Film Crew

In Zuccotti Park, downtown:


This was a week after my first trip down there (yet was on the same roll of film), and yes, the film photographers were out in force.

Does the last part of that sentence count as alliteration, or are the f sounding words too spread out?

Yes, these are the tough questions I ask.

Occupation Kiss

Prelude to a kiss:


The kiss:


In Zuccotti Park, New York City.

Stashed

By the Manhattan Bridge entrance:


I'm assuming a homeless person left that there, perhaps to retrieve it at at future time.

New developments to come tomorrow (or should that be developings?).

Wall of Ivy

Downtown:


Now if this were a color photo...boy, that would have been impressive. But no, in my infinite wisdom (and believe me, it's infinite) I shot it in black and white. What would Ansel Adams have done...

He'd call me a no-talent hack and kick me in the balls, and I'd have to agree with him.

Gray Arch

Manhattan Bridge:


I just got some vintage expired rolls that I'll soon be developing. The cool thing is, they're dated to 1971, so at least I'll have some context to put them in. Much of the writing on the others was pretty illegible, but one of them said "dogs." So I'm assuming I won't end up with anything exciting like a photo of Hitler playing golf with Benjamin Netanyahu. But that's just crazy talk. I mean, that statement is ridiculous on so many levels, the very least being that Hitler was dead before Netanyahu was born. But it's just an extreme example of what I could and probably won't find on a 40 year old undeveloped roll of film. I mean, I'm not comparing anybody to Hitler or Netanyahu, I'm just using them as an example of an outrageous situation.

That's okay, right?

MC Charlie Boswell

And part of The Gamp, in front of ABC No Rio:


Whether it's a skill crane chill crane ill crane or the dog god or the original iteration of SFA playing a show, MC Charlie Boswell is there. A month after this photo was taken, I was covered in a White Castle hamburger and tofu detritus, thanks to MC Charlie Boswell, and I couldn't have been happier.

I don't expect ANYBODY reading this to understand a single word of what I just said, except a select (and I mean select) few, and that's just fine by me.

Respite

Downtown occupation:


I wonder if this shot is too busy. I'm sure it could benefit from some cropping. This was taken last week. I was there again yesterday. Things seem a bit more organized now. There's now tape laid down to designate the walkways, and the occupiers sit or are lying down behind it. It's like going to the zoo. You walk around, you see protesters in their natural habitat, you take a picture, and you move on. It's a tourist attraction at this point. The double decker buses drive by on Broadway, and anybody going down to see the World Trade Center construction only has to walk half a block before they can see the everybody with their signs and drums and demonstrations.

I mean, the occupiers don't think of themselves as a tourist destination, but they are. They're an attraction. Just like last week, I saw plenty of people with film cameras, all out to get some artistic shots of young people trying to change the system. None of us stay for the long haul, we get our shots, then run back home to develop. We go when there might be something interesting happening, but don't want to be too close when things get hairy. Or at the very least, we don't want to get hurt.

Or maybe I'm just talking about myself.

Kira

Kira is a textile student (student of textiles?). She went downtown to join her friend who had already been occupying. We had a nice little talk. Again, I remember little of it. I remember little of what happened last Friday. I wish I had remembered to check the headroom on this shot.

Alex

Alex is a student and a photographer (student photographer? photography student?) who came down to check out the scene as well. I'm trying to remember more of what we talked about. I'm not sure I even entirely remember how we started talking, though she did take note of the 501CM. Remember yesterday when I wrote about having vicious dizzy spells? Well, I'm better today, but there's still a faint buzz going on. And just so you know, I am fed and hydrated, and not under the influence of any licit or illicit substances.

Nice day out.

Blue skies, smiling at me,
Nothing but blue skies, do I see...

Margaret

Okay, I'm having these incredibly rough dizzy spells. It's been going on for almost an hour, so there's no story to go along with Margaret at this time. I'll update the entry when the room isn't spinning.

When They Say, "Post No Bills"

They mean it:


And some moments later:


You see the wheelchair dude in the first shot? I felt I could have gotten a better shot of him, but as I've talked on this site before, I don't always want to go for that kind of exploitation shot (though all photography is exploitation). I like street photography, but sometimes it all seems so typical. You always get the same shots of bums and rejects and blah blah blah...everybody clamoring to catch some drama. Who am I kidding, I'll catch some drama just as long as nobody catches me catching it.

I was actually just working on a personal piece, but I don't feel entirely comfortable putting it up here. Not today, at least. Maybe sometime in the future. I've already written most of it out, but I don't feel entirely comfortable with it just yet. Maybe someday.

Cup & Saucer

Downtown:


After I was quite a ways away from where I took the shot I realized I had not readjusted my focus from my previous shot, and knew it would probably be a little fuzzy (which it is). Also, I look at this shot and maybe reevaluate my bitching and moaning about people who bitch and moan about how the city is changing (as if it ever stopped changing) and how things ain't what they used to be.

