appeals to the body's healthfulness. I mean, in major cities (because people outside of major cities aren't body conscious?), why isn't there an airport fast food menu with egg white omelettes, and real fruit smoothies? How about just fruit? Ah the thought of not having to bring along a packet of oatmeal, herbal tea and (mushed) banana just makes me peel with giddyness.

It is the midst of a 15-day, ten city tour mostly photographing small businesses in seven regions around the USA. Drop in to a city, today Moline, IL, shoot, grab a flight out. Tonight Cincinnati. Tomorrow Kennewick, WA. Trust me, romanticizing the dream job of rolling around doing what I love, creating and seeing the corners of our land comes screeching to a halt when I get to the bag check and they want to charge me $365 for my four cases of gear.

There are many who look at me quizzically when I try to explain I'm shooting 8x10 film and I need all the gear, plus video and ok, digital gear for stills because editors won't get the whole film scanning thing. I usually lose people at the word film. Some think I'm talking about that oily sheen that covers a puddle on a dirty street. I don't know how I got to this place, shooting in multiple media whose origins trace back to my grandfather's era. But it's fun, keeps me fresh and I wouldn't be doing something different unless I did something different.

The Girlsquad Phoot Shoot

2009-02-04T10:32:00.005-05:00

What one brings to the table as a photographer is only a miniscule component of a successful photo shoot. When viewed as an integral part of the whole one realizes that all the aspects of the team must come together to make the magic happen.

The engine roared down the track of creative success recently at our now infamous girlsquad photo shoot when seven models showed up at the studio. They brought with them heaps of wardrobe but also a good natured commitment to participate in the process and create great imagery. In short we all worked together, suffered 20-degree temps and a long day but in the end not only created great photos but also a wonderful experience which we will all cherish.

Life on the Farm

2009-01-15T12:41:00.004-05:00

I've lived, worked and traveled in many rural communities around the world but none like I experienced in a small community in the mountains of Puerto Rico over the New Year holiday. Colorful, hospitable, earthy. And oh full of belly-rolling laughs and silly songs of joy.

There were many contrasts. Rugged, thick jungles amid the hils on an island with beautiful beaches; a rural community nearly living off everything local from tropical fruits to free range chickens in the outback of an island ringed with modern shops and technology; retirees living within often meagre means while boisterous youth zip about in souped up cars.

For sure the culture is intact and I spent my days shooting little and learning more about the land than recording it. And trying to understand how a thriving agrarian community went belly up, severing families, traditions and family land plots for reasons that to me only seem related to politics and policy. But there is much to learn and in the coming years I will add to my imagery and understanding.

My story is about chickens, though. Ironic that within an American territory chicken fighting is legal. I'll make no social commentary but stand only to observe.

Prepping for a win: Sacks keep shaved legs warm at night.

Now retired, Sammy's fighter lives a good life.

The training room with unsuspecting hens grazing.

The day's work done, men play dominoes in the drive.

It all would have been a mystery to me had it not been for the gracious hospitality of my hosts. My appreciation and heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who exerted such kindness to me. I look forward to new traditions of late night music and morning fresh picked orange juice!

Thanks for reading.

iw

Seguarro

2009-01-08T17:33:00.003-05:00

Tired from work but fresh from the desert air, I spent the afternoon reflecting and finding peace among the cacti in Coronado National Forest near Tucson.

Wyoming

2008-12-29T22:38:00.010-05:00

I figure I'm about a month behind in my posts. With the holidays and an abundance of work to do, it is finally now, on the eve of my departure to Puerto Rico that I can hold back no more and share some visual while on assignment last month in Northern Wyoming.

I spent about a day driving around the countryside, wanting to stop at every turn. Even in the quiet cold of an outback farm country road there are Saturday afternoon lessons to be learned and stories to be told.

Thanks for stopping by.

iw

Holiday Fever

2008-12-16T22:30:00.006-05:00

A recent PR shoot in Washington, DC, involved capturing imagery that documents shoppers filling their virtual shopping carts with fuel for the economy. Was it the food, free internet access or the freebies flowing as loosely as cola syrup through the soda fountains? On a slow news day it was a boom for local TV.

The photo below illustrates, however much inadvertently perhaps, that sex indeed sells. Ok, a bad attempt at visual humor. I don't think the news cameras were focused on the screen.

