A Peaceful Memory

Description: A little channel of running water in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA

Why I like this photo: I love the colors mostly. The green from the grass, the pink from the trees; it's all so reminiscent of springtime, yet peaceful as well.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Two Stormy Views Down the Road

Description: Both views looking down the street from my Grandparent's house (surprise, surprise!) in Duluth, MN

Why I like these photos: I love taking pictures of storm clouds, although they never seem to convey the enormity of the moment. These were so dark and intense and I thought they captured that forboding period before the storm actually strikes perfectly.

More storm shots to come!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

In Mourning

Description: A mourning dove sitting on a telephone wire, captured in front of my grandparent's house in Duluth, MN (yes I know, most of my pics are taken here!)

Why I like these photos: I was going for a sort of dramatic effect here, but the pictures ended up a bit grainy. I like the first one better, just because you can see the features a little clearer.

Which one do you prefer?

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Make A Wish

Description: A dandelion getting blown away by me! Yes, I blew on it while holding the camera (super hard to do!). Taken in Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: It took skill to do both actions at once :P

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Freshly Picked and Wild

Description: Freshly picked wild raspberries from my grandparents backyard, Duluth, MN

Why I like these photos: There are few things in life more enjoyable than freshly picked, wild or home-grown produce and flowers. This is just a reminder that nature is beautiful.

Sorry I haven't updated in a while! I'm looking forward to posting some awesome pics from my vacation in Minnesota.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Infinite Levels

Description: Nordstrom shopping center in San Francisco

Why I like these photos: I realize these aren't the best of pictures, but the humongous Nordstrom in San Fran is so fun to photograph because of the playful angles and crazy escalators. In the first photo you can see someone's foot on the escalator! :D

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

White Star Lily

Description: White Star Lily from Longwood Gardens, PA

Why I like this photo: This is from my Christmas trip to Longwood Gardens. I just love the lily and it's pure white petals. I chose it partly because I couldn't find another picture :P

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Prickly Pretties

Description: A prickly cactus outside of the San Juan Mission, San Juan Bautista, CA

Why I like this photo: I love the contrast between the pretty, delicate flower and the harsh prickly spines of the cactus. It is so strange how something so spikey can produce such beautiful flowers. Just don't lose your balance when you're walking next to them!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Coastal Dreams

Description: ... I'm not sure what exactly these are. Does anyone have a clue? They were in Monterey near the coast, that's all I know.

Why I like this photo: I love these plants, whatever they are. They remind me of something prehistoric looking. That's why I love walking along the coast, you always run into interesting plants.

If anyone knows the name of these, please let me know!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Rainbow Pipe Leaks

Description: Water fountain sculpture thing at Chelsea Market in New York, NY

Why I like this photo: I just love the design of this fountain thing, and the best part is that it changes colors! This was my favorite photo, but you can see the other colors in the following ones.

Aren't they cool?

-Stephanie, The Shutterbug

New Year's Light

Description: The New Year's Eve Swarovski ball located in the Times Square Visitor Center, New York, NY

Why I like this photo: I really love the lights of the ball, they changed color every so often, but in my pictures it mainly just looks purplish-pink. I know my photos aren't great, but I really enjoyed looking at the ball. Go visit the Times Square Visitor Center to see it, it's really cool!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Knowledge is Power

Description: One of the lion statues outside the New York Public Library

Why I like this photo: I love how the lion is shaded but the library is in the sunlight. The regal pose of the lion is just so amazing too! :)

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

The Simple Things in Life

Description: Some orange tulips blooming in Madison Square Park, New York, NY

Why I like this photo: I just love the tulips and how spring-like they are. The fountain spraying in the background is nice too. Just ignore the guy loitering that killed the shot.

Description: Purple tulips in Madison Square Park, New York, NY.

Why I like this photo: I love both colors of tulips as they are so vibrant and bold. You can also see the popular burger joint, the Shake Shack in the background. I bet there must have been more than 100 people lined up to get food there at lunchtime!

-Stephanie, The Shutterbug

The Weight of the World

Description: The Atlas sculpture by Lee Lawrie across from St. Patrick's in front of 5th Avenue, installed in 1937 in Rockefeller Center, New York, NY

Why I like this photo: Obviously this is one of the most famous works of art in Rockefeller Center, one that is recognizeable and sought out by tourists like myself. I probably could have been more artistic with the angles, however I was on my knees to take this pic and already looked enough like a tourist. I just love how this seems so empowering and inspirational. Truly an impressive monument.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Youthful Figure

Description: One of two "Mankind Figures," this one depicting the Youth. By Paul Manship, 1936. Flanking the staircase to the lower plaza of Rockefeller Center, NY

Why I like this photo: I love how the youth seems to stand guard silently over the stairway while emitting a playful nature.

