through my eyes - the photos of barry silver

Fall Red

2009-12-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

Fall Ivy

2009-12-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Into The Wild

2009-01-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

Snowy Creek

2009-01-01T22:10:00.000-05:00

A Note To My Children

2008-11-04T23:08:00.004-05:00

I snapped this shot in mid march during a trip to San Diego. I remembered thinking at the time how the positive message resonated from this campaign poster despite the graffiti. On the occasion of Barack Obama's historic election, I wrote the following note to my children.

"What an incredible time we live in! This presidential campaign and this president elect is a testament to the power of individuals making a collective difference through independent thought translated into action. It seems that this human capacity often shines brightest during our most challenging times. I've had the good fortune to live through and observe a number of mankind's brightest moments. I watched in amazement as men traveled the void of space to land and walk on the moon. I have been inspired by the voice and song of protest rising up from silence to end the Vietnam war. And, I saw the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement and grasped and held on to the hopes and dreams of those who were taken from us way before their time. The end result of what those dreamers began, we bear witness to today. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Keep thinking...keep dreaming...keep acting...and most importantly keep caring. For yours are the ideas and dreams the future will realize!"

Can I Get Up Front?

2008-10-31T15:18:00.000-04:00

What A View

2008-10-31T15:15:00.000-04:00

The Hat Says It All

2008-10-31T15:00:00.001-04:00

Phanatical Phans

2008-10-31T14:45:00.000-04:00

Worth The Wait!

2008-10-31T14:30:00.001-04:00

Boathouse Row

2008-10-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

A picture paints a thousand words - a Philadelphia gem and the subject matter of many a painting and photograph.

The Tides - South Beach

2008-10-21T15:45:00.000-04:00

What's In There?

2008-10-21T15:43:00.000-04:00

Fan Boat

2008-10-18T22:17:00.000-04:00

More Everglades

2008-10-18T22:16:00.001-04:00

More Everglades

2008-10-18T22:16:00.000-04:00

More Everglades

2008-10-18T22:12:00.000-04:00

The Florida Everglades

2008-10-18T22:07:00.001-04:00

Sunrise On The C&D Canal

2008-09-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

On The C&D Canal

2008-09-19T23:01:00.000-04:00

Chesapeake City Bridge

2008-09-18T23:03:00.000-04:00

Cool Garden

2008-09-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

Remembering Ken

2008-05-04T07:15:00.003-04:00

Ken Spegman, a colleague and friend suddenly died last week. Amidst the shock and sadness, there was a reflective pause in the lives he touched...a moment to gather and share memories.

Some spoke of Ken's kindness, his humor, his special presence in their lives. Many spoke in fondness of Ken's workstation, his home away from home. To a casual observer, a picture of clutter....to those who knew him well....an artist's self portrait.

Small in stature but big in heart....Ken will be missed and always remembered.

Churning Sky

2008-01-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

Cold Point Hill Road

2008-01-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2007-12-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

Disrepair

2007-12-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

Latimer Courtyard

2007-12-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

Basement Stairs

2007-12-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

Ghost Sign

2007-11-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

The theft of a dedication plaque reveals the sign of a former tenant of this center city building currently occupied by The Curtis Institute.

The Violin Maker

2007-11-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

Fall Foliage

2007-11-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

The trees are finally showing their fall colors...

Philly Architecture

2007-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thoughts under construction....

Urban Renewal

2007-11-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

A wrecking ball bringing down an abandoned building as part of the Convention Center Expansion project. The juxtaposition of the "Pedestrian Entrance" sign made me laugh out loud when I noticed it while snapping the wrecking ball in full swing. Do Not Enter would be more appropriate....

Storefront Sculpture

2007-11-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

This sculpture displayed in a storefront caught my eye during a recent lunchtime walk to the Reading Terminal Market. The reflection of the building on the opposite side of the street gives the look of a double exposed image.

