Jafar is a true Rittenhouse regular. I see him almost every time I walk through the square and have wanted to take pictures of him for some time. Today was the day and after formally introducing ourselves, he told me a little bit about his music. This guy played cornet with Wynton Marsalis and is on albums with two of my all-time favorite artists, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. Just walk to the square and you will surely hear this talented musician playing! For those who can’t make it to Philly, you can check out his album, Free Bop Movement, and hear for yourself.

Duy was jamming on the berimau today with a friend. I have never seen this instrument before and it is absolutely beautiful. As you can see, it is a musical bow with a hollowed-out gourd to amplify the sound. Duy and his friend were in the zone and making a wonderful percussive sound.

Suzán was enjoying a cookie and listening to poetry in the square before attending a Philly Arts Alliance meeting. This lovely lady is a poet and photographer and you need to check out her blog, Phillyscapes, because her image inspired poetry is wonderful. Speaking of wonderful, her sequin hat and space print pants made my day.




Robert’s eclectic style caught my eye and I had to get a closer look. This guy is not only a styling talent, but he’s a music maker. His EP, Mind Fuck, is dropping soon so look out for him on Twitter (@iconebonyfierce), but you can hear him host the Places and Spaces show on gtownradio.com this and every Sunday from 6-8 pm.

PS. His tattoo is an adinkra symbol used in Ghana and West Africa meaning, “go back and take,” ie. acquire knowledge from past experiences in order to improve the future. Solid advice.

Psych! April Fools! Mel is certainly no nincompoop. In fact, she is one of the most intelligent women that I know and had the pleasure of meeting in college. This lovely lady is an alum of The Excelano Project, the flyest spoken word group at UPenn. She weaves beautiful imagery into personal reflections and her performances always beget a refreshingly visceral response. So, she is clearly talented but get this…she’s kind and fun too. Thank goodness this gal will be in Philly over the next few weeks as her company has been sorely missed.  If you’d like to read some of her beautiful words, check out her blog here.

When I saw Bria (left) and Brittany (right) walk into the square today, I knew I had to take their pictures. Not only are these ladies beautiful but their style is oh so fly. Bria’s hair…oh gosh…so sick. Everything she’s rocking is cool: her soda tab necklace, the beanie, the shirt and those shoes. I love that Brittany’s style is different but equally great. Those kicks are ill, the bandana, the denim, and that Game Boy phone case….damn, these gals have it down.

Did I mention that they are both art students and yesterday decided to create those pins? Check out Brittany rocking one above. They used mini-stretch canvases as the foundation and glued glass onto graphic fabric. Check out their tumblrs to peak into these creative minds! Bria can be found at rebelscausinriots.tumblr.com and Brittany’s at olliesodope.tumblr.com.

Creative people never cease to excite, amaze and inspire me.

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a college bud, Alex. We walked the square, chatted about our respective adventures of the past year, and enjoyed the blooming trees. It was a lovely afternoon!


Earnest was talking with another square photographer when I asked to snap some pics. I like so many things about this guy’s style, from that camera strap to those snazzy shoes to that beautiful camera bag. Earnest is also one of my favorite names. Good work, sir, good work.


Dave’s juggling of, not three, but four bowling pins blew me away! But that’s not all he can do…Check him out at www.onemansideshow.com and hire him for you next party. Every good shindig should have a fire eater!!

Raphael was hanging out with TJ, whom you may recognize as a previously featured square person. Raphael was strumming on his ukelele and I soon discovered that he is leaving for the very same city from which I just returned: Los Angeles. He even went to school for photography in the city where I was born and raised. What a small world!



This little guy, whom I will call Billy, was enjoying the blooming cherry trees in Rittenhouse with his mom. He looks a little concerned, which makes sense as a random woman getting in your face with a clicking black box would be somewhat troubling. However, that didn’t detract from his wide-eyed curiosity and dashing good looks.

I spotted Dan just when Kelly arrived for their afternoon coffee date. What a wonderful pair of friends! We chatted for a good while about movies, music, and living an artist’s life. Dan is a painter who is in the midst of applying to art school. Kelly, a hair stylist, works at HeaD AreA and you can check out some of her skills here. Our encounter reminded me that I love my job so very much because I get to meet people like them.

PS. Dan, I hope your name is Dan because I unfortunately did not write it down. Forgive me if I’ve made a mistake and know that it’s not a reflection of our delightful conversation today. :)

Nick (left), Skip (middle), and Ethan (right) were kicking it in the grass on this fine Monday afternoon. What a chill group of creative dudes! Props to Nick for rocking that highlighter-colored backpack and to Ethan for braving the world sans shades to let me snag some pics. Check out Skip’s band, Underwater Country Club, on their Myspace and Facebook. If you like what you hear, go see them live at The Fire on March 24!

Hello friends! My blogging hiatus is officially over and, drum roll please…I am back in Philly! My wintertime in Los Angeles was eventful and inspiring, but I am so happy to be back for springtime in Philly and to take pictures of the Square People. I met some wonderful people in LA and saw some beautiful public spaces, but nothing quite compared to Rittenhouse Square. Please enjoy the following pictures of the square and surrounding neighborhood on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. It’s good to be back. :)

John (top) and Jonathan (above left) were both looking pretty groovy today. John’s hat, adorned with pins and notices, grabbed my eye, as well as his full Rittenhouse-bench repose. Jonathan’s pink pants similarly caught my eye. Not every man could rock those bright pants but I think this Cole Haan employee is doing it right. Keep up your unique styling guys!

Sally and Jason were having dinner in the square with Bomi, their camera-friendly Yorkie. I really dug Sally’s blue hair and the contrast of her orange shades. Jason’s chill style was complemented by the vivid tats on his arm, peaking out from under his sleeves. What a beautiful day for a picnic!

Mauricio (left) and Stephen (right) met earlier today and started jamming together on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Their sound was on point and mad props to Stephen for making that drum set.

PS. Pictures I took earlier in the day at the Venice Canals…