A Hipstamatic photography blog (or other cheap photo cameras.) My aim is to inspire and encourage people to do the same and show the world that photography is not all about expensive equipment.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln
Some say a lot of the houses or apartment buildings look similar in New York City. I disagree wholeheartedly. Maybe those who are always in a hurry and just walk past these architectural structures without a short glimpse will disagree.
As I said in a previous post, I just love the New York City color scheme. For some it might be too dark and dull but for me it's spectacular especially on a cloudy/rainy day. Each building I see I try to see something unique in it and that does not only make me appreciate it more, but it also helps me to remember the buildings.
This particular street in the picture is 85th Street between Central Park and Columbus Avenue. It's where I spend most of my time and it's also the street my muse lives on. So yes, this is not a random street picture, it's a street that has a lot of significant importance to me.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
A distant enemy is always preferable to one at the gate." Emile M. Cioran
'Bieb is-Sultan' in English Notre Dame Gate is a landmark in Zabbar, Malta. It was built my grandmaster Cotoner, where up to this day you can see a statue of him looking towards a curious direction. Many theories were developed regarding this statue, with one being more popular than others. Some people say that the direction the grandmaster is looking at leads to a well hidden treasure. Hundreds of years later no one managed to find the treasure and I doubt anyone will.
This gate always posed a mystifying effect to me. I don't know if that's because it has a rich history or if there is something really hidden behind the story.
I also want to make it clear that this is only a small part of the gate. The whole castle (yes it's also a castle) is quite big and grand in size.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Statues and pictures and verse may be grand, But they are not the Life for which they stand." James Thomson
A few days ago I posted a picture from my hometown - Vittoriosa. It was taken in the town church, the church of St.Lawrence. Today I am posting a picture of square in the town.
In WW2 Vittoriosa suffered major damage with bombs falling from the sky relentlessly. The church of St.Lawrence suffered intense damage and so did the square. What you see in the picture here is part of the square, that is called Victory Square. In the middle you see a white statue of St.Lawrence, the patron of Vittoriosa. Behind it you can see the local band club and next to it is another club that belongs to a political party. Yes you guess right, religion and politics are a big influence in Malta.
During the day, this square is full of older people talking about this and that and frankly enough, they are the ones who add to the character that this small town offers. You can start talking with one of them, and in a matter of minutes they will tell you in the story of their life and how they fought in the war and emerged victorious.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together." Jack Kerouac
While this picture really does look like a distorted dream, I can assure you that it is pretty real. The picture was shot from 72nd Street on Broadway a few days before Hurricane Irene hit.
Personally I think New York City looks best on cloudy/stormy days. The dark dull clouds make the red stone on several buildings pop more. It's like New York City becomes alive when it's raining. At least that's how I see it. But then again, rain for me is beautiful and mystical at the same time and that's mainly because I am coming from a country that gets almost 340 days of sunshine every year.
Yes the picture is crooked and I wanted it to be that way. I wanted to portray an inward perspective, like you are being led into the engulfing clouds and ready to be swallowed in the storm.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other
plans" John Lennon
I am sure that everyone, young to old has heard of The Beatles. For those who are living in a sort of dark age and never heard of them, here is a summary of The Beatles for you. The Beatles - Bringing people together since 1958.
This John Lennon Imagine monument can be found at the Strawberry Fields in Central Park in New York right on 72nd Street. John Lennon was shot on the 8th of December 1980 when he was walking into his apartment at The Dakota building. His wife Yoko Ono turned one part of Central Park into Strawberry Fields in his honor.
Visiting the Imagine monument on a normal day can be quite challenging to get a good view of it as it is always bustling with tourists, but if you really want to see chaos you should visit on the 8th of December. Several people from every country come to pay their respects to this legendary rock star.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Knowledge is the only fountain both of the love and the principles of human liberty." Daniel Webster
The path in the picture, is the path that leads to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. We have seen this terrace and fountain in numerous movies, but to stand there, physically stand there and admire it with your own eyes is something completely different. The whole area is beautiful. The stairs leading to this 'hallway' in the picture, the 'hallway', the terrace and the fountain all collaborate together to create this master class scene better known as the Bethesda Terrace.