Zagat Rated

2007-11-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

The facade of one of the many new restaurants opening in former grand Center City row homes. I love how the opposite side of the street is reflecting in the glass panels of the door and window and yet you can see inside, making out the details of the wine bottle, the white table cloths and that familiar burgundy sign "Zagat Rated."

Amazing Grace

2007-11-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

The Emerald Society Pipes & Drums prepare to accompany Officer Chuck Cassidy to his final resting place. Officer Cassidy was shot when he walked into a robbery in progress in a Dunken Donuts on Wednesday October 31 and died from his wounds the following day. He is survived by his wife, three children his mother and brother. "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Reflecting on City Hall

2007-11-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

With one of the lowest turnouts in a general election, Michael Nutter defeated his Republican opponent in the most lopsided victory in Philadelphia mayoral history. The Mayor Elect will need a significant turnaround in voter participation in order to address the very real problems of this great city. Godspeed Mr. Mayor.

Shelby Cobra

2007-10-29T05:58:00.000-04:00

Sunday Drive

2007-10-28T21:00:00.000-04:00

Candle & Calla Lilies

2007-10-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

New York, NY

2007-10-22T21:42:00.000-04:00

A spectacular night view of the Manhattan skyline from a vantage point across the Hudson in New Jersey.

Bartender Art

2007-10-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Fall Fog

2007-10-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

While driving to work this morning, I noticed this layer of radiation fog hovering over the grounds of the Armenian Church in Wynnewood. I pulled into the parking lot and took some shots...a brief but interesting detour. Fall is in bloom and its almost Halloween!!..one of my favorite holidays.

Night Lights

2007-10-13T23:22:00.000-04:00

As I exited the rink in Exton tonight following a lopsided loss, I noticed this tree with it's colorful fall leaves illuminated by the parking lot lights. As is often the case, others heading toward their cars were staring at me with a bewildered look wondering what I was doing. Its not what I'm doing...Its what I'm seeing. I see pictures...all the time...everywhere.

Off to the Slammer

2007-10-10T18:20:00.000-04:00

The fascination with prisons and the human interest stories that emerge from behind their walls are the subject matter of every art form. I caught this Eastern State Penitentiary tour trolley waiting to be boarded in the the late afternoon on 17th street. I have to plan a visit with my camera.

Examining Light

2007-10-09T06:07:00.000-04:00

I visited with my favorite dental hygienist this morning and found myself examining the examination light. Yes..I had my camera with me.

Centre Square Atrium

2007-10-08T07:20:00.000-04:00

Reflections in the Creek

2007-10-07T14:38:00.000-04:00

Covered Bridge

2007-10-06T14:37:00.000-04:00

One Liberty Place

2007-10-05T14:35:00.000-04:00

Pacific Coast Breakers

2007-10-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

Reading Terminal Market

2007-10-03T05:07:00.000-04:00

Literate Angel

2007-10-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

Morning Flight

2007-10-01T06:19:00.000-04:00

Shutters

2007-09-30T14:27:00.000-04:00

Pennant Fever

2007-09-29T23:18:00.000-04:00

With two games to go, the Phils had a one game lead on the New York Mets atop the NL East and their destiny in their own hands. The Mets trashed the Florida Marlins 13-0 and the Phils fell to the Washington Nationals 4-2. So after 161 games, with the Phils and Mets tied for first, it comes down to the last Sunday of the regular season. What a wild ride and exciting season for a win starved city and franchise. Citizen's Bank Park will be crazy tomorrow!

Sign of the Season

2007-09-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived with all its splendid colors. I stumbled across this pumpkin patch on my way to a hockey game. Reminds me of the animated feature "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

Early Morning Fog

2007-09-27T22:24:00.000-04:00

A early morning fog rolled in on Tuesday and appeared to shroud the upper floors of the Comcast Center.

Blooming Jungle

2007-09-26T21:55:00.000-04:00

A bugs eye view of a floral centerpiece....a blooming jungle of colors.

Reflections in the Sand

2007-09-25T05:30:00.000-04:00

A brief pause from a productive meeting to take a reflective walk on the beach. I love this shot!

