Weekend Getaway: Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, Maryland , the location of the signing of the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War, was a perfect weekend getaway. An easy drive being only three hours from Philadelphia. Once there, it was so comfortable exploring the historic downtown streets. We did the introductory trolley tours to get the lay of the land and some very interesting facts… one being that St. John’s College founded in 1696 is the third oldest college in the United States and its liberal arts curriculum is based entirely upon the study of the Great Books and engaging with the world’s greatest thinkers, Augustine, Aristotle, Einstein, Descartes etc. (The Entire Reading List), We then went off to easily explore by foot. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church was the first stop, located one block from the Information Center. The first church was constructed in 1692 but razed and rebuilt in 1775 to “look like a proper place of worship”. Francis Scott Key, author of our National Anthem, worshipped here along with three signers of the Declaration of Independence. The kneelers represent a needlepoint project where many in the parish created colorful and beautiful designs, making prayer a bit easier on the knees. A self guided tour is provided. Besides the tremendous historical aspects to explore, Main Street is host to quaint shops and restaurants. I would highly recommend the caprese salad with delicious homemade mozzarella at Osteria 177 Restaurant. The Naval Academy is certainly a central draw and hub here. Visitors are permitted to walk the grounds after going through a security checkpoint. The chapel dome serves as a beacon and would welcome sailors back home from their time at sea. In 1913, the remains of John Paul Jones were interred in the crypt beneath the chapel. One word of warning, get there before 4…we missed it by a few minutes. It is the dream for many to marry at this sacred spot. At the end of the day, rest up and relax by many of the wonderful restaurants on the water front. The Chart House can be expensive but consistently serves excellent food. Att the end of the day The Marriott Courtyard Annapolis, Shenae Moulde, the GM, Miss Candice, Miss Aleah and Greg will take excellent care of you! Orange scones, free internet …what’s not to like. I actually want to purchase the sheets and bedding from shopmarriott.com! I am a lover of deep and peaceful sleep!

Niagara Falls with a Go Pro and IPhone

If you ever visit Niagara Falls on the Ontario side and take it in – really take it in, “The Maid of the Mist” is a “must do”. This ride provides the most incredible views, up close and personal! I can’t even begin to describe the beauty, power and the energy…for me it truly went beyond words.

This was also a virgin voyage in a sense…armed with just a Go Pro and IPhone, life was so sweet and easy!

2012 copyright Frances Schwabenland

High Exposure Aerial Advertising (Video)

While laying back on the beaches of Sea Isle City, NJ. and after a conversation with my wonderful dentist, Dr. Michael Repcsik (Thanks MicK!), I began to wonder how all of those signs in the skies advertising food, fun and night life were connected to the planes. Did someone just attach the string while the plane was grounded? Sounded very simple…but the reality is, great skill and precision are needed to complete this feat correctly.

I am so very grateful to Dave Dempsey and his staff at High Exposure for welcoming a walk in stranger with a camera so easily. I loved the energy there – it was definitely one big, happy family. It was such fun to be with them. I apologize for not having a microphone windscreen for some of the shots. That wind was just kicking up and I have already made a note to self.

So, if you were like me in watching these planes for years and not giving it too much thought, hopefully now you will know a little bit more. You might even share this new found knowledge with friends next time you are laying on the beach and a huge sign for WAWA Coffee flies overhead or Kevin declaring his love for Trish!

2012 copyright Frances Schwabenland Written permission to use in any other venue must be obtained.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Water is fluid, soft and yielding.
But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.
As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.
This is another paradox: what is soft is strong.
(Lao-Tzu)

Water, the hub of life.
Water is the master and matrix, mother and medium.
(Albert Szent-Gyorgyi)

We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.
(Jacques Cousteau)

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

NBC Nightly News: Pilot Shortage But We Have It Covered!

Did you ever smell a cloud?
Did you ever feel fear and ecstasy at the same time?
This past Tuesday was a day I did both.

Travel has taught me that there are so many incredible moments end experiences that flow in when one ventures out of that known comfort zone (but it is always good to have other people venturing out with you to hopefully laugh over lunch at a local restaurant in Princeton afterwards!) Trish Todd and Brina Sedar are two great friends with that adventuresome spirit and social consciousness who joined with me as we went off to see what we could do about addressing the dire need for pilots…especially of the female persuasion!

The Raritan Valley Flying School has such gracious (and patient!) staff. From Chris who sets up the flights over the phone to Steve who coordinates the entire operation and who not only is a skilled pilot, but his gentle knowing advice keeps courage up and fears at bay. Bob, Bryan and John instructed us in the movements and instruments of the planes. It was all straightforward and very clearly explained and then it was hands on learning! The twenty minutes of taking over the controls was both incredible and empowering. Through Bob’s instruction, I learned that I didn’t have to white knuckle the steering wheel and my hands just needed to relax so I could feel the subtle changes and know how to “dance” with it! He also told me that if we hit an air pocket, just go for the ride! Definitely more sage advice to add to my life lessons book!