I really enjoyed Rockefeller Center, although I didn't get much time to try to find all of the works of art around the area. Still, really fun to be around.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Back Again

Hey so it's been a while since my last post, but I'm back with a whole new set of pics from my NY trip!

Description: Empire State Building, New York, NY

Why I like this photo: So here is a view from the bottom of the Empire State Building. Only after I went back and reviewed my photos I realized that I hadn't even bothered to center this picture, but that's kind of why I like it. It's different and a little bit off, but really, the building is so big how can you capture it all in one photo? And I was probably rushing because I didn't want to look like a tourist lol.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

There's a Jungle Cat Outside!!

Description: Awesome art/sculpture outside of a shop in Philly

Why I Like This Photo: I stumbled upon this in Philadelphia just walking around yesterday. I just love this and it looks really awesome from a distance. I think I did a double take when I first saw it. It's cool because it's life size and almost takes up the whole door frame. I think everyone should have something like this.

Here's a pic of what it looks like from far away:

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Rawr!

Description: Lion head decoration on a wall near the street by Reading Terminal Market, Philly, PA

Why I like this photo: Come out of Reading Terminal Market (I'm not really sure which side) and walk down the street to be greeted by this lonely lion staring back at you.  It is placed above a flight of stairs (not sure why) so it's a little difficult to take a picture without looking strange.  I guess I still need to get over that paranoia that everyone is watching me when I take pictures. There's always that necessary precaution while in the city to avoid looking like a tourist as well. Someday I hope to retake some photos of it.

Hang in there everyone, Spring is on its way...hopefully!

-Stephanie, The Shutterbug

It's a Dandy!

Description: close up of a dandelion, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: It is one of the best close ups I have taken with my amateur digital cameras. No fancy zoom lens necessary here! Just patience and lots of effort to get that perfect, clear, non-blurry shot. I have to say I am very proud of this one :)

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

All Aboard!

Description: pier and Eureka boat, San Francisco, CA

Why I like this photo: I really like everything about this photo because the pier sign really fills the frame of the picture. What I don't like is the stupid cardboard cut-out sign in the bottom of the photo. I didn't even realize it was there until reviewing my photos later. Oh well.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Guarded Walls

Description: Guardtower at Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA

Why I like this photo: I like the tilted angle of this photo, yet despite that, it retains some symmetry from the walls and windows. This penitentiary is a great place for photos as everything has a kind of eerie feel about it. Everything is run down and some things are in a bad state as you can see with that broken drain pipe.
Overall, it's a really cool place to visit.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Jack Be Nimble

Description: Close up of some playing cards on a table; my grandparents dining room table, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: So yeah, I started getting tired of the tree bark stuff, mainly because I couldn't find any more pictures of tree bark. This one I just love because of how close up my camera zoomed in on the cards. I think it's cool that the jack's eye is kind of peeking out too :)
You may be wondering why all of these pictures are coming from my time spent in Minnesota. I'm not really sure, maybe I happen to take better pictures there or something. It's a mystery to me too. Maybe I was using a better camera back then. Anywho, enjoy and as always, feel free to comment!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Tree Bark Series #5

Description: Looking through a wheel at a tree; Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: Ok, you have to admit, the tree bark looks like an eye right? I don't even think I noticed that little detail when I was taking the actual photo. It looks so cool though and I just love it, you can even see an eyebrow!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Tree Bark Series #4

Description: Curly tree bark, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: Again, it shows the beautiful curls and the top of the tree.  I just love every part about it with the moss and curls and leaves. Hopefully I'll have a chance today to get some shots here in Pennsylvania so the series isn't limited to pics taken in Minnesota!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Tree Bark Series #3

Description: Some tree bark that has naturally curled around itself; Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: Well just look at it. Isn't it so cool how the bark has curled and everything? Then you have the random moss and stuff growing on the tree and the blurry background. They really bring this photo together, don't you think? Just when you thought tree bark couldn't get anymore interesting!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Tree Bark Series #2

Description: A mossy tree with curling bark, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: This is one of my favorites in the tree bark series because I love how it curls on the side. The moss just adds a nice touch as well as the trees in the background.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Tree Bark Series #1

I'm kicking the Tree Bark Series off with these couple shots of...you guessed it...tree bark!! Yay! Who doesn't love some good shots of tree skin? Seriously, there's something about trees, you can never take too many shots of them. Ah ... maybe it's just me...

