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
Wintry Snapshot in Arlington Cemetery
Stopping by a snowy cemetery....
Alexandria: Final Performances
The 2015 cast of Aldersgate Church Community Theatre presents the final performances of their production of “Shrek, Jr.” this weekend. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings, Jan. 23 and 24 at 7:30 and Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. A special matinee performance is on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1071559
‘The Journey to be Free’ in Alexandria
It was standing room only in City Council Chambers as the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. poster exhibition program began on Monday afternoon. The contest, originating in 1990 by the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black History, Inc. (ASPBH, Inc.), highlights the artwork of Alexandria City Public School students.
A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. in Arlington
“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Arlington County held its 46th annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday evening, Jan. 18, at Washington-Lee High School.
If the Shoe Fits... in Arlington
Encore Stage & Studio presents “Cinderella.”
A young girl, nicknamed Cinderella by her stepsisters, dreams of leaving her work behind and becoming a princess in this classic musical being presented by Encore Stage & Studio.
Celebrating Life of Aldo Leopold in Alexandria
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust sponsored a Read-a-Thon in honor of the 128th birthday of environmentalist Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 10.
ACCT To Present ‘Shrek, Jr.’ in Alexandria/Mount Vernon
The Aldersgate Church Community Theater is bringing children’s favorite ogre to the stage. Based on the Oscar-winning film, “Shrek The Musical Jr.”
Masonic Memorial in Alexandria Turns Blue
In recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the George Washington Masonic Memorial was illuminated in blue throughout the evening of Friday, Jan. 9 to show support for Alexandria's law enforcement officers and Project Blue Light.
Alexandria: Saved from Dog Meat Farm
Rescued dogs from Korea arrive at animal shelter.
The vans pulled up a little after 8 p.m. at the delivery doors of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter on Monday evening, Jan. 5. Eleven large traveling crates were removed and brought indoors.
Alexandria: Thousands Turn Out for 2014 Turkey Trot
Two days out from Thanksgiving, more than 5,000 people had registered for the annual Turkey Trot in Alexandria.