Over the summer I took a slew of photographs and uploaded them to my computer, but had no idea what I was going to do with them.
You know how that is.
Then over the weekend, I decided to narrow some of the photos into two categories (cafes and people) and post them.
As you know, I adore photographs with people in them because they add a certain energy by telling a story within an image. People in photographs add human action and emotion, almost like a moving picture that has been captured in a freeze frame. And in urban life, you see all kinds of human action and emotion. Some of it makes you smile and see the joy in life; some of it makes you see the strangeness of some characters; some of it also makes you see the hardships that many people go through.
Urban life can be extreme in many ways. But that’s why I choose to live in a city, because it’s a reality reminder to me that life can often be full of extremes and differences.
City life keeps me on my toes by forcing me to interact with life and the people in it.
Granted, some of the things you see in a city can be hard to look at because they are not always pretty.
But that’s life anyway, isn’t it?
Life is not always pretty.
Yet it is within the un-pretty and the extremes, that I seem to learn the most.
I can be an extreme person myself yet, oddly enough living in an extreme environment teaches me to find a balance within myself.
City life can be a very fascinating and sobering human experience because it's both beautiful and raw; all going on simultaneously, right out there on the streets.
And I LOVE it.
Please enjoy...
When I first moved back to Philadelphia, I lived on Spruce Street, where this charming cafe sits.
This cafe is also on Spruce Street.
A cafe off Rittenhouse Square.
I saw these two gentlemen playing chess one afternoon during the summer and couldn't resist taking this photo because of how intently they were playing. They were in their own world.
Construction men at work in Old City, Philadelphia.
This next series of photos I took on Walnut Street, where I saw this homeless gentleman sitting there eating his lunch.
A newlywed couple getting ready to have their photographs taken in Washington Square Park.
I saw this guy sitting on the window ledge of his apartment smoking a cigarette. I used the zoom lens on my camera to get this shot, but he was VERY high from the ground. YIKES!
I see this gentleman a lot in the park where I sit. I'm not sure what his physical condition is, but he enjoys spending time in the park; taking in the sun while reading. We've said hello to each other on occasion. He's a very sweet man; always smiling.
And lastly, I took this photograph of a photographer taking a photograph.
Happy Monday everyone!
Loved them all Ron. I lived in Toronto years ago and for Canada, that's big city living! I loved it too. And yes, there are the extremes at both of the spectrum to accept, live with, savor...depending on what it is. But there is a vibrancy to a big city that can't be found anywhere else. I loved all the people heading to work or school in the morning...the crowds, the diversity, the sights and sounds and even the smells at times too (they had pretzel vendors on many a corner when I lived there!) Thought you'd enjoy that tasty visual to wrap this up.
ReplyDeleteHappy Week and Keep those photos coming. G :>)
www.veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com
Hey, Ron!
ReplyDelete"I can be an extreme person myself yet, oddly enough living in an extreme environment teaches me to find a balance within myself."
That's a tremendous insight to go with this fantastic post. I love these photographs, particularly the people pictures. It's great to imagine what's happening in these people's minds at the moment you snapped the photo. And there's such a diverse range of people!
Excellent job, buddy! Please keep up the great work and have a great week!
Well, those are some faaaaabuuuulous photos! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI love the last cafe photo with the waiter leaning on the orange cone, talking on his phone. He looks like he's having trouble hearing over the din of all those people.
The one of the homeless man and the girl with the ridiculous boots in summer weather is quite a statement.
And the first photo is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your world!
Oh great shots Ron. We were surprised when we were in Vancouver at the number of wedding couples we saw having their photographs taken in the street, not even in a park or in front of a beautiful building!
ReplyDeleteThank you for using 'un-pretty and extreme'. There's a beauty in the un-pretty and a lesson for the taking. I trust we get them as they're meant to unfold in our lives.
ReplyDelete*sigh* Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly!
