Recent Work

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kenneth Sargent, far right, is consoled by songwriter, Darden Smith, center right center, after working on a song based on his military experiences with Smith, Radney Foster, and retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall, both not pictured, during the LifeQuest Music Camp at the Garden of the Gods Club on Friday January 20, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp brought four professional songwriters to work with current and retired military service men and women. Participants worked with the songwriters to craft songs that speak to their military experiences. The name of the song they produce was "It Is What It Is". Sargent broke his back in Iraq during a rocket attack and was told by doctors that he would never walk again. He was able to regain mobility and is returning to active duty on March 1, 2012. Sargent is stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel John Buckley III, left, cries along with his daughter, Brittany Buckley, right, as they listen to music during the LifeQuest Music Camp at the Garden of the Gods Club on Friday January 20, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp brought four professional songwriters to work with current and retired military service men and women. Participants worked with the songwriters to craft songs that speak to their military experiences. Buckley helped write a song about his son, who is an Afghanistan veteran during the camp. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Herman Herrera, center, works on a song with U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nick Denning, far right, medically separated U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John Wall and songwriter, Radney Foster, both not pictured, during the LifeQuest Music Camp at the Garden of the Gods Club on Saturday January 21, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp brought four professional songwriters to work with current and retired military service men and women. Participants worked with the songwriters to craft songs that speak to their military experiences. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
     
  
Songwriters, staff, voluteers, and participants of the LifeQuest Music Camp gather together prior to a concert that concluded the event at the Garden of the Gods Club on Sunday January 22, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp brought four professional songwriters to work with current and retired military service men and women. Participants worked with the songwriters to craft songs that speak to their military experiences. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kenneth Sargent works with retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall and songwriters, Darden Smith and Radney Foster on a song based on his military experiences during the LifeQuest Music Camp at the Garden of the Gods Club on Friday January 20, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp brought four professional songwriters to work with current and retired military service men and women. Participants worked with the songwriters to craft songs that speak to their military experiences. The name of the song they produce was "It Is What It Is". Sargent broke his back in Iraq during a rocket attack and was told by doctors that he would never walk again. He was able to regain mobility and is returning to active duty on March 1, 2012. Sargent is stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
Occupy DC protesters are seen under a tarp covering the statue of Major General James McPherson in McPherson Square on Monday January 30, 2012 in Washington, DC. The National Park Service issued a noon deadline to enforce no-camping regulations in McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
     
  
Tito Harrison, 29, of Washington, DC stretches as he works out at the top of steps in between the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge on Tuesday January 30, 2012 in Washington, DC. Un-winter like weather brought people outside as temperatures hit the 60's. The Lincoln Memorial is seen in the background. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
Ronald Parker walks with Stacey Smith through a flooded Highway 301 on Thursday September 8, 2011 in Upper Marlboro, MD as steady rain fall has caused flooding throughout the area. They had to exit the highway when they were warned not to continue. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Wilmer Cerrato, top left, and Ever Cruz, center, of Valcourt Building Services descend from 1667 K Street NW as they use a rope descent system to wash windows on Monday January 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain For The Washington Post)
     
  
Fiona Brown, 5, pinches the nose of her father, Steve Brown as they are seen through a foggy window at Starbucks Coffee at the corner of King St. and S. Union St. on Saturday October 29, 2011 in Alexandria, VA. Many people stayed inside and avoided a snow and rain mix throughout the area. (Matt McClain for the Washington Post)
   
After a day filled with rain, a rainbow extends over the Potomac River just before dusk on Tuesday December 27, 2011 in Alexandria, VA.
  
June Lennon poses for a photograph at her home on Tuesday September 20, 2011 in Bayonne, NJ with a bag and tubes that she plans on using for her assisted suicide or "hastened death". Lennon has consulted Dr. Lawrence Egbert about her plans for her death. Lennon has breathing problems and keeps the bag to use when her health declines further.
     
