Shadow Play

Every day I pass the post office at 90 Church Street.  On one exterior wall there are geometric cubes embedded within it.  Just this week, the street which is usually covered in shadow from the large buildings emerged into the sunlight.  The victorian street light cast an interesting shadow especially when seen next to the cubes and the yellow barrier poles.  

I setup across the street and waited to see what variations I could get based on the people who were passing by.  I took about 40 pictures that day and returned the next.  The light shadows had changed slightly and I took another round of shots.  The next I returned and parked cars blocked the view.  The next day I returned and it was cloudy, no shadows.  The next day I came back and the shadows were gone.  The combination of elements no longer existed. 

Here are the ones I liked the best. 

Shadow Play - Opposition

Shadow Play - Dropped Something

Shadow Play - White and Black

Shadow Play - The Sneeze

Shadow Play - Brief Cases

Free Resumes

A sign of the times.  She stood outside of the PATH train station calling out "Free Resumes, Free Resumes...".   She held a large sign that said something about resumes.  People walked past paying little or no attention.  I wasn't sure if she was hawking a resume writing service.  I walked past also.  Then, I heard, "I need a job!"   Ah, she's job hunting.  This connected with me and my own job seeking past.  I circled back with my camera. 

She gave me her resume which had an email address, but not her name or phone. I asked what she did.  She gave me about eight different professions.  She had previously focused on a few of them but that didn't get her work.  She thought it was important now to make it clear that she can do a lot of things. 

She said since the economic downturn she had problems finding work, and felt that it was time to change tactics.  And, so she was hoping to connect with people who were passing.  An example of how the economy can impact someone's life situation regardless of their personal work history. 

I took her picture somehow thinking it might help her get a job.  So, here it is.  Look at her information (click the picture to read it closer).  Maybe you can help.  And good luck to her, known only as Stephanie, SFHIREME@YAHOO.COM. 

Color or Colorless

While I pretty much only take photographs in color, I frequently convert them to black and white.  This is a stylistic/artistic decision.   As a matter of fact, generally, unless color is a key part of the photo, I will make them colorless.  Black and white pictures just seem a bit further removed from reality to me, and more satisfying artistically. 

Here's one photograph where I had problems deciding.  I liked this shot for a few reasons.  Iwas struck by how alike these girls seemed, in particular their sunglasses.  Also, the bored looks as they seemingly are waiting for something or someone (they are seated outside of the Millenium Hotel across from the World Trade Center site).  An online friend pointed out the reflection of their legs against the wall behind is interesting.  And, the girl on the left is looking off, almost like she has been startled by something off camera. 

Sunglasses and Pouts (color)

Argument for color:  This shot was taken at dusk, so the the light had an orange tinge to it.  The trees created a somewhat natural vignetting effect.  The purple dress and red scarf kind of pop and helps center your attention on them.  Also, the purple dress ties together with the purple flowers on the left side.  It works well in color but there is not a lot of color here. 

Sunglasses and Pouts (black and white)

Argument for black and white:   This version is much more contrasty.  The girls look more comic-bookish and are less realistic.  Their sunglasses are even more prominently noticed.  I like this version as well, maybe better.

You be the judge, look below as the picture converts back and forth. 

Fear of Heights?

They continue to slowly dismantle the Deutsche Bank building which was damaged by fallout from the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings which were next door.  A monstrous crane sits on top and slowly lowers pieces of the building to the ground.  It's slow going with maybe only 12 stories being removed over the course of the past year. It amazes me how strong the crane must be to lift these massive steel beams. 

My office window overlooks the scene.  Click each picture for a large size version of it, it really can only be appreciated large. 

Deutsche Bank Crane

Today, I noticed there were a couple of guys way out at the tip of the crane.  And, then I saw another one walking the length of the extension like it was a bridge.  He walked quickly and didn't appear to have any kind of tethering. 

Deutsche Bank Crane 2

After he joined the group out at the tip, the crane started slowly moving horizontally with the entire arm moving as the workers stood out at the tip. This is not a job for those who might be afraid of heights. 

Deutsche Bank Crane 3

Wall Street People Watching

I like to wander down Wall Street at lunch time to people-watch.  There is usually a very odd mix of business people and tourists. Throw in protesters, offbeat musicians looking for handouts, news reporters and it can be a rather entertaining place to sit outside and enjoy your meal. 

I forgot my good camera today, but did have my iPhone camera.  A couple of subjects caught my eye. 

First, as I sat on the steps of Federal Hall, I was entertained by this man in red, who chose to play on his flute, in a continuous loop, "The Caisson's Go Rolling Along".  A catchy tune, but after 30 times I think his fund raising strategy might have been to keep playing until someone paid him to stop.  After a time, the sun got to him, and he moved 30 feet to the left into the shade, against another garbage pail.

Caisson's by Flute

There are a number of ways tourists in New York City like to pose.  They can stand in front of something famous to prove they were there.  Or they can do something photogenic.  Half a block down the road in front of Tiffany's a stranger helped two fashionably dressed women, in the style of "Sex In The City", pose in front of Tiffany's.  

Tiffany Posing

And, not more than 20 feet away, a Japanese photograph was manufacturing his own shot by asking these two girls to jump while he froze them in the air.  He attempted the shot five times, I took 3 and timed this one the best (the iPhone can be a little slow but I am getting better with my timing). 

Photo Jumping