TIA INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY'S INVENTORY

Welcome to Boise, the capital city of Idaho, whose name is not pronounced the way you might think it's pronounced! In French, the term "bois" means "wood" in English, as one would say "in the woods" or "in the forest." Alternatively, "bois" also references an item that is manufactured from wood. Alas, it's not a coincidence that Boise's official moniker is "The City of Trees". Interestingly, Boise's population is roughly 230,000, and ranks as the 99th largest city in the United States by population. Please take a look around this attractive, forested city situated in a valley along the foothills adjacent to the Rocky Mountains!

Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts! Often referred to as “Beantown” (one of the city’s many nicknames), Boston is the 21st largest city in the United States by population. However, given its initial settlement back in 1630, Boston is, in terms of American history, one of the nation’s most ancient cities. Similar to many major cities located along the East Coast of the country, Boston is actually much, much older than the United States as a nation! If you would like to learn more about the extensive history of the United States, Boston is an excellent location to begin. Before the USA became a reality as a republic, several events that triggered the American Revolutionary War -- and eventual independence of the original Thirteen Colonies -- commenced in Boston. Boston is also a most significant city for the history of TIA International Photography, believe it or not! Back in 2006, the City of Boston hosted a photo contest (https://www.cityofboston.gov/photocontest/pages/8_jpg.asp) that inadvertently triggered TIA’s creation three years later. 400 entries submitted. 35 winners. Part of the significance of this contest was that I was the only winner who was not a resident of Boston. (I was living in Washington, DC at the time). The City invited me back to Boston for a ceremony where Mayor Thomas Menino would present plaques to each winner, but mine had to be mailed to me on account of relocating to. . .where else? Seattle! Revisiting Boston in 2013 was an overdue reunion of sorts. One of my closest friends who was very excited to see my new photos summarized it best: “I look forward to seeing how you captured Boston this time, and how it captured you.” Although many call Boston “Beantown”, another contact of mine, knowing TIA’s history, branded the city with another very appropriate moniker: “The birthplace of your calling.” That could not be more true! Every city TIA visits, explores, and photograph is significant in one way or another. No city or location is frivolous. Boston is especially important because it recognized something in my work (which was still very much a hobby back then) that still took me another three years to act upon. As a result, I will always be very grateful to the City Hall photo contest organizers and Mayor Menino for the final push to ***do something*** with my passion in life. Boston, you forever have TIA’s gratitude! I hope this gallery (and the aerial gallery) does a bit of justice to your city’s ever-evolving grandeur!

Welcome to Chicago, the City of Broad Shoulders, also known as “The Windy City”. The third largest city in the United States by population, a significant aspect of Chicago’s charm is its location on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. On account of Lake Michigan’s massive size in area, it resembles an ocean much more than a lake. Additionally, Chicago has a very multicultural population, with several walks of life from around the world who have settled here and refer to Chicago as home. Almost always in competition with New York on any given matter regarding what makes an ideal city, Chicago rivals New York when it comes to its urban architecture, design, and layout. However, most architects and urban planners may argue that, historically, when it comes to thoughtful beautification and contemplated grandeur of a city’s physical presentation to the world, Chicago has always been the victor. Adopting the elegant style of “The City Beautiful” that was successfully utilized to plan Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, urban planners in the Midwest wanted to create another city that would be an aesthetic improvement in comparison to America’s older, more congested cities along its northeastern seaboard. Of course, what is considered beautiful is always left to the eyes of beholder. Please take a look through this gallery and draw your own conclusion!

Denver is the capital of the State of Colorado, and the 26th largest city in the United States in terms of population. At the steps of the Colorado State Capitol, visitors will be intrigued by the marker indicating that they are standing exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. This is why Denver is renown as "The Mile High City". Denver's location is also captivating because it was established literally where the extremely flat American plains encounter the rugged terrain of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the rooftops of the continental United States. If you love the excitement of the city, but still wish to escape to nature, Denver offers this. You can depart the Colorado Convention Center in downtown at noon and find yourself surrounded by the tremendous, commanding Rocky Mountains in 20 minutes! Denver is an undeniable gem of a city, which boasts more days of sunshine each year than either Miami or San Diego! Please enjoy your tour and don't forget to acclimate to the altitude!