The photos are amazing. The fella's playing chess caught my eye and held it for some time, as did that first photo (which is just AWESOME btw). There was something about the homeless fella having lunch that made me focus not on him but everyone passing...and boy were there a lot of statements in those photos. Excellent photos, sir....just excellent. You really do need to show them off more frequently.
I can't reconcile myself to photograph people, though I've found myself wanting to on more than one occasion. I'd be rushing around trying to get their permission and I'd lose the moment. Himself has taken photos of others more than once, and offers to sent the photos on to them electronically. He takes the photo and then shows them and asks. He's never had anyone freak out. LOL I tell him he gets away with LOTS when he opens his mouth and that cute little accent comes out. :-/ TRUE.....the little booger.....LOLOL
Faaaaaaabuloso photographs, Ron! You have such a wonderful way of explaining life in a city. I miss New York, even with all its craziness and manic energy. It's true, city life can be beautiful and raw all at the same time. When you live in a city, everything is right in your face, so you see it up close and there's is nothing to separate you from it.
ReplyDeleteI love the first photo of the cafe and the ones of the homeless man sitting there eating his lunch with everyone walking around him. And the newlywed couple photo is so beautiful. You have a great eye for photography and capturing the right moment.
Have a wonderful week, Ron.
Good morning Geraldine~
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
"And yes, there are the extremes at both of the spectrum to accept, live with, savor...depending on what it is. But there is a vibrancy to a big city that can't be found anywhere else."
You said that beautifully! And I agree, there is a vibrancy to a big city that can't be found anywhere else. I've never been to Canada, but really do need to get there because I hear such wonderful things about Toronto and Montreal. As well as Quebec. I've seen photos of Quebec and it looks stunning!
"(they had pretzel vendors on many a corner when I lived there!) Thought you'd enjoy that tasty visual to wrap this up."
HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! LOVE those city pretzels!
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, my friend. Have a most excellent week!
X
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteI know you greatly understand what I mean about living in a city because you live in NY. It can be extreme yes, but it also teaches you the balance.
"It's great to imagine what's happening in these people's minds at the moment you snapped the photo."
I agree, I often wonder what they are thinking, who they are, and their history. People photographs are so fascinating to me!
Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrreat week and say hello to NYC for me!
X
Hey there Bijoux!
ReplyDelete"I love the last cafe photo with the waiter leaning on the orange cone, talking on his phone. He looks like he's having trouble hearing over the din of all those people."
I cannot believe you mentioned that because that's EXACTLY what I noticed and was thinking when I uploaded the photo to my computer. My eye immediately went to the waiter on the cell phone! And what's funny is that I didn't notice him there when I took the photograph.
"The one of the homeless man and the girl with the ridiculous boots in summer weather is quite a statement."
HA! That's another thing you and I noticed. Can you believe the BOOTS (Uggs) she's wearing in the SUMMER??? I've seen people here dressed for winter during the summer and then people dressed for summer during the winter. I kid you not.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have super week!
X
Good morning Pearl!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
"We were surprised when we were in Vancouver at the number of wedding couples we saw having their photographs taken in the street, not even in a park or in front of a beautiful building!"
Yes, it's the same here in Philadelphia. I've seen wedding couples taking photographs in the strangest places - like right in the middle of the street; stopping traffic.
Thanks for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely week!
X
Hola Denise~
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
"When you live in a city, everything is right in your face, so you see it up close and there's is nothing to separate you from it."
Yes, that's the thing about city life. You're right out there with everyone (side by side) so there is nothing to separate you, so you can't NOT see it all going on around you - the extremes.
"And the newlywed couple photo is so beautiful."
I took about six photographs of them very quickly and wasn't sure if any of them would turn out. The one I posted was my favorite shot because it has a lot of movement to it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have wonderful week as well!
X
Hiya Mel!
ReplyDelete". There's a beauty in the un-pretty and a lesson for the taking. I trust we get them as they're meant to unfold in our lives."
