Northern Liberties

Driving along Spring Garden, I did a quick U-turn in order to get this shot. I was drawn to the colors, artwork and thought it conveyed the fun of Northern Liberties!

At the turn of the century, this area was settled by many from Eastern Europe. Presently, revitalization has brought many artists, musicians, and restaurants into the area. For the latest news from Northern Liberties, just click on the link.

Boathouse Row

Last night the weather was perfect and the moon was full.  It was a perfect June night to be down by the river at Boathouse Row.  There is a spot on the West River Drive directly across from the boathouses that provides the opportunity to pull off the road and take pictures.  I was there a little after dusk when the night begins to darken and the lights begin to glow.  A perfect time to capture the colors and the mood of an easy June weekend.

Hope Lodge

Living in an historic area provides many opportunities to go back in time.  I was driving by Hope Lodge on a Saturday afternoon and looked over to see tents, smoke rising from fires, men in dress from a time period two hundred years prior and the sound of cannons firing. I gave immediate thanks that I never travel without my camera! The men and women involved in the Revolutionary War reenactment are truly dedicated.  No matter what the weather, they camp outside.  There is such attention paid to recreating every detail in the uniforms and dresses.  All are hand made and very expensive.  Wood is cut, soup put over the flame to cook...all done following the same lifestyle of our forefathers and mothers.  I have to admit, I have a strong affiliation with my warm bed and a hot shower which inhibits me from signing up, but I am happy to photograph people with such a love of history.

The World Series

Dreams definitely do come true!  The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series!  This was an experience I was not going to miss photographing.  I joined together with a mere two million people to celebrate this win and the city certainly did this team proud!  I was fortunate enough to be able to photograph this amazing event from the roof top of City Hall.  Photography consistently brings such rich experiences into my life and being able to capture the event from that viewpoint created a cherished moment in time for me...the swell of two million people in red, joining in collective shouts of cheer!  Congratulations to the 2008 World Champions!

Air Ventures Hot Air Balloon Ride

Debbie Harding was the first woman to fly a hot air balloon over the North Pole.  She is an amazing woman with a sense of adventure and great courage.  Debbie wanted to share her love with others and started "Air Ventures" in Chester County, PA.  Along with her sister, Amy, they are the nicest people to talk with. I contacted them about doing a video piece on hot air ballooning because I thought it would be great fun and beautiful from a visual standpoint.  It was all that and more!

Seven of us took off for a sunset ride on such a clear and cool night.  The experience of floating in the sky and looking down on the tranquility of fields below is one that should not be missed. After landing, we were treated to a champagne toast.  This age old tradition went back to the fields of France when balloonist would happen to land in an unsuspecting farmer's field and would try to ease the surprise with a bottle of champagne...works every time!

Reservations can be made Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.  Take off is scheduled for sunrise and sunset (I slept in and chose sunset!).

Carousel Farms

That wonderful clean scent of lavender, fields of brilliant purples and greens...to a photographer, this is a bit of heaven.  The sites and smells of Provence can be found right in Bucks County, PA.  I was fortunate enough to meet one of the owners, Niko Christou, a NY photographer and be given a tour with a local garden club.  Niko is truly an artist.  His vision is one of beautiful serenity and can be seen throughout.  Over 15,000 organically grown plants are planted and harvested by hand.  Llamas graze in a pasture next to a fieldstone farmhouse and an 18th century stone barn,  This is truly a sanctuary of inspiration as one is transported to the countryside of France.  Carousel Farms is open to the public on Sat.  It is located at 5966 Mechanicsville, PA.