Photo Pop Up (Philadelphia)
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This past week, I took up a trip to Philadelphia to look for an apartment that I’ll be moving into within the next few weeks (it’s beautiful by the way, thanks for asking *hair flip*). My best friend drove us up Wednesday morning, and surprised me with tickets to one of the coolest art exhibits I’ve ever been to. For those of you like myself who haven’t heard of photo pop ups, a Photo Pop Up is an interactive art exhibit built for indviduals to come in, and have their own little fashion shoots, drink some champagne, and most importantly let loose, have some fun, and express themselves. Photo Pop Philly is a seasonal exhibit located in The Bourse shopping mall in downtown Philly. Their theme this summer is called “Sweet Paradise” and reminded me of a Katy Perry inspired summer wonderland with soft cotton candy pinks and blues, lollipops, unicorns and giant ice cream cones oh my!
The rooms in the exhibit are set up in a sort of maze like walk-through, with various different themes for each wall. I’m talking glitter streamers, thought bubbles, a cute little swing set, a boss babe throne, and even a glow in the dark party room. Every single set was unique in its own way, filled with props and eye catching colors. The staff working when we visited were incredibly fun, giving us pose ideas, hyping us up, and totally buttoning up the entire experience to a full on five stars. The vibes in this place were beyond any expectations I could have ever set.
Philadelphia is a pretty large city, and The Bourse seems to be set in an area that is highly trafficked, and difficult to find parking, so we found a parking garage right across the street (Bourse Garage) for about $15 for the two hours we spent in the area. I recommend doing the same, or Ubering your way over. As far as ticket prices for the pop up itself are considered, at about $20 a person to attend the exhibit, TOTALLY worth it, and did I mention they have alcohol?
Photo Pop Philly’s “Sweet Paradise” is only open until August 24, 2019 where they will be holding an end of the season party until 11:00 pm EST. However, after speaking with the owner earlier today, I learned they will be extending their show until August 25, for a family friendly party in case ya miss the first! Buy tickets here.
Photo Pop Philly has had previous seasons with themes like Red White and Blue, and I’m really excited to see what they come up with next. I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Marlys, the owner of the establishment, and although she cannot confirm or deny the next upcoming event, she encourages those interested in attending future events to follow @photopopphilly on instagram to stay in the know. Y’all already know I hit that follow button.
I would like to end this post on an amazing note that I did secure an apartment for school, and am so excited for this next chapter of my life to begin! If any of my viewers out there are Philly based, shoot me an e-mail! I always love connecting with new people. Now with that being said, go visit this amazing Photo Pop Up while you still can this summer! Share your photos and experience with me by hashtagging #retracethesesteps on instagram! I’d love to see what you came up with! Also, be sure to follow me on instagram @unfriendlyadvice! I smell a road trip coming!
PS. Like my look for this shoot? You can shop similar finds from the links below! I’ve also added a link to my Poshmark store where you can shop my looks from previous posts!
-C
30 Comments
Despina
I love photo pop ups! We have them here in NYC too and they are hugely popular. There are always photo ops set up at music festivals now too, event planners have really cashed in on the social media obsession.
Arun Dahiya
You look like a diva. What a beautiful city . Good luck for your new journey in new home.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
I adore these photos! They’re all so full of joy and life! And your look is magnificent. Thank you for sharing so we can treat ourselves to a cute outfit too 🙂
Samuel
This photo pop up was amazing!!
Cindy
Those pics and outfits are the cutest! Sounds like you had fun and best wishes on your new move!
Stuff Around The Web
WoW!!! You look like a real queen on the throne made with tennis rackets. Beautiful!
Berry's Poetry Book Reviews
Philly is an amazing, one of a kind city. Make sure you get out of center city every once in awhile! Philly is filled to the brim with fantastic local experiences and its history is just as patchworked as the city is.
Mayuri Patel
The only photo pop up I’ve experienced is at a wedding but those look so amateurish compared to the clicks above. If ever I get a chance to visit a photo pop up exhibition would love to. Love the flower rainbow the best.
Krysten Quiles
WHAT!? This is so cool! What a fun idea, thanks for sharing!
Michael
Never seen having so many photo pops in one location. And they are really nice and well-made too. Great job for them.
Mirela | The Travel Bunny
Oh, this is so great! I’ve never been to one. I’d love to do a pin-up photo session with these backgrounds
tweenselmom
Never seen anything like it here. It must be cool to pose with those unique backgrounds.
Dalene Ekirapa
I love the idea of photo pop-ups! Well, they are not so popular over here unless there is an event going on. Anyway, I would enjoy some photos at the swing you sat at- that flamingo background is beautiful!
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
Oh I love photo pop ups! We have one here in the Philippines called Art in Island, and it’s really quite fun, especially for children.
Emily Fata
I wish we had something like this popping up in Toronto! It looks like such a great place to snag a few awesome pictures for your Instagram account.
Dominique Brooks
How cool! That looks like it would have been a fun experience! I wonder if they have any of those around here in Houston…probably but I will have to look for them! Thanks for sharing!
HilLesha
I have never been to Philadelphia before, but I have heard that it is beautiful. I’d love to visit there someday.
Surekha-dreamingloud
These photos are amazing.. You look great with the backgrounds..! Good luck with the school.. 😊
Laura
This looks like so much fun and I love all your photos. Good luck with the school and it’s awesome you found a place x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Samar
Looks like someone had a real fun.
The photos are complimenting each other and its looking great.
Lasonia
Philadelphia is such a beautiful city. I love the photos. This is such a wonderful pop up shoot.
Sarah
These are great photos! I absolutely love all these photo pup-ups that are showing up everywhere.
Bree
This is so cool! Philly is such a cool city, I love this photo pop-up!
Mudpiefridays
You have pulled it off pretty well and are looking absolutely stunning in this !!! Love the color as well .
alexandra cook
What an awrskme photos u have, it all looks so fun and joyful looking
Bekki
Wow, that looks so cool! It looks like a lot of fun.
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
Your outfit goes perfectly with the tennis racket background and the flamingo background. It is like you planned it just for this shoot.
Jaana McEntee
I’ve never seen anything like this anywhere, it so much fun! Pictures look really great!
Izzy McLeod
I went to an event like this in portugal once, it was a lot of fun! Good luck with your move <3
The Quirky Queer
Sandra Joseph
This reminds me of a photo walk I did with Shoot My Travel in the Design District. Looks like you had lots of fun!!!