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As you all know, I have a passion for photography. Throughout my 16 years publishing this blog, I have shared a slew of photographs; primarily photos of city life in both New York and Philadelphia. Included within my passion for photography is a passion for architecture; especially historical architecture. I love buildings, bridges, streets, etc. that contain a rich history. I like modern architecture as well, however, historical architecture often has a gritty and raw essence, which I adore. 

What I haven't taken many photographs of are people. Yes, you'll definitely see people in a lot of my photographs because when you live in a city, you can't help but have people in them. However, the people in my photography are usually in the background, they're not the focus. Readers have asked me many times in their comments, did the people in my photographs mind having their picture taken? And my response was that when you live in a city (particularly in a city the size of New York), people are used to other people pointing their cameras and cell phones everywhere; taking pictures. So no, they don't mind. In fact, they're so busy going about their own business to even notice. 

Today, I would like to share photographs I recently took of my dear friend, Kelly, who I've occasionally shared about in previous posts, like this one.  

Kelly agreed to be my model, so that I could get some practice using my Canon camera for taking portrait photographs in which people are the focus. 

What's ideal about being friends with Kelly is that she and I are much alike, in that we both enjoy learning and continually remain curious about trying new things. And we also learn the same way, by just getting out there and doing it through trial and error, and having FUN. 

I'm a Libra and Kelly is a Leo. I have a lot of Leo in my astrological chart, and Kelly's rising sign is Libra; therefore, we share similarities. Such as, we both walk at the same speed -- FAST -- like a roadrunner. Many of our interests are the same too. 

Last Wednesday, we met at one of our favorite coffee spots down in Old City, and then walked all around the area, taking photographs. Old City has a lot of diverse locations, so it's ideal for backdrops.

So, without further ado, Heeeeeeere's Kelly!

*Kelly and I first met working together in 2015. She is a very talented makeup artist, among other creative talents. Before we started taking photographs that day, I snapped a few shots of her applying her lip liner and lip balm... 




Doesn't she look faaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous? You GO, girl...

 
These next two I took down by the Delaware River, under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge...



Down at Cherry Street Pier...



 
Okay, so I induced this next photo after I spotted a fire hydrant and told Kelly that I had the sudden urge to get down on all fours; lift my leg and pee like a male dog.

But Kelly beat me to it and did it much more lady-like..LOL!


VERY Zen...



This was one of my favorite shots because it's so natural. She threw her head back and laughed, and I snapped the camera. And I love the blur...


This final photograph was taken on the oldest street in Philadelphia, Elfreth’s Alley...

Thanks, Kelly! You were a SUPERmodel! And what FUN we had! 💗


Have a grrrreat rest of your week, everyone! 💗


*Edit update: I cannot believe I did this being that Kelly and I are such close friends, but I TOTALLY got her astrological sun sign wrong. I have always thought she was a Leo, but she's not, she's a Cancer. However, I was right about one thing, she DOES have a Libra rising. And she does have STRONG Leo energy within her chart. Anyway, sorry about that. However, I stand corrected now. Thank you!

26 comments:

  1. Ron, your photographs of Kelly are SO GOOD! And I could tell from the photos that the two of you had so much FUN. I love Kelly's hair (the cut, color and length). You're a natural for portrait photography. And Kelly is also a natural! The one of her laughing is such a perfect capture. Also, ZEN.

    I didn't know you were a Libra. So am I. October 6th. But I won't tell you the year. LOL!

    Well done, Ron! You too, Kelly!

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  2. Ron, I smiled the whole time I scrolled through these photos. Which are excellent, by the way. Kelly looks like a pro in front of the camera. You can tell that you enjoyed yourselves from the energy in the photos. Old City looks like a really cool place. The one of Kelly by the fire hydrant is hilarious. And the look on her face is priceless!

    When did you first get interested in photography? Did you ever take a class or are you self-taught? You've got a really good eye.

    Sounds like you and Kelly have a special friendship. That's awesome!

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  3. Morning, Candice!

    " I love Kelly's hair (the cut, color and length). "

    I agree! In fact, the very first thing I said to her when she got out of the Uber to meet me at the coffee cafe' was, "OMG...I love your hair!!!"

