Tag: Pittsburgh

A Vision of Black and White

For todays post I thought I would explore some of my older photos post some black and white conversions.  I’ve always been fascinated with black and white photography and have found that the absence of color makes me look deeper into the image.  Without color we have a tendency to see the detail that was always there and that, I think, is what makes black and white so fascinating.

Hope you enjoy the photos and feel free to let me know what you think.

Allegheny Cemetery
Allegheny Cemetery
Allegheny Cemetery
Allegheny Cemetery
Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle, Pa
Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle, Pa
Violin
Gettysburg, Pa
PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pa
Kentuck Knob
Return to Nature
Tied Up
Livermore Tree

High Speed Zamboni

So tonight on my way out of work I walked by the ice skating rink at PPG place in downtown Pittsburgh.  I watched for just a minute and then decided to go grab my camera and tripod and take a few quick shots of the skaters.  But as usual, my plans were derailed when I got back, as the skaters were all off the ice and they were resurfacing it with the Zamboni.  You may recall, I mentioned having a list of subject to photograph this year an as luck would have it a Zamboni is number 127 on my list.  So here is my shot of a Zamboni speeding around the ice.

High Speed Zamboni

Night Time in the City

After showing you an overall scene of the city of Pittsburgh, I thought that I would show you a photo that I took on a walk downtown one evening.  Yesterday I talked about looking around you to see what the city has to offer.  After walking through this corner countless times, one evening I stopped and took a few minuets to look around, then the idea for this photo came to me and the next night I was standing there with my camera and tripod.  I think the results were worth it.  Feel free to let me know what you think.

Pittsburgh Streets

 

This photo was taken using a fisheye lens and a slow shutter speed to get the streaking of the lights.  I will say that my work kept me from getting out today to take any photos but I was able to pull this one from my archives.

Pittsburgh, My Home Away From Home

As you can guess tonights post is about Pittsburgh, Pa.  Growing up I can remember going to the city for special events like the circus and monster truck races at the Civic Arena.  Going to the museums and one of my favorite places Phipps Conservatory.  I can remember going to Mt. Washington too see the city scape and especially at night to see the lights from so high above the city.

Well I’m all grown now and I travel to the city just about everyday and it still mesmerizes me every single day.  There are truly no two days alike and the city is constantly changing, growing and evolving.  I’ve spent the better part of the last two years in Pittsburgh and I can say that I see something unique everyday.  If you live or work in any city take time everyday to look around and see what amazing things the city has to offer.  All to often we get in a rut and don’t see the great things right in front of us, because we are always looking forward to the next “BIG” thing.

Today was one of the rare occasions that I got off work early enough to run up to Mt. Washington and see those amazing lights once again.  And I would like to share the following two photographs with you.  Leave a comment and tell me what amazes you about the city or town you live or work in.

City of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Skyline

Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures

This is my 2012 in photos.   Some of these photos were taken with projects in mind such as the abandoned buildings, some were just subjects I came across, and others were planned trips to some of my favorite places like Gettysburg.  I hope that you have had a great 2012 and are looking forward to an even better 2013.  Enjoy and let me know which photo you like the best.

Taking Cover
Is Anyone Home
Abandon
The Butterfly and the Ant
I Can’t Believe It
General Warren
Cucumber Falls
Hoemstead Stacks
Nemicolin Mine Abandon
Pennsylvania Monument
The Lightning Strikes
Take Off
Return to Nature
Tied Up
An Angel in the Sun
Pittsburgh Church
A Lilly in the Water
Homestaed Stacks
4th of July
Gone but not Forgotten
You Can’t See Me
Pittsburgh Foreworks
Just Another Corner
Snacking
A Christmas Tree
Heinz Chapel
Protecting the Fallen
Nemicolin Mine
4Th of July
Down the Barrel

A Walk Through the Garden….

Recently I had a little free time and decided to stop by the outdoor gardens at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The inside always proves to have great flowers, patterns, and details to photograph.  In my opinion the outside has some very interesting things to photograph as well.  Included are just a few shots from the walk but I think I was able to come up with a few interesting photos.

If you in the area I would recommend stopping by and taking a walk around the outside of the building.  The best part is that there is no charge to visit the outside gardens.

Churches of Pittsburgh…

Just wanted to do a quick post of a couple of churches in Pittsburgh, Pa.  I photographed these in the early spring and just got around to processing them.  On Sunday I will be making a trip to Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh and hopefully I’ll have a chance to photograph a few more of the churches.

Hope you enjoy.

When You Hear the Word “Independence”…

Well, with yesterday being July 4th and the celebration of our countries independence day I thought I would reflect a little on what independence really means.  The dictionary defines independence as being “the fact or state of being independent”.  But I like the definition found in Wikipedia:

Independence is a condition of a nation,country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usuallysovereignty, over its territory.

In 1776 this country declared its independence.  And over the years we have lost many of our soldiers, friends, and loved ones keeping that independence and freedom.  We live in a great country and each of us owe a debt to those who have given us the right to live here in freedom.  It’s great that we have days like July 4th, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day to remember those who sacrificed so much for our way of life.  But should we forget about them the other 362 days of the year.  Every day we wake up we should be thankful for what we have, no matter how little or great it is.  And when you see a soldier or veteran take the time to say “Thank You” for what they have given so that you can live in this great country.

If you are reading this and you are a soldier or veteran I want to personally thank you for the freedom that you have given to me.

THANK YOU!!!

I shot the following photos on our independence day.

A Trip to the Zoo…

Recently the photography group that I belong to took a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  I’ve ben there several times in the past, but each time I manage to find a different view, expression, or animal to photograph.  So if you have time this summer plan a trip to the zoo and have a nice day out.  Let me know what you think of the photos.