Lauren, Raven & Andre - August 30 - Unexpected

Today's meetings were slightly more unexpected than usual, for all parties involved. Lauren and Raven had actually just met earlier in the square when I approached them to take their picture. Both chicks have striking, unconventional features that contrasted with Lauren's square activity today: reading literary classics, the current novel being Lord of the Flies. Raven and I agreed that our coastal spirits encouraged our pleasant rapport, her coast being Florida and mine California.
When Andre complimented the camera around my neck, I responded per usual with a thank you but then found myself in an engaging, extended conversation. Originally from Liberia, Andre went to school in England but surprisingly did not have an accent. He loves living in Philly and gave me some recommendations for good karaoke.

Kevin & Spike - August 29 - Acceptance

Not only did I visit the square later than usual today but I also met one of the most compelling people since the inception of this blog. His name is Kevin and he was taking 14 year-old Spike for a walk. He also likes to take photographs and is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. Kevin's kind spirit, open mindedness, and positive outlook inspired me.

Words of wisdom: "Love is love."

PS. The lack of light called for a high ISO which caused the blurriness and noise. Next time I'm bringing a flash. The effect is kinda cool though...

Amy - August 26 - Sunny Disposition

Amy's floppy hat was blocking the sun from her face, but luckily I stopped and asked to take her picture. This lovely gal is off to London in the fall and today, her style and grace made me smile.

Vonny & Bok - August 25 - Blonde Gang

I saw Vonny and Bok from the back today as I strolled through the square with my roomie Donnie. The striking characteristic: their blonde hair. I saw that they looked equally, if not more, fly from the front so I went to say hi. Bok told me about his production company called Blonde Gang, a contingent of musicians that puts out various genres of music. Check out their Facebook page here and like the group! Their description says it best: "Blonde Gang is not about having blonde hair but about individuality & uniqueness...Just flat out being yourself, doing whatever, whenever you want to...."

Manuela & Oscar - August 23 - Quake Break

Most of us east coast dwellers felt that 5.8 earthquake earlier today, causing many in New York and D.C. to evacuate their buildings. While a friend noted she saw more suits in the square than usual, few people seemed to have been affected by the quake, including Manuela and Oscar. Both from Venezuela, Oscar is visiting Manuela in Philly and seemed to be having a very chill afternoon. For me, the earthquake was surprising but I just ended up getting homesick for west coast quakes and shakes.

Joe - August 22 - Air

A popular place for performers to post up in the square is in front of the statue near the Walnut and 18th St. entrance. Today, a group of young people were breaking on the cement to music blasting from their boom box. Joe, who was leaning against his bike and watching the show, interested me as much as the performers. Holler at Ben for that amazing side flip!

Emily & Chris - August 20 - Love

Despite being at work today, I ended up in the square taking pictures for Emily and Chris' wedding. Here are a few shots of this awesome couple as I assisted my boss, Philadelphia wedding photographer Shea Roggio. Check out Emily's sweet kicks!

PS. I apologize for my absence as I was in California for a wonderful week of music, family, and friends. Back in Chilladelphia and back to the square people!

Devante, Troy & Denny - August 8 - Pacmen

Devante (left) and his friends, Troy (center) and Denny (right), were walking through the square today with a camcorder in hand. Naturally our shared interests led us to chat and I learned that these guys are attending Community College of Philadelphia, CCP, next year and are in the midst of music creation and video production. Check them out on Facebook under Kawatta Productions.

Sara, Nate & Clooney - August 7 - Cool Cats

My homie Steph and I encountered these fly cats enjoying their first date as we strolled the square earlier. With their chill vibes and cool style, they attracted another cat to their pack, Clooney. After sharing pictures of our feline friends, we left them to enjoy the rest of their Sunday Funday. Me-OW!

Jon - August 4 - Explore

Despite my interruption of his square-time reading, Jon was open and cordial when I asked to take his picture. A rising college senior, Jon recently returned from a month of anthropological research in the Amazon. Best of luck with senior year!

Mina & Jo - August 3 - Ease

If you frequent the square, you have most likely seen Mina Smith-Segal painting the scene around her. She also takes photographs and has two images in the current exhibition at Cafe 12. Mina and her husband are members of the Photographic Society of Philadelphia. As I transition out of my college schedule of academics, extracurriculars, and social activities, I have felt a strong desire to join a group in my area. Granted, I will be at the Photographic Society's next meeting.




If you looked closely at Mina's painting, you saw a guitarist in the lower, right-hand corner. That was Jo Walsh, quietly playing his pawned guitar on a bench nearby. This engineer and world traveler is a folk musician and just a few minutes of chatting with him as he played, put me at ease. He plays folk festivals around the country and can be contacted at this email: joe.awalsh333@yahoo.com.