Living Fossil

2007-09-24T05:55:00.000-04:00

The Horseshoe crab is an arthropod that is more closely related to spiders, ticks and scorpions than true crabs. They are often referred to as "living fossils", as they have not changed much in the last 350 to 400 million years.

The Dunes

2007-09-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

The path to the beach cut through the dunes has been the subject of an endless number of drawings, paintings and photographs. In the early morning, this scene quietly screams "peaceful" and always brings a smile to my face.

Seashells

2007-09-22T08:37:00.000-04:00

...down by the seashore.

Beachfront Property

2007-09-21T06:48:00.000-04:00

This beachfront property sits just beyond the dunes at the southern most part of Avalon. No one was home this September morning...the light in the windows is the reflection of the rising sun.

Fire in the Sky

2007-09-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

Before beginning the exploration of "Good to Great", I spent the early morning exploring the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Avalon. I never tire of watching the sun rise and set. This morning's rising set the sky on fire...or so it seemed.

Street Vendor Florist

2007-09-19T05:55:00.000-04:00

Some view the street vendors of Philadelphia as less than desirable and believe they detract from the city's cultural renaissance. For me, the sights, sounds and smells that emerge from the carts and stands of these small business entrepreneurs are an integral part of this city's personality and culture, reminiscent of a time when business was conducted in open marketplaces. My favorite are the flower vendors who beautify our city with their floral arrangements one corner at a time.

Baby You Can Dry My Car

2007-09-18T07:15:00.000-04:00

The blow dryers of the car wash created some interesting water formations as pooled water was forced from my cars windshield. Multiple clicks of the shutter captured the process.

Cadillac Reflections

2007-09-17T00:05:00.000-04:00

This Cadillac DTS reflecting the tree lined street, overhead wires and cloud formations seemed to have a mural painted on its trunk. Pictures within pictures are everywhere!

Car Wash

2007-09-16T18:20:00.000-04:00

I was just about to enter the car wash when I noticed the colorful brushes and wraps as they swallowed the vehicle in front of me. I reached for my camera which was sitting on the front passenger seat and snapped this photo.

Skate Board Prodigy

2007-09-15T22:35:00.000-04:00

I was killing time today waiting for my son's hockey game to start. Adjacent to the rink is a public park that includes a really cool skate park with a variety of ramps and rails. This young prodigy was the best of the skaters enjoying this beautiful day.

Those Summer Days

2007-09-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

The days are getting shorter and there is a hint of fall in the air..a time for one last reflection on those summer days. "That's when I had most of my fun, back...high high high high there. Them summer days, those summer days." - Sly and the Family Stone

Cloud in the Centre

2007-09-13T12:20:00.000-04:00

Cira, derived from Cirrus, the most common form of high level cloud characterized by thin wispy strands and tufts. I caught this Cirrus reflecting off the Cira Centre. Does it appear to you to be a cloud in the Centre?

Art Behind Bars

2007-09-12T00:08:00.000-04:00

I took this shot on the upper east side of Manhattan. This abandoned gated building entrance served as a canvas for some unknown artist.

Incredible Planet

2007-09-11T06:33:00.000-04:00

It has been six years since the horror of September 11, 2001. The graphic images of that day are indelible and are a reminder of the violence and hatred humankind is capable of...the atrocities we have committed against each other stain our history and cast a shadow on the evolution of our species. I could think of only one image to post this day...."Earth Rising." We are fortunate to share this tiny blue planet. I hope I will live to see the day when we recognize we are all human beings and learn to revel in our diversity and differences.

