Black and White Wednesday - "Bethlehem"

June 9, 2010

Today I am mixing it up and taking you on a little "tour" of one of my favorite neighboring towns.

I know this might seem a little odd and out of the ordinary, but I promise you it is not as boring as it sounds....there is an exciting end to this post, just bare with me:)

The silo BLOG
If you have ever heard of Bethlehem, PA you probably already know that it was a HUGE steel town back in the day!!!

Steel Building BLOG
There are a lot of vacant buildings or frames of buildings still standing in the old mill area.

Street  shot BLOG
Recently they built a BIG Casino and they are slowly but surely working to revitalize a lot of these old buildings that surround it.

Church and Main BLOG
In additon to being known as an old Steel Town, Bethlehem is also the home of Lehigh University and Moravian College! I absolutely love the area just around Moravian College........it is the historic section of town.....and it is GORGEOUS!!!!
{yes, those are cobwebs hanging from the street sign...too lazy to photoshop them out}

Let me show you some of my favorite things......

Flour Mill BLOG
Just behind main street there are some old brick buildings.....I believe this was a flour mill at one time.

Garden Blog
Just on the other side of the old flour mill is a very inviting and BEAUTIFUL garden!!! Some of you might rememeber this area......it was one of the locations where I took pictures of the kids for our Christmas Card this past year:)

Moravian Star BLOG
You will see these pretty stars all over the downtown area.....they are called "Moravian Stars".....they are synonomous with Bethlehem. When I say they are everywhere, I am not kidding........

Moravian Cook SHop BLOG
AHHH...THE Moravian Book Store.....HANDS DOWN.....my favorite store on the street!! And btw, if you are looking for a Moravian Star, you can find them right inside this store. It is a book store with so much more....I could get lost in there for hours and then go to the cute little cafe in the back of the store and eat a great meal!!

Reflections BLOG
Just across the steet is a fantastic hotel......THE HOTEL BETHELEHEM. It is not your average hotel....it is filled with lots of old world charm and beauty.

Front of Hotel BLOG
Here is the actual entrance to the hotel and a view up main street!!

I love so many things about this neat little historic town......... but do you know want to know what I REALLY, REALLY LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE????

***DRUM ROLL PLEASE***

This is going to be the place where I am going to hold my very first.....

VISIONS, A Lifestyle Photography Workshop!!!

Even better than that...... I already have 15 AMAZING LADIES that are signed up to come......and one incredible friend that is willing to jump on a plane to help me out with this many students{thanks Marla, you rock}!!!

These ladies are traveling from all across the US and one is coming from Canada to spend the weekend learning about camera settings, proper lighting, composition, and post processing.

I am beyond THRILLED that I am going to have the opportunity to meet each one of these wonderful ladies that I have been blogging with for the past few years, and also teach them how to take their photography skills to the next level!!!

In just six weeks, we will all be together in this cool little town to learn a lot and have some fun along the way........at this point I am not sure who is more excited, them or me........ I think me:)

My head is spinning, but in a VERY GOOD WAY!! I am already knee deep in workshop plans..... and if you know me, you know that I will not sleep until every detail is covered and everyone has an agenda that will guide them through the entire weekend.

Last Sunday morning I sent out an email to those that were on my distribution list for photo editing classes to see if there was any interest in this type of workshop. By Tuesday morning the workshop was filled.
If anyone is interested in future workshops, and you are not on my email list, please let me know. I am considering running maybe one more before we might have to make a "little trip of our own"


Have a great week!

60 comments:

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Oh what I would do to get to come to that workshop!!! Maybe someday! Until then, I'll keep dreaming!!!
Blessings!
Ps Love all your images!!!

Mary Lou said...

Oh I love that town and I wish I were in the workshop. Please remember me if you do it again.
I love the garden gate with the arbor. AND love the stars.
Great work. Great meme. thank you
I am posting at midnight. Had to wait up.

Donna said...

Oh Lisa! This little town of Bethlehem is beautiful! I just love the old brick buildings and the way the industrial stuff contrasts with the gardens and other natural elements. I can't wait to get there and meet you and all the other ladies! And I get to learn some of your amazing photography tips and tricks too! I've been thinking about nothing else since Sunday night!

Thanks so much for setting this up and inviting me!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Wanda said...

Oh wow....Lisa - what an utterly charming town - a perfect location for the workshop. I think I drooled a little at the garden location - it gave me a little Monet moment.

I can't wait to be there, learn all I can and have an absolute blast with all the gals.

Just makes me so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. Thanks for doing this Lisa - I know it'll be a complete success!!

xoxoxoxo

Lynn said...

Beautiful town and great photography! Have a great time with your workshop!