    I know, isn't she a natural in front of the camera? The two of us had so much fun that day.

    "I didn't know you were a Libra. So am I. October 6th. But I won't tell you the year. LOL!"

    You're a Libra too?!? Don't you love being a Libra? And you're not going to believe this but my father's was also a Libra, and guess what his birthdate was? OCTOBER 6th!!!!! I kid you not!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Wednesday!

    X

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  4. Hey there, Daniel!

    "You can tell that you enjoyed yourselves from the energy in the photos."

    Thank you! Kelly and I had a blast taking these photos.

    Don't the just love the one of her by the fire hydrant? It was so spontaneous. She and I also share the same kind of HUMOR.

    For as long as I can remember, I've been interested in photography. I got my first camera (a Kodak instamatic) for Christmas when I was around 11-years old. My mother always knew how much I loved cameras (and taking pictures), so she got me one. Wasn't that nice of her? And no, I've never taken a formal photography class, I'm self-taught. As my interest grew, I purchased a better and better camera until eventually I purchased a camera (a Canon Rebel) in which I could adjust all the settings instead of using it on auto mode. THAT'S when I started learning much more about the art of photography.

    Thank you for stopping by, sir! Always great to see your comments.

    X

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  5. Very skilled photography Ron. It takes time and above all, effort, to achieve so much in photographing the human figure...getting emotion and personality. You have managed it perfectly. For me personally, I like the series of your friend applying make up...impromptu and unstaged!!!

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  6. Thank you, Anni!

    And I agree about the series of Kelly applying makeup. Those are some of my personal favorites! In fact, those where the first ones I emailed to Kelly after I uploaded them onto my computer.

    Always great reading your comments, my friend. Thanks a bunch for stopping by!

    X

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  7. Great work, Ron! I think it’s so much harder to take photos of people than anything else. And isn’t it crazy how different the same person can look on the same day? It must be the angle or something. For example, the first photos you took of her applying the lip liner, I thought she looked older than the photos of her later. Such a cute gal with those dimples! I love the photo of her with the painted circles behind. The colors are perfect with her complexion. Same with the last photo. And I adore the one of her looking up and laughing. Great capture! You guys looked like you were having a blast. Happy Wednesday!

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  8. Aw, thank you, my friend! And yes, we had a BLAST!

    And I agree, it is much more challenging to take photos of people than anything else, which is why I want to continue learning more and more about it. I may be taking photos of a mutual friend of Kelly's and mine next month because she saw Kelly's photos and thought she looked a-mazing!

    "And isn’t it crazy how different the same person can look on the same day? It must be the angle or something. For example, the first photos you took of her applying the lip liner, I thought she looked older than the photos of her later. Such a cute gal with those dimples."

    Yes, it sure is. Don't ya' just love her dimples? I love the contrast of her brown eyes against her blonde hair too. Her eyes just POP!

    I like that one too. We spotted that painted circle thingy down by the Delaware River. I think it was some kind of generator that they painted. I thought it was so creative!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy Wednesday to you too!

    X

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  9. Ron, these are fantabulous! And your one readers (Bijoux) took the words right out of my mouth because I was thinking the same thing..." Such a cute gal with those dimples! " I have dark hair and always wanted blonde, so I love Kelly's hair too! I also like her lipstick color. She's got beautiful skin too!

    It's true what you said about city folk not noticing other people taking photographs. It just becomes part of living in a city, especially in one as big and crowded as NY.

    "But Kelly beat me to it and did it much more lady-like." Oh my god, I LOL! And what a stellar capture!

    Not only did I enjoy looking at your photos, but also reading about your friendship with Kelly. Isn't it great having a friend you connect with on so many levels?

    Enjoyed this post, Ron! Have a wonderful rest of your week! xo

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  10. Hola Denise!

    Thank you! :) I love the contrast of Kelly's dark brown eyes and blonde hair. I love that lipstick color too. She used a liner and a balm to achieve that color. It's a perfect nudish color!

    "But Kelly beat me to it and did it much more lady-like." Oh my god, I LOL! And what a stellar capture!"


    We share the same crazy sense of humor!!!! I love that shot too!

