This week in our City Perspectives, Billy Cress (@billycress) gives us a glimpse into Philadelphia, a city brimming with history, culture, and seasonal shifts.

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How long have you lived in Philadelphia, and what is your profession?

About six years now. I’m a manager / in-house designer for a retail company.

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If you could capture the essence of your city in one word, what would it be? Why?

Diverse. There’s so much happening in Philadelphia culturally and artistically.

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How do you think that the beat or style of the city has informed your style as a photographer?

The city certainly dictates a lot of what I find interesting and what I subsequently choose to photograph. Philadelphia can be pretty fast paced, as most large cities tend to be, but I choose to focus on the quiet moments happening here.

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What’s the best season to visit your city in? Why?

Each season is great for different reasons. We’re lucky in the north east to truly experience all four seasons. I would have to say Fall is when Philadelphia is most beautiful. Our tree-lined alleys are a hallmark and they put on a great show in Autumn.

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Which coffee shop(s) are your favorite to spend an afternoon catching up on work or people watching?

The flagship La Colombe is in my neighborhood, Fishtown. It’s a massive cafe and distillery with its very own mural by Philadelphian street artist Stephen Powers. For a more quaint coffee shop I like Bodhi Coffee.

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What’s a signature dish in your city and where’s the best spot to find it?

I was fighting the urge to say cheesesteak but I suppose I can’t. I’ll go with Tony Luke’s as my favorite cheesesteak.

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Where’s the best spot to see your city from above?

The City Hall observation tower. Amazing 360 degree views of the city from just under William Penn’s boots.

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