This restaurant clearly has no policy on eating your lunch on your keyboard. Hooray for shopping!!

iw

On August 28, 2008

2008-11-27T00:11:00.007-05:00

I got a nice letter from Iowa Gov. Chet Culver the other day. While he wrote kind words of thanks for some photos I sent to him, his letter was a fine reminder for me to mention in this medium the night I was there to watch – and photograph – Barack Obama accept his party’s nomination. Cliché to say, but it was an historic moment and one I will always remember for reasons one might not have thought.

I was present at Invesco Field that afternoon on a commission to produce a corporate marketing piece for a sponsor at the Democratic National Convention.

It began as a rather unassuming night for me. As the sun set, when Sheryl Crow came and went, the rumors that The Boss would show finally dissipated and Stevie hosted us to his melodic sway, I settled in with the Iowa delegation of which Culver and his wife were a part.

By the time Barack Obama walked out onto the stage I became aware I was to play witness to history and that my position was quite unique among the Iowa delegates (who had adopted me at that point) along with 75,000 democrats swept up in a wave of patriotic love. And then there was me, my bald head shining bright to the aerial cam that kept sweeping over the crowd.

People often say time stands still in moments like those and there isn’t any other way to put it. His speech was as fast as a blink. I am always sure to back away from my camera’s eyepiece; to see with my own eyes and hear not just the frames increment but to take in a moment with all its incredibility.

And this time I heard not so much the powerful assurances of a destined leader nor saw just the resolute intent on his face. I heard the chorus of the masses celebrating change in a new era of togetherness. I saw human diversity united. I saw disparate voices singing the same song. I understood that the right leadership can in fact do good to reduce the barriers of progress in our complex world and remind everybody that sometimes a milestone as simple as a racial barrier shattered can serve to remind everybody that we are in fact all working for the same thing.

Just a little goodness.

And for the millions and millions that saw that moment, all was washed away but for the simple congratulations to one man for making it to the top. I’m so proud of humanity.

For a brief evening, there was hope in the world.

My PR Machine Cranks up to Full Speed!

2008-11-25T22:49:00.004-05:00

While on a photo shoot in rural Wyoming on Monday my portrait of a group of small business owners was the news of the day in the small town of Powell (pop. 5000). Many thanks to Don Amend of the Powell Tribune for making it all happen. Even in small towns they'll do anything to get the shot. Don climbed a rickety -- and frozen -- ladder in the back of the store across the street to get the shot.

Oh, and in case you need to be hand held, yes, that is me on top of yet another rental car.

Foto Week DC

2008-11-24T01:19:00.006-05:00

I was grateful to the Washington, DC, arts community last night for the honor of being named among other professionals during a celebration and photo competition finale at an event at the National Geographic Society.

I received an honorable mention for an image I shot in Wells, ME, in the wedding category. My work along with 70 other finalists and students in several categories were featured in several venues from more than 5000 entries. Congrats to all for a job well done.

See the Channel 9 Feature.

Visit FotoWeekDC.

The evening capped a week of festivities all over town that was very well organized and publicized. From a top-notch exhibit in Georgetown to projected images on buildings all over town, the community rallied with the support of many photo-related busineses and associations. It seems the week was a success overall and I look forward to participating in next year's event.

iw

The Campaign Bus

2008-11-19T23:56:00.013-05:00

I had the good fortune of spending much of the month of August shooting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Vote for Business bus(es) rolling across the country at the peak of the gas price crisis, spreading the wealth at diesel filling stations and bus washes not to mention the occasional repair shop. Oh and we did stop occasionally to educate the public and give away some VFB t-shirts.

Seeing America this way is an invaluable experience. I am reminded of how big this nation is. About how much heart and soul -- and kindness -- there is in the working class. And about how many cultural centers exist under the umbrella of one nationality. People always ask me if I love the travel and I do because it reminds me constantly of where I'm from.

I've covered four election cycles now over the last decade, two following a bus. It's an election-style road trip sans candidate. The idea is to vote for the pro-business lobby. The photos I produce get used in issue-oriented advertising, PR and a variety of other documentary uses. There isn't much time for side trips or creative work in my more creative style. We travel on average a couple hundred miles a day with a few stops for endorsements, getting out the vote canvassing or PR functions. We pull in to the hotel and I'd edit and upload, eat greasy food, crash and repeat.