This picture was shot early in the morning so I was lucky enough to get the picture without any people in it (except for that one woman on the right side.)
The area is very popular with tourists and New Yorkers alike. It's very serene and I think it's considered as one of the landmarks of Manhattan, New York!
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Love is not consolation. It is light.
" Friedrich Nietzsche
No it is not something from outer space. This is a church dome, the St.Lawrence church dome. I posted another picture from this church a few days ago, so if you missed it you can go read what I wrote on the other post. This church is oldest church in Malta and it's full of interesting history.
Once again, what attracted me to this church dome is the way the light was hitting it.The sun hitting on the right hand side really brings out the texture of the old stone. The perfect circles are all textured differently and it shows how much time and effort they put into building beautiful buildings a couple of centuries ago. While I am sure they had deadlines, I am also sure that their deadlines were not fast and in result we get a building like this St.Lawrence Church in Malta.
The nicest sight is actually walking into the church. The church is usually dark (dark drapery, dark paintings) and then you reach this dome and see a burst of light that is right above the main altar.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it."Michelangelo
I have no doubt that every New Yorker has seen this statue and I have no doubt that no matter how many times we walk by it, we always give it a look, whether it is a long stare or just a glimpse. Every time you walk by it, you will use a lot of tourists capturing memorable pictures of this famous statue with the name 'Atlas'.
In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan who supported the heavens Usually one could see him carrying a planet but in this particular statue he is carrying circles that represent the planet. It's location is a beautiful one. It is situated right opposite the world famous St.Patrick's Cathedral.
I always felt that there is something mystical with this Atlas statue in New York City. Every time I look at it I sense of a feel of relief. I don't know exactly why it happens but maybe it's because it reminds me that sometimes I am not the only one that is carrying more weight on my shoulders than I need to.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"Art never seems to make me peaceful or pure." Willem de Kooning
Today I have decided to upload something different, from another country. It's the country I come from, my town in particular. This is a picture of my village church. Malta is a very Catholic country and every town has at least one church dedicated to a certain saint. In total there are 365 churches, exactly one for everyday. In my town, Vittoriosa, the church is dedicated to St.Lawrence.
The church of St.Lawrence is the oldest church in Malta and was built in the 17th Century when the Knights of St.John were still ruling the country.
What you see in the picture is the back part of the church. The organ is all made of wood. What strikes me in this picture is the light. You can tell that the majority of the light is coming from the left side. On the left window you can see light being shined on the two angels painted on the ceiling, but the two on the right side are not as illuminated. It adds contrast and makes the ceiling look more beautiful. The light creating the contrast and the church being basically empty created this eerily peaceful place. I wish I had my DSLR with me on this particular day so I could have more control but I was only carrying my iPhone with my beloved Hipstamatic app and I think we have done a decent job!
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Lucifer IV
"A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you." Brigitte Bardot
Lets be honest right away. I have been avoiding going to this place because for some reason the name didn't sound very appealing to me and I could not imagine how New York City could be the home of something medieval that is genuine. After honesty comes truth. I was wrong, very wrong.
The walk towards The Cloisters was immediately haunting. It was extremely quiet and I got in character very fast. At one point I could hear myself breathing and as most of you know that rarely happens in New York City.
By the time I arrived at The Cloisters I totally forgot that I was in New York City and when I remembered I found it difficult to believe it. This place is magnificent. I would go there again without hesitation. The rooms are beautiful and as I said very genuine, so genuine that if you concentrate hard enough you can imagine monks walking around in their loose brown robes chanting Gregorian.
This particular window caught my eye right away. The way the light was hitting it was beautiful and the sun was so bright that if you looked outside you would see nothing except that burst of light you are seeing in the picture. That same light hitting in the chandelier in the middle of the room reflected a nice light on the walls and revealed their texture and colors.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys B&W/Libatique 73 Lens.
"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." Colin Powell
The quote that's included with this photograph is a quote I came across a few years ago but stayed imprinted in my mind. I think it's very fitting with this photograph.