Many thanks to the entire staff and crew of the Raritan Valley Flying School. A pilot’s liscense requires 40 hours of flying time and the cost is between $8,000 and $10,000 but as Brian Williams said, over half a million will be needed in the next 20 years…I say, “Go for it!”

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Philadelphia Color Run 2012

Today, Philadelphia held its first “Color Run”. 25.000 runners lined up at the Art Museum for a 5K run with the mandatory white shirt. 3,2,1…the runners took off into a shower of powdered paint. Oranges, greens, blues and yellows filled the air. Colors were everywhere…what is not to love about this event!

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Frances Schwabenland copyright 2012

Where Is The Story? There Is Always A Story!

The weekend was one that just called out to leave behind that “To Do” list and go photograph. So off with a friend to downtown Philadelphia I went. Our GPS was set to the fountains in the center of the city and then on to capture the skyline from the Camden Waterfront. As a photographer, I try to heed the sage advice to be open to take in subjects from different vantage points…above, below, behind and basically any other way I can contort my body. So while I was at the fountains, I looked around to photograph from another direction and I was drawn to an American flag supported by boxes and blankets on the overpath of the expressway. I wanted to see more…here in Philadelphia, there is a heated debate regarding a mandate not to feed those who are homeless outdoors. Many would see this as just a way to make our homeless population more and more invisible. I wanted to see who was so proud of our county while living in cardboard boxes. It was then that I met Carlos. We talked for a long time and he shared that he had lost his job two years ago and then had major health problems the next year which caused him to loose everything he owned. Carlos said he tries to make the best of everyday and look for the good. “It’s my choice and it helps me with this time.” He is sleeping over the Vine Street expressway and he told me he doesn’t notice the noise, just the stars!

We then went off to the Camden Waterfront. There was a surprise fireworks show and Andrew, another photographer hunched down and off to the side. He was outgoing and began sharing how much he loved that spot to photograph. We learned that Andrew was studying to be a meteorologist even though many told him he wouldn’t be able to succeed due to his Asbergers. He was also gay which added to his struggle for acceptance. Andrew told us how he saw beautiful angels and was then put in a psychiatric ward but another man his same age saw angels and was put on Oprah! Andrew was a gentle soul in the night.

Following sage advice trying to look in other directions, I met Carlos who reminded me not to take all that I have for granted and try to make the best of everyday which I will remember when I get back to my mundane “To Do” list… and Andrew who I hope really did see angels.

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Lighting Ceremony

Photographers seek out the light. It sculpts, it enhances and it invites so when I heard that Bryn Athyn Cathedral would be having their anniversary lighting celebration, I was drawn to be there.

John Pitcarin came from Scotland in the early 1800’s. Born from a state of poverty, he went on to found PPG industries and buy property outside of Philadelphia. John may have been highly influenced by his classmate, Andrew Carnegie in gaining his wealth. On April 18, 1885, a son Raymond was born and he later became a very successful lawyer and collector of medieval art. As his father created wealth from poverty, Raymond took the vacant tract of land and in 1913, decided to begin building a medieval cathedral to become the seat for “The New Church” also known as Swedenborgianism. This religion was started by the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg who related the revelations he recieved during heavenly visions. He taught that God would replace the traditional Christion Church and establish a “New Church”.

Bryn Athen Cathedral is said to resemble Cloucester Cathedral in England. Asymmetries and irregularities were all planned into the building. There are no straight lines which then serves to soften the archetectural design and draws in Grecian refinement. One of the philosphical stances of “The New Church” is that God loves variety so doors, keys, metal work etc. are each unique when one looks closely. There are many guides available each Sunday to take visitors on a tour of this exquisite cathedral. (Many thanks to Suzy Laidlaw for taking such time and sharing her vast knowledge with me).

Right next door is a castle which was originally the private residence of Raymond and now is the Glencairin Museum. It houses a beautiful collection of religious art from around the world and is open to visitors.

June 18th is the anniversary of the founding. For three days, light sculpts and enhances the cathedral, the castle and the magnificent gardens. Tonight will be the last night and it is celebrated by inviting everyone to picnic on the grounds, listen to beautiful music and take in this great expanse which basically emerged from impoverished roots, determination and vision. If you would like to sit out on a summer night with a medieval castle and medieval cathedral as your backdrop…this spot is for you! The location for anyone able to visit is: 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009.
So glad I followed the light and learned fascinating stories of religion, archetecture, and history.

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

After the Storm

Last night was a night of tornado warnings but this morning is glorious! Gives meaning to the words, “Hang in there!” These photographs are from a recent real estate shoot and just make me happy for the weekend! Hope you all have fun and easy moments!

