The Keystone State - Pennsylvania

This group is for all the Pennsylvanian artists out there in bubbleland and is open to all genres (art, writing and t-shirts).

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Featured Work

CHRISTMAS ON THIRD by ldeiter78

FEATURES & CHALLENGES: FIRST PLACE – 12/18/08 – The Keystone State – Pennsylvania – Christmas Lights of Pennsylvania challenge A walk down Third Street before sunrise. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – December 2008 WALNUT STREET GLOW / CHRISTMAS ON THIRD /

Recent Work

Tired by LoisBryan

I’ve stopped and snapped this wonderful barn, located near Everett along route 30 in Pennsylvania, more than once. Still haven’t quite captured its essence … but I’m working on it!! This image was taken on Saturday, Janury 3, 2009, with the Nikon D40x using the Nikkor 18-200mm lens with the cp filter. It has been put thru HDR with PhotoMatix, then tinkered around with a bit in PhotoShop. Obsidian Dawn
Sixth Street Bridge - Pgh Pa by hallucingenic

taken late december 2008 taken in pittsburgh pa.
The color of fall by Carol Smith

Pittsburgh,Pa. As is.
Amish Horses by Judi Taylor

All of these pictures were shot a few miles from Morgantown, Pennsylvania, in the middle of “Amish Country”. The farmlands of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country are among the most productive in the nation. But many of the farmers here are different from most Americans; different by choice. For these are the Old Order Amish and Mennonites, also known as the “Plain People”. Our Amish neighbors have been employing horse-drawn power since the days when horsepower had a whole different meaning! In comparison to our fast-paced society, the simpler, family-centered Amish way of life holds a special fascination. These people trace their heritage back hundreds of years, and yet, despite all the time that has passed and the many changes that have taken place in society, they still live and work much as their forefathers did. Their families and their farms are their top priorities, second only to God. The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God. They take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life. Today there are over 25 different Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren church groups in Lancaster County, all holding to slightly different traditions and their own interpretations of the Bible. The more traditional groups are called ‘old order’. They do not permit electricity or telephones in their homes. By restricting access to television, radio, and telephones, the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life. The Amish have long preferred farming as a way of life. They feel their lifestyle and their families can best be maintained in a rural environment. While they do not permit the use of tractors in their fields, these old order Amish groups do use modern farm equipment pulled by teams of horses or mules. These old order groups do not own or operate automobiles, believing that cars would provide easier access to the ways of the world. You will often see their horses and buggies on our local roads. These traditional groups wear plain clothing styles, which has earned them the name “Plain People”. It is the simple, peaceful lifestyle of these plain people that attracts such a curiosity today. Many wonder how these people can survive in their supposedly backward ways. Well, they’re not only surviving – they’re thriving. Since 1960, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled. Their separation from the rest of society actually helps to strengthen their community. Amish children attend Amish one-room schoolhouses through the eighth grade. Amish worship services are held every other week in one of the member’s homes. Socializing is an important part of Amish life. The Amish have a strong sense of community spirit, and often come to the aid of those in need. Their barn raisings are a good example. Neighbors freely give of their time and their skills to help one another. The Amish are generally private people and often find all the attention and curiosity about their lifestyle disturbing. They believe that the taking of photographs where someone is recognizable is forbidden by the Biblical prohibition against making any ‘graven image’. Please respect their desire for privacy when visiting here. * Please note that I was given permission to photograph the horses but NOT young children * JT With our society’s current interest in restoring ‘family values’, much can be learned from studying the Amish way of life. Their devotion to family and community and their strong work ethic are good examples for our larger society.
Fall in the garden by Carol Smith

Taken outside of Phipps Conservatory / Pittsburgh ,Pa.
A Silent Winter Evening by Mike Griffiths

Since our pre-Christmas snow is long gone, and since I’m tired of waiting for more, I thought I would reach into the archives and pull out yet another from our November surprise! :) Taken on November 21, 2008 near Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, with my Canon Digital Rebel EOS XSi. /
Philadelphia City Hall by Marita McVeigh

Photography. Philadelphia City Hall On a Winters Night.
Market Street Bridge Harrisburg PA II by Russell Fry

This is another view of the Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg at night. It is also a HDR composite. Canon 40D, EF18-55 lens, ISO 100, 5 sec to 15 sec at f5.6
North Shore - Pgh Pa by hallucingenic

taken late december 2008 taken in pittsburgh pa camera used: cannon powershot sd1000
The Ninth St Bridge - Pgh Pa by hallucingenic

taken late december 2008 taken in pittsburgh pa camera used: cannon powershot sd1000
One Lane Bridge in Fog by clizzio

This bridge is on Koch Road near Kresgeville, Pennsylvania. It is December in this photo. The fog is caused by an unusually warm day after a day of snowfall.