Final Documentary Project
The Magic Gardens
http://web.mac.com/elizabethroper1/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html<br /><small>View 1020 South St in a larger map</small>
Liz Roper Photography |
A photography student |
The Magic Gardens
http://web.mac.com/elizabethroper1/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html<br /><small>View 1020 South St in a larger map</small>
My first time at Temple University was my first time in Philly. I am not originally from Philadelphia and I have only come to know it through Temple. This is what I see around me.
These are portraits of 12 strangers that I encountered around Independence Mall in Philadelphia. In addition to taking their photographs I learned a little about each one of them.
Adam has lived in Philadelphia for 24 years. He described Philly as a "hard city," saying "you can't be sweet to live here."
John has lived in the city for most of his life. He likes everything about the city and that is why he has lived here for so long.
Mirriam and Shelby were spending the day shopping. Mirriam has lived in the city for 6 years and Shelby for 12 years. They both enjoy living in the city but dislike the traffic and loud noises.
Mark Salsbury has lived in the city of Philadelphia for 10 years. He says, "I love everything about the city. It kind of reminds me of a small Greenwhich Village."
This mother and son have resided in Philadelphia for their whole lives. Jen says she likes the diversity of the city as well as the proximity. Matthew added, "I love having my picture taken!"
John was out for a bike ride around the city. He has lived in Philadelphia for 16 years. "I love the mixture of people here." He said it was the diversity which first attracted him to the city.
Mike works for the city of Philadelphia and has lived here for 55 years. He enjoys the perks that the city offers like the nightlife and shopping but dislikes the amount of crime within it.
Uzziyahu Im-Al has lived in Philadelphia all of his life. He said, "The city is unique, it has an attitude and personality to it." He said it can be rough though, "especially if you are a cowboys fan."
Jenny is not from the city but commutes every day from South Jersey for school. She said, "I like the history of Philadelphia, it is an interesting city." While she enjoys the city she said that she would not want to live here because of the busyness and high crime rate.
William works as a postman in the city. He has lived in Philadelphia all of his life. He hates the violence within the city but still enjoys living here. "I love my city," he said.
Brenda has lived in Philadelphia for 55 years. She said, "I don't like the crime, but the city has changed a lot over the years." She likes that the city has a public transportation system for those who can't drive.
Matt has lived in Philadelphia for the past 4 years. He dislikes the trash in the subways but enjoys the history and culture that the city offers.
This project is my attempt to re-photograph historical hotels in Philadelphia. All of the early images are over 60 years old. You can see that some of the original hotels are still standing while others have either been remodeled or removed.
