This shot of the Empire State Bldg. was taken from the top of 30 Rockefeller Center, home of NBC Studios and SNL, Conan, Nightly News, MSNBC, etc. I waited until the last possible minute to take this picture so I could get a "good" sky and have just a few rays of light hitting the right side of the building. It's a melancholy shot, and it gives me the feeling, given the state of planet earth, that this could be what the last sunset might look like.
I know--everyone has seen the Statue of Liberty, but take a look at the size of the people standing at the foot of the base. They are miniscule. Liberty Gal is big! I was overwhelmed.
I felt sorry for this gull sitting on pilings in New York Harbor. It seemed to be a very philosophical bird, looking at vast distances and considering its place in the world or perhaps contemplating where it must go next. Or maybe it was just taking a rest.
That's a reflection of my son in a puddle of water. He was 18, and I think it reflects who he was (and is) given that no one really has any sense of clarity at that age. At 19, going on 20, he is still an upside down, fuzzy character who thinks he knows far more than he does. He's majoring in classical guitar.
28 comments:
My first and only trip to New York so far, I had Lana as a guide, and she had lived there. It was pretty cool, but oh the noise, noise noise.
Liked your take on the first photo - it is a very moody shot and well captured. I'd never make it in New York - just way too busy for me :) I sure enjoy the photos though.
Great photos! Ive never been to America, But as you know i have some american visitors at the moment!!
You obviously have a talent for photography :-D
My favourite is the first one - amazing.
You must be very proud of your son!
The gull looks a contented chappie to me and I was amazed at how small the people were compared to the statue - I had no idea it was THAT big! LOL
Charles, I couldn't sleep sometimes because of the noise 14 floors below--the traffic on the street.
Janice, it is a vertical city and living there would depress the hell out of me. I loved every second of my visits (been 4 times), but I don't know how people live without dirt and trees.
Casdok, I think even your visitors would have trouble with NYC since they are from Missouri LOL.
Miladysa, yes the first is by far the best. I am no great talent with a lens, but I did like the first shot. Every now and then, I get lucky with a camera.
Lovely photos, I like the light in the first one and the philosophical gull appeals too,
Great photos and the last one of your son is fabulous, as is your description of him!
I can almost see King Kong in the bottom of the frame, coming up the side...
The real difference between a pro photographer and an amatuer, is that the pro takes way more shots and only shows you his best ones...
Great photos! I liked the picture of the Gull very much and the philosophical ponderings. Your son's photo is very good. As I teach teenagers, I know what you mean. They are as confused as anyone and don't show it!!
Lovely photos .. 19 going on 20 isn't an easy time, we all thought we knew more than we did back then (perhaps that was our saving grace). Peace, JP/deb
the photo of your sonis fantastic!
Juliet, thanks--the gull pic is simple but I liked it too :)
Jo, some people asked me why I wanted a fuzzy reflection of my kiddo. The answer is "because it's who he is LOL.
Scott, it was too cold even for King Kong that day. ...and true about pros taking more shots. On my best days, I'm firmly mediocre!
guatami, my son is starting to give me gray streaks of hair :)
Deborah, I'd give anything to go back to age 19 ... with some of what I know now. But you're right--it was an age when, despite some immaturity, it was easier to take risks and be foolish. Older people should be more foolish!
hotwire, thanks. It was hard convincing my son to stand still so I could take the puddle pic. He thought I was crazy.
I have a friend in Brooklyn I've been meaning to visit. One of these days, I'll book a week in Manhattan and play tourist. Then I'll likely never come back again.
I doubt any city will ever take the place San Francisco holds in my heart. I really loved living there.
Oh ~WOW!! Stunning shots, and lovely to see the one of your fuzzy son...
Written, I have a lot of friends in NY, so it costs less to go, but it's a lot of walking!
Julie, thanks. Ansel Adams I am not, but I have fun with a camera and don't worry too much about the outcome, although I do try to compose with my mind.
These are wonderful, Billy. I love the picture of your son.
I love these!
Fab photos. I knew the Statue of Liberty was large but that really puts it in perspective.
The photo of your son is excellent. You must be very proud he's majoring in classical guitar!
A great sense of place and the moment in those photos. Thanks for taken us along.
Sandy, for better or worse, the shot reflects who he is LOL.
Andrew, thanks as always.
Lane, as far as my son majoring in classical guitar, my ex in-laws own the third largest spice company in America, headquartered in Orlando, FL. My son is only a sophomore, but he has agreed to be a garlic salesman when he graduates because they have offered him an obscene amount of money to pull him down there. He could get a masters and teach college, thus pursuing his passion in many ways since professors have a lot of spare time. Ah well, children must learn the hard way.
Jason, the city is magnificent, although I could never live there.
Love the photo of your son.
Looks like you had great weather that day, with such a blue, blue sky!!
I love the photo of your son and the loving, funny description of him.
Always fun to see pictures of my long-time former home.
Christine, the weather on most days was in the 60s, unusual for NYC in January.
Raven, I like that pic too :) It may not be great art, but it make a staement to me -:)
i love the gull billy. can't help but wonder what the heck he's thinking about sitting on a pile like that. :)
cargwaps, me too!
Thanks for the tour! Loved all the photos, the one of your son was great.
Adding you to my blogroll today.
BFN, G
geraldine, I'm happy you liked them. It was a fun trip. Thanks for adding me to your b'roll. I'll put you on my links as well! You have a great site.
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