Scaffolding of Life

Upper West Side, New York City

"The architecture of our future is not only unfinished; the scaffolding has hardly gone up." George Lamming

I still remember vividly my very first time in New York City and how I always refused to walk underneath any type of scaffolding. Today it seems hilarious but I quite understand why I did it. I always feared that they would fall on me and lets face it, it's not a very nice scene if that happens.

Today I am very confident. Sometimes, like every New Yorker I don't even realize I am walking under a scaffolding. They are a common sight in New York City and I don't think New York could be New York without these giant structures. 

Besides the symmetry (which was always a subject close to my heart) what I love in this picture are the people doing their activities of daily living. One is paying the meter, another is probably waiting for someone, while the couple in the center are happily strolling away. These are people are certainly not like me when I first arrived in New York City. I thought it's better to get hit by car rather than being squished by some metal structure. Today I am glad I am more rational!

This black and white 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

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle, New York City

"It couldn't have happened anywhere but in little old New York City." O Henry

The picture you see here is shot from Time Warner Center which can be found at the Columbus Circle in New York City. 

This area acts as a divider. More or less it divides the West from the East and the upper part of town from midtown. Columbus circle is also the home for major TV networks like CNN. The big glass panels we see in the picture belong to the Time Warner Center building. Time Warner is like a 'mall' with high-end shops and is also the home of probably New York City's most expensive restaurants - Per Se and Bar Masa. For those who can't have the luxury of dining at such places, like me for example, you can grab a bite at Whole Foods which can be found at the basement of the building. The variety of food you can find here is endless and I am sure there is something for everyone.

Right in the center of the circle you can find a statue of Christoper Columbus which is standing on a gold pedestal. For those who would like the see Columbus Circle but are far away from it, you can see it on these movies - Cloverfield, I Am Legend, The Devil Wears Prada and It Could Happen to You.

This black and white 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

Guardian Angel

Midtown Manhattan, New York City

"Every time you hear a bell ring, it means that some angel's just got his wings." Francis Goodrich

This is the second picture of Angels around New York City. The first one is the one at the Bethesda Terrace. I can't really recall where I saw the Angel in this picture but I am sure it was somewhere in Midtown Manhattan.

This particular Angel I found to be more mesmerizing than the one at the Bethesda Terrace. I don't exactly know why but maybe it's all the details in the statue itself. The light hitting the wings from a certain direction make them seem alive and real. The texture from the stone behind the statue and the texture in the statue itself create a great contrast which make the Angel look more vivid.

Note to visitors and New Yorkers alike...when you are walking always make sure you look up.  If I hadn't looked up when I shot this picture I would have missed this Angel and would have never known that it existed. In New York City you need eyes like a hawk in order to never miss anything!

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

Diversity, Srength, Love

Bus Station in New York City

"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge." Thomas Carlyle

I shot this picture a few months ago and I have to admit I was blown away with the message on the side of this bus shelter. I have never seen a message this powerful and after reading it once I instantly memorized it.

We all know that New York City is the multicultural center of the world. There are people from every corner of the world living in New York City and this was the most appropriate message to give all of us.

The message goes like this:

"Our DIVERSITY is our greatest STRENGTH. When any New Yorker is attacked for who they are, what they believe or whom they LOVE it is a crime against all of us. Keep our city strong"

Now I am not here to post about self-righteous political topics but we all know that the world (not just New York City) could do with some more love.

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

The Last House

85th Street, Manhattan, New York City

"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

The Arches

Central Park, New York City

"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

Carry Me Home

5th Avenue, New York City

"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

Window To Eternity

The Cloisters, New York City

"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.

Water and Stone

Lincoln Center, New York

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.

To Protect and Serve

Times Square Police Guard

"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 here My Memories Photo Suite 2.0

The Road to Salvation

Central Park, New York

"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.

One Last View of New York...For Now

Upper West Side, New York

"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 Exists

Couple in Love

"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

In Memory of 9/11

The New York Fire Department

"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

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Riverside Park, New York

"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 

 

Take My Hand and Lead Me

Lincoln Center, New York

"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.

This is the third stair photograph on this blog. The other two can be found here: Towards The Light and Up The Down Staircase 

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.

Emerging From the Clouds

34th Street, New York City

"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.

Chaotic Order

Lincoln Center, New York City

"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.

Towards The Light

"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.

Up the Down Staircase

"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.