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
Alexandria: ‘Cherry Challenge’ Winners
The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee announced the winners of the eighth annual “Cherry Challenge.” The Cherry Challenge took place between Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 in 53 Alexandria restaurants. It featured cherry-inspired dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts created by the restaurant chefs. Some of the restaurants have competed in the past, but there were many restaurants new to the competition this year.
Alexandria Snapshot: House Sparrow
12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6: A house sparrow keeps watch from a cottage window in Northridge.
Arlington Courage Wall: Overcoming Fear To Achieve Dreams
The Courage Wall was unveiled in Ballston’s Welburn Square on Thursday afternoon, July 2. Ballston residents and visitors are invited to use a piece of chalk from one of the buckets hanging on the Courage Wall to share their wishes and express their joys and fears on the blank lines.
Mount Vernon Scouts Go Broadway
Scouts attend week-long camp with a Broadway theme.
More than 300 Mount Vernon scouts attended a week-long camp at Fort Hunt Park.
Alexandria: Splash with DASH
DASH to operate free service on pool bus route.
The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH), in partnership with the Advocates for Alexandria Aquatics, and the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities, revealed a new initiative to get families and children to the Old Town Pool this summer. More than 20 local businesses, along with the support of the USA Swimming Foundation – Make a Splash, are sponsoring free rides during July and August on DASH’s AT10 route.
Alexandria: Brunch Benefits Surgical Services
The Board of Lady Managers held its annual brunch on June 21 at the Union Street Public House. The brunch raised funds for the purchase of two state-of-the art neurology microscopes for Inova Alexandria Hospital Surgical Services. So far over $5,000 has been raised towards the goal of $640,000.
Alexandria Snapshot: Disability Awareness Awards
Mayor Bill Euille and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce chair Walter Clarke congratulate the 2015 Alexandria Commission of Persons with Disabilities award recipients: Donna Shaw of Senior Services of Alexandria, Dave Hammond of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Bishop Ireton graduate Iman Smallwood, Mary Lee Anderson of Senior Services of Alexandria and former ACPD chair Chuck Benaugh.
Bidding Farewell to Mount Vernon High School
The year has not been without its challenges, but so many wonderful things happened for us this year, too, as we celebrated 75 years of excellence.
Arlington: Washington-Lee High Graduates Look to the Future
Washington-Lee High School’s 2015 graduation was held at D.A.R. Constitution Hall on June 18.
Arlington: A Farewell to Yorktown High School
Yorktown High School held 2015 graduation ceremonies at DAR Constitution Hall on June 18.