Kelly And Allison said...

WOW.. Lisa, that's very exciting. You are going to be great. Beautiful town! Love the pictures.

Ashli said...

Love the town pics! They are great!

Unknown said...

That is one beautiful town! So much charm, history and beauty! Wish could be there in person to see it and participate in your workshop! How exciting! Good for you and all the best!

Kayce said...

You live in one beautiful place! Love the pics...espcially the one with the American flag reflecting in the window. The black and white is just as stunning!

Oh what I would give to come to that workshop! Much!! You will be fabulous...What an exciting thing!

Karli @ The Bonnie 5 said...

A huge congratulations on your upcoming workshop! Oh, I wish I could join in the fun! *sigh*
I love your pictures...I love old buildings with such character! Fantastic post!

Anonymous said...

YAY!!!!!! So super excited here!!!!! I feel so privileged to be able to attend your work shop! You don't even KNOW!

I cant believe that most all the girls that are going are from blogs that I have drooled over their pictures and blogs for some time now! I'll admit I'm a little nervous and will probably be very nervous when I'm headed over there!

Your pictures are fabulous and I just know I'll learn lots as I always do from you!

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

What a cute little town, love these images.

congrats on your workshop, would love to come to one some time but we have china travel to save for!!!

Maybe some day, until then I will just enjoy reading all about it!!

Biana said...

Beautiful, your photos always make me wish I was there. You have a very lovely style.

Annelie said...

What a great walk! Thank you!

Love Letters To China said...

Gorgeous!!! So happy for you... wish I could be a part of it all too. Maybe some day. ;-)

Zediahdacti said...

Very cute and quaint town!

Denise said...

Have I told you how excited I am? LOL!! Can't wait to see this little town for myself...I already know that I will be coming home with one of those bethlehem stars!

Robin said...

What a GREAT location Lisa ... love it!! You are going to have SO much fun & the girls are going to learn SO much!! Really wish I could join the fun ... maybe your next one!

xo-Robin

fleur de lis cottage said...

Years ago Ballard Designs catalog had a moravian star light fixture that I loved...how ironic that I'll be surrounded by them in about a month. You portrayed this quaint town beautifully. Can't wait to join everyone for the workshop

Raymonde said...

Thank you for sharing Lisa. What a beautiful location to encourage others. Have a fantastic training weekwend, those are invaluable to learn with hands-on experience.

Thank you again for hosting Black and White Wednesday.

Take care. xxx

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Beautiful photos of Bethlehem. I love those Moravian stars!


heather

Jodee said...

What a fabulous town and the perfect place to hold your first workshop! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Courtney said...

What a wonderful town. It looks like one of those places that you could spend hours just walking around. Beautiful picutres.

Lisa (Briana's Mom) said...

It looks amazing. I wish I could come up there and learn. :( I know it will be so fun!

Maddy said...

Awesome! This is an area I know very well! And one of my best girlfriends went to Moravian College :o) You girls will have a fabulous time in July! Can't wait to see the pictures when the time comes!

Sharon said...

You're awesome! Can't think of much more to say than that!

Valerie and Jeff said...

I am in love with this town from your post! How wonderful and such a treasure that you've shared. It is so cool to "see" so much in the history of a place. So cool!--And I'd love to do a workshop! That would be SO cool!!--Supposed I'd need to upgrade from my point and click--oh I miss my ol' Canon (yes, it was film ... but the photos were SO good!)

Victoria said...

This is my first time linking up on Black/White Wednesdays!! Your pictures are amazing, I love the old town photos...I'm sure the workshop will be great!

Jboo said...

What beautiful photos! Looks like the perfect spot for your workshop! Have a great Wednesday!

Janet

Melis said...

Wow, what an awesome little town! That bookstore made me think of something out of Diagon Alley or whatever from the Harry Potter books! So cute and beautifully photographed, as always! I love that you're so well-rounded and talented at not only portrait photography but landscapes and architecture as well - that's awesome! Good luck at the workshop - I'm super bummed I'm so far away! Take it on the road, maybe...? ;o)

Robin said...

Oh how I wish I could be there with all of you!

The pictures are beautiful, as always!

Blessings,
Robin

cwitgo said...

I love Black and White Wednesday! Thanks for hosting.

JinXiu said...

what amazing pictures of history, architecture and depth. i really enjoyed this post. i spend so much time exploring each picture and its wonderful detail. Thanks so much for an exciting b&w wed

Two Kayaks said...

So beautiful and the history is breathtaking.

Unknown said...

It is such a beautiful place : ) I love it there. So excited about the workshop. Can not even stand it! XO

Patricia said...