You said it, dear lady! There is BEAUTY in the un-pretty, I totally agree. And what I especially love about that is that we have to look hard to see it; altering our perception.
"There was something about the homeless fella having lunch that made me focus not on him but everyone passing...and boy were there a lot of statements in those photos."
Bingo! I too noticed the people more so than the homeless guy. And yes...there are a lot of statements going in those photos, which is why I picked them. I had originally wrote more about those photos, but then decided to just show them rather than speak because the photos speak for themselves.
"I can't reconcile myself to photograph people, though I've found myself wanting to on more than one occasion. I'd be rushing around trying to get their permission and I'd lose the moment."
I know what you mean, so I understand your feelings. I try to use my intuition before taking a people photograph. If I feel it's okay, I will. If not, I won't. I try to be respectful. The thing about living in a city is that because it's so populated, it's hard NOT to get people in photographs.
" I tell him he gets away with LOTS when he opens his mouth and that cute little accent comes out. :-/ TRUE.....the little booger.....LOLOL"
HA! Aw...god love him!!!!!!
Much thanks for stopping by, Mel. Have a marvi Monday and week!
((((((( You ))))))
X
Ron, what a great set of photos! Did you take these with your new camera?
ReplyDeleteMy favorites are the guy sitting in the window smoking a cigarette and the two guys playing chess. Although, the ones of the homeless guy are great too because they speak volumes. I stared at those for awhile.
That first shot of the cafe rocks the house. Well done, dude!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Yes, most of these I took with my new camera, but some are with my old camera. I took the one of the guy sitting in the window using the zoom lens on my new camera. I LOVE that lens because it really gets in close and keeps a strong focus. My other camera was just so-so. I am so enjoying this new camera!
Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super Monday and week!
X
Ronnie I adore this. I really wish there were places for me to go around here to capture such great shots. I love people watching and I love imagining what story each person has and these pictures tell such great stories. Awesome way to start of the week my friend!
ReplyDeleteNice pics!
ReplyDelete"People in photographs add human action and emotion, almost like a moving picture that has been captured in a freeze frame." I agree! I was taking a photo of a sunset at the beach one time, and a couple was in the way, blocking my view of the setting sun. Luckily, I realized they actually added that elusive human action and emotion to the shot, and I simply included them. The result is one of my favorite pics ever.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like your shot of the guy in the window smoking a cigarette. Talk about a Double Death Wish!
Hey there Mark!
ReplyDelete"and a couple was in the way, blocking my view of the setting sun. Luckily, I realized they actually added that elusive human action and emotion to the shot, and I simply included them. The result is one of my favorite pics ever."
Yes! Don't you LOVE when that happens with a photograph? Sometimes things we think may interfere with an image actually ends up ADDING to it.
"I particularly like your shot of the guy in the window smoking a cigarette. Talk about a Double Death Wish!"
Bwhahahahahahaha! Agreed!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!
X to you and Tara!
There are some really great photos here, Ron. You really have a talent for photography. I love the chess players and the man on the window ledge. I wish I had the courage to take photos of people, but here in the UK, people are not so laid back about things like that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your supportive and encouraging words, Babs :)
ReplyDeleteI am so loving this camera and have been inspired by MANY of my blogging friends who teach me things about photography. So thank you for that!
" I wish I had the courage to take photos of people, but here in the UK, people are not so laid back about things like that."
Yes, it's pretty much the same here in Philly. However, in a city like NYC, no one really cares if you take their photograph. But still, I try to be discerning and respectful about who I take pictures of, such as, children.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!
X to you and Mo!
What a great variety of photo, Ron! You have such a great eye for snapping the camera because your photographs are always interesting to look at, both the subject and the perspective. I like how you see things.
ReplyDeleteAll these pics are great, but I think my favorites are the first cafe, the homeless gentleman, the chess players and the newlyweds.
I enjoy when you post about city life because I can hear your love for it in your words. You're definitely a city boy!
