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As I shared in a previous post, ever since my break from blogging over the summer, I seem to have reconnected with my creative muse. And lately, my creative channel has been through the use of my camera. Over the past month and a half, I've been experimenting with manual mode instead of relying on auto-pilot. These next photographs were shot in manual mode, which means I adjusted the settings (aperture, shutter speed, etc.). But that doesn't mean I didn't tweak them a bit (crop, sharpen, color adjust) in post-production. So, I guess you could call these photographs semi-manual.

As most of you guys and gals already know, I love architecture. And Philadelphia has some of the most gorgeous architecture, which is an amalgamation of historical fused with modern. However, it is primarily the rich, historical architecture that speaks to my heart. I guess you could say that I was born with an old soul because all my life I've been more attracted to old than new.

You will also notice from these photographs that I enjoy shooting buildings at an angle; looking up. And I particularly enjoy photographing the corners of buildings.

So please enjoy some Philadelphia urban architecture...


Philadelphia Post Office


Moon over Philadelphia


The Bellevue-Stratford


City Hall


I love this photo because it shows four different types of architecture


The Ritz-Carlton Condominiums


The Comcast Building


The Bourse Building 


Center City, Philadelphia


Night walk


Thomas Jefferson Memorial Hospital


Nighttime view from my apartment window


Have a superb week y'all!
X


36 comments:

  1. I absolutely love this post Ron! The architecture is phenomenal!! I have never been to Philadelphia but now I want to go! Your creative side has definitely returned and your photos are spectacular!! Happy Sunday!!

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  2. Great photography indeed, thanks for sharing and greetings!

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  3. I know I would love to prowl round Philadelphia because, like you, I love architecture. You did a fine job with your camera.... I wish I could get away from auto settings. Scared, that's what I am, either that or lazy!

    The angles you shoot are brilliant. Is there any other way, though, with the height and everything to contend with. I really liked all the pictureespecially the Ritz-Carlton Condominiums.



    Hope you're having a peaceful weekend.

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  4. Beautiful shots, one and all. What a great view you have from your apartment. My faves are City Hall and Night Walk. Great colors and lighting! Hope you're having a fab weekend!

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  5. Wow Ron, these pictures are (using your word) faaaaaaabulous! You have such a great eye! Your creative muse has definitely returned because I can see it in your photography. You really know how to bring out the beauty of Philly. And I am so impressed to shot these in manual mode. Yay to you!


    My favs are the post office, city hall, center city and the last one. What a spectacular view from your apartment!


    Have a great Sunday, Ron! Can you believe how warm it was today?

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  6. Thank you, kind sir. And thanks so much for stopping by.

    Have a grrrreat week!
    X

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  7. Aw...thank you, Jeanne :) It's been such joy to pick up my camera again and take photos. I didn't realize how much I missed it.


    If you ever come to Philly (which I hope you do), I would love to take you and your husband for a tour. I think you would enjoy the sights because it's a very old, historical city with some of the most gorgeous diverse architecture.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a fantabulous Sunday!


    X to you and the girlz

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  8. Thank you, my friend :) I have a small studio apartment, but it's got 4 HUGE windows that overlook the city; giving the appearance of being a much bigger apartment than it is. The view is best at night because of the city lights.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and have a super week! Can you believe that Christmas is so close?!? Time is flying!


    X

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  9. Hello there Valerie!


    OMG....I would LOVE to prowl round Philadelphia with you and Joe because I think you would both enjoy it. Philadelphia's architecture is very European, so I have a feeling that you would feel at home here.


    Thank you :) I decided to step away from auto mode for a bit and try my hand at practicing manual. The great thing about digital cameras is that if you make a mistake, you can always just delete it and try again. Trust me, I messed up A LOT of photographs in attempting manual.


    The Ritz-Carlton Condominiums are connected to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which is not far from where I live. I used to work with a woman who LIVED in those condos until she and her husband got divorced and sold it.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you enjoyed a lovely weekend. Have a terrific week!


