52 Weeks Photography Project

July 2026 Edition

July, named after Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, is always a memorable month. Celebrations include Canada Day on the 1st, US Independence Day on July 4th, Bastille Day on the 24th and this year the celebrations included the 250th year of Independence and the FIFA World Cup. Also noteworthy was the Heat Dome, the forest fires with the high air quality indices in North America and Europe. The latter obscured the sites of historic monuments in Washington, D.C. as noted in the photo of the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial in Arlington, VA. With the smog now cleared, I can get on with the Waterfront, Odds and Ends, Under and Discovery.

#29 On the Waterfront

A popular summer recreation is kayaking, here on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, PA. I found this group on a Saturday morning walk around downtown Pittsburgh. This group was having a lesson to enhance their skill level and I was participating in a photography workshop, also to enhance my skills.

#30 Odds and Ends

On another walk, this time in Arlington, VA., I encountered a building demolition. Formerly a commercial office building, this site is being prepared for the erection of an eight-story residential building which will have ~325 new apartments and ground floor retail space. Lots of Odds and Ends here including structural steel, cement, fixtures, wires, tubing , fire hyrant hose, possible workspaces and many more. Especially Odd is the Now Open sign for the Layli Mediterranean Restaurant, which has Ended.

#31 Going Under

The Queen, one of several Gateway Clipper boats that offer sightseeing, dining, entertainment, river tours of the City of Pittsburgh along with transportation to sporting events is seen Going Under the Roberto Clemente Bridge over the Allegheny River.

#32 Look What I Found

During a Flower Photography Workshop at the Phipps Conservancy in Pittsburgh this succulent was noted. The Agave Americana, a 50–60 years old succulent, grew a giant flower stalk thru the Desert Room’s glass ceiling necessitating removal of several roof panels. This plant is monocarpic, it blooms just once in its lifetime before slowly dying. “Pups”, baby offshoots, are growing at the base to continue the growth of this suckling. The Conservatory planned a “Final Bow” on July 24, 2026. The last similar event at that venue was 21 years ago!

Thanks to Rodrigo S-C, kasey sparks and Laura Novak for another month of great challenges. Thanks also to the readers of this project. Onward to the August challenges: Some Like it Hot, Tourist, Nightshift and Complicated.