Aloha! Welcome to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, the youngest state of the United States. Translated from Polynesian to mean “Sheltered Harbor”, historians debate the age of Honolulu, which was first settled by Polynesian immigrants between 900 and 2,000 years ago! Before becoming the USA’s 50th state, Hawaii was its own kingdom for more than two centuries. The archipelago was ruled by a lineage of seven kings and one queen during its extensive and fascinating history. Kamehameha III, Hawaii’s third king, proclaimed Honolulu as the kingdom’s capital in 1795. The capital city, located on the island of Oahu, is magnificent and mystifying. Many visitors come for the wide selection of beaches to sunbathe and surf. Additionally, if one wishes to attain a jaw-dropping perspective as to how the United States entered World War II, a memorable visit to Pearl Harbor is only a few miles away. Whatever you choose to do in Honolulu will be enjoyable. The people are friendly, very laid back, and have a keen sense of humor.

"Houston. . .We have a photographer!" Houston, by population, is the largest city in the State of Texas, as well as the fourth largest city in the United States, following New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The city's principal industries are energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, transportation, and health care. The world's largest conglomerate of medical facilities and research, the Texas Medical Center, is based in Houston. Additionally, all American spacecraft is monitored and directed by NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston. In this section, TIA provides you with a guided, aerial tour above the skyscrapers of Houston. Please lock your seat belts and enjoy the view!

Welcome to the capital of America’s 49th state -- Juneau, Alaska! Located in the archipelago that forms Alaska’s southeastern panhandle, Juneau is the USA’s northernmost state capital and the only state capital that borders another country (and no, it’s not Russia -- it’s Canada)! Additionally, In terms of area, Juneau is America’s largest capital city (3,255 square miles / 8,430.4 square kilometres)! Juneau is quite hilly, with narrow roads, alleys, and homes literally built right up to the base of the mountains. Several neighborhoods are connected by pedestrian bridges that cross over tiny streams, and wooden stairways that appear as though they ascend into the low clouds and fog. With a population of only 32,000, Juneau is really more of a small town than a major city. Nevertheless, the advantage of this is you will find people who are very friendly, humble, and love their community nestled by nature and wildlife. Here, you can hike to the summit of Mount Roberts (or take the tram in a fraction of the time); go whale watching on Auke Bay; observe the interaction of bald eagles and black ravens on Douglas Island; view gigantic, floating icebergs as you sail along the Tracy Arm Fjørd; and literally walk to the border and behold the massive Mendenhall Glacier -- all in the same day! However, try your best not to make your plans too ambitious during your visit so you have several days to really appreciate all the scenic, natural beauty Juneau has to offer.

Come along on an indelible journey through a festive city built in the arid terrain of the Mojave Desert, where Extravagance is King and Decadence is Queen. Las Vegas is truly one of the zaniest cities in America, and any experience there is likely to be unforgettable. Even if you do not gamble, there is plenty to see and do in this crazy realm of high stakes, 24-hour coffee shops, live entertainment, and gargantuan resorts that will accommodate your every need and fancy. There is definitely something for every man, woman, and child in Las Vegas! Come explore!

Welcome to our City of Angels -- Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States. LA is a massive city, connected with an intricate network of highways. Even with all those expansive lanes traversing in all directions, the city is internationally renowned for its notorious traffic congestion. At its very worst, in the middle of rush hour, it could take you an hour to drive five miles (eight kilometres)! Nevertheless, the City of Angels is a fascinating one. As the world capital of entertainment, with Hollywood as the beating heart that maintains the pulse of this exciting metropolis, visitors can tour a movie studio in the morning, people-watch at Venice Beach in the afternoon, and conclude the day at Disneyland. Alternatively, if you like to shop, LA is a mecca of all things retail. Like its older sister city, New York, on the eastern seabord of America, Los Angeles has something for everyone and anyone who steps within its boundless realm, from Long Beach to Malibu, from Marina Del Rey to the San Gabriel Mountains. Personally and professionally, Los Angeles represents a watershed moment for TIA International Photography. With LA in the portfolio, TIA has officially photographed every major city on North America's west coast: Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, LA, San Diego, and Tijuana! I hope you enjoy this photographic excursion through our City of Angels!