This photograph was captured while I was in a New York Water Taxi on the way to the Statue of Liberty. Clouds were starting to engulf the perfect blue sky and in a matter of minutes it was storming but that made the trip more exciting. This particular skyscraper looks exceptionally good on a stormy day and that's because the exterior panels are shiny, almost mirror-like so it reflects whatever color is in the sky. I always thought it looks best when it's cloudy.
The location for this skyscraper is perfect. It's right on the edge of the water and it's the only building that's considered as a skyscraper in the area. It stands out more and whether you want it or not, your eyes will go on it while passing by.
This photograph was captured on my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. Some minor editing was done in PS CS4. Settings for Hipstamatic were BlacKeys Super Grain Film/Libatique 73 Lens.
"For light I go directly to the source of light, not to any of the reflections." Peace Pilgrim
It was just a mid-week dinner at this restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. I have been going to this place for some time now but today it was the first time I actually realized how beautiful the aquarium at the entrance is and I am glad I had my beloved iPhone armed with the Hipstamatic app with me. But that makes me think. How many times we were in a hurry and actually missed seeing something beautiful?
The aquarium is a see-through one, it divides the entrance and the seating area of the restaurant. I was planning to take a photograph of the fish but later on, when I checked the photograph I actually saw the woman waiting at the back. That was unplanned but she turned out to be perfect for the photo. The way she is standing there, is like she is lost deep in thought. A New Yorker who stopped for a second to actually reflect on her life. Or maybe she was just bored waiting? Or she is just admiring the goldfish floating around gracefully.
The hardest part of this photograph is actually coming up with a title. My mind is swarming with ideas and yet I couldn't come up with anything decent. I am open to suggestions!
This photograph was shot using
Hipstamatic on my iPhone and the settings were Lucifer IV/BlacKeys
B&W. I converted it to black and white in PS CS4.
Today, exactly eight minutes ago my giveaway came to an end. The response was phenomenal for a first and I never expected so many people to participate. So I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you! Unfortunately there can only be one winner.
As promise those of you who shared my post with their friends have a double entry. What I did is made a list of your e-mails and assigned a number to them (those who have a double entry I wrote down your e-mail twice, so you have two numbers) and I used http://randomizer.org/ to pick the lucky winner.
Enough talking now, and time to announce our winner. The winner for this giveaway is:
DIANE BAUM
I will be contacting the winner and if I get no reply in three days I will randomize the numbers again and pick another winner.
For those who participated and didn't win please keep coming back as I will be hosting more giveaways in the near future.
All architecture is great architecture after sunset; perhaps architecture is really a nocturnal art, like the art of fireworks. Gilbert K. Chesteron
The quote included with this picture is probably one of my favorites because it is so true. It's like architecture takes life after sunset and becomes something completely different.
The architecture and sculpture in this photograph are located at The Lincoln Center in New York City. It was raining when I shot this picture so the area was pretty empty, which is good. Usually this place crowded and it makes it difficult to take a good photograph. And in New York it's rare, very rare, to find an empty spot so this was the perfect day.
The reflection in the water makes the sculpture look even more beautiful. The sculpture together with the reflection, the texture of the water and the coins all contribute together to create the perfect sight for a good photograph in New York.
This photograph was shot using
Hipstamatic on my iPhone and the settings were Lucifer IV/BlacKeys
B&W. I converted it to black and white in PS CS4.
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail." Frank Lebowitz
A quick photograph using the Hipstamatic app on iPhone of a policeman and his guard in a Times Square Subway Station in New York. The dog was very restless and it seemed to me that he is dying for some action. He was a very friendly dog though and I wanted to pet him badly, sort of a salute pat as he is doing a noble job. But when it comes to guard dogs I know better than getting close to their owners so I took a wise decision and kept my distance.
As they say a dog is man's best friend and when you see a dog like this you will truly realize that the saying is true. Dogs, these days are trained to do all sort of things and they are always willing and ready to do their job. That is a true sign of unconditional love and I never understood how certain human beings can show such cruelty towards these creatures.
This photography was taken a few days before the 10th 9/11 anniversary so as you can imagine New York, particularly Times Square was heavily guarded and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in our security for keeping us safe - and the thanks also goes out to those animals.
