Yeah - a big ass stage, fancy costumes, elaborate equipment and just the right lighting conditions... Sometimes when I am away from home exploring the planet there happens a day that blows away all expectations of anything one may have of the environment one finds themselves in. Today (Jan 4th, 2010) in New York City was such a day.
I had been putting off doing the Staten Island Ferry (which is one of the best freebies anywhere) due to how cold & snowy it has been. So when the day dawned bright and sunny I headed off from my little Greenwich Village sublet studio with all my camera gear and a smile on my face. Part of the charm of Manhattan Island is the ability to walk everywhere. One can wander along Broadway for the entire island and feel the ethnic charms and economic diversity that is what makes NYC so unique. While on my way towards the Battery Park and the south end of the island - I found it impossible not to be drawn back to Ground Zero. This piece of Earth draws you to it. Eyes gaze upwards toward the cranes and down to the enormous hole that is finally being filled with a new lease on life. A few nights prior after touring the Tribute WTC Visitors Center, I noticed upon exiting that there was hardly a dry eye in the place. The WTC holds a power and a presence that transcends race, age and religion.
The ferry outshone everything I had read about the trip - it was fantastic. As I wandered out of the Manhattan Terminal on my return, I was approached by a hawker of scenic helicopter rides. Now since I get the chance to fly in the wonderful machines at least once a month - I initially shunned the cost and even the idea of flying around the NYC area. As I strolled up the East River pathways towards the Brooklyn Bridge I was suddenly struck by the fact that it was a beautiful winter day here in New York City. No wind and a bright sun that was starting to want towards that perfect afternoon glowing light.
Needless to say, I opted out of the big frilly Broadway evening that I had thought about and decided to make my own production n using a Bell 407 as my prop and the skyline of one of the world's greatest cities as my stage. The results can be seen at www.good2gophotography.com under "Latest Adventure".
New York City has been fascinating - I cannot believe the diversity, warmth and friendliness found on this little island called Manhattan. I feel so very blessed to have been to four cities in 2009 that I think are some of the finest urban centres on the planet: Istanbul, Hong Kong, San Francisco and NYC.
As a lover of music in this metropolitan oasis I have had the pleasure to experience the Harlem Gospel Choir at BB Kings, Hip hop/rock and open mike nights throughout the Village, and Latin, gypsy wackiness at Joe's. Outstanding.
I trust your family had a wonderful and safe holiday season. In the year 2010 I truly hope we can move forward with tolerance, understanding and compassion towards each other on this little piece of rock we share called Earth.
Safe journeys.
I had been putting off doing the Staten Island Ferry (which is one of the best freebies anywhere) due to how cold & snowy it has been. So when the day dawned bright and sunny I headed off from my little Greenwich Village sublet studio with all my camera gear and a smile on my face. Part of the charm of Manhattan Island is the ability to walk everywhere. One can wander along Broadway for the entire island and feel the ethnic charms and economic diversity that is what makes NYC so unique. While on my way towards the Battery Park and the south end of the island - I found it impossible not to be drawn back to Ground Zero. This piece of Earth draws you to it. Eyes gaze upwards toward the cranes and down to the enormous hole that is finally being filled with a new lease on life. A few nights prior after touring the Tribute WTC Visitors Center, I noticed upon exiting that there was hardly a dry eye in the place. The WTC holds a power and a presence that transcends race, age and religion.
The ferry outshone everything I had read about the trip - it was fantastic. As I wandered out of the Manhattan Terminal on my return, I was approached by a hawker of scenic helicopter rides. Now since I get the chance to fly in the wonderful machines at least once a month - I initially shunned the cost and even the idea of flying around the NYC area. As I strolled up the East River pathways towards the Brooklyn Bridge I was suddenly struck by the fact that it was a beautiful winter day here in New York City. No wind and a bright sun that was starting to want towards that perfect afternoon glowing light.
Needless to say, I opted out of the big frilly Broadway evening that I had thought about and decided to make my own production n using a Bell 407 as my prop and the skyline of one of the world's greatest cities as my stage. The results can be seen at www.good2gophotography.com under "Latest Adventure".
New York City has been fascinating - I cannot believe the diversity, warmth and friendliness found on this little island called Manhattan. I feel so very blessed to have been to four cities in 2009 that I think are some of the finest urban centres on the planet: Istanbul, Hong Kong, San Francisco and NYC.
As a lover of music in this metropolitan oasis I have had the pleasure to experience the Harlem Gospel Choir at BB Kings, Hip hop/rock and open mike nights throughout the Village, and Latin, gypsy wackiness at Joe's. Outstanding.
I trust your family had a wonderful and safe holiday season. In the year 2010 I truly hope we can move forward with tolerance, understanding and compassion towards each other on this little piece of rock we share called Earth.
Safe journeys.