No. 1787 of 1965

2007-09-10T22:56:00.000-04:00

In the spring of 1966, during the recording sessions for "Revolver", John Lennon and George Harrison acquired a pair of Epiphone Casino guitars. The Epiphone Casino stands out as one of the most significant electric guitars used by John Lennon and the Beatles and can be heard on many of the most memorable Beatle recordings. By the mid-point of Lennon's career as a Beatle, when guitar manufacturers of the day would have done anything to get their instruments into his hands, Lennon often chose the Epiphone Casino over all other guitars for recordings, live performances, television appearances and films. In 1968, Lennon decided to "strip" the finish off his Casino. This is my newly acquired replica "Revolution" Casino. The John Lennon "Revolution" Casino is a faithful reproduction of his with a "stripped" natural finish as it was then and as it remains today. Only 1965 of these replica guitars have been produced.

Main Sail and Old Glory

2007-09-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

The main mast, main sail and old glory against the blue Newport sky. Perfect winds!

Sailing Narragansett Bay

2007-09-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

The Adirondack II is a wooden hulled traditionally rigged schooner that is modeled after the turn of the century pilot schooners. She provided a comfortable ride and a number of interesting photos on a near perfect sailing weather day.

The Breakers

2007-09-06T20:52:00.000-04:00

The Breakers is the grandest of the Newport Mansions that were the summer "cottages" for those who made their fortunes in steamships, rail roads, coal, cotton and steel during this country's industrial revolution and serves as an example of the upper class's opulent self-indulgence during the period of American history known as the gilded age. Cornelius Vanderbilt II engaged architect Richard Morris Hunt to build this lavish 70 room mansion which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is named for the waves that can be heard crashing into the rocks below the 13+ acre estate.

Butterflys Are Free

2007-09-05T22:21:00.000-04:00

The adult Monarch Butterfly lives for 2-6 weeks unless it is one of the lucky to be born of the 4th generation in September/October of each year. The 4th generation Monarch will migrate south and live 6-8 months in Florida, the Texas coast and Mexico where they will hibernate for the winter. In February/March, the Monarch awakens, finds a mate and begins the flight northward to lay their eggs in milkweed plants and begin the cycle of life again. This is a shot of an adult Monarch in Rhode Island. I hope it is one of the lucky ones.

Busy Bee

2007-09-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

While traveling through New England today, the late summer colors and nature made for some interesting shots. Usually the bees of September find fun in watching me run from them. This bee was busy doing what bees do best. Thanks for the great photo and for leaving me be.

Truckin

2007-09-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit behind on postings and was struggling with ideas for new material. While browsing through my archives, I found this photo of a Jerry Garcia poster that I shot at the World Cafe. Hopefully he will provide some inspiration to keep on Truckin...."Sometimes the lights all shinin on me; Other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip its been."

Garden Orb

2007-09-02T20:16:00.000-04:00

That is me making a cameo appearance in the reflection of this garden orb....somewhat Hitckockian!

Napping With Flowers

2007-09-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you need look no further than your back yard to find a photo opportunity. In this case, a neighbors yard provided the subject matter. I never realized how many angels find refuge in the beds of great gardens. This little guy was found napping with the flowers in the late afternoon sun.

Neon Shadows

2007-08-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

This shot was taken in June on Main Street in Manayunk during the annual Arts Festival. I love the contrasting red and black accents against the white stucco exterior of Thomas' Restaurant & Bar and found it interesting how the shadow cast by the neon signage created the same accents on the building's facade.

The Park!

2007-08-30T21:18:00.000-04:00

The Phils swept the four game series with the New York Mets at Citizen's Bank Park to pull within 2 games of the NL East lead. They always seem to find a way to grab the attention of Philadelphia sports fans as summer ends and the calendar turns to September. Will they disappoint again or finally find a way to win the East? The fun is in the watching especially from the stands of their new home.

Firmament

2007-08-29T22:44:00.000-04:00

The horizon, setting sun and foreground clouds as seen from a vantage point on the upper deck of Citizen's Bank Park.

