Met a Friend for the First Time

I know that sounds a little strange...but let me explain.  Back in January, I took an online photography course taught by the amazing Karen Russell.  Many of us in the class really spent some time together on the message boards, working hard to improve our photography, sharing tips, and supporting each other in many ways.  Even though we never met face to face, we developed friendships.  A couple of weeks ago, I got to meet one of my classmates, Kelley Wenzel.  She flew into Philadelphia for the beadfest and she kindly gave a couple of hours to me.  (Check out Kelley's beads when you check out her blog - she is truly an artist with flame!)  I wanted Kelley and I to shoot some photos together and I also wanted her to get a little sample of our Philadelphia.

We only had a couple of hours and we had a little driving to do.  Kelley definitely got a taste of Philadelphia traffic.  We headed down to the Constitution Center.  It is embarrassing to admit, I don't think I have been there since grammar school!

They have done such an amazing job with the visitors' center and independence hall.  It is really beautiful and there is so much to see.  In the visitors' center, we saw the Liberty Bell.  We were taking all kinds of photos - different angles, different crops, you know - the way photographers do.  The whole time I am thinking, "Funny, how when you are a kid, things seem much bigger - much grander."

So, that isn't the Liberty Bell.  You probably knew that.  Anyway, we did find the real liberty bell in a building on the grounds with a huge waiting line.  We decided the replica would have to do so I had to post the photo.

Then, we walked across to Congress Hall.

Congress Hall is being renovated.  There is scaffolding all around.  I don't know if you can see it in the photos but there is an image of building to cover their work in progress.  It wasn't what I wanted in the photo but it was well thought out by the park.

This is a statue of Commodore John Barry, located in Independence Mall.

Then we went into the Second National Bank.  It is a beautiful Greek-inspired building modeled after the parthenon.

This is Kelley and I heading inside to see the portrait gallery.

Most of the portraits are painted by Charles Peale.  There are portraits of signers of the Declaration of Independence, statesmen, military men, and many heroes of the revolution.  The statue inside is Charles Peale.

Now, I have to go back and really spend some time.  There is a lot to learn, a lot to see, and a lot of great photo ops!  But, the treat of the day was spending some time with Kelley.  Many times, the students from Snapshots of a Good Life photography class have talked about getting together.  One group was able to coordinate it and get together in Florida.  I hope we can get a group together in the northeast.

Thanks, Kelley,  Continued success with your new ventures!!

And, to anyone was has read this, thanks!
See you soon!