A Whale of a Whale
I was rooting around in my New York City negative archives from the early 1990's. I came across a bunch of 4x5 negatives. I didn't realize how much street photography I did back then with an old hand held 4x5 Crown Graphic. Not much of the work stands the test of time, but I like this one. Aside from the graphic quality of the billboard, I like the two cabs waiting for their turn in the carwash. Like old movies where you can date the film by the vintage of the cars that appear in the movie, the same holds true for photographic images. Looking at the two cabs, you know you looking at something late 80's to early 90's.
What's Up in Mid-Town?
On our way across 53rd Street in Manhattan last Monday, my son, Alex, was looking down Madison Ave. in the mid afternoon glare, and he commented on how much glass was used in most of all the buildings in Manhattan; then he asked me what did New York buildings like like when I was a kid. I thought that was a good question. I replied that in the fifties, there was the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth building and the Empire State building which were all "skyscrapers". I continued that there probably a handful more that were over fifty stories, but for the most part the buildings in Manhattan back then were under thirty to thirty-five stories. He and I looked around and then gazed skywards. So much had changed in New York since I lived there full time in the early 90's, let alone since I was a kid.
Alex and I went to the Museum of Modern Art. In the photography galleries, there was an early Robert Frank black and white image of the New York skyline circa 1954. I pointed it out to Alex and reminded him of our earlier conversation. We hung out at MOMA for several hours, and then left. Right outside the door, the light was fading, and the sunlight just caught the top of one of the buildings. I had my four-thirds digital camera in my pocket, and I quickly made this capture. I really like the juxtaposition of the old brick facade on the right with all the glass and steel everywhere else.
All Saint's Day on 23rd Street
Not only was it All Saint's Day, but it was the first cold, blustery day in NYC this fall. Everyone was bundled up against the northwest wind, I heard a lot of grumbling about the weather. Actually, it was a crisp afternoon with a cloudless blue sky. The light was just perfect as the sun was arcing over New Jersey in the late afternoon. I never was all that interested in taking quick, little images of New York buildings until recently. I had just come out of Eataly on 23rd at 5th, looked up and saw the Fuller Building also known as the Flat Iron Building. I couldn't resist. I've looked at that building for years, both in person as well as in photographs, like Alfred Stiegltiz's 1903 image of it. I've always envied those who have offices right there on the "bow" of the building. The view has to be spectacular looking across Madison Square Park, up 5th Avenue to the left and Madison Avenue to the right. And I'd really like to take a close look at the statuary sitting on the roof.