  
Nana Kofi Boateng the Asantefuohene of the Washington, DC metro area, left center, and Nana Ama Achiaa, right center, pose for a photograph outside Boateng's home on Sunday October 9, 2011 in Upper Marlboro, MD. Boateng is the appointed king of the Washington, DC metropolitian area by the king of Ghana while Achiaa is the appointed queen mother. (Matt McClain for the Washington Post)
   
A shopper who wished to remain unidentified sleeps while waiting in line in front of the Best Buy in the Fair Lakes Shopping Center on Thursday November 24, 2011 in Fairfax, VA. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was shown outside to entertain shoppers as they waited for the doors to open at midnight for Black Friday. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)
   
Venerable Namgyel of Australia rides on a new and recently installed escalator at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station on Monday July 11, 2011 in Washington, DC. Namgyel is in town for the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Locke Kackley, 8, left center, and sister, Virginia Kackley, 9, right, of Summerville, SC cool off under an outdoor mister on Tuesday May 31, 2011 at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. Temperatures remained high in the area on Tuesday. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
A protester is urged to come off a ledge by law enforcement at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI on February 28, 2011 after finding his way out on a balcony. The capitol was locked to protesters trying to get back inside to demonstrate. Several remained inside after being allowed to stay the night. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
     
  
Sunny Yeung of the U.S. Navy is consoled by Beth Belle, as he visits the grave of friend, LCpl. Kevin Adam Lucas at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday May 30, 2011 in Arlington, VA. President Obama visited the cemetery earlier in the day. Lucas was killed in Iraq in 2006. Belle's son, LCpl. Nicholas Cain Kirven was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Participants of the Extreme SEAL Experience sit together to stay warm during pool exercises on Wednesday May 18, 2011 in Chesapeake, VA. Men from around the country paid money to learn techniques used in Navy SEAL training. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
A day before their wedding, Hamed Behravan and Alaleh Khah embrace under a canopy of blossoming cherry trees near the Potomac River as they are photographed on Friday 04/01/2011 in Washington, DC. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs through April 10, 2011, pays homage to the gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to Washington, DC in 1912. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
A Timor python is seen at the Reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. Jim Murphy, Curator for the Reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Matt Evans, Supervisory Biologist for the Reptile Discovery Center have been bringing more species into the reptile collection that need animal conservation. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington
  
A green tree monitor is seen at the reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. This type of lizard comes from New Guinea. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
A fantastic leaf-tailed gecko is seen at the Reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. This gecko is found in Madagascar. This fantastic leaf-tailed gecko is licking its eye to keep it clean and moist, due to the fact that they do not have eyelids. Jim Murphy, Curator for the Reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Matt Evans, Supervisory Biologist for the Reptile Discovery Center have been bringing more species into the reptile collection that need animal conservation. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
A green tree monitor is seen at the reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. This type of lizard comes from New Guinea. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
A green tree monitor is seen at the reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. This type of lizard comes from New Guinea. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
     
  
Reid Quaiff, 26, of Richmond, VA rests on a couch during a break in training while taking part in the Extreme SEAL Experience on Tuesday May 17, 2011 in Chesapeake, VA. Men from around the country paid money to learn techniques used in Navy SEAL training. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
A tightrope walker appears to be suspended over LeElaine Comer and Phil Jones as they relax in Meridian Hill Park on Sunday June 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. The use of a long camera lens has compressed the foreground and background together. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Chrissie Eyster, left, sits next to Carol Campbell, center left, as Eyster's children, Kyle Eyster, 7, center right, and Cole Eyster, 5, far right, sit among the group as they watch Chrissie's husband, Ben Eyster work on cutting off tree limbs on top of Campbell's home on Monday August 29, 2011 in the Wildewood subdivision in California, MD. Hurricane Irene caused the damage to the St. Mary's County home. Ben Eyster works for Screaming Eagle Tree Service. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Keeping cool in the heat, Tatiyana Allen, 12, far right, plays in the water with others at Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park on Friday July 29, 2011 in Alexandria, VA. Temperatures in the area exceeded 100 degrees. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
K'won Holmes sits alone with his runner-up trophy after his team, the AYT #14 Raiders lost in a championship game against the King Greenleaf White Sox at the Taft Recreation Center on Friday June 17, 2011 in Washington, DC. This game was in the Cal Ripken Division of the Babe Ruth League. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Sacha Kinser slaps hands with others as she celebrates outside the White House to news that Osama bin Laden had been killed on May 02, 2011 in Washington DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Jon Vegh, 18, of Long Beach, NY rests for a moment as he and others learn how to search buildings while taking part in the Extreme SEAL Experience on Tuesday May 17, 2011 in Chesapeake, VA. Men from around the country paid money to learn techniques used in Navy SEAL training. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Cadets stand aloft as the ARC Gloria of the Columbian Navy arrives to dock in Alexandria, VA on Tuesday May 24, 2011. The tall ship is used as a training vessel. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Workers are seen dangling from the Washington Monument as viewed from near the Netherlands Carillon on Tuesday October 04, 2011 in Arlington, VA. Workers are evaluating damage from the August 23, 2011 earthquake that damaged the Washington Monument. (Matt McClain for the Washington Post)
     