Often I'd leapfrog trying to get the bus rolling with incredible scenery in the shot. And at times I find myself scampering up highway berms just in time see the bus pass, get stopped for speeding trying to catch up, or hop a fence and trespass like I did to get lakeside and catch the bus coming across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana. Multiply that over a dozen states during the course of a month!

The buses ended at the political conventions which I will post under a separate headline. These images are © the U.S. Chamber.

One of my favorite pics. The staff were good sports.

A twist on an old landmark.

A gimme.

True faith in your photographer is to let him or her lead you out into narrow dirt roads in the Arizona desert for a photo op. The cows were NOT amused.

Nothing would be complete without the classic campaign shot.

iw

Back in the Swing

2008-11-17T00:44:00.004-05:00

It's for real. I'm really back. In the flesh. Bags unpacked. Settling in again at home.

It was a whirlwind three months and covering election, the economy and all the special interest in between has been a thrill and a privilege. I'm still tallying the count but I'm sure I've traveled more than 100k miles this year. When I pull in to my preferred hotel chain they pretty much roll out the carpet for me. As for the airlines, well, I've certainly got class but the aviation industry doesn't really roll out the carpet much for anybody these days.

There are many stories to tell and in the coming weeks I'll be posting excerpt photos from stops along the way.

In the meantime, thanks to ML for collaborating with me to update my bio photo. It's time for some housekeeping!

iw

Denver at Last

2008-08-25T02:55:00.006-04:00

There isn't a rental car I haven't stood on. This one in Portland, ME late last week.

It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks, now moving into the homestretch -- ending up in the Twin Cities next week.

Election season gives me a chance to polish up on my campaign PR photography and for the last several weeks I have hopped all around the nation on and off two buses campaigning for business, both of which end up at the political conventions where I will have a role documenting the work of corporate America and their participation in the political election process. Georgia, Alabama, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, DC and Maine.

I have always enjoyed the experience at being witness to the process in the United States of electing representatives to office no matter how insane or unfair it often seems. It's a crapshoot, a drawn out job interview with the American people and a test at self marketing. And it's a ton of fun because the folks you are working with and campaigning in and around -- whether for or against -- are really passionate. Although not as close as some, I am grateful to be as close to the action as I am and to witness another page in the history books.

Outside the box

2008-08-14T00:31:00.001-04:00

During a break in the shooting we were entertained by kids in the hot tub!

If It's Tuesday it must be Kalispell

2008-08-13T04:52:00.000-04:00

12 August 2008

Pop tarts and mint tea. Happiness is a hotel that has a window open to fresh mountain air.

That wasn't the case when I started my day in Metairie, Louisiana. The window part. So humid the condensation fogged the inside of the glass. Nor was the Hampton Inn any more accomodating when I began this trip last week in Atlanta before city hopping across the South, shooting assignments as I went and lugging my worldly wares in and out of airport security. Sometimes I think my name has been replaced with Bag Check.

Hey, Just call me ETD, I say.

Such has been my story for the last eight years, four months and six days, give or take a time zone. Actually, Travelin' Jack has been around a lot longer. But for the better part of the last decade I have had the extreme privilege of getting paid to practice my craft while I did shlep around this wonderfully diverse nation. And sometimes the world.

From post-Katrina camping alongside an airport runway near Bay St. Louis to the poshest suite at the Boca Resort and Club you could ever imagine, I have had my share of adventures along the way. And the photographs I have made, the best ones, the ones that tell the stories with color and energy and beauty, are my personal tribute to the adventures I have had.

So why now?

Blogging is not just a progression of technology for me, nor just marketing for that matter. Perhaps it is my effort to pay tribute to these past years while documenting the transition to the next bend in the road that inevitably will occur. Perhaps it's simply just time to start telling the story because I'm just having too much fun and somebody has got to hear about it.

Nevertheless, it is my promise to communicate here my passion for photography and imagemaking; the good, bad and the ugly. It's about the journey afterall and hopefully not so much about me. It's just not my style.

Rather, it is a group effort, supported by my friends, my family, my dear partner in life ML. And not to mention my colleagues and mentors. They're all the cast and crew often appearing in a cameo or a starring role.

So I invite you to come along for the ride. Join in our fun and share with me my passion for adventure, imagemaking and admiration of all the beauty there is in life.

And as always, thanks for reading.

iw