Welcome to Madison, the capital and second largest city in Wisconsin. Some of you may query why this particular city is featured in TIA’s portfolio. Madison graces TIA’s galleries for both professional and personal reasons. Professionally, TIA is always excited to introduce and showcase significant urban landscapes from all over the USA and around the world. Madison is the latest of a growing number of US capital cities showcased on this website. TIA aspires to eventually showcase images from all 50 US capitals, all of which are fascinating and filled with historical stories that have contributed to their present existence. (The personal reason is because I was born in Madison and would like to feature my birthplace on my website and share its beauty with you). Similar to the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Madison also has a zoning law in which no building within a mile of the city can have a height surpassing the the base of the Wisconsin State Capitol’s dome. As a result, even when driving into Madison from many miles away, one can often see the dome, letting you know you’re well on your way to your destination. Interestingly, my personal birthplace of Madison and TIA’s professional birthplace of Seattle possess one trait in common that no other major American cities or capitals possess: Both Madison and Seattle were established and built on isthmuses -- thin strips of land surrounded by very large bodies of water! Madison is situated between two huge lakes, Mendota to the north, and Monona to the south. Check out the aerial photos of Madison to get a better perspective!

As the popular song from Will Smith goes, “Welcome to Miami. Bienvenido a Miami!” Miami is quite an exciting city, with a culture and flair that cannot be found in any other American city. Given its diverse demography, warm weather almost all year round, and innumerable outdoor activities, Miami is a wonderful place to escape to for a few days or even a few weeks -- and this is in reference to Miami during the day! At night, the city takes on a completely different aura altogether! Miami comes alive with festivities and events happening everywhere. If your friend isn’t having a party, his or her friend surely is, and you’re very likely invited simply by association! Miami is essentially the United States' gateway to Latin America, so indulge in some Cuban cuisine in Little Havana or savor some Brazilian or Venezuelan delights in Coconut Grove. Fall in love with the merengue beats and rhythms of the Caribbean mixed with electronica tracks and dance your way down Biscayne Boulevard, the city’s principal thoroughfare. If that is not enough for you, the party continues non-stop a few miles east in Miami Beach, a whole other city and entity with its own unique flavor and personality! Enjoy and revel in the experience that is Miami!

Welcome to Miami Beach, where the party starts at 6pm and ends at 5:59pm the next day, everyday! A massively popular destination for visitors from all over the planet, Miami Beach succeeds in providing exactly what travelers are looking for: a lot of sunshine, sand, ocean, cuisine with warm temperatures throughout the day, and endless choices of festive events for all the wild nights! Miami Beach is its own independent city, separate from the City of Miami, with a population of roughly 90,000 people. Situated on several islands and narrow strips of land, the city is divided into three neighborhoods: North Beach, Mid Beach, and the world renowned South Beach. Whether you have come to surf, get a new tan, swim, build a sand castle, shop for a new wardrobe, or explore fascinating architecture in the Art Deco District, Miami Beach has something for everyone, adults and children alike. When the night approaches, enjoy a long stroll along Ocean Drive and feast your eyes on the neon lights of all the classic, art deco hotels facing the beaches and the Atlantic. When you get tired or hungry, just choose any of the restaurants along the way to rest and refuel. If you should decide to sleep, you can wake up knowing you can repeat the same routine all over again when you wake up, or you can head next door to Miami and explore everything it has to offer as well!

Welcome to Minneapolis, the City of Lakes! TIA is proud to share that Minneapolis is the 20th American city to be featured on this website! I'm looking forward to photographing the next 20 U.S. cities that will be featured in this space! Minneapolis was incorporated in 1867. Today, it is the largest city in the State of Minnesota and the 46th largest city in the United States by population. Within its official borders, Minneapolis hosts 13 lakes and a few waterfalls. In fact, the city's name is borrowed from the Dakota Sioux indigenous group who originally inhabited the vicinity prior to arrival of European settlers. The term "Mníȟaȟa" is Dakota for "waterfall", which references present-day Minnehaha Falls located within the city. Minneapolis' popular moniker as the "City of Lakes" also has ancestry with the Dakota Sioux, whose name for the vicinity was "Bdeóta Othúŋwe" which translates to "Many Lakes City". Interestingly, the name "Minnesota" is also a Dakota term -- "Mni Sota Makoce". Translated to English, the state's name means “ the land where the waters reflect the clouds." Please enjoy browsing and shopping around TIA's images of Minneapolis.

New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The Crossroads of the Universe. You either love it, or you hate it, but one fact is certain -- New York is everlasting. Through every tremendous triumph and tumultuous tragedy, time and again, New York proves to be a city that persists and perseveres. This is the largest, most cosmopolitan, most diverse, and most international metropolis in the United States. Virtually every walk of life can be found in New York. Almost every kind of cuisine known to human taste buds can be found in New York. If you lost a treasured item that you believed was irreplaceable, or one of a kind, take some time to explore the department stores or mingle through the flea markets of this city of many marvels -- you'll probably find it there. The ultimate intrigue and magic of New York is that there is something there for everyone, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, creed, orientation, etc. There is an unexplainable reserve of energy, a vibe, a sizzling electricity, not provided by ConEdison, but by the people. This electricity was generated before our grandparents were born, and it will still exist decades after our great-grandchildren have their own children. Everlasting.

