rosebud

We went to Longwood Gardens in search of orchids. None of my shots were too great. The light on this rose in the greenhouse turned out pretty fantastic though.
(ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/800s)

shambles

As the prison expanded, each new cell block held more prisoners that the original ones. Over the years, Eastern has fallen into disrepair. Tourists support restoration efforts with the admission fee. Despite the negative effect it had on prisoners, it is an important piece of American history and a landmark to what detention facilities should not be.
(ISO 800, f/8.0, 1/50s)

penitent

The original cells at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia were designed for prisoners to be penitent and come out of their prison sentence better men. (It didn't work.) Here's one stark, restored cell. The only source of light for them was one slit of a skylight that directed their gazes towards God.
(ISO 100, f/6.3, 30s)

skyward skyscraper

Early in my photography hobbyhood, I admired the work of professionals who had great skill in capturing architecture. I thought that a lot of it was gear, but as it turns out, mine was good enough. I just needed some practice and a better hand on post-processing.
(ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/640s)

bygone

At the intersection of Pitt & Richard Streets is an old building that is filled with old automobiles. I thought at first it was an auto museum. There were no signs at all on the building, and I can't find a thing online. I think I need to ask my relatives for information. They live close enough that they might know something.
(ISO 100, f/10.0, 1/15s)

detour

I took a detour back from visiting my grandma. It took me over the hills and through the woods. A much nicer drive than the Pennsylvania Turnpike! I stopped in Bedford for a cup of coffee and took my cameras for a walk. I should do this more often.
(ISO 100, f/16.0, 1/15s)

steel & glass city

Pittsburgh is very much under construction. Glittering glass and steel edifices such as this stand next to buildings that've likely been there for a hundred years.
(ISO 100, f/10.0, 1/125s)

andrew warhola

In Pittsburgh last Saturday, she and I went to the Andy Warhol Museum. It is seven floors of absolutely awesome. It pained me to keep my camera in the bag for my visit; however, rules are rules, and I don't want to give photographers a bad name. I was restricted to shooting on the first floor where there was a timeline room that laid out Warhol's life for those like me who were largely ignorant of it. On my next free weekend at home, I've been inspired to take some photos a la Warhol, much like my Monet-inspired tangent this summer.

(ISO 800, f/3.5, 1/60s)

mail pouch tobacco

On my way up to Pittsburgh, I passed this barn and thought, "I need to stop for a quick picture." I deliberated for more than 30 seconds, and it was gone. On the return trip, I made the snap call. I tried to apply the Sunny f/16 Rule across the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It left me a bit underexposed, so I adjusted accordingly. Hopefully next time, I can get a wide-angle shot.

(ISO 100, f/16, 1/60s)

bachelorhood

I've been to a few so-called "beer pubs" in my day. Some of them have quite impressive lists. Ones that shall remain nameless that don't live up to the hype. Others that do, like Stubbie's in Gainesville. Due to interesting ABC laws in Pennsylvania, I went to a different breed last weekend for my cousin's bachelor party. D's Six Pax & Dogz in Sunnyvale, just outside of Pittsburgh. Great selection, and if we so chose, we'd've been able to take a six-pack to go. I'll never understand it.
(ISO 800, f/2.5, 1/25s)

the replacement

When my uncle sold the family tavern in 1999, the Moose became the watering hole of choice for many of the displaced patrons. Lately, I haven't set foot in a pub, bar, or speakeasy in town. There's reasons, sure, but it'd still be nice to do something after my grandma goes to bed at sunset.
(ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/13s)

wind farm

Last week, my kiddos were learning about renewable energy sources in science. Wind was one of the options discussed. Knowing I would see a wind farm that weekend, I promised I'd take a photo or two. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get too close to them. These windmills are absolutely massive. I would guess each blade is between fifty and a hundred feet long. That they turn so silently is mind-boggling.
(ISO 100, f/9.0, 1/400s)