This photograph was shot using
Hipstamatic on my iPhone and the settings were Lucifer IV/BlacKeys
B&W. I converted it to black and white in PS CS4.
I would like to remind you that the giveaway I am hosting will come to an end tomorrow, so if you would like to participate you can do so hereMy Memories Photo Suite 2.0
"Enlightenment must come little by little - otherwise it would overwhelm." Idries Shah
How many times are we walking in the same spot but always see something different? Many of us don't even notice, while some of us do and try to see what is that one thing that is making the same scene look different.
On this particular day, while I was walking in Central Park, New York I noticed the shadow on the pavement was creating a nice texture. I have been walking here but I honestly never saw it before. Now it's either because I never bothered to look or maybe it was because the sun was hitting the trees from an angle. To be honest I usually go walk late in the afternoon but this picture was taken in the morning. It was a hazy day which you can see by looking at the soft tones on the trees further away in the photograph.
When I saw this picture I realized that while walking around in New York, you have to keep an open eye. In New York everything comes and goes fast and you can miss seeing that something beautiful in a blink of an eye. This may sound overwhelming to some people who never experienced New York before but for those who live there, I am sure you know what I mean.
This photograph was shot using Hipstamatic on my iPhone and the settings were Lucifer IV/BlacKeys B&W. I converted it to black and white in PS CS4.
"New York
is the only real city-city." Truman Capote
This
photo was captured at Central Park in Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
This morning, while I was taking my usual walk around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir, it hit me and it hit me hard. This was my last day in New York City for a couple of months. That's when the melancholy kicked in and I was looking around me like it was my first time in the city. I wanted to take as many mental images of the city as possible so New York can be imprinted in my mind for as long as I stay away. What you see in the picture is the famous San Remo building, which is a favorite hideaway for stars in New York.
The weather was not ideal, because it was a little hazy and there was a slight wind so the reflection couldn't be perfect, but it's still good enough.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were
Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were
done in Photoshop CS4.
Also for those who didn't see
my other post - I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I am giving away My
Memories Photo Suite 2.0 to one random person. The ending of this
giveaway is Sunday, 18th September at 10am EST and you can check it out
here: My Memories Photo Suite 2.0 Giveaway
"Love is that condition in which the
happiness of another person is essential to your own. " Robert Heinlein
This
photo was captured at a restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
This photograph is another fine example of how interesting is people watching in New York City. This is an old restaurant that I often frequent. The decor is authentic and is really old. This couple blended perfectly with the decor. I couldn't help but think that maybe it was their first date, or maybe they have known each other for a long time and still pretty much in love. Usually in New York City when you go out to eat, you will see a lot of people that are sitting across from each other and showing no interest in each other at all. You will meet the occasional couple that do nothing but talk on their phone during the entire dinner. Or that loud mouth who can't stop talking even when the person sitting opposite from him/her are clearly not showing any interest in the conversation.
This couple, did that table justice. It was like it was made for them and I am glad I got to see one couple that truly came out for dinner to enjoy each others company. As I always say, when you think you've seen it all in New York, something like this happens and proves you wrong and gives you the perfect opportunity for another photograph!
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were
Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were
done in Photoshop CS4. Also for those who didn't see
my other post - I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I am giving away My
Memories Photo Suite 2.0 to one random person. The ending of this
giveaway is Sunday, 18th September at 10am EST and you can check it out
here: My Memories Photo Suite 2.0
"As soon go kindle fire with snow, as seek to quench the fire of love with words." William Shakespeare
This
photo was captured close to Lincoln Center, Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
Yesterday we celebrated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 as a nation. I was watching the TV during the name reading and I was swarmed with mixed emotions. Sadness was one of them. I could feel my heart being pressed against my chest seeing all these people still mourning about their loved ones. And who can blame them? Overall I learned a new thing and it was a valuable lesson. I learned how the U.S becomes one nation to mourn all the deceased ones, even if it's just one person. Not many countries can say they do that. I am proud to say that I am part of this nation.
I want to dedicate this picture to all those service men/women who woke up to go do another day at work and never returned home.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were
Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were
done in Photoshop CS4.
