Ben Franklin Bridge Reflected in Steel Spheres Display

This past week proved to be an engaging experience for a local photographer, who completed two portrait assignments before taking a moment to reflect on the surroundings on a vibrant winter morning. The scene at Old City featured the iconic Benjamin Franklin Bridge that loomed over the public artwork located on Columbus Boulevard. On this specific day, the clear blue sky was a stunning complement to the stainless steel sculpture, resembling a giant knot of spheres, prompting the photographer to pause and engage in a spontaneous photography session.

In the pursuit of capturing the perfect image, the photographer employed two versatile zoom lenses—a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm—manipulating focal lengths and adjusting apertures to control the depth of field and enhance the reflections in the sculpture. The results included not only a symmetrical capturing of the spheres and their environment but also a more dramatic take on the blue sky and bridge.

This creative exploration followed a starkly different atmospheric experience the previous day. Rain battered the city, with strong winds creating a challenging environment for outdoor photography. The photographer sought refuge on the rooftop of a parking garage, battling the elements to capture images amidst the downpour after completing an indoor portrait assignment.

In a reflective moment, the photographer acknowledged the value of experienced copy editors. This has become increasingly relevant as social media has highlighted frequent misunderstandings regarding grammatical nuances, particularly among writers. The inconsistency surrounding possessive forms, such as “it’s” versus “its,” remains a point of contention for many.

Similarly, the photographer noted common errors concerning migratory waterfowl and well-known Philadelphia geography. With the Schuylkill River being incorrectly labeled in captions, it was emphasized that the term “River” is redundant; “Schuylkill” itself means “hidden” in Dutch, the language of the river’s early settlers.

Despite these minor frustrations, the photographer reflected with humility on the learning experiences curated over decades, recognizing that while errors can occur, the passion for capturing compelling images remains unwavering.

Since 1998, a black-and-white photograph has graced every Monday’s “Scene Through the Lens” column in the local news section, adding visual narratives to the readership of the day and embodying the relationship between art and urban life.

This week’s series highlights not just the beauty of Philadelphia’s winter landscapes but also speaks to the broader themes of creativity, resilience, and the meticulous nature of visual storytelling.

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