2026 Calendar Guide
This guide accompanies the 2026 calendar, providing background information and commentary on each photo. This year, my opportunities to capture new images in Pittsburgh were limited, so I relied on my archives. I've chosen photos for their unique angles, weather conditions, and perspectives, each resonating with me in a special way, which I’ll explain below.
January 2026,
Allegheny Commons Park
One of my favorite places to visit in the winter is Allegheny Commons Park near the aviary. On this day, it had been cold enough for long enough that some of the lakes in the area had started freezing over. I was hopeful that Lake Elizabeth had frozen over to give a glimpse of the occasional ice skater or pond hockey game. No such luck on this day, however the geese and the snow covered trees were on full display.
February 2026,
Pittsburgh International Airport
The new land-side terminal at the Pittsburgh International Airport opened in November 2025 and features high ceilings, large windows, and plenty of Pittsburgh related art and symbology. This image is one from the third floor (departures) during the open house event before the terminal officially opened.
What struck me about this composition was the shape of the large windows, the silhouettes leading your eye from the bottom right to the center of the image, as well as being able to see the reflection in the brand new flooring.
March 2026,
Manchester
This was a shot that I had been trying to get the timing correct for years—either the trees were too barren or were starting to get their green leaves. This year, the blossoms on Sheffield Street were just right.
April 2026,
North Shore
It’s hard to photograph the spring in Pittsburgh and not include the cherry blossoms along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Typically most photogenic in early April, the cherry blossoms have been a symbol of spring’s arrival in Pittsburgh for many years. While I typically visit the trees a couple times per year and aim to a photo of both the trees and the Andy Warhol Bridge sharply in the frame, this particular shot, I went for something different and softer.
May 2026,
Downtown
As spring arrives, the light green trees lining of Fort Duquesne Boulevard comes alive, especially in the late evening sun. It bathes the tops of the trees in a warm glow while the buildings behind them remain in gentle shadow. The trees have these slender trunks that create a lovely contrast with their full, vibrant crowns, giving the scene a whimsical feel. What really adds to the charm is how each tree seems to have its own personality; hardly any of them grow straight, making for a beautifully quirky display.
June 2026,
Troy Hill
This aerial shot captures the former Heinz plant, now known as Heinz Lofts, with Route 28 featured prominently in the bottom right corner. For many years, it was impossible to capture the skyline from this angle, but utilizing a drone makes an images like this possible. What stands out to me is being able to showcase the history and the modern landscape of Pittsburgh in one shot.
July 2026,
Point State Park
An accent light and reflecting pond enhance the pedestrian walkway at Point State Park, located beneath the Portal Bridge, which connects the Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt Bridges. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the fountain at the point and downtown Pittsburgh. The bridge’s thoughtful design is also notable, with three concrete-encased lights illuminating the impressive ceiling vaults, making them interesting subjects for a photograph.
August 2026,
Lawrenceville
An image of several house-lined, hilly streets in central Lawrenceville with their proximities exaggerated by use of a telephoto lens. Using a telephoto (“zoom”) lens here adds to the confusion and chaos—which can be how it feels to navigate through the area with all of the one-way streets, alleys, and on-street parking. The eye does not know where to settle comfortable for very long.
September 2026,
Point Breeze
This infrared photo of the patio outside of the Frick Art Museum gives the boxy topiary a white appearance. The tranquility of the scene is what stood out to me, as well as the different “squares” in the frame.
October 2026,
West End Overlook
The rising sun peeks its way through one of the large oak trees at the West End Overlook. Shooting into the sun is difficult and not something that I recommend doing frequently, however, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have part of the skyline and sun framed between the tree branches.
November 2026,
Along the Allegheny River
While exploring reflections for my upcoming collection, I discovered this scene along Allegheny River Boulevard. The leaves along the riverbank create a grounded look, as if the trees are growing directly from them. The water’s angle adds intriguing depth below the surface while also imparting a unique flatness on the surface, making this perspective truly one of interest..
December 2026,
Lawrenceville
This snowy scene captures 45th Street in Lawrenceville, just to the left of the image featured in August. During a brief, wet snowfall, the snow clings to the utility wires, creating a picturesque tunnel that stretches up the hill to Children’s Hospital.