Linda Mui
July 2025 - Stars of Freedom: A Moment Before the March
About the Image(s)
Captured on July 4th, 2025, in the heart of historic Philadelphia, this image bursts with the spirit of celebration, unity, and American pride. Taken with my iPhone just moments before the parade ignited the streets, the photo was shot near 5th Street, beside the iconic Independence Hall??”where the story of freedom first began.
In a vibrant gathering of performers, I asked Miss Philadelphia to pose with a group of dazzling young dancers dressed in red, white, and blue. Their smiles, energy, and sparkle lit up the street before a single drumbeat sounded??”perfectly capturing the electric anticipation in the air.
This image, taken with a mobile phone, proves that storytelling doesn’t depend on the camera, but on the heart behind it and the moment in front of it.
12 comments posted
Very well done. I hear a band playing Stars and Stripes in my head! I can feel the excitement. I love that they are lined up perfectly - shortest on the ends to tallest in the center - all with the same pose. Was that your doing?
Great storytelling! Posted: 07/09/2025 20:10:42
Great storytelling! Posted: 07/09/2025 20:10:42
Thank you so much, Sylvia! Yes, I did organize the lineup - I wanted to create that perfect symmetrical composition with the shortest dancers on the ends building up to Miss Philadelphia in the center. The dancers were so cooperative and really understood the vision. I'm thrilled you can feel the excitement and hear that patriotic music - that's exactly the energy I was hoping to capture Posted: 07/18/2025 12:52:09
Linda, the quality of cell phone images these days always amazes me. The exposure, the color and sharpness on this image from front to back is very good. I would not have known the difference between a cell phone or DSLR camera body. You did a great job organizing and composing this image with perfect poses and smiles from everyone. Providing your details of this event is much appreciated and you have done very well to capture a great story in one moment in time. Nice job. Posted: 07/11/2025 01:48:39
Jim, I really appreciate your technical eye and kind words! You're absolutely right about cell phone cameras these days - the technology is incredible. I was amazed at how well it captured the details and colors even in the outdoor lighting. The dancers made my job easy by being so professional and enthusiastic. Thank you for recognizing the storytelling aspect - that means a lot coming from someone with your photography experience. Posted: 07/18/2025 12:52:56
I love Philly - and this photo is a great example of what makes it a great city - simple, honest patriotism and heart. You did a great job of capturing the moment and it was really nice of the dancers to line up symmetrically around Miss Philadelphia.
Great shot! Posted: 07/12/2025 20:17:14
Great shot! Posted: 07/12/2025 20:17:14
Thank you, Douglas! Philadelphia really does have that special patriotic spirit, doesn't it? I love how this image captures exactly what you described - that honest, heartfelt patriotism. The dancers were wonderful about creating that symmetrical formation around Miss Philadelphia. There's something so genuinely American about this moment that I'm grateful I could preserve. Posted: 07/18/2025 12:53:51
Linda, Kudos for you for posing the performers with Miss Philadelphia. Great story telling without a caption. You've got all the patriotic fourth of July colors with the Philadelphia sash. Great July 4th shot. Posted: 07/14/2025 20:02:18
Yvonne, thank you! You picked up on exactly what I was going for - letting the image tell the story without needing words. The red, white, and blue really pop, and having Miss Philadelphia right there with her sash made it the perfect Fourth of July moment. I'm so glad the composition worked to convey that patriotic celebration. Posted: 07/18/2025 12:56:13
Linda, A photo that any newspaper would have printed immediately. Outstanding!
For me, a wonderfully designed and lively contemporary document. This is how I imagine the 4th of July celebrations in America. The dancers in great costumes, looking happily into the camera and proud to be a part of it all.
The formation is just right, from the set-up to the poses. Miss Philadelphia in the middle, just as radiant and proud.
Thanks for the insight into the festivities.
Posted: 07/15/2025 20:02:06
For me, a wonderfully designed and lively contemporary document. This is how I imagine the 4th of July celebrations in America. The dancers in great costumes, looking happily into the camera and proud to be a part of it all.
The formation is just right, from the set-up to the poses. Miss Philadelphia in the middle, just as radiant and proud.
Thanks for the insight into the festivities.
Posted: 07/15/2025 20:02:06
Sabine, what a wonderful compliment about it being newspaper-worthy! I love that you see it as a contemporary document of American Fourth of July celebrations. The dancers' joy and pride really shines through, doesn't it? Miss Philadelphia was absolutely radiant, and everyone was so happy to be part of the festivities. Thank you for appreciating the formation and the glimpse into our American traditions.
Posted: 07/18/2025 12:56:46
Posted: 07/18/2025 12:56:46
What a great capture! You can really feel the spirit of the occasion in this photo. I think it is great you were able to get them to pose for you like that. And, it really is amazing the images that come from cell phones these days. Well done! Posted: 07/16/2025 22:16:51
Randy, thank you! The spirit was absolutely infectious - everyone was having such a great time celebrating. The dancers were so gracious about posing, and you're right about cell phone cameras being amazing these days. It really captured the joy and patriotic energy of the moment perfectly. I'm glad you can feel that celebratory spirit through the photo! Posted: 07/18/2025 12:57:25