Louise Krafft is the award-winning chief photographer for the Connection Newspapers and has been with the papers since 1997.
Since 2009 alone, Krafft has won eight first place photography awards from the Virginia Press Association and 16 other top honors for her outstanding work in news, entertainment, portrait and special sections. In her years, Ms. Krafft has brought the paper back almost 100 awards of excellence.
In addition to her keen eye for photography, Krafft is blessed with a near-prefect photographic memory for the people, places and history of Alexandria and Northern Virginia.
Born, raised and educated in Alexandria, she began her career in a home dark room with her grandfather teaching her the patient technique of developing film. Following College at American University, Krafft worked for six years in a black and white photo lab, Washington House.
A lucky phone call to the lab from the magazine editor of American Banker landed Krafft her first professional free lance job to photograph the chairman of the Federal Reserve testifying before the House Banking Committee.
Within a short time, Krafft’s photos found their way into the business and A sections of the New York Times, Time Magazine, The New York Daily News, The Washington Post and numerous other trade publications.
Her outstanding freelance work allowed Krafft the flexibility to raise her son Shannon and several cats
Before joining the Connection Newspapers, Krafft covered Washington events for both Puerto Rican newspapers, El Nuevo Dia and the San Juan Star and worked for seven years as a photographer for the governor’s office of Puerto Rico in Washington.
In describing her photography, famed Washington journalist Bill Mayhugh said her photos “showed all subjects with dignity, regardless."
Recent Stories
Looking for Homes
Dogs and cats, rabbits and birds are just a few of the animals that may be adopted at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
Woodlawn Needlework Exhibit Starts March 1
Woodlawn, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will showcase the work of skilled needlers from across the country, including objects created by First Ladies and First Family members, during the site’s annual needlework show that begins on Saturday, March 1. “After celebrating the 50th anniversary of the needlework show last year, we wanted to do something special that would build on that excitement and success this year,” said John Riley, interim director of Woodlawn. “This year’s program will feature a blend of contemporary and historic needlework that is as impressive in its craftsmanship as it is in its historical significance.” In addition to hundreds of high quality needlework items on display throughout the Woodlawn mansion, the work of First Families on loan for the special exhibit, “Needlework and the White House: A First Family Tradition,” includes a rug by Barbara Bush, napkins embroidered by Edith Roosevelt, and Dolley Madison’s pin cushion. Visitors will also see needlework ornaments from the 1991 White House holiday display.
‘Avenue Q: School Edition’ Opens Thursday at West Potomac
Beyond the Page Theatre Company of West Potomac High School takes the stage Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. for the first of five performances of “Avenue Q: School Edition.”
Yorktown High To Present ‘The Widow Ranter’
Performances begin Thursday.
The curtain rises this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Yorktown High School auditorium for the first of two community performances of “The Widow Ranter.” Written in 1675 by Aphra Behn, one of the world's earliest professional female playwrights and among the least-known writers of Restoration comedy, “The Widow Ranter” is set in the New World, a contemporary account of the real-life Jamestown uprising known as “Bacon's Rebellion.” While this historical-fictional adventure includes many invented subplots (romantic and comedic), it is also a document of Jamestown's true character, with its outlaws, American Indians, opportunists and individualists.
Working Together To Assist ‘Warriors in Transition’
Panels connects Fort Belvoir with surrounding communities.
U.S. Rep. Jim Moran and Fairfax County Supervisor Gerry Hyland hosted a roundtable conversation on Monday, July 15, at Fort Belvoir to discuss and brainstorm how to better coordinate public land use, the non-profit community, and Fort Belvoir’s resources to maximize soldiers’ rehabilitation.
Noted in Congressional Record
Saluting city’s African American History Makers.
On July 10, U.S. Rep. James P. Moran congratulated the 64 African American History Makers at the dedication of the “Charles Houston Mural and Hall of Fame” in Alexandria Virginia on June 22.
From Elle Woods’ Pink to Harvard Crimson
Encore Stage & Studio presents “Legally Blonde The Musical.”
Bubbly and bright Elle Woods never takes “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle upgrades her signature pink for Harvard crimson. Encore Stage & Studio presents “Legally Blonde The Musical.”
Rosemont Celebrates 4th of July
More than 50 years ago, Rosemont resident Owen Malone together with then president of the Rosemont Citizens Association and now retired Judge Daniel O’Flaherty began the tradition of a celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with a festival for the entire neighborhood with a pet show followed by a bike parade, a baby beauty judging contest, lunch from the grill, sack races, three-legged races, the egg spoon races and more.
Food for Thought
Food has re-entered the past, embracing the old concept of sustainable farming and eating healthy. A panel of “foodies” came together Saturday afternoon, June 29, at the “Chew on This” event sponsored by United Community Ministries.
Out & About
Summer Bounty at the Farmer’s Market
Plump tomatoes, sweet corn, beets, cucumbers, spring onions overflow the tables at the Three Way Farm’s produce stall in the Del Ray Farmer’s Market. The market also features fresh cut flowers, herbs and flowers to plant, Amish cheeses, gourmet pickles, eggs, fresh baked good, organic meats, Hattie’s Pralines, Beth MacKenzie’s Fluffed Up Desserts and much more. The market is open weekly on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at Mount Vernon Avenue & Oxford in Del Ray. Additional Farmers Markets are located at Market Square in Old Town on Saturday and Sunday markets at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria and the West End Farmers Market in the Ben Brenman Park.