    Yes, it sure is. Kelly and I worked together for over 4 years, but our friendship continued. She's a great gal!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a wonderful rest of your week too!

    X

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  11. Ok, well just add portrait photography to your porfolio! Great job, Ron!! Of course, it doesn't hurt to have such a lovely model (and friend) to help you jump right in. And what Leo doesn't like a bit of attention, eh!? But with a rising sign of Libra, there's the charm and kindness that your photos show. It was good to include ones of her applying some makeup. Calm, yet confident. I get the feeling that she'd be good working with people.
    I like the one of her leaning on the railing, and the one in front of the painted circles. Definitely got a chuckle from the hydrant one. LOL! And the final shot was really good too because it could be a travel ad ... come to Philadelphia to see all the wonderful history, meet cool people, and have some fun!
    Sweet post, Ron. Always nice to read about friendships!
    ~Mary

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  12. Hellooooooooo there, Mary!

    Thank you, my friend!

    "Of course, it doesn't hurt to have such a lovely model (and friend) to help you jump right in. "


    Yup, you got that right! Kelly's a natural in front of the camera.

    " It was good to include ones of her applying some makeup. Calm, yet confident. I get the feeling that she'd be good working with people."


    I think so too. Those are some of my favorites. And yes!!!!!!.... Kelly is outstanding working with people. She and I met at work, where she was one of the managers (leadership). And she and I managed to have both a professional relationship while at work, and also a close friendship outside of work because we respected each other.

    " Definitely got a chuckle from the hydrant one. LOL!"


    Isn't that hysterical? We have the same silly sense of humor!

    "And the final shot was really good too because it could be a travel ad ... come to Philadelphia to see all the wonderful history, meet cool people, and have some fun!"

    It's so ironic that you said that because after I uploaded it to my computer and saw it BIG, I thought the same thing. It looked like a travel ad for historical Philadelphia!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Always a delight to read your comments!

    X

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  13. Ron, you are multi-talented -- buildings and scenery, yes, but now Kelly? Wow, awesome!


    I hope Kelly has plans for these shots. They're very well done and showcase her to a T. I'd love having some "author" shots like these, but thus far, I haven't found the right photographer. You really have to be comfortable with somebody so the natural-ness comes out.


    The fun you two had with this photo shoot really shines. Thank you for encouraging us to try something different and broaden our horizons! Happy rest-of-the-week, my friend! xx

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  14. Ron, thank you for responding to my questions. That just goes to show that if you have a desire (and I believe a natural talent) for something, you can do it just by doing it and learning as you go.

    How wonderful that your mother sensed that and gave you your first camera for Christmas! Isn't it something how instamatic cameras are back in style? And do you remember those square lightbulbs that were used on cameras for lighting?

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  15. "And do you remember those square lightbulbs that were used on cameras for lighting?"

    OMG, YES, I most certainly do remember those bulbs!!!! They had four lights on them and the bulb would turn after each flash! True. I never thought that instamatics would return, but I see a lot of people using them again.

    My mother was so intuitive about things like that. She also sensed that I had a desire to write, so one year she bought me a desk and a typewriter for Christmas. God, how I miss her!

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  16. These are AMAZING, Ron! Kelly, your friend, is stunning and photogenic. You seem to have had a lot of fun.

    Philadelphia looks like a fantastic city. I've never been, despite the fact that my dad grew up on the East Coast!

    Good photographers capture personality, and I believe you did an excellent job capturing Kelly's. These photos make me feel as if I know her. Bravo, my friend.😘❤️

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  17. Aw....thank you, Debbie! Kelly and I had so much fun taking these photos.

    "You really have to be comfortable with somebody so the natural-ness comes out."

    You're absolutely correct! And I think because we know each other so well, we had an "ease." Plus, she's very photogenic!

    I don't know if Kelly has any plans with these photographs, however, I wanted to share the ones in which her bright light shined!

    I like trying different things because it keeps me learning. I love to learn new things. And that's such a LIBRA thing! Libra's enjoy mental and creative stimulation.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy rest-of-the-week too!

    X

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  18. Hello there, Kari!

    And thank you for your sweet and encouraging words!