Also for those who didn't see
my other post - I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I am giving away My
Memories Photo Suite 2.0 to one random person. The ending o this
giveaway is Sunday, 18th September at 10am EST and you can check it out
here: My Memories Photo Suite 2.0
"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." Colin Powell
This
photo was captured at Riverside Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
This is one of my favorite photographs that I shot in New York. Every time I look at it I can't help but notice something serene in it. It was a non-planned photograph and I had to do it fast as I was going to get hit by bicyclist. But the timing was perfect. The perspective view of the end of the tunnel, the bicyclist that is exactly in line with the flood light and at the center of the tunnel are all photography traits that make me fall in love with this picture every time I look at it.
As they say, and I do believe it's very true, sometimes spontaneous decisions are the best decisions we ever take. I like to look at this photograph from another perspective view. I always like to think that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I know for some of you that means death, but for me it means that there is always hope and a new beginning after every difficult period in life.
Who knew that in New York, even just a tunnel photograph can turn out to mean a lot for a few individual beings and that is exactly what I love about this New York.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were
Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were
done in Photoshop CS4.
Also for those who didn't see my other post - I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I am giving away My Memories Photo Suite 2.0 to one random person. The ending of this giveaway is Sunday, 18th September at 10am EST and you can check it out here: My Memories Photo Suite 2.0
This is a review for My Memories Suite 2.0 which is a digital scrapbooking software, but is also ideal for photographers to put their photos into beautiful albums.
I will also be giving away one free (yes totally free) My Memories Suite 2.0. You can find information regarding how to enter the contest at the bottom of the post.
'Being a guy I was never really into scrapbooking but recently we got this software for one of our family members.
She has been doing paper scrapbooks for a couple of years now and it was getting difficult to keep up with the cost of paper, card-stock and other accessories. My Memories Suite 2.0 did not only cut down these cots but it also made other family members get involved in digital scrapbooking because it's exceptionally easy to use and has loads of useful features.
Besides digital scrapbooking, with My Memories Suits 2.0 one can also create beautiful photo-books/albums. This is one untility I have been using for my photos. It does not only make it more pleasurable when I am showing my family albums to friends but it also keeps me organized.
Installation is very easy and once it's done you will be presented with a dialogue box with options where you can create albums from designer templates or design your own. One nifty option in My Memories Suite 2.0 is the 'FastFill' - you select the photos and they will be automatically placed in the album pages.
After the photos are loaded you will be presented with loads of options including background papers, text, word art designer, embellishments, video & multimedia and much more.
Sharing your work online with friends is also very easy. There are several sharing options which include exporting to JPEG, make movie, burn DVD-Video and more.
My Memories Suits 2.0 lived up to its expectations and we are all glad we got it and we want to share the happiness with other people by offering one for free.
I thought about including a UI screenshot for those who are interested in seeing how it looks like.
Ok, lets get to the contest giveaway.
As I said before, I am going to be giving one My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software for FREE to one lucky winner. See the software description here http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software It's easy to participate:
The contest starts today Sunday 11th September at 10 EST and will end on Sunday 18th September at 10 EST
Browse the Album Templates section and pick your favorite one.
On this blog post, let me know which one you like in a comment.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment, so I will be able to contact you if you are the winner.
(Optional) If you share my blog link www.threesixfivehipstamatic.blogspot.com with your Facebook friends or Twitter or maybe add a link on a blog for a certain time, browse my other posts and start following me, I will count that as an extra entry.
Entries should look like this: Favorite template: (write your favorite template here)
E-mail: (insert here)
Blog Shared: (Insert where you shared it and if possible include a link)
Terms and Conditions
Only residents of the U.S.A and Canada are able to participate in this giveaway. I am sorry about other countries but this software is only licensed in the mentioned countries.
I will only count a valid entry if it includes all the steps required to enter.
"There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs." Unknown
This
photo was captured at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
I have been in New York City for six years and even though I walked past the Lincoln Center several times, I have never actually cared to go look inside. Yes, I know it's really stupid.