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Philadelphia Festivals

I don’t know why so many people call Memorial Day the unofficial start to the summer…we all know it IS the start of the summer! “Let the games begin!” Here in Philadelphia, it is marked by a weekend of festivals. We are big on street fairs and Thursday night, thousands poured into the Northern Liberties section of the city for the beginning of the summer “Night Market”. The New York Times recently quoted Diana Iskolsky Minkus, the night market coordinator for the Food Trust organizing the event.”The inspiration came from pop-up events developed by vendors’ organizations in places like San Francisco as well as the fabled night markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan.” Northern Liberties has converted abandoned factories into artists’ residences so creativity certainly abounds in this area in the food, dress, art and music. 47 vendors offered food all for $5.00 and under. I tried fried milk curd from Wisconsin, pesto pizza from Rustica, cupcakes from Brown Betty and gelato from Capogiro which was listed in National Geographic as one of the top 10 places to eat ice cream…I agree (and I want a job like that with National Geographic!) all while sitting out, listening to great music and watching the people passing by! Perfect night out and looking forward to the next Night Market in South Philadelphia in June.

For the past 5 years, I have been going to the Annunciation + Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church annual Opa Festival. This is their 34th year of “Opaing”!(joyfully celebrating) and it always runs from Thursday night through to Monday. I was excited and got there a bit early so I was able to wander through the church which was beautiful with the light streaming through the windows lighting up the beautiful Byzantine Art. There are tables and tables of homemade food…souvlaki (pork or chicken on pita bread, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki), spanakopita (crispy fillo crust filled with a blend of Greek cheeses), dolmades (rice-stuffed grape leaves) to name just a few. I may not be able to pronounce some of the names, but I did well just pointing away! It is amazing to me that the parishoners make enough food to last for four days (the loaves and the fishes all over again!). Nothing like eating food prepared with love. There is Greek folk dancing, music, jewelry, gifts and paintings. The address is 7921 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, Pa. 19027 if you are in the neighborhood…they are still partying!

Tomorrow I should probably go and exercise so I can fit into my bathing suit for the official beginning of summer!

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy.

One of the many things I have learned from travel is the importance of trying to be in the moment… (Note the key word is “trying” because it is so easy to be distracted by future details or the pull back home). On this day, several of us decided to get a sandwich from a small family run restaurant to the right of the entrance to the gardens before going in. The family could not have been nicer and we were all just enjoying being with each other even though we did not speak the other’s language. Before leaving, they generously gifted each of us with their home made olive oil. It is the best I have ever tasted! If we were rushing to get into the gardens, we would have missed such a moment of warmth, hospitality and welcome.

I could feel every muscle and every tension in my body just simply melt away within a few minutes of entering the Villa d’Este (also known as the Tivoli Gardens). This truly is a masterpiece of the Italian garden and Renaissance estate. In the 1500’s, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, the son of Lucretia Borgia, came here to recover after a failed bid for the papacy and took on the position of Governor of Tivoli. He commissioned Pirro Ligorio and Alberto Galvani to carry out his magnficient dream for his new home and probably soothe his shattered ego – which is a very good thing for us now!

The garden was featured in the opening of the movie, Three Coins in the Fountain and the palace has beautiful frescoes in the reception rooms with breath taking views. The gardens are composed of approximately 500 fountains from grand scale to simple cascading water into small ponds. According to Italy Heaven, “A number of paths and steps lead down through the formal slopes to panoramas and fountains.” One can simply wander and explore beautiful manicured walkways with views of the Rometta , The Water Organ, The Fountains of Dragons and the Path of One Hundred Fountains…each so unique and each providing such an inviting experience into serenity.

Something tells me Ippolito probably never looked back!

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.

Fuji X-Pro 1

I admit it, after traveling with cameras, flashes, tripods etc. hanging from my waist and neck, I was so anxious to get this new small wonder into my hands. Would the images live up to all the hype? Would this be my new travel everywhere camera? Would this be blessedly lightweight but dependable? I am so glad to say that the answer to all of the above questions so far has been yes! I have been taking it with me and putting it to the test in a variety of situations. The first was an event being held on the top floor of a high rise in Philadelphia. I was thrilled with the clarity of all the buildings below. The statues in the fountains could even be made out. Then onto a night out at an Irish pub and an experiment with depth of field in low light. I was with a great friend who is a photographer too and we spent the night passing it back and forth, trying different shots and settings. My kind of learning! Onto Ellis Island with a dust covered piano and a statue in the hospital ward…both with little contrast and it performed well focusing on the entire scene and picking up the subtle differences in hue. This past weekend, I attended a wedding and a First Holy Communion. I have to say that the only time I was disappointed was at the wedding reception with low lighting. I wasn’t able to get any clear shots during the father/daughter dance no matter how I changed the settings. Lastly, I was very happy with the photographs of the sweetest little one on her very special day.

All the shots were taken with the 35mm f/1.4 lens which was not at all intrusive, making it perfect for street photography. It was not my intent to repeat the technical advances this camera encompasses, that is all over the web. I just wanted to share some of the photographs I was able to take over the past two weeks and my excitement with being able to stand up straight! Now to save up for the 18mm lens!

Copyright 2012 Frances Schwabenland. Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Frances Schwabenland.