    Yes!.....we DID have a lot of fun. Whenever Kelly and I get together for coffee or lunch, we end up LAUGHING all day. But we also have deep conversations.

    "Philadelphia looks like a fantastic city. I've never been, despite the fact that my dad grew up on the East Coast!"

    What I really like about Philadelphia is the architecture and the history. As I shared in one of my previous posts, I am such East Coaster. However, one of these days I need to visit Chicago because I always hear such wonderful things about it - clean, friendly people and it also has the Steppenwolf Theatre Company!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Always a joy to read your comments!

    Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  19. Ron, why am I not surprised that these photographs EQUAL your photographs of architecture? No matter what you point your camera at and snap, you have a talented and NATURAL eye.

    LOVE these! And my girlfriend wanted me to tell you that she did too. She loved Kelly's hair in these photographs, as well as her make up because it's so natural.

    The two of us laughed our asses off at the fire hydrant bit (and photograph). You are so damn funny!

    The one of Kelly on that HUGE chair are so good. Why is the chair so big? She looks so small sitting there. LOL!

    Well done, dude! Kelly too! Rock on!

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  20. Hiya Matt!

    Much thanks for your encouraging and supportive words.

    Isn't Kelly's hair beautiful? So many people on this comment tread said the same thing. She's a very talented makeup artist as well. She and I worked together in the beauty industry for almost five years and had a blast. When we met, we immediately hit it off and became friends.

    "The two of us laughed our asses off at the fire hydrant bit (and photograph)."


    Many, many years ago, when I first moved to New York City, my partner and I (at that time) took pictures of each other on all fours and lifted our leg as if we were urinating on the fire hydrant on the street, like a male dog. OMG, we laughed and laughed when we saw the photos!

    I know, isn't that chair crazy BIG? It sits in front of a place that sells furniture in Old City. I also have a picture of myself sitting it that my friend, Val, took when she came to Philly for a visit years ago.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Hope you're enjoying a faaaaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  21. Ron, your friend Kelly is not only beautiful, but adorable as well! Like other have shared, I love her hair, eyes, skin, and lip color. And she's a natural in front of the camera. And you, my dear friend, are a natural BEHIND the camera. Everyone of these pictures is a GEM!

    I love the ones by the bridge, but also the one standing in front of that colorful wall. The one of Kelly laughing is fantastic. And I'm with you, I love the BLUR because it adds a sense of movement to the image. That final one of Kelly standing in Elfreth’s Alley looks so professional. As if it came from a magazine!

    And yes, I can tell that you had fun because it shines through the photos!

    Well done, Ron! xo

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  22. Hellooooooo there, Elaine!

    I agree, Kelly is a natural in front of the camera!

    And thank you, I REALLY enjoyed getting out there and experimenting with portrait/people photographs. And Kelly was the prime person to do it with because of how comfortable with each other.

    Me too, I like that shot because the blur gives it an ACTION feel to it

    Oh we did, we had SO MUCH FUN that day!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your encouragement. Appreciate that!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  23. Ron, great photos, great model, and I really enjoyed reading about your friendship with Kelly. Sounds a lot like the friendship I have with my closest and dearest guy friend, Kenny. The second he and I met, we connected on so many levels.

    I love all these shots, but my favorite is the fourth one down. Great smile. And Kelly glows!

    Well done, Ron!

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  24. Thank you, Clair! Isn't Kelly a GREAT model? We had so much fun taking these photographs.

    "I love all these shots, but my favorite is the fourth one down. Great smile. And Kelly glows!"

    I AGREE!!!!! She glows!

    Isn't it great having a friendship in which you connect on many levels? Also, in which you're relaxed and completely yourself?

    Thanks much for stopping by, Clair! Happy Friday!

    X

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  25. first of all, i can't believe you've been blogging for 16 years. the longevity, man. teach me.

    2nd, the portraits are gorgeous. you are a great photographer. well done, ron.

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  26. Aw...thanks, Val! YOU have ALWAYS been an inspiration for me with your amazing talent in photography. You are a great photographer too!

    Yup, can you believe it? 16 years! And I still enjoy it very much! Not only that, but I've met so many cool people through this medium. Such as YOU!

    X

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