5 Days in Philly with a Film Camera

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• About this Post
• image collection
• photographing with intent
• photography narrative
• the moody photograph
• subject matter in philadelphia: architecture
• Locations to Photograph
• conclusions about photographing in philly

About this Post

This post is about the time I spent in the Philadelphia with a 35mm film camera. I wanted to focus more specifically on my process for creating moody abstract images on black and white film while traveling. I discuss the things that I look for when I photograph and I also share a few locations I recommend checking out if you are looking for somewhere to photograph in the area.

I spent 6 full days in the downtown Center City area and I navigated primarily by walking and using the subway through Septa. There is a ton of history in this city so that means there are industrial structures everywhere to use for backdrop or subject matter if your into photographing entropy subjects. It is also a very artsy city full of galleries where it is easy to find inspiration.

Image Collection

Here are a few images I have selected from visiting Philadelphia.
The backstories and camera techniques are described here.

Photographing with Intent

Discover Your Voice

Photographing on location with an on-the-fly approach can introduce stimulation overload. It’s a lot like visiting a large antique shop. Only, with a street scene, there’s so many fleeting moments that can quickly pass you by – making it even more challenging. Which fleeting moments do you choose to capture? It can be beauty, serendipity, synchronicity, humor, silence, leisure, loneliness, change, etc.

Establishing an eye for what’s visually pleasing comes with practice but the thing that can take your images to the next level is photographing with intent. Think about what questions to ask yourself. Before you pick up your camera ask yourself “What do I want to say?”. Albert Einstein once said “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” Deciding before hand what your images are ultimately saying about who you are and what you stand for can lead to a much stronger collection of images because then they start to tell a story: a photography narrative. Dig deep here. Some photographers spend years discovering their voice. You can read a bit more on my version of ‘photographing with intention’ here.

Photography Narrative

Can abstract photography have narrative?

It might not take the form of traditional story telling, yet it can still evoke an emotion by utilizing shape, patterns, lighting, color (value for black and white), and textures. When used in conjunction with one another the viewer can interpret sometimes an even deeper introspective dialogue with the non-representational subject matter of the image. This can be seen as a nonverbal expression of change or emergence, carrying an emotional weight.

The Moody Photograph

Using Dramatic Lighting

By using rim lighting or split lighting to create deep shadows or high contrast the viewer is left filling in the blanks because the brain doesn’t have all the information laid out in front of them. This can be used on most subjects. Deep shadows create mystery which in turn creates tension. Abstract photography thrives on ambiguity.

Subject Matter in Philadelphia

Architecture

There are countless relics in Old City Philadelphia worth photographing. Philadelphia is renowned for its beautiful and historically significant architecture. Key examples include Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell Center. Other notable sites include Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the US, and Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that influenced prison design worldwide. The city also boasts architectural marvels like Philadelphia City Hall, the largest free-standing masonry building, and Christ Church, the oldest surviving church in Philadelphia. 

But, outside of the main tourist attractions you’ll find ‘hidden’ historic structures that fell through the cracks of time and are still standing. Some of the structures dating back to the early 18th century. You might come across an old storefront with a slate rooftop embedded in the later built structures. Or, an old wooden row house that has an obviously different timestamp than it’s connecting neighbors. Philadelphia’s industrial past has significantly shaped its urban landscape and continues to influence the city’s identity. The presence of these buildings, whether in their original form or repurposed, serves as a reminder of the city’s industrial heritage and its evolution over time. 

Notable Locations to Bring a Camera to

Eastern State Penitentiary

This is the worlds first penitentiary. It opened in 1829 and is now open to the public today including all of its sky-lighted cells capable of holding 500 convicts in isolation. The cells were made of concrete with a single glass skylight, representing the “Eye of God”, suggesting to the prisoners that God was always watching them. The penitentiary, while not strictly Victorian in design, does incorporate elements of Gothic Revival and medieval architecture in its design, particularly in its imposing exterior.

South Street

This street in Old City is a vibrant commercial corridor known for its eclectic mix of businesses, lively atmosphere, and diverse cultural scene. It’s a great place for both local and tourists to venture and explore a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. This street has a rich history with an eclectic vibe great for people watching and was also the hub for the city’s punk rock scene.

Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is a small cobblestone residential cart path near Old City’s seaport and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States dating back to colonial 1703. The alley features a collection of historic homes built between 1720 and 1836, showcasing Federal and Georgian architectural styles. The alley was a thriving hub for artisans and tradespeople in the 18th century, and it continues to be a vibrant part of Philadelphia’s Old City. Within the alley is yet another ‘hidden’ alley that leads to a dead end worthy of a few dramatically lit photos.

Grafitti Pier

Graffiti Pier, once a bustling coal depot known as Pier 18, has undergone a fascinating transformation from an industrial relic to a unique urban art space. This site, though technically private property and often accessed by ignoring no-trespassing signs, flourished as a haven for graffiti artists and other creatives for over 30 years. Take note that the path that takes you to the pier is hidden in the parking lot of a condo building. Look behind a stack of concrete blocks. The path might seem a little sketchy but we only passed hikers getting to and from the pier during the day.

Conclusions about Photographing in Philadelphia

I think Philadelphia is a vibrant city with a robust history with plenty of opportunities to interact with a diverse melting pot of cultures. My favorite aspect about Philadelphia is that it is positioned in between 2 of the countries biggest marque cities: New York and Washington DC. Because of its location and it’s low cost of living, you still get a small community within a big urban environment. My seconds favorite thing about visiting the city was the transit system. It is very easy to use both the subway and the metro bus systems (Septa). Getting around the city without having to deal with parking is really convenient and the city is also very walkable.