WHat a great set of photos. I love the series on the lunching homeless guy. I also liked that you put a transitional photo of a people-filled cafe in between the empty cafes and all the people shots. That flowed very well. And then the Inception-like ending! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteHey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteThanks, bud :)
For as long as I can remember, I have always had such an interest in photography and would study the photography books of photographers that I really admired. There is something about photographs that really intrigue me. I have much more to learn about photography, but that's the FUN in it, the learning!
And yes....I am definitely a city boy. I remember going to NYC when I was still in grammar school and telling my mother that one day I was going to live in a city. City life is not for everyone, but I'm truly in my element within a city. Especially NYC.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Robert. Hope you had a super Monday. Enjoy your week!
X
"I also liked that you put a transitional photo of a people-filled cafe in between the empty cafes and all the people shots."
ReplyDeleteYou know something? You are SUCH a Libra because only another Libra would notice that. And yes...I did that purposely. Thank you for noticing because I put so much thought into how I was going to present these photographs. You ROCK, girl!
"And then the Inception-like ending!"
HAHAHHAHA! OMG...I never thought of that, but you're right!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a FABULOSO week!
X
ron, i'm giving YOU a standing O and clapping MY hands. i love these photos. the first two are my favorite. just superb!!!! love how the windows open in the first photo. i really need to get my tail to philly for another visit.
ReplyDeletei wonder what happened to the man in the wheelchair. i'm assuming he laid himself back like that for the moment and doesn't roll around that way. for some reason, i want to talk to him. not to be nosy but to be nosy in a caring way. ;)
Aw...thanks, V Girl :)
ReplyDelete" love how the windows open in the first photo."
That place is not far from where I live now, so when you come to Philly again, I'll take you there. Isn't it the COOLEST-looking place? I love the tin ceiling, the brick wall, and the chandeliers.
I don't know exactly what happened to the gentleman in the wheelchair, but I'm thinking either partial paralysis of some kind, or maybe something to do with his back. The chair moves up and down, so I think he had it back so that he was more comfortable. He REALLY gets around with that chair because it's very mobile and adaptable. I love the wheels!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you had marvi Monday. Enjoy your week!
X
P.S. Can you believe the sudden drop in temperature? I thinks it's supposed go down into the 50's tonight.
Well keep on clicking that camera of yours, Ron, because your photographs are great. You inspire me to get a REAL camera and start taking photos instead of using my damn phone.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I watched the video clip of the I Dream of Jeannie TV opening on your sidebar and loved it. What cute animation. I forgot about that show. Larry Hagman was later on Dallas!
Robert, you HAVE TO get a camera because you'll love having one. I know that phones (especially iPhones) take super pictures, but there is nothing like using a real camera.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the clip! I decided to add that one last night when I found it on You Tube. Isn't the animation faaaaaaabulous? And yes, Larry Hagman was later seen on Dallas, which I used to watch. I liked Dallas, but I liked Knots Landing more.
"I took this photograph of a photographer taking a photograph"
ReplyDeleteGreat...you just broke the Matrix. ;-)
Awesome photos! I really like the idea of completely opening the windows to turn that cafe into an indoor/outdoor arena. Now, *that's* the kind of place I'd like to unwind in, with a fresh cup of coffee (4 sugars, dirty, please) and some tunes playing softly in the background.
"Great...you just broke the Matrix. ;-)"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHA! It's so funny you said that because one of my other readers said the same thing in HER comment.
"I really like the idea of completely opening the windows to turn that cafe into an indoor/outdoor arena. Now, *that's* the kind of place I'd like to unwind in, with a fresh cup of coffee (4 sugars, dirty, please) and some tunes playing softly in the background."
Amen! And I agree...I love a place with open windows so that you feel as though you're outside. A lot of places here in Philly are like that during the Spring and Summer months.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Hope your Monday was great. As well as your week!
X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!