Cloud Illusions

2007-08-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's cloud formations rolling east in the brilliant blue sky were quite distracting. I watched through the day from my windowed office. At the end of the day I attended the Phillies game and brought my camera along for the ride. I shot this hole in a cloud in the darkening early evening sky above Citizen's Bank Park. "I've looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down and still somehow it's cloud illusions I recall. I really don't know clouds at all." - Joni Mitchell

Magically Delicious

2007-08-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

Something magical happens when you give a child a cookie. Their eyes open wide and their smiles brighten as sugar, butter and vanilla react with their taste buds. How can something so simple be so good??? How do we hang on to that magic as we get older...finding the joy in the so simple....?

Fire Engine Red, White & Blue

2007-08-26T12:22:00.000-04:00

While shopping in Ardmore yesterday, I was drawn to the colors emerging from the open 3 bay garage of the Ardmore Fire Company. The sun's position in the sky illuminated the vibrant reds and yellows of the engines and the contrasting green and black of the protective fire fighting gear hanging in the garage....I then noticed the reflection of the Stars and Stripes in the windshield and snapped this shot entitled "Fire Engine Red, White & Blue."

Spider's Web

2007-08-25T09:13:00.000-04:00

A spider has found one of the pillars that supports the covered entrance to my house to be the optimal place to spin her web. I've been watching for about a month now as the web has grown in size and intricacy. The thin and delicate strands of the web are usually barely visible to the eye. This morning's dew revealed all of the detail for my eye and camera to focus on.

Hoola Girl

2007-08-24T12:41:00.000-04:00

My fifth floor office overlooks 18th Street and provides a wonderful view of the storefronts and rooftops of the properties on the west side of the street. Patched flat tar roofs, air conditioning units, crumbling brick chimneys, gutters in disrepair, the top floor of a parking garage, lighted signs and canvas retail awnings are my windowed landscape. The view is dark and depressing, reminiscent of a Gotham City. I often turn to look out the window as I gather my thoughts and am always amused when I am paid an unscheduled visit by this anonymous visitor who exercises on her rooftop with a colorful Hoola Hoop. I call her Hoola Girl and very much appreciate the giggle that she unknowingly provides.

Intricately Out of Focus

2007-08-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

An open shutter, no flash and the shake of my hand helped create this slightly out of focus shot of an intricate cast iron rail.

Floating Flames

2007-08-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

These floating candles in petal filled cylindrical vases adorned the tables at a dinner ALAS hosted at Chicago's Field Museum. How many flames burn this candle?

River East

2007-08-21T21:58:00.000-04:00

River View I & II are key elements of DeStefano & Partners' master plan on a 20 acre parcel of land known as River East. DeStefano & Partners Designs dot the Chicago landscape. If you like their architectural designs, you should check out their web site, the design of which will wow you even more. http://www.destefanoandpartners.com/

Fluid Metal

2007-08-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another photo from the lobby of the Westin Chicago River North. The directed lighting and water flowing from the polished metal cylinder into the brushed metal concave dish gives the look of flowing fluid metal.

Sailing Lake Michigan

2007-08-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to learn to sail. There is something about the wind and the water and the freedom. This is a shot of a free spirit caught in Lake Michigan's wind. The blue hull and contrasting white sail are magnified by the Chicago skyline in the background.

333 Wacker Drive

2007-08-18T17:25:00.000-04:00

Chicago is known in part for its rich architectural history and continues to evolve with many new and modern structures planned and in progress. Known as the Second City, a name that references it's rebirth after the Great Fire of 1871, this Midwest wonder and its landmarks, culture, history and great food is a don't miss multiple visit destination. This shot of three buildings on the opposite side of the river reflected in the facade of 333 Wacker Drive was taken from an architectural tour boat as she navigated the Chicago River.

My Kind of Town - Chicago is

2007-08-17T23:30:00.000-04:00

A view of Chicago from the stern of a tour boat about to pass through the gates of the Chicago Harbor Lock. The lock which connects the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is 600 feet long and 80 feet wide. More than 50,000 vessels and 900,000 passengers pass through this gateway annually.

Submerged Orchids

2007-08-16T23:29:00.000-04:00

The lobby of the Westin River North is decorated with an assortment of beautiful flower arrangements. These orchids are submerged in water in a cylindrical vase.