Enjoy some urban landscapes of Oakland, California.

Welcome to Olympia, the capital city of Washington State. Located about 60 miles (97 km) southwest of Seattle, Olympia is a very alluring city with its own natural charm. Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey of Whidbey Island, one of Washington State's forefathers, chose the name "Olympia" on account of the incredible view of the Olympic Mountains that can be seen from where the capital city is situated. When Washington State entered the union of the United States In 1889, Olympia became the official capital, even though the city itself was incorporated 36 years prior when the state was still a territory. Washington was the 42nd state admitted into the union.

This is Philadelphia, our City of Brotherly Love, as well as one of the former capitals of the United States. (Both New York and Baltimore have also held the title before the District of Columbia was established). Philadelphia, or "Philly" as natives refer to their city endearingly, is the 5th largest city in the USA by population. Situated along the Delaware River, Philadelphia is a renowned center of American history, founded by one of the nation's forefathers, William Penn. There is no shortage of attractions and sites to visit in Philly, from the famous Liberty Bell at Independence Hall to the dome of City Hall, or the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art where actor Sylvester Stallone, as the rookie boxer Rocky Balboa, triumphantly climbs to the top during one of his exercise regimens in the movie that has become iconic for Philadelphians. In fact, don't be surprised to see people following the same routine on the steps when you visit!

Welcome to Portland, Oregon, the City of Roses, and the City of Bridges! Established on the banks of the Willamette River, Portland is known to have 12 major bridges spanning it. There is a very special vibe and atmosphere that exists in this city. Many of its residents are very laid back, relaxed, and friendly. Portland (also referred to by its airport code -- PDX -- as a nickname by the residents) is a major city that does not suffer as severely from all the *major headaches* of a major city. The 29th largest city in the United States by population, Portland has an ideal public transportation which provides an alternative for people who do not wish to drive their cars everyday. Furthermore, Portland is one of the nation's most "bicycle-friendly" cities. If one can travel somewhere in Portland by car, it is almost guaranteed the same place is accessible by bicycle. Cycling is a key ingredient of Portland's culture, making it one of the healthiest cities in the nation.

San Diego is California's second largest city by population, and the eighth largest city in the United States. It's also a lot of fun! Aside from being an aesthetically attractive metropolitan city, San Diego has almost every outdoor activity available to its residents and visitors. You can go horse-back riding in the morning, cycling in the afternoon, and relax at any number of beaches before sunset. San Diego is also the southwesternmost city in the continental USA, less than a half hour drive to the the nation's international border with Baja California, Mexico. Probably one of my most memorable birthdays was spent in San Diego. About five minutes after taking some night images of the city featured in this gallery, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake transpired for a duration of 45 seconds. Essentially stuck on the 25th floor of a downtown hotel which literally swayed back and forth during the quake, it felt more like 15 minutes. When I eventually got to the lobby, perturbed by experiencing an earthquake for the first time, it was abundantly clear who was from California (those who were laughing, drinking wine, playing with their kids as though *nothing* had happened) and those who were not, like myself (asking whether we needed to evacuate or find shelter)! Nevertheless, San Diego is quite a remarkable city with fun-loving people who love their sports teams and their incredibly pleasant weather almost all-year round.

Welcome to the enchanting realm TIA International Photography refers to as San Francisco, one of the most captivating and beautiful cities on the planet. Personally, I had long anticipated the day I would visit since I was a kid and saw pictures of the city in books and movies. The momentous and unforgettable climax in the James Bond spy movie, "A View to a Kill", had always been an incentive as well. With its natural harbor, towering hills, sandy beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and impenetrable fog, it is figuratively (and literally!) impossible to see everything the City by the Bay has to offer. Its two major bridges are world-renowned wonders. The city's cable cars serve as mobile landmarks of transit. If one is not gazing at the Bay, he or she is engaged by the calming lure of the Ocean Pacific. If you wish to have French cuisine for breakfast, freshly baked Italian lasagna for lunch, and Thai noodles in basil for dinner, you can satisfy your cravings here. The dominion that is San Francisco awaits you. Step inside and be dazzled.