I adore downtowns and I love how you categorized these images. I love the people photographs too (in their natural state!). So fun to get out and enjoy. We don't have these cute cafes where I live, but maybe I could find some in downtown Dallas. Maybe you have inspired an adventure to seek! :-)
ReplyDeleteJust checking in... different day, different Disqus mood! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteGot to see the pics again and I still like the one of the chess players.
Great photos. It's funny but I go to a lot of trouble to make sure I don't get any people in my pictures.
ReplyDeleteStrange what we think makes a decent photo isn't it.
Have a top week.
Hey there Dale!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
"It's funny but I go to a lot of trouble to make sure I don't get any people in my pictures. Strange what we think makes a decent photo isn't it."
HA! Yes it is, isn't it? And that's the GREAT thing about photography. We all see things differently; through different eyes.
Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a top week as well!
X
Goooooood morning Valerie!
ReplyDeleteYaaaaaaaaaaaaaay it worked!
Yesterday I checked both my Disqus account and Blogger account to see if your comment was in there, but I couldn't find it. I also checked to see if I could find the one you left on my last post, but couldn't find it as well. God only knows where they are.
Thanks so much for stopping back and commenting again, dear lady, you're a GEM!
"and I still like the one of the chess players."
Thank you. Isn't that one precious? I love how intent they are playing chess.
Have a super Tuesday!
X
Helloooooooooo Angelia!
ReplyDeleteSo FAB to see ya, my friend. I have missed you in blogland!
" I love the people photographs too (in their natural state!).
Me too. There is something so cool about capturing a single moment with people in it.
"We don't have these cute cafes where I live, but maybe I could find some in downtown Dallas."
I bet they do have them in downtown Dallas. I've seen photographs of Dallas on another bloggers blog and the city looks very charming.
Much thanks for stopping by, Angelia. Have a super week!
X
Ron, these are fantastic. I'd love to spend the afternoon in any of these cafe locations! And people watching is one of my favorite past times, although sometimes I fee a little strange when I take their pictures. :-)
ReplyDeleteliving in an extreme environment teaches me to find a balance within myself.
This is such a profound statement. I love it. Hope you have a wonderful Autumn day today and can get out to enjoy your city!
Hey there Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I had a blast putting this post together.
" And people watching is one of my favorite past times, although sometimes I fee a little strange when I take their pictures. :-)"
I hear you, because I will try to be discerning about WHO I take photographs of and how I present them. Often in a city it's hard to avoid taking photos without people being in them. But that's why I love living in a city because it's such a fascinating human experience; all being compacted together so closely.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a delightful week!
X
P.S. Yes, today is the first day it actually feels like Autumn. Cool and crisp. I'm going to head out soon and enjoy it.
Great shots! I love people watching.
ReplyDeleteHellooooooo Suzi!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
I love people watching too!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend!
((((((((((( You )))))))))))
X
Your photography is amazing. I especially love the people, those walking past the homeless man eating lunch, the wedding party prepping for a photo, the deluxe wheelchair, the photographer. Outstanding. Thank you for visiting my blog today featuring Angelia.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Jean!
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Thank you for stopping by and sharing a comment. So nice to meet you!
I'm still learning so much about photography, but it's something I truly enjoy. I'm a work in progress.
Your interview today with Angelia was WONDERFUL! So glad I stopped by.
Again, nice to meet you and have a terrific week!
X
OMG that first cafe shot is a MAGAZINE COVER!! Holy COW RON!!!! WOW! OK... and then the chess players... I am so proud of you for all your people photos... that is an amazing picture. And the homeless person... you are so brave for all the pictures you took of people. AND.. you are not fooling anyone. The construction workers... you took the picture for "art's sake," right? And the sexiest guy up there's name is Art???
ReplyDelete" AND.. you are not fooling anyone. The construction workers... you took the picture for "art's sake," right? And the sexiest guy up there's name is Art???"
ReplyDeleteBwhahahahahhahahahahaha! Katherine, that made me HOWL! I'm not sure what his name is, but I think I'll call him ART and go with your CLEVER wit!