A few days ago I was walking the Lincoln Center again and it was raining and we had no umbrellas so we had to seek shelter somewhere. I am so glad this was the place that sheltered us. I could not believe that it took me six years to visit the Lincoln Center and further more I couldn't believe that it had to be rain that actually pushed me to go in there or for that I am forever grateful to you, rain!
The Lincoln Center in New York is very grand. As soon as you see the stairs in the picture you will be immediately taken back into the 60's. I don't know if I was dizzy or not but in my head I was seeing beautiful women dressed up in gowns going to see the opera.
For those who saw the Lincoln Center can agree with me that the building can betray you a little bit. From an exterior point of view, the building looks very modern and sleek. So one can never imagine that the decor inside is totally different. But that is exactly what I love in New York, you think you've seen it all and yet you've seen nothing.
P.S. In the next couple of days I will be hosting a fantastic giveaway so keep coming back so you won't miss it!
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were
Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were
done in Photoshop CS4.
"The skyscraper establishes the block, the block creates the street, the street offers itself to man." Alan Bird
This upside-down
photo (explanation below) was captured at 34th Street Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan. I don't know the name of the building or what purpose it serves, but as soon as I saw it I got this idea in my head that I am portraying here.
As mostly everyone knows New York is the city of giants. Everywhere you look you see tall buildings that for a child might seem to be touching the the sky. And I guess that is why someone, a long time ago came up with the term 'skyscraper'. They are grand to look at, an architectural feat and they are perfect for photography. Skyscrapers are photography subjects that don't move, they are not fickle and they don't complain and that's why all the photographers I know find it enjoyable photographing these giant structures.
Yes, the picture is upside down. I flipped it that way on purpose. But what is the purpose? When I was walking by and looked up at this New York Skyscraper, in an instant, it brought out the kid in me and even if it was just a brief moment, I actually believed that it was touching the sky.
If you look at the right hand side of tower panel and go to the bottom, you will notice that it's like the skyscraper is actually emerging from the sky and being build towards the earth.Most skyscrapers have a huge base for a solid foundation but this one has a small base and the higher it goes, the bigger it gets (in the photography, not in real life) It also resembles our life which is almost composed of building blocks. In whatever we do, we start small and work hard to achieve that bigger goal.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were done in Photoshop CS4 including the Black and White conversion.
"Chaos and order are not enemies, only opposite." Richard Garriott
This
photo was captured at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
It was late in the morning when we were walking around here. It was a beautiful cold, rainy winter day. Those are two attributes that make New York look more beautiful and perfect for Black and White photography. Usually this recreation area is bustling with people but on this particular day it was totally deserted. There was something really peaceful about it.
I couldn't help but notice the symmetry of the trees and the chaos of the chairs. It's like nature is showing us how perfect it is and how chaotic we human beings are. It's almost like an epidemic hit New York and everyone's gone in a hurry trying to run for their lives.
Originally this photo was shot in color but I converted it to Black and White to make it look more dramatic. Converting to Black and White also brought out an emphasis on the line of light you see where the trees on both sides meet which is in the center of the photo.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were done in Photoshop CS4.
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."
Plato
This
photo was captured outside a New York apartment building on the Upper West Side and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
I still remember the first time I came to New York and looking up towards those buildings I couldn't see any beauty. Actually I thought they were rather ugly. My eyes were accustomed to the pale limestone color that they use for buildings in my country, Malta. A few years have gone by since I first set foot in Manhattan, New York and nowadays I can't stop looking at these architectural masterpieces. Whether it's just a red stone, or a black fire-escape ladder I always see something interesting and worth to be collected into my photography archives.
New York is the city of dreams. Many come here to achieve their dreams, to walk towards the light, the highlight of their life. But I am also sure that New York shatters many dreams too and drags people to a dark pit. But no matter what, we should not be afraid in seeking the light. After-all what's the worst thing that could happen?
So whether you are a model trying to make it happen or maybe a photographer who is trying to build that terrific photography portfolio or maybe an accountant who is trying to make it into the big leagues, New York has something to offer to you. Just don't miss the opportunity because in New York opportunities appear fast, but they vanish even faster.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were Lucifer VI Lens/BlacKeys Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were done in Photoshop CS4.
"Life is a series of steps. Things are done gradually.