Description: a dead, miserable, chopped tree; my grandparents house, Duluth, MN

Description: hey look, it's the same tree! Just from a different angle and now you can't see the chopped off top of it! Duluth, MN

Why I like these photos: I'm proud of the close ups of the bark and the bluriness of the background. If you haven't noticed, I like the blurred background look in my photos. Don't worry, there will be more coming in the tree bark series so stay tuned!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

A Grey Day

Description: Lake Superior, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: Not only does it bring back fond memories of my trips to Minnesota where my mom would take me to Lake Superior to freeze in the water, but it reminds me of today.  This morning, I woke up and saw the fog and grey sky and dreariness and this picture just seems to capture that mood to me.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Love Is All Around Us

Description: LOVE sculpture in Love Park, Philadelphia, PA

Why I like this photo: Well, February is the month for love right? With Valentine's Day and everything coming up, I was searching my pictures for something to represent that. I'll admit this picture isn't my favorite, but it was one of the few I could find. I'll have to go back and take a second sometime in the city of brotherly love.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Look Up

Description: Looking through the trees at my Grandparents house, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: I love taking photos looking up at things because it gives a different kind of perspective. I guess this picture doesn't really have a focus, but I like how you can see the light illuminated behind some of the leaves.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Magnolia's In Bloom: Eager for Spring Again

Description: Magnolia's blooming in spring, Villanova University, PA

Why I like this photo: It reminds me of spring like many other photos of flowers. Sometimes all of this winter weather can be depressing and cold, looking at this cheers me up a bit. We all need a little sunshine and flowers to brighten up our days!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Under the Bridge

Description: Underneath the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: I'm actually not sure why I love this. Maybe it's the symmetry, maybe the closeness of the bottom of the bridge to my head while I was taking this, maybe the neat little houses on the right side. I can't quite tell, I'm just somewhat proud of this photo. It's interesting to be underneath a bridge, try it sometime.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

An Icy Light in the Water

Description: North Breakwater Lighthouse, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: I like how the water's surface is so calm and horizontal in the background. I am also a fan of not centering my photos so I really like the fact that the lighthouse, typically the main focus of a picture, is off to the right, almost out of the photo.

Description: North and South Breakwater Lighthouses are both visible, Duluth, MN

Why I like this photo: I like the alternate viewpoint showing the lighthouses from a distance. Finding the wooden posts was a bonus! The one thing I do remember is how cold it was being right by the water, during wintertime.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

A Garden Remembered

Description: Some cherry tomatoes growing in my Mom's ex-garden; San Ramon, CA

Why I like this photo: It reminds me of spring and summer when things are growing and fresh again, renewed from the harsh winter. Sadly this garden no longer exists having fallen prey to groundsquirrels, voles, and various other critters.  Looking on this picture I can reflect back to a time when we grew our own tomatoes that thrived in our own miniature, self-sustaining garden. This didn't really affect me though since I hate their taste... Actually, now that I think about it, tomatoes are probably the last vegetable I would choose to grow in my own garden. Well, at least they look nice...

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Blue and White Hyacinth

Blue Hyacinth

Description: A blue Hyacinth flower; taken on Villanova University's campus, Villanova, PA

Why I like this photo: First of all I love how the light shines on the flowers and I have to say I was quite proud of myself when I snapped this one. It was during the spring when we had Easter break so practically no one was on campus. Which was a good thing or they probably would have seen me squatting in the dirt to get this photo.


White Hyacinth

Description: A white hyacinth flower; taken on Villanova University's campus, Villanova, PA

Why I like this photo: I love the white flowers as well and looking at them just reminds me of springtime.

It took me forever to figure out which types of flowers these were because I have no knowledge of horticulture at all. Let me know which one you like better. I think there are pink and peach-colored varieties as well although I'm not sure we have them on campus.

Stephanie, The Shutterbug

Two Ocean Views Through A Peephole

View #1

Description: Taken at the Sutro Baths ruins along the coast near San Francisco


View #2

Description: Another view; taken at the Sutro Baths ruins

Why I like these photos: I couldn't decide which one I liked more so I just decided to put them both up! I really like the rock when it is framed by the rock ledges. On it's own it wasn't that exciting, but looking through this little peephole just adds something. On a side note, I was practically on my stomach trying to take these pics because the peephole was low to the ground. No shame!

Stephanie, The Shutterbug