• improve my people skills
• try new lighting techniques on the fly
• and work outside my comfort zone.

So I took advantage of the somewhat-nice weather, loaded up my “instant fashion lighting rig” (more on that later) and headed to South Street to chat up and photograph complete strangers. Here is what I got.

Ryan and Tyler from Home School Dropouts.

The day way still young and the sun was getting warmer so I made my way up to Northern Liberties to check out the Piazza at Schmidt’s area. I stopped in at Two Paper Dolls and met Jen.

All that walking and shooting made me hungry so I stopped in at Homeslice for some pizza lovingly made by Brett and Andrew.

Last but certainly not least, I headed north a little further to Fishtown to the super cool home of A-game photographer, Mark Gardner.

What a blast! Next time out there should be a bunch of us shooting so look out for your favorite Philly photog offering free portraits on the spot and then getting together for a beer and critique. Take the challenge, fellow wedding photographers!

Their reception is going to be held at the Crystal Tearoom at the awesome and historic Wanamaker Building in September. Can’t wait for that one!