  
Trish Harris, of Millersville, MD, a counselor for the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, kisses the hand of burn survivor and camper, Daron Bouknight, 14, of MD, before going horseback riding at Horizons Horseback in Harrisonburg, VA, during the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp on Friday August 12, 2011. This year's camp had a super hero theme. The camp runs from August 7-13 and is for burn survivors from the Mid-Atlantic region, including DC, MD, and VA. Nearly fifty campers took part in the 23rd installment of the program. Co-director, Linda French said the camp is designed to "increase the campers self-esteem in any way it takes". French and others started the program after learning about a camp for burn survivors run by Children's Hospital Colorado. Campers took part in activities including arts and crafts, horseback riding, and swimming. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Katrina Berchtold of Bakersfield, CA rides on a double-decker bus while on a tour from Open Top Sightseeing on Wednesday June 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. Patrons are able to get off the bus on stops and then catch another bus to continue their tour. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Elvis E, who is also known as Richard Ernst, 59, of Potomac, MD, left, sings to Helen Thompson, seated at left center, as house care coordinator, Tina Schilling, top left, looks on as he performs for the residents and staff of the Sunrise of Leesburg senior living facility on Tuesday August 16, 2011 in Leesburg, VA. Resident, Jack Benson is seen sleeping at right. Tuesday marked the 34th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Ernst has performed over 500 performances as Elvis E since deciding to do it on a regular basis in 2004. "This is the prime Elvis crowd", Ernst said of performing at assisted living facilities. "Most of the time they love you." (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Rory McIlroy tees off on the 10th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on Sunday June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, MD. Congressional Country Club last hosted the U.S. Open in 1997. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Josh Anson, left, of Silver Spring, MD helps his newphew, Isaiah Anson, right, get his dragon kite off the ground near the Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Kite Festival on Sunday 04/10/2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/ For The Washington Post)
   
Menbere Endale prays during a church service prior to the traditional foot and hand washing at Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church, an Ethiopian Orthodox church on Thursday April 21, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
After attending The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday service, Philip Cloeter, 10, is bathed in the light from a stained glass window as he takes a photo as his sister, Adrienne Cloeter, 11, and father, Phil Cloeter, right, are seen holding palms at Washington National Cathedral on Sunday April 17, 2011 in Washington, DC. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week which concludes on Easter Sunday. The family was on vacation from Sacramento, CA. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Waiting backstage, Marcus Smith, left to right, Leonard Cooper and Labelle Hillgrove wait for their cue to take the stage during a dress rehearsal the musical drama, "The Soldier and the King" at The Tabernacle Church on Wednesday April 20, 2011 in Laurel, MD. The outdoor musical provided both outdoor seating and also parking places so people could view the performance from their vehicles. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Joel Pilo, left, tries to peer over the the shoulder of Rutilio Belipep, right, as he holds a cross and a rope to keep the crowd back during the Tri-Lingual Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) on Friday April 22, 2011 in Takoma Park, MD. The procession began at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and ended at St. Camillus Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Cardinal William Baum is framed by a procession of clergy members during the beginning of the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle on Monday April 18, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Holy anointing oils that are used throughout the year were blessed during the mass. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
District of Columbia Fire Investigator, Keith Byrd investigates the scene of a house fire that left four firefighters injured in the early morning hours of Friday 04/08/2011on 48th Place NE in Washington, DC. One firefighter was in critical condition. (Photo by Matt McClain/ For The Washington Post)
   