    X to you and Joe

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  10. Hey there Elaine!


    Aw...thank you:) I just keep trying my hand at photography. It's one of those things that takes practice. I've always been attracted to photography. In fact, even when I was a kid, my mother bought me my first camera (an Instamatic) for Christmas one year because she always sensed I had an interest in it.


    I decided to start experimenting with manual mode because that's one of the main reasons why I bough this camera earlier this year.


    I live in a small studio apartment, but the one thing that's great about it is that I've got 4 HUGE windows that overlook the city, which makes the apartment seem bigger and more open.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a super week!


    X


    P.S. OMG...it was over 70's degrees today! It felt like SUMMER. I actually saw people wearing shorts and flip-flop sandals. I can't WAIT for COLD weather.

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  11. Such beautiful architecture, beautifully showcased, Ron! Thank you so much for sharing your city with us. I've never been to Philly, so I'm just fascinated with these buildings!

    It doesn't matter a hoot to me whether you had to tweak them a bit. I think we all have to do that because too often, something extraneous appears in a shot that otherwise might be perfect!

    You've given us a lovely glimpse into the old as well as the new. I find myself more drawn in by the old, too, although the new seems more showy. I'm glad you're getting used to your new camera -- we're the beneficiaries of that, my friend!!

    Happy week to you! xoxo

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  12. Ron, your passion for photography has rubbed off on me since two years ago, when you recommended that Nikon point and shoot camera, and I got it. Through photography, you've taught me to notice things more. I've always thought your photographs were great, but they've gotten even more great. You continue to inspire me, dude!

    These photos ROCK! I especially like the first and last ones. The lighting in all these is so professional.

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  13. Hello there Debbie!

    Thank you, my friend :) And if you ever travel to the northeast and visit Philly, I would love to take you on a city tour! I think you would really like it because although it's a city, it is not overwhelming, like many people feel NYC is.

    "It doesn't matter a hoot to me whether you had to tweak them a bit. I think we all have to do that because too often, something extraneous appears in a shot that otherwise might be perfect!"

    And I think you're absolutely right, we all do a bit of tweaking with our photographs in one way or another. In fact, I'm thinking of treating myself to a photo editing software this Christmas, something like : Photoshop Elements, so that I can learn more about photo editing.

    " I find myself more drawn in by the old, too, although the new seems more showy."

    I know what you mean because there is something more showy about the new. And that can be really nice!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet, encouraging words. Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  14. Hiya Matt! Aw...thank you for your kind and encouraging words, buddy. Thank you :)


    I so enjoy photography and the process of learning. The more I practice, the more I learn. It's been a very interesting journey, photography, because not only is about the 'technical' aspect, but it's also about becoming more aware of your surroundings and noticing.


    And I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your camera and have caught the 'photography bug' as well! Isn't it FUN?


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by and have a most excellent week!


    X

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  15. Nice to see your photographic muse hasn't deserted you Ron, great photos.

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  16. Yes, you are certainly blessed with gorgeous architecture in Philly. The shadow play on that first photo is fantastic. I love the perspectives on all your shots. The night view from your apartment is lovely. Perhaps your muse could contact my muse and tell her that she needs to get back to work. Hope you are finding some "me" time during the holidays to rest and recharge.

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  17. Beautiful photographs, Ron! You captured the incredible architecture of each building so perfectly. I LOVE the lighting in each of these photos. The one of the Ritz-Carlton is amazing. What a tall building! The view from your apartment window is phenomenal. Lucky you!


    One of the guys I work with is into photography, so I showed him your post. He so enjoyed it!


    Have a wonderful week, Ron x


    P.S. Is it insane busy at work yet?

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  18. Thank you, Dale :) I'm really enjoying this new camera and practicing with manual mode. It's teaching me a lot.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy!

    Have a splendid week!!!!
    X

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  19. Hey there Lisa!

    Thank you :) Yes, Philadelphia has some really gorgeous architecture. And it's funny because having been born here, I didn't appreciate it back then as I do now.