The pictures of the homeless gentleman, were shot very quickly so I didn't know HOW any of them would turn out. I just stood across and clicked the camera with my zoom lens.
Mucho thanks for stopping by, girl, and for your supportive and encouraging words. You're a sweetheart.
Hope you're having a FABULOSO week!
X
Ron, these are SUPER photos! The smiling man in the wheelchair reminds me of an older fellow I know, also always smiling. You know, if they can smile in their condition, perhaps there's a lesson for the rest of us??
ReplyDeleteI love your cafes! They look so inviting, especially the outdoor seating in what looked like a nice warm day.
You really captured the intensity of the two guys playing chess, and my heart skipped a beat when you described the guy smoking in that really high window!
Hope your week is going well, my friend!
Helloooooo there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear lady :)
"The smiling man in the wheelchair reminds me of an older fellow I know, also always smiling. You know, if they can smile in their condition, perhaps there's a lesson for the rest of us??"
You are sooooooooo right about that! And that's exactly what I think whenever I see him - he's a lesson for me and others. There is also another elderly person (a woman) who I see in the park quite often, who is quite bent over with severe curvature of the spine and uses a walker to get around, who takes walks around the park. And boy, you should see her attitude, it's amazing! She gets out there every single day and walks in spite of her condition. What an inspiration she is!
"and my heart skipped a beat when you described the guy smoking in that really high window!"
I know, can you BELIEVE that? I live on a very high floor and can barely even look DOWN, let alone sit on the ledge.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have an awesome week!
X
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteHow are you? These are fantastic shots. The photos that made the most impression on me were the shots of the homeless man and the one of the man in the wheelchair. Very poignant. I am sure that each of these gentlemen would have incredible things to say.
I think that being in a large crowd could make this a little easier to start urban photography than perhaps just going out to emptier streets. Since you become one of the crowd and you may not "stick out" as much.
Thank you for sharing these fascinating photos.
Wishing you happy days.
X
Barb
Bonjour Barb!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
" I am sure that each of these gentlemen would have incredible things to say."
Right? And I bet their stories are incredible!
"I think that being in a large crowd could make this a little easier to start urban photography than perhaps just going out to emptier streets. Since you become one of the crowd and you may not "stick out" as much."
Exactly. And being in a city makes it almost impossible not to capture people within a photograph. Whereas in a more rural area, your not app to see as many crowds.
Much thanks for stopping by, Barb. Hope you're having a fab week!
X to you and D!
The first two I love the most! Especially the first one. I'm more into photos of things/places other than people I guess. Not completely, I mean I do like some shots of people but I tend to feel that unless I have their permission I feel like I'm prying or something. Oh, but people watching I do all the time. Go figure?? LOL
ReplyDeleteOkay, the construction workers... shhh... I checked them out because, after all, they've checked out people walking by their jobsites for years, right!?! LOL
Hey there Mary!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
I took some of these photos so long ago at the beginning of the summer, that I forgot I even had some of them - HA!
" I'm more into photos of things/places other than people I guess."
I understand. We all see things differently. I like photo of things/place as well. It's just that people (for me) make a photograph more active and interesting.
". I checked them out because, after all, they've checked out people walking by their jobsites for years, right!?! LOL"
HAHAHAHAHAHA! You said it! All those CAT CALLS they make from the scapheling!
X
" I was sad to see that show end."
ReplyDeleteMe too! In fact, I even taped the finale and will still watch every so often. I miss that show. It had the best cast and storylines.
Me as well, Ron. I liked Knots Landing much more. I was sad to see that show end.
ReplyDeleteHey there Shae!
ReplyDelete"I love people watching and I love imagining what story each person has and these pictures tell such great stories."
Me too! Sometimes I'll sit in my favorite park and just people watch. I try to have my camera with me at all times, just in case I see something interesting.
Mucho thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a SUPER week!
X
Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteX