52 Weeks Photography Project- June 2026

June, named after Juno the Roman goddess of marriage, childbirth and growth, is associated with love, romance, cultural observances and is the luckiest month for weddings. It is a Twisted month with the start of summer( Northern Hemisphere) and winter (Southern) and its changing length of sunshine and darkness. The Old School is completed, and Tourists are now able to enjoy great travels and sights. With symbols of the rose and pearl, warm weather, the sushine and new beginnings, Life is Beautiful. To the June themes.

#25 Tourist in my Own Town- Show off a bit.

5th Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh is one of approximately 90 neighborhoods where it is easy to find Tourists in my Own Town. The Warner Center, Fifth Avenue Place (Highmark Building), Kaufmann Apartments and the Clock (“Meet me under the Kaufmann Clock”) are some of the atractions in this downtown neighborhood. Given the diversity of this city and its neighborhoods, it’s easy to be a tourist. After 53 years here, this native is a Tourist in my Own Town.

#26 Old School- Interpret that as you will.

This statue sits on the Heritage Trail along the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh. Mr. Rodgers (Fred McFeely Rodgers) born in Latrobe Pennsylvania was a businessman, musician, Presbyterian Minister and television personality. He was the creator and host of the Canadian children’s program, Misterogers from 1963 to 1967. He is best remembered as the creator and host of Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood which ran on public television from 1986 to 2001. His theme song, “Won’t You be My Neighbor?” started his show and his bright red sweater, white shirt and tie was his signature dress on camera. His show focused on children’s emotional and physical concerns. His teachings included tolerance, sharing, self-worth, civility, sibling rivalry, moving, divorce and death. He was soft spoken, kind, tolerant and conveyed confidence. His persona and teachings were Old School concepts, but these remain relevant today.

#27 Life is Beautiful- Like the movie, of not.

What could be better than brunch with your son on Father’s Day, outdoor brunch with your wife on a warm day with birds and shoppers about, being retired, enjoying photography and a cup of your favorite, a latte. Heartwarming events in the Month of June. Life is Beautiful.

#28 Twisted- Like Eminem, or not.

Twisted gave me a challenge to create an image that reflected that photographic concept. I’ve seen many twisted trees, lightbulb filaments, fences, ice cream snacks, screws and other items that would fit the challenge. However, a fisherman on a local lake was my subject. With a 4-stop neutral density filter, tripod, f14 aperture and 1/2 second shutter speed, I Twisted the barrel (zombing or zoom-blurring) of my 24–70 mm f2.8 telephoto lens for this image.

Thanks to Rodrigo S-C, kasey sparks and Laura Novak for the June tasks, to the submitters to this project for their interpretation of these tasks that teach and inspire me. My thanks also to all the readers for their support. Onward to the second half of the year and the July tasks: On the Waterfront, Odds and Ends, Going Under and Look What I Found.