Cold Snap

It's been colder than usual, so I haven't been able to get out for a walk in a couple days. I'm back to looking out over the back yard fence to enjoy the sunsets.

This was a layered cake doozy ... then it was gone.

In 45th Place ...

I've shared this wonderful news with many, but I thought I'd make it "blog official" now. I was honored to have this photograph chosen as one of the Top 50 Fan Photos of the Year. 

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This award was bestowed by my mentor Nick Kelsh from our community, How To Photograph Your Life. Nick's taught me oodles about digital photography both online and in person when I took his seminar in Philadelphia two years ago.

All 50 of the photos in this grouping are terrific and I highly recommend taking time to look through them. Click on the link above my photo. A person can learn a lot about photography simply by looking at these photos and reading Nick's commentary. If you get inspired, I can highly recommend becoming part of our community and/or taking some online classes from Nick, a world-class photographer. You can learn more about him on his website.

And, check it out. No googly eyes!  😲

More Nightlife in Philadelphia

The Tobacco Shop

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Lighting, architecture, history, advertising, color.

Lion Sentinel

On the streets of Philadelphia

I'm proud of my editing skills with this photo. I was able to draw out a lot of detail. Here's the original.

Looking Back

This is one of my very favorite recently-edited photos that I took while in Philadelphia over a year ago. It's one of my classmates.

I like the black and white version.

I like the color version even better.

That wonderful face!

Independence Hall

I got the "America Feeling" when I visited. So much relevant history in that town. Helped me remember part of what I have to live for.

Welcome to the Pub

Drop in for some ale?

Another gem while filing photos. Philladelphia, PA

Christmas in July

Christmas at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania

Reflections

Lights on the water at twilight. What could be prettier?

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The Thinker

The Thinker by Rodin has been photographed over and over. I'm in good company.

Here's my take on the masterpiece.

Worn Out

I'm tired today.

This boy touched my heart.

That's probably a non sequitur. But I swear, there was some kind of connection between the two in my head when I sat down to make this blog post.

Rodin

We had the opportunity to go to the Rodin museum while in Philadelphia. I found the anguish exhibited in this piece mesmerizing. Rodin's depiction of strong, huge hands fascinated me. Being at the museum and talking with the docent made me want to learn so much more.

This statue is one of the figures on "The Burghers of Calais."

In 1346 the English king Edward III laid siege to the French port of Calais. Eleven months later, Edward demanded the surrender of six of the town's leading men, or burghers, in return for sparing its citizens.

Rodin's sculpture commemorates this episode and emphasized the internal struggle of each man as he walked toward his fate wearing a sackcloth and rope halter. The burghers were later spared thanks to the intervention of the English queen, who feared that their deaths would bring bad luck to her unborn child.

Suppertime

Independence Hall, the upper room
Philadelphia, PA

Meditative Spots

and

and

More Architectural Details

I was a menace on the sidewalks of Philadelphia because I kept stopping in my tracks to look UP!

Creepy

The tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia was fascinating. Here are two of my favorite shots from that day.

The barber chair ... or was it dentist?

The remains of a cat creature found in the walls.

Olde City, Philadelphia

Urban art

Hard Rock Cafe

One of the group lunches we Philadelphia photo workshop attendees had was at the Hard Rock Cafe. I liked these two images:

The handles on the front door are shaped like a guitar.

The classic sign was backed by deep green curtains with gold fringe. The curtains look thick and rich and haunting to me in the glow of the sign.

Clock Tower, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

It's nearly 5 o'clock. What's for dinner?

In Memoriam

A spot of pink amid the red, white, and blue