That little town is just BEAUTIFUL!!! What a perfect setting for some perfect photos!!
WIshing you all the best with the workshop, Lisa!! These ladies are very lucky to have YOU as their teacher!!

Marla said...

WOOHOO!!! What an amazing little town, I can't wait to see it (and shoot it) in person! What fun we're going to have!!!!!!

Colleen said...

WOW Lisa! This is amazing! I am so happy for you!!! I would love to go to one of your workshops one of these days!!!

Michelle R Photography said...

Congratulations on your sold out workshop, Lisa!!! That is just awesome!!!

Our Complete Family said...

I have goosebumps for you! So excited to get to be a part of your 1st workshop Lisa! This post was great... I am already in love with this town through the lens of your camera!
See you in a few weeks! xo

Tammy said...

What a great town! This is my first time participating-such fun!

Mimi said...

Oh Lisa, I'm so happy for you! Well done and so well deserved.
You share so generously your beautiful photos and skills, and now it has come back to you a hundredfold (as they say around here!).
I wish I could be in that lovely town with you, but it's just too far this summer..maybe some other time.
Also, I want to let you know that I’ve moved my blog, so to visit, just click on the link with this comment. Sorry for the bother, the story is on the blog, hope to see you soon!

ellieshine said...

LOVE these photos (architectural photography is my favorite!) Your composition is beautiful! (love the cobwebs wouldn't photoshop those anyway!)

I feel left out about the workshop. Can I be on the waiting list for the next one??

carolinagirl said...

Beautiful photographs!!! We also have an original historic Moravian settlement here...Old Salem (part of Winston Salem). I love the way you've processed these. They are so crisp!

Freckles & Dimples Photography said...

Hey Lisa...clearly I love this post, as Bethlehem is near and dear to my heart!!! I actually just took Abby to the steel stacks and it is such a cool place to shoot - maybe if I get around to editing the pics one day I'll post them :) Did you see the old bus stop with graffiti? Its very cool.
I had a really nice time at lunch with you last week!

Alyson and Ford said...

Congratulations setting up your first workshop! Love the photos, you are amazing!

Alyzabeth's Mommy
(I forgot to change the link and linked to an old B&W, didn't know how to delete, so added a new "Alyson")

Julie said...

what a beautiful town!! ANd congrats on the workshop!! Wish I could come!!

Robin said...

Yeah ... I'm playing B&W Wednesday again :) I am trying to get my act together again with pictures and the blog world! Hope to talk with you soon!

Robin

Regina said...

Such beautiful town.
I will participate next time.
Cheers.

Serline said...

Lovely town. A little sad about letting in a casino. Good luck with the workshop!

Darla DiStefano said...

good, good, good for you! What a beautiful location!

Anonymous said...

What a great location! Love all the beautiful stone.

Congrats on your workshops. I'm sure they will be amazing!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I always want to go to Bethlehem at Christmas. Heh. (seriously, though, I really do)

Congrats on your workshop, lady... wish I could join you.

wife.mom.nurse said...

Wow!!!!!

What an amazing place to be photographed by an amazing photographer!

My friend did the I heart faces photowalk in San Diego and had a great experience.

Thanks for sharing :)

~Julie

wife.mom.nurse said...

p.s. I hung out extra long to listen to Michael Bulbe "home"...love it!

oh no, now i have to stay longer...I love this next song :)

Football and Fried Rice said...

i am so jealous of the "luckies" coming to your workshop - it is going to be amazing!

Love the tour of bethlehem - what a quaint town!

Unknown said...

What great photos, this is my first time participating, look forward to seeing more!

Killara girl said...

what a fantastic township...you must have so much fun photographing there.

Dita said...

Lisa,

These shots just make me BEYOND excited about the Workshop. I am counting the days until the workshop begins and I get to not only improve my photography skills with you as my guide...but I get to meet all these amazing ladies.

I am so looking forward to this...it will be the highlight of my summer. I can't WAIT!

Congratulations on venturing out and doing what you do best. The materials and advice and detail you have given all of us that are part of this group so far have far exceeded any expectation I would have for any workshop.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Michelle said...

I just recently came across your blog when you were in China to adopt Reagan. Your pictures are gorgeous. I am looking at getting a camera and was looking for what some of the bloggy people I follow use. Then I came across this post. My grandma was born in Bethlehem. I was there once. She had such wonderful memories of this town and growing up there. Her grandma lived in a very old house (which I have been told was bought by Lehigh) Gramma also used to talk about an ice cream store that she just loved.

Next to photography history is another passion of mine.

thank you for a glimpse into my grandma's world I wish I could show her these pictures, she passed away almost 2 years ago.