Metropolitan

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

"A museum is a place where one should lose one's head." Renzo Piano

With the upload of this picture, I also have to share a secret...during my 6 years in New York City I was never inclined to step foot in here. Yeah I know it is idiotic but this year it all changed. 

This year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art there was an Alexander McQueen exhibition. I have to also admit that I was never a big fan of his either. But since the exhibition was in town I decided to go give it a visit. It was the biggest decision I've made in my life so far - Alexander McQueen and the Metropolitan Museum of Art...it was also a decision that changed my life inside out.

Both of these things left a huge impact on the way I see the world. Yes, they totally changed my perspective of the world and the people who live in it. It was like I was destined to see the exhibition and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City together. I am also grateful that the lines for the exhibition were never ending so we got a membership pass to the Metropolitan Museum for a year. This not only let us pass the enormous queues but it also gave me access to go to the museum anytime I wanted to and I took advantage of it. I have visited the museum several times. Every time I set foot in there I always get that same euphoric feeling I got the first time I went there. Now that I see that I was only fooling myself by passing on this magnificent place for such a long time I am planning to make up for the lost time and see everything that it has to offer.

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

Brothers in the Sky

Columbus Circle, New York City

"The city of New York is like an enormous citadel, a modern Carcassone. Walking between the magnificient skyscrapers one feels the presence on the fringe of a howling, raging mob, a mob with empty bellies, a mob unshaven and in rags." Henry Miller

This is probably one of those pictures that is very close to my heart. It is in my top three all time favorites. It's one of those pictures that is taken in a hurry due to circumstantial events and still turns out to be great. It's one of those pictures that everyone time you look at it you discover something new. 

These two giant skyscrapers can be found at Columbus Circle, Midtown Manhattan. It's one of my favorite spots in all of New York City. The drama never seizes to exist in this part of town and even if you go there a million times you will always discover that new thing that somehow you always missed seeing.

Luckily enough for me, when I shot this picture the weather was terrible. It happens to be my favorite kind of weather and the clouds add more drama to the picture. So now you see why this picture is one of my favorites - dreary weather, Columbus circle, New York City and skyscraper...all subjects very close to my heart. Add those together and you get a picture like the one you are seeing here.

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

Left Standing in the Rain

72nd Street, New York City

"A car is useless in New York City, essential everywhere else. The same with good manners." Mignon McLaughlin

When I found the quote to go with this picture I wondering how many New Yorkers actually agree with it. The first part I am sure a lot of us agree on, but what about the second part? I haven't been to many places in the USA apart from California, Texas and New Jersey and I can honestly say that people in New York City are very well mannered compared to the states I mentioned. Now I don't want to offend anyone, I am just making a remark about the second part of the quote!

To get an idea how competitive New York City can be, try hailing a cab. You will get the picture right away especially during rush hours. You'd think that a cold rainy day it would be easier but apparently not for this woman in the picture. If you full view the picture you can see her holding up her arm to stop the cab but it was already loaded. She was there for some time before eventually her dream came true and she managed to get a ride.

The area in this picture is one of my favorites in Manhattan. It's 72nd street and I remember the very first time I saw it I fell instantly in love. Don't ask me why, because I don't have an answer. 

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

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

Walk With Me

Central Park, New York City

"A garden must combine the poetic and he mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy." Luis Barragan

Once again I am posting a picture of Central Park in New York City as I am a firm believer that one can never have enough pictures of this majestic place.

Here we can see a couple walking their dog in an almost empty area. Now every New Yorker knows that this is very rare unless you are walking very early in the morning. When Central Park is deserted it feels so serene and peaceful and in my opinion looks more beautiful than when it's busy with crazy tourists asking for directions or commuters going in a hurry from the East to the West side or vice versa to work. 

This particular area in the picture is an area popular with skaters in the evening. It is situated right opposite the Bethesda Terrace and I always thought it was Central Park central. 

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 Empire

Empire State Building, New York City

"Empire and Liberty" Marcus Tullius Cicero

Probably one of the grandest sights in all of New York City. It's simply a landmark that can't be missed. Tourists and New Yorkers alike, look at this gigantic piece of architecture with admiration. It brings with it a lot of history. 

Besides being fascinated with the architecture itself, I was always fascinated with the old pictures of the guys working on the building. The guys that are a couple of stories high acting like it's not dangerous at all. Some are lying on a beam sleeping or eating lunch. I know for a fact that I will never have the guts these brave people who built the Empire State Building in New York City had.

This picture is shot from the ever popular area that's close to Macy's. 34th Street is bustling with energy and I always thought it was actually busier than Times Square. It's an area that I will always keep close to my heart. You can feel chaos yet you can see the organization. 

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

Poetic Dreamer

"But the delights of solitude don't only consist of dreaming. Next in enjoyment, I think, comes planning." Anna Neagle

Is he lonely? Does he have any friends? Maybe his parents were at work and he needed something to eat? These are all questions that I was asking myself when I sat across this boy at the BK Bar close to Times Square. The entire time he was looking out the window as if he was thinking hard, or maybe dreaming. From what I could see he was very well dressed and very well-mannered but I couldn't help the fact that he was very deep, much deeper than children his age.

By the time it was time to leave he was still sitting there looking out the window and I kept thinking about him for the rest of the day. It's not rare in New York City to see a child like him wandering the streets by him/herself but as I said before, it was the fact that this boy was deep that brought him up to my attention. 

The way he was dressed and looking made him the perfect subject for a picture. In the dark surroundings his eyes popped more and they are the main focus in the picture (you need to enlarge to see.) In my opinion the picture is almost poetic. He was enclosed in glass in an empty restaurant while the world outside was bursting with energy.

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

Angel of Waters

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York City

"Angels descending, bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love." Fanny J. Crosby

Today I am posting another picture from the Bethesda Terrace series. This is a picture of the world famous fountain that has appeared in several movies and is considered as a landmark in New York City. The Bethesda Fountain is also the main focal point in the Bethesda Terrace.

The 8 foot bronze statue is also known as the Angel of Waters and it stands above four cherubim which represent temperance, purity, health and peace. Looking at the fountain alone you can sense these four things at once, even if it's surrounded by chaotic tourists all rushing to get the perfect picture. 

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 Gate

Notre Dame Gate, Zabbar, Malta

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

Distorted Dreams

72nd Street, New York City

"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

Imagine

Imagine, Central Park, New York City

"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

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

Higher

St.Lawrence Church, Vittoriosa, Malta

"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

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

When Angels Sing

St.Lawrence Church, Vittoriosa, Malta

"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

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.

Alone I Stand

Financial District, New York City

"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.

The Lady and The Fish

Hi-Life, Manhattan

"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.