Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom and independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cast in 1752 in Whitechapel, London, the bell was originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. It cracked on its first test ring and was recast twice in Philadelphia by local founders John Pass and John Stow. Their names are still inscribed on the bell.

The bell is made of bronze and weighs over 2,000 pounds. It bears the inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” taken from the Bible (Leviticus 25:10). While the Liberty Bell is most famously associated with the American Revolution, there is no contemporary evidence it rang on July 4, 1776. It likely rang on July 8, 1776, to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The bell acquired its famous crack sometime in the early 19th century. The exact cause is unknown, though it is believed to have expanded during use and split further when attempts were made to repair it. By the 1840s, abolitionists adopted the bell as a symbol of their movement and gave it the name “Liberty Bell.”

Today, the Liberty Bell is housed at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. It draws millions of visitors each year, who come to reflect on its historical significance and the ideals it represents. Though it no longer rings, the bell remains a powerful symbol of liberty, justice, and resilience for people around the world. Its enduring message continues to inspire generations in their pursuit of freedom and equality.

Photographing the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival

Over this past weekend I had the pleasure of utilizing my media pass and photographing the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat, Alberta for the 4th year in a row. Featuring a variety of launches, flights, glows, and a handful of custom "googly eyed" memes, my content this year reached over 300K people on the Editing Luke socials in just the first 4 days of the festival. 

The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is a vibrant, free, and family-friendly event held annually in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Launched by Willy and Cindy Taillon in collaboration with the nonprofit Our Collective Journey, the festival aims to uplift spirits and promote mental wellness through the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons soaring over the city.

Scheduled on May 22–25, 2025, the festival featured nearly 30 balloons from around North America and involved morning and evening flights, weather permitting. A highlight was the mesmerizing Balloon Glow event at Kin Coulee Park on the Friday night, where tethered balloons illuminated the night sky creating a magical experience for the attendees.

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, celebrated for its elegant Baroque architecture, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of the historic centre, it occupies the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. Piazza Navona retains the elongated, oval shape of the original stadium, once used for athletic competitions.

During the 17th century, Piazza Navona was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque urban design under Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, faces the square. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), created by the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This dramatic fountain features representations of four major rivers from four continents—the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata—symbolizing the reach of papal authority across the world.

Opposite Bernini’s fountain stands Sant’Agnese in Agone, a beautiful Baroque church designed by Francesco Borromini. The church marks the traditional site of the martyrdom of Saint Agnes and adds to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the square.

At either end of the piazza are two additional fountains: the Fontana del Moro and the Fontana del Nettuno, both adorned with dynamic sculptures. Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant social hub, filled with street artists, musicians, and open-air cafes. Visitors flock here to enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the art and architecture, and soak in the charm of Rome’s past and present.

Whether visited by day or lit by lamplight at night, Piazza Navona remains a captivating symbol of Rome’s enduring beauty and cultural richness.