Photos

Last Saturday Manor School in Fairfax was hosting a Winter Festival featuring a slide made of snow that certainly didn't fall that morning. In fact, the temperature was in the mid 70's that day. I've no idea where they came up with the snow to create this luge like channel between rows of hay bales. It didn't matter, of course, to the kids shooting down the small hill and around the gentle curve where I stood with my camera.

This was quite a challenge since the kids were moving very fast as they sped past me. Perhaps I would have had an easier time if I'd manually focused on the spot rather than automatically focusing on the munchkins approaching me. But I did get a few sharp photos, including this young girl leaning into the curve as she shot past me.

What was so remarkable about this event is that despite the most amateurish and even silly events, the kids were mesmerized and fully engaged. I was struck by how important community is for children and their families. On this day hundreds of families converged on this elementary school to enjoy one another, a few events designed to cater to children, food with minimal nutritional value and a beautiful sunny California day.

Of course, for me it was photographer's paradise with shooting opportunities in every direction. I'll restrain myself from showing you all the cute kids and pretty moms and hippy dads. But trust me, it was a great day for everyone. Enjoy!