Historic Philadelphia Through the Lens - A Photography Walking Tour

with Armond Scavo

If you’re looking to sharpen your photography skills while exploring one of the most historically rich areas in America, the Historic Philadelphia Photography Walking Tour by Armond Scavo Photography offers an experience that blends storytelling, architecture, and hands-on learning.

This guided tour takes you through what is often called “the most historic square mile in the United States”, Philadelphia’s Historic District, where every corner offers a new composition waiting to be captured.

Walk Through American History, With Camera in Hand

On this photography tour, you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You’ll also pass by historic sites tied to Benjamin Franklin, including his former post office.

But this isn’t just sightseeing, it’s about learning how to see these landmarks differently through your lens.

Armond Scavo guides you in:

Framing historic architecture
Using natural and changing light
Capturing street life and candid moments
Telling a visual story through your images
Choose Your Route: Old City or Society Hill
Old City Route

If you choose the Old City route, you’ll photograph some of Philadelphia’s most charming and recognizable locations, including:

Betsy Ross House
Elfreth’s Alley which is the oldest continuously lived-in residential street in the U.S.
Christ Church
A stop near Old City Coffee for a perfect blend of street and lifestyle photography

This route is ideal for capturing colonial architecture, textures, and vibrant street scenes.

Video - Historic Philadelphia Photography Walking Tour

From the Tour

Women and society hill

Society Hill Route

Prefer a quieter, more residential feel? The Society Hill route offers:

Charming alleys and side streets
18th- and 19th-century homes
St. Peter’s Church
Pennsylvania Hospital , America’s first hospital, also founded by Benjamin Franklin

Here, you’ll focus on composition, symmetry, and subtle architectural details that make for compelling images.

More Than a Tour, A Hands-On Photography Class

This experience is designed for photographers of all levels. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, Armond provides practical, real-time guidance so you walk away with both better photos and stronger skills.

You’ll learn how to:

Work with natural light in urban settings
Capture depth and leading lines in narrow streets
Balance exposure in high-contrast scenes
Decide when to shoot in color vs. black and white

Tour Details
📍 Meeting Location: In front of the Pennsylvania Visitors Center
📍 Address: 6th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA
📸 Duration: Walking tour through Historic District
🎯 Focus: Architecture, street photography, and storytelling
Why This Tour Stands Out

Philadelphia’s Historic District isn’t just a collection of landmarks, it’s a living, breathing environment full of texture, movement, and history. With Armond Scavo Photography, you’re not just walking through it you will be learning how to capture it with purpose.

This tour is perfect if you want to:

Build a professional-quality portfolio
Explore Philadelphia in a unique way
Learn from an experienced photographer
Capture images that tell a story
Book Your Spot and Start Shooting

From cobblestone streets to iconic landmarks, this photography walking tour offers endless inspiration. Whether you choose Old City or Society Hill, you’ll leave with more than just photos, you’ll leave with a new perspective.

Tour Details
📍 Meeting Location: In front of Eastern State Penitentiary
📍 Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA
📸 Focus: Architecture, texture, lighting, and historical storytelling
Why You Should Book

This tour is perfect if you want to:

Build a standout photography portfolio
Explore a historic Philadelphia landmark in depth
Learn from a professional photographer
Capture images you simply can’t get anywhere else

Book Your Spot and Start Shooting

Photography Tours of Philadelphia

See Philadelphia Through Your Camera’s Eye

Whether you are visiting Philadelphia or live here, during this two and a half hour photography tour you will participate in an authentic city adventure and have an exceptional opportunity to experience and photograph the City of Brotherly Love with an insider’s point of view.

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Testimonials

I met with Armond one rainy fall morning near Rittenhouse Square. While some might have seen the idea of conducting an outdoor photography class on a cold wet day as an obstacle, I knew that my time with Armond would be well spent.

I’ve known Armond and his work since the 80’s, when I lived in Philadelphia and he and my parents were a part of the same circle of artists. Armond Scavo has been part of Philadelphia’s art world for many years, and a resident for his entire life. Combine these elements and you get a photographer who is passionate about his craft and about sharing the charms of his city.

John Doe

Codetic

Thanks again for all you taught me. For the first time in my life I feel like I’m making strides from being a “guy with a camera” to being an “amateur photographer” I highly recommend Armond to anyone interested in taking more than common snapshots and plan to do it again myself.

Doug W

Simply a great opportunity to get a Hands on photography lesson from a Philly local and expert artist. Armond is a great teacher and my husband and I left with lasting memories and great pics. A fabulous way to be a tourist in your own city or to explore Philly if you’re visiting while learning more about photography. No camera? No problem! I just used my Samsung camera and it was great to learn how to capture better composition. Try it out. Great time!

Jenna R

About Armond Scavo

I am a Philadelphia Photographer and was born in the Italian section of South Philadelphia in June of 1946. My family lived on the same block as, or around the corner from my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Some neighbors on Tree street, the street where I grew up, were as close as family. For a child, the block was like a small Italian village.

Historic Philadelphia – A Photography Walking Tour with Armond Scavo