    I feel sooooooo fortunate to have that view from my apartment because although my place is small, the big windows and beautiful view of the city makes it appear much larger.

    And yes, I am finding some "me" time during this holiday season. In fact, I have today and tomorrow off so I'm going to be spending the afternoons outside (in the park and walking around taking photographs) just relaxing. After being sick over the summer and then getting well, I want to make sure I STAY well by resting and recharging.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a marvi Monday and week!


    X

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  20. Hola Denise! Aw...thank you, girl :) Isn't the Ritz-Carlton TALL?!? It has 48 floors!!! I used to work with a woman who lived there. I think they start at million dollars, or close to it. I've never been inside, but I bet the view from the top is AMAZING! Especially at night.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fantabuous week!


    X

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  21. Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment that I love your festive Christmas blog header. The Santa hat is so cute!

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  22. Thank you! And thanks for noticing :) I edited the hat and holly to my blog header last night. I wanted to add a touch of Christmas cheer to my blog.


    Cheers!

    X

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  23. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comMonday, December 14, 2015

    I'm loving where you muse is taking you! Love that first shot in particular.

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  24. Ron, it's so great to see that your muse is back and that you're using your camera again. These are gorgeous! And each one has a different feel. I especially love the first and the last two. The one of the hospital is so cool. Love the billowing smoke. It almost looks like it's on fire!


    Keep on taking those pictures, Ron!

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  25. Thank you, Fiona :) Ever since coming back from my long blogging break, I feel re-inspired and creative. I'm so glad I took that time off.

    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  26. Hey ho Robert!

    Thanks, buddy :) Over the summer and early fall, my camera was collecting dust - HA! It feels great to feel inspired and creative again.

    "The one of the hospital is so cool. I like how you captured the billowing smoke. It almost looks like it's on fire!"



    Yes, it does look like it's on fire! I took that shot on a cold day, while walking to an Italian market (Di Bruno Bros.). I looked up and saw the smoke coming out of the stack and quickly took a few pictures.


    Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a fabuloso week!

    X

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  27. Gorgeous city sights and buildings Ron and AGAIN (I know I've said this many times) you are such a talented photographer!!! I love the angles you've taken of these different buildings, it adds so much to the look of each photo. Well done!!!


    Have a great rest of the week, G

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  28. Hello there Geraldine! Thank you :) I'm beginning to get a bit more comfortable using the manual settings on my camera and enjoying the learning process. I am so glad I decided to get this camera.

    Have a great rest of your week too, and thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  29. I love your photography, Ron. Especially the contrast between dull colors and blues. That's sort of your signature style - at least in this series of shots. Well done! Don't ever let that creative muse of yours wander off again, okay?

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  30. Hey there Mark!

    You know, I never thought of that being my signature style but you're right. I do seem to frequently shoot a contrast between dull colors and blues. Thank you for pointing that out to me. And thank you for your kind and encouraging words.

    Have a great rest of your week and thanks so much for stopping by, buddy!

    X to you and Tara

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  31. nope. all the way manual, not even semi-manual. you plug in the settings, then it's manual baby! you did an excellent job ron, and i freaking love these photos. please take more and post them. you inspire me to dust off my cameras. :)

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  32. You certainly have some great material to work with. Gorgeous photos here and I really love the view from your apartment!

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  33. Aw...thanks, Val :) And please know that YOU have always been a HUGE inspiration for me! It blows me away when I see your always-gorgeous photographs and then remember that you are a self-taught photograph.

    So yes...you have always been my inspiration.

    Thanks, girl!

    And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  34. Yes, Philly certain does have some great material to work with, I agree.


    Thanks, that's one of the things that makes my small studio apartment so appealing - the view overlooking the city. I feel really blessed.


    Have a super rest of your weekend, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!


    X

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  35. I always love your photography Ron!

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  36. Thank you, Benze :)

    ((((((((( You )))))))))))

    And thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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