Dancers dip to the music of the Junkyard Saints during a Mardi Gras Party at Artisphere in Arlington, VA on March 08, 2011. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Members of the Georgetown University varsity men's crew practice on the morning of 03/17/11on the Potomac River in Washington, DC. The team's next event is the Jesuit Invitational in Camden, NJ on 03/19/11. Temperatures are expected to improve throughout the weekend. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
  
April Rose dances with Paul Jazwiersky off by themselves as Tango Denver holds it's 10th annual Memorial Weekend tango event on Sunday 05/30/10 at Cheesman Park in Denver, Colo. People travel from all over the country to Denver for the annual event. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Friends, Selina Swales, left, and Vincent Carter walk up Camden St. SE in Washington, DC on January 26, 2011as a snowstorm pounds the area with inches of snow. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Susan Schneider, who is homeless, takes a water break while working her four day a week job of holding an advertising sign while dressed as the Statue of Liberty for Liberty Tax Sevice along Fairfax Blvd. in Fairfax, VA on February 7, 2011. Schneider was working as a mortgage broker until financial hard times hit in 2008. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Susan Schneider crouches down to look past tree branches as she waits on a bus to take her to a library in Alexandria, VA after leaving the First Christian Church of Falls Church that holds the two day a week homeless service named Safe Haven in Falls Church, VA on February 8, 2011. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Susan Schneider, who is homeless, climbs through a fence near an apartment complex in Fairfax, VA while on her way to a workout facility that she cleans in exchange for the opportunity to workout on February 7, 2011. Schneider was working as a mortgage broker until financial hard times hit in 2008. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
FALLS CHURCH, VA FEBRUARY 2: Preparing for bed, Susan Schneider, who is homeless, lays on a mat at an overnight homeless shelter, housed at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, VA on February 2, 2011. Schneider was working out of her home as a mortgage broker until 2008. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Susan Schneider, who is homeless, sits next to two storage containers of her belongings at the First Christian Church of Falls Church that holds the two day a week homeless service named Safe Haven in Falls Church, VA on February 3, 2011. Schneider was working as a mortgage broker until financial hard times hit in 2008. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Susan Schneider, who is homeless, works her day job of holding an advertising sign while dressed as the Statue of Liberty for Liberty Tax Sevice along Fairfax Blvd. in Fairfax, VA on February 2, 2011. Schneider was working as a mortgage broker until financial hard times hit in 2008. She works four days a week advertising for the tax service. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Edgar Perez, 22, of Alexandria, VA skates on a frozen Chesapeake and Ohio Canal near the Chain Bridge on January 22, 2011 in Washington, DC as he plays hockey with family. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Aria Simmonds, 5, left, and Elena Childs, 8, bottom center, try to get the attention of Zack Schoone, 11, right, as he was dressed as a rabbit for the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown on February 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. The event featured a parade, Kung Fu demonstrations, and musical entertainment among other attractions. This is the year of the rabbit. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
A wood bat dangles from the ceiling as tattoo artist, "Fatty" Matt Jessup works on a tattoo on the side of Jayson Bonetti at Fatty's Custom Tattooz on January 5, 2011 in Washington DC. The tattoo was being finished in order to be shown at the upcoming DC Tattoo Arts Expo that runs from January 14 to 16, 2011 at the Crystal City Double Tree Hotel in Arlington, VA. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Dangling in the air, Preston McCann of Infinity Signs and Graphics repels as works on attaching signage on December 28 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington DC in preparation for Wednesday's Military Bowl that features Maryland and East Carolina. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Celebrating like the Fourth of July, people wave sparkles outside the White House as they react to the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed on May 02, 2011 in Washington DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
     
  
Samantha Garrigues, 22, sits next to the bench of her uncle, Lt. Jonas Martin Panik of the US Naval Reserve at the Pentagon Memorial on Sunday September 11, 2011 in Arlington, VA. This was the tenth anniversary of 9/11. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Tattooed stars and spots decorate the head of Sean "Halo" Jankowski, 27, of Brooklyn, MD as he poses for a portrait while taking part in the 2011 DC Tattoo Arts Expo at the Doubletree Hotel Washington DC- Crystal City in Arlington, VA on January 14, 2011. Jankowski sees his tattoos as accessories on his body. The event concludes Sunday and includes over 100 tattoo artists.
  
Melissa "Bunny" Dias, 29, of Philadelphia, PA shows off some of her thirteen tattoos that decorate her body as she poses for a portrait while taking part in the 2011 DC Tattoo Arts Expo at the Doubletree Hotel Washington DC- Crystal City in Arlington, VA on January 14, 2011. She says that some of her tattoos are strictly esthetic while a few are more meaningful and symbolic. The event concludes Sunday and includes over 100 tattoo artists. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Kaitlyn Cooper, 25, of Baltimore, MD poses for a portrait while taking part in the 2011 DC Tattoo Arts Expo at the Doubletree Hotel Washington DC- Crystal City in Arlington, VA on January 14, 2011. The tattoo was inspired from the sugar skulls that are associated with the Day of the Dead. The event concludes Sunday and includes over 100 tattoo artists. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
As the last light of the day fades away, families skate at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and Ice Rink on December 21 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain For The Washington Post)
   
Congressman for the 7th District in Colorado, Ed Perlmutter does two cartwheels on stage as he gave a victory speech at the Marriortt City Center in downtown Denver, Colo. on Tuesday Nov. 2, 2010. Perlmutter defeated Ryan Frazier in the race. (Photo by Matt McClain for Getty Images)
     
  
Allyson Webb, 2, watches her mother, Angela Webb vote at the Gilpin County Community Center on Tuesday Nov. 2, 2010 outside of Central City, Colo. Colorado was the site of a Governor's race as well as a hotly contested Senatorial race between Michael Bennet and Ken Buck. (Photo by Matt McClain for Getty Images)
   
ARLINGTON, VA - MAY 11: A plane flies over a bicyclist riding through Gravelly Point Park along the Mount Vernon Trail on Wednesday May 11, 2011 in Arlington, VA. The plane was landing at Reagan National Airport. (Photo by Matt McClain/For The Washington Post)
   
Lauren Gleason, left, looks on as Kari LaBell-Seidelman, portraying Martha Washington sits next to George Washington interpreter, Don De Haven while he speaks with Janice Ryan as people arrive at the Birthnight Banquet and Ball at Gadsby's Tavern Museum on February 19, 2011 in Alexandria, VA. Those attending the event could have their photo taken with George and Martha. De Haven, who lives in Berryville, VA, has portrayed our nation's first president for twenty-two years. He sees himself as a "humble means to get to his (Washington's) voice from time to time". (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
     
  
Family members follow behind the coffin of Army Specialist Kelly J. Mixon during a burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on December 29. Mixon died on December 8 in Balkh province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by an insurgent armed with an improvised device. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
Family members attend the burial ceremony for Army Specialist Kelly J. Mixon at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on December 29. Mixon died on December 8 in Balkh province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by an insurgent armed with an improvised device. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
   
A firefighter breaks a window while fighting a three alarm fire at the Takoma Education Center on December 22 in Washington DC. The school let out last Friday, but there were some staff members when the fire broke out. Over a hundred firefighters responded. (Photo by Matt McClain For The Washington Post)
     
  
   
A menonite man drives his team of horses toward on highway 247 enroute to Loveville, MD in driving snow on December 16. (Photo by Matt McClain For The Washington Post)
   
A mounted bobcat peers over the shoulder of voters as they cast their vote at the Gilpin County Courthouse in Central City, Colo. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010. Colorado was the site of a Governor's race as well as a hotly contested Senatorial race between Michael Bennet and Ken Buck. (Photo by Matt McClain for Getty Images)
     
  
Georgianna Forbes waits for an announcement on a hotly contested Senatorial race between Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican challenger, Ken Buck at the Marriortt City Center in downtown Denver, Colo. on Tuesday Nov. 2, 2010. Forbes is a volunteer for the Bennet campaign. (Photo by Matt McClain for Getty Images)
   
Cha Cha Romero, left, and Sara Sabala at Tambien for Rockabilly and Ribs in Cherry Creek on Sunday 09/05/10. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Carnage on Larimer rockabilly music and vintage cars on Saturday 09/11/10. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Kirsten Muncy at Tambien for Rockabilly and Ribs in Cherry Creek on Sunday 09/05/10. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Steve Robinson of Fruita, Colo. fly fishes for rainbow trout in the Gunnison River in Black Canyon within the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado on Sunday 07/18/10. Real estate developer, Tom Chapman and business partners have built a home, Casa Barranca on private land that he owns within Gunnison National Park. The home and property is currently for sale, with a price tag in the $12 million dollar range. Wyoming is also currently dealing with this issue as they look to settle a dispute with the federal government over compensation for several hundred acres within Grand Tetons National Park and has threatened to sell that off to a developer if the feds don't help them get good value for the property. (Matt McClain for The Wall Street Journal)
   
Roberta Farley of Denver, Colo. dances with Ashiq Rahman of Dallas, Tex. as Tango Denver holds it's 10th annual Memorial Weekend tango event on Sunday 05/30/10 at Cheesman Park in Denver, Colo. People travel from all over the country to Denver for the annual event. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Joel Holley tosses his hat as the Thunderbirds fly overhead at the conclusion of the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Tuesday 05/26/10 at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Cadets enter the stadium for the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Tuesday 05/26/10 at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Cadets enter the stadium for the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Tuesday 05/26/10 at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Tea Party protester, Nick Brown, left, of Denver calls Tea Party member, David Levine a racist during a Tea Party rally at the State Capitol in Denver, Colo. on Thursday 04/15/10. Thousands were in attendance as well as protestors of the rally. Photo by Matt McClain
  
A photo of Jesus Christ is seen at right, as Helen Tesfay, 4, stares at lit candles as she and fellow members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Denver, Colo. observe and celebrate Holy Thursday on 04/01/10 by prayer and the traditional washing of the feet and hands by Reverend Gebrekiros. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
   
Artist, Scramble Campbell, left, of Morrison, Colo. paints his interpretation of the scene during the sixty-third annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sunday April 4, 2010 in Morrison, Colo. The service began at 6a.m. and drew a crowd estimated at 10,200. The outdoor amphitheatre was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. from 1936-1941. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
     
  
A man smokes at a train stop in Amersterdam on 05/04/10.
   
People watching the gathering on Queen's Day in Amsterdam. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Jerry Olp, 40, Highlands Ranch, Colo., left, stands by as people walk by as he and other members of the 501st Legion-Mountain Garrison Star Wars group took part in the festivities of the 26th National Space Symposium at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Wednesday 04/14/10. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Confiscated Tiger, right, and Leopard heads, left, sit on shelfs in the warehouse as examples of some of the 1.5 million items in inventory at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle & Wildlife Property Repository in Commerce City, Colo. on Tuesday 04/27/10. Photo by Matt McClain for The Wall Street Journal
   
Bruco War Eagle Eastwood, the father of Deer Creek Middle School shooting suspect, Bruco Strong Eagle Eastwood, 32, said he "went weak in the knees" when police came to his home Tuesdaynight. "Nobody wants to hear their son or daughter caused someone to be hurt", as he spoke Wednesday 02/24/10 at his Hudson, Colo. ranch. Two students at the Littleton, Colo. were wounded when a gunman opened fire with a hunting rifle Tuesday. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Jeff Chiang and his girlfriend, Yuki Fukuzawa, of South Bend, IN, hold hands as they both carry several guns at the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot in West Point, KY on Saturday 10/10/09. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a portion of last year's Second Amendment case, District of Columbia v. Heller, that found that the amendment protects a person's right that the federal government can not abridge. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
     
  
Barbara Jones, left, stands next to Bridget Johnson of Denver, Colo. as she prays as she holds a clock of Martin Luther King that she brought with her to City Park in Denver, Colo. for the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade on Monday 01/18/10. Joshua Harris, 11, is seen at right. The event is the largest Martin Luther King Day Parade in the country. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
   
Denisha Shorts, 12, center, and her sister, Rhian Shorts, 14, right, ride in an RV from the Now Faith Christian Center Church in downtown Denver, Colo. along Colfax Ave. for the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade in Denver, Colo. on Monday 01/18/10. The event is the largest Martin Luther King Day Parade in the country. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
   
Raul Bilboa takes his lunch break as he helps renovate a building that was originally built in 1885 in Jefferson Park square Friday 12/18/09 in Denver, Colo. The historic neighborhood is going through significant commerical and residential development. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Matt Jiang, 16, makes a jump off a bank of snow after riding the new rails for snowboarders at Ruby Hill Park in Denver, Colo. on 01/09/10. The rail course is free to the public. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Children from Starlight Children's Foundation took a United Airlines flight to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole at Denver International Airport Saturday 12/10/09. The children were given a boarding pass to take the flight. Photo by Matt McClain
   
An unidentified woman shoots a M-16 at a range consisting of old cars and boats at the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot in West Point, KY on Saturday 10/10/09. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a portion of last year's Second Amendment case, District of Columbia v. Heller, that found that the amendment protects a person's right that the federal government can not abridge. (Photo by Matt McClain/Getty Images)
     
  
Deanna Gildens touches the name of her uncle, John W. Beckett on The Wall: American Veterans Traveling Tribute on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, Colo. on Thursday 11/05/09. The wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.Photo by Matt McClain
   
Brigadier General Robert Balster, bottom left, greets the son of Staff Sgt. Wesley Hunter, Westlin Hunter, bottom right, as Wesley's widow, Rayanne Hunter, top, is comforted by Chaplain Andrew Meverden during the annual Veteran's parade in downtown, Denver, Colo. on Saturday 11/07/09. Wesley Hunter died September 18, 2008 from the wounds he received in Iraq. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Children take part in the Denver Police Department District 2 annual halloween party in Denver, Colo. on Saturday 10/31/09. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Hugo Ranch Rodeo in Hugo, Colo. Saturday 06/27/09. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Luis Torres, center left, embraces, Jaime Valdez as people gather on the midway of the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association's Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo Saturday 07/11/09 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Tea Party member, Dave Privett, 47, of Parker, Colo. waves an American Flag while dressed as a patriot during a rally at the State Capitol in Denver, Colo. on Thursday 04/15/10. Thousands were in attendance as well as protestors of the rally. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Megan Coatney, center, and Sarah Tallman, right, watch backstage as members of the Nouveau Ballet Company put on a dress rehearsal for their production of the Nutcracker Thursday 12/17/09 at Pinnacle Charter School in Denver, Colo. The production runs this Friday through Sunday and is currently sold out for all four performances. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Taking on the role of Elvis, Jeff Stinson, right, practices Blue Suede Shoes along with guitarist, Fin MacDonald, left, of The Graceland Band Tuesday 07/07/09 before the start of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade in downtown Colorado Springs, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain
   
Volunteer Olivia Bechtel, center, helps Cali Schigur, left, try on a bonnet as her identical sister, Ella Schigur is seen wearing her own bonnet in a mirror during the Annual Four Mile Historic Park Pumpkin Festival that featured a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, a pie eating contest and other activities Sunday 10/04/09. Photo by Matt McClain
     
  
Members of the Hells Angles and other bike club members gathered Friday 06/05/09 for the burial service for Don "Poppa" Bentley at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge. Bentley was a founding member of "Brothers Fast". Photo by Matt McClain
   
Relatives of slain Columbine High School teacher, David Sanders, granddaughter Mallory Sanders, 17, center, is embraced by mother, Coni Sanders, as her sister, Cindy Thirouin, second from right, kisses her daughter, Tiffany Strole, 15, during a candlelight vigil at the Columbine Memorial at Clement Park in Littleton, Colo. Sunday 04/19/09 in honor of the tenth anniversary of the school shooting which is Monday. (PHOTO BY MATT MCCLAIN)
   
Orion Smith, 9, stands in a heavy snow downfall while watching the Annual Frozen Dead Guy Days parade in downtown Nederland, Colo. Photo by Matt McClain