Once in a while there is a giant step, but most of the time we are
taking small, seemingly insignificant steps on the stairway of life." Ralph Ransom
This
photo was captured in a New York apartment building on the Upper West Side and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
This is nothing but an ordinary apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. Everytime I visit New York this is the place where I stay and after so many visits to this magnificent city this stairway caught my eyes. In the past I must have been either to busy rushing out and just too brain dead looking at the elevator door waiting to pick me up. But either way I am glad that I have discovered this symmetrical beauty. The marble slabs, even though I am sure are very old, are still in a pristine condition and sometimes I wish they could talk. I am interested to hear some of the stories they have to tell.
This is why it's important that we keep an open eye to everything around us. We never know where we are going to find that beautiful spot. Slowly but surely I am discovering them here in New York, the city that never fails to amaze me.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were Helga Viking Lens/Claunch 72 Monochrome Film. Some minor adjustments were done in Photoshop CS4.
"I've always had a strong feeling for the Statue of Liberty, because it became the statue of my personal liberty." David Antin
This
photo was captured from a New York Water Taxi and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
I have always found myself wondering how many tourists visit New York without actually seeing the Statue of Liberty. I have met some that actually forget about it. Most people come to New York for shopping and it's sad to see such materialism obscuring such beauty.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most treasured possessions for New Yorkers and North Americans alike. It symbolizes freedom and liberty. It always makes me wonder how immigrants that sailed to New York felt as soon as they saw her.
One thing that most people ask about is her foot. Why is it raised? It's raised as if she is continually on the move, forever bringing freedom to others.
For those who always wondering what's written at the base of the statue here it is:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
So if you are in Manhattan, New York make sure you pack your camera and head to downtown Manhattan to see this majestic beauty. You will not only experience the beauty of the statue but you will also have some photography in your collection that you can be proud with!
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were Libatique 73 Lens/BlacKeys SuperGrain Film. Some minor editing was done in Photoshop CS4.
"Bridges are perhaps the most invisible form of public architecture." Bruce Jackson
I
had to entertain a few friends who came to visit me in NYC and we
decided to go take a water taxi to the Statue of Liberty. When we set
sail it was the most perfect day but by the time we arrived at Lady
Liberty it all turned around. It was one of the biggest, fastest storms
I've ever encountered. Rain or not, New York City still looks beautiful!
Photo
was shot using Hipstamatic on iPhone. Settings were Libatique
73/BlacKeys SuperGrain. A few minor adjustments were made in Photoshop
CS4.
"Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker." Ogden Nash
Coming towards this guy, from a distance I thought that the cotton
candy was actually floating in the air. When I get closer I could see
that they were attached to a stand that he was holding. It was a dark
gloomy day and the vibrant colors of the cotton candy created this
magnificent contrast with the surrounding area. This was shot at South
Street Seaport in Manhattan.
Photo was shot using Hipstamatic on iPhone. Settings used were Buckhorst H1 Lens/Pistil Film. Some minor editing was done in Photoshop CS4.
"We are dangerously close to accepting the homeless situation as a problem that we just can't solve." Linda Linge
86th Street Metro Station in NYC is one of your everyday metro stops but for this man it's his home. I have came across him several times but not once he had asked for a donation. He is either reading the newspaper or sleeping.
Picture was taken using the Hipstamatic app on iPhone. Settings were Libatique 73 Lens/BlacKeys SuperGrain Film. Some minor editing was done using Photoshop CS4.
This
photo was captured at Colombus Avenue, Upper West Side and is part of
the Hipstamatic photography series of New York, Manhattan.
I always look forward for laundry day. I like noticing how every person is different and you can see that when they are folding clothes, waiting for washing machine to stop or while their clothes are getting dry. Some just walk back and forth, some just sit down and stare at the clock, others read or play with their cellphone and finally there are some who get creative while waiting!
New York will always keep you guessing. It makes you alert of your surroundings and people watching is perfect in this city that never sleeps. Every individual has a story in New York. Some tell it by words, others tell it by actions.
The settings on the Hipstamatic camera for this photography series were John S/Pistil/Cherry Shine. Some minor editing was done in Photoshop CS4.