I have a sentimental attachment to this place, one that goes back to my childhood. I think it may be one of the few places left in the city that I can say I knew as a little boy. Mind you, I grew up in Jersey so that's saying something. But my father and grandfather worked around the corner for many years, and I have fond memories of spending the day at the shop (as we called it). No, we didn't have Cup & Saucer lunches every day, but I think even then, we all liked that it was there. I'm sure it was the coffee spot, or if you needed a quick something to get you through the day, it was always there, as it's there today, with the same sign that's been hanging over Canal for ages.

Will it always be there? No. Will I be sad to find out if and when it closes (even though I haven't eaten anything from there in 20 years)? Maybe a little. Maybe sad is too strong a word. Wistful? Either way, it's a connection to my past, to days spent in the city with Dad, walking around with him or my grandfather or even my grandmother who would take the bus down from the Bronx every so often, and one of the few landmarks that remains from those days spent with people who have since died (except my father, he's still going strong. Well, he's still going, at least).

Art Wood

Or maybe that should be, "Art, Wood."


You know, all the Art Woods of the world will converge here and be like, "Yo, that's not me, that's just a pile of wood and some art."

Lizard needs a needle.

Condé Nasty

Well, gee. Aren't I clever (not really):


Dreary day here. It's raining outside, and there's a blind lizard wandering around inside. I wonder if the occupiers downtown have umbrellas.

Quiet day.

Why Did I Take These Pictures?

I'll give you one guess. No, I'll give you two guesses:



And as you clearly see, I couldn't decide which photo to use, so I chose to post both. Hell, it's my blog and I'll post if I want to.

So today I occupied Wall Street. Well, that's not really true, but I did go down there to shoot. Admittedly, the only reason for me to go down there at first was the unfounded rumor that Radiohead was going to show up to serenade the upstarts. Even though I already knew before I left the house that Thom and the Gang wouldn't be there, I figured I should go down anyway. I mean, after all, I am a photographer (allegedly).

And let me tell you, I never saw so many....film cameras. They were everywhere. I haven't seen so many film cameras in one place in one time probably in a decade. There were 35mm Leicas and Nikons. I saw a Mamiya 7, and a Rolleiflex TLR. I saw another Hasselblad 500 series. We even bumped into each other (not literally). "When Hasselblads collide" was my comment. I was rolling with the 500CM, the SWC, and the K1000. I feel like I'm forgetting others...a Holga (but I'm not sure that counts). And I ran into people I knew too. I had a feeling I would. Nobody I knew was "occupying" but they too were compelled to see what was going on, or at the very least be able to maybe say that they saw The Thom Yorke International Silver String Submarine Band play. But alas, the only music was an ongoing drum jam, and I said, "boy, Radiohead sure has gone downhill" to anybody who cared to listen to me (it turns out nobody cared to listen to me).

I got some portraits too. Hopefully they'll be decent, light-leak free shots. But this time I noted which back I used in the camera. I'll get to the bottom of this light leak mystery. I feel like I haven't mentioned it lately. I recently developed a roll from the SWC and it was rife with light leaks on the right side. I now have to figure out if this was the back, the camera, or maybe a certain back with a certain camera...There's going to be a process of elimination to figure out what's going on here.

Have I bored you enough? I've bored me enough. Let's post these asses already.

One Last Chance

To guess where I was:


This should be super obvious from anybody even partly familiar with this city. No hints from me (of course), and if nobody hazards a guess, I'm not going to tell. I'm not even going to mention it ever again. We'll just proceed like nothing happened.

Like nothing happened.

This Has GOT to be a Giveaway

As to where I was. There's only one more view to go, and that one's a slam dunk, but this one should be enough:


And if nobody guesses, I'm not telling.

So there.

Verizon Strikers

It was originally just going to be a shot of the striker on the right (name forgotten, of course), until he asked his co-striker to be part of the shot as well. I'm not saying I mind the two-shot or anything. I do mind that I forgot him to take his hat off before I took the shot. I always forget stuff like that...

In case you're wondering, he offered to put the rat in his mouth for the shot. It wasn't any flash of inspiration on my part (of course).

Hanging Lamp

In Greenwich Village:


Yes, we're taking a break from the, "where was I" file mostly because I need to develop more film from that day.

So instead, I present to you a lamp. Maybe Diogenes hung it up there.

Yet Another View

I bet someone from this place could recognize where this is via this shot:


So there were hundreds of people getting arrested and pepper sprayed right in my neighborhood yesterday. Talk about an opportunity to take photos. So where was I?

Right here at home, keeping an eye on an ailing lizard. Well, we're hoping he's getting better, but I've had to keep a close watch on him lately. But this isn't about a reptile dysfunciton, this is about photo opportunities gone awry.

I mean, what would people involved with, "Occupy Wall Street," be doing all the way up in Greenwich Village? Somebody had best give those radicals a street map. I don't think you're going to find a lot of Wall Street types on University Place on a Saturday afternoon.

The Great Pool in the Sky

Apologies to Richard Wright:


I was listening to Pink Floyd when I found out Richard Wright died. True story.

True, but uninteresting story.

Rooftop Group Shot

No, this isn't the same rooftop that's been featured in the past few shots, but one right here in midtown New York City. The gentleman with the glasses was the first one to engage me in conversation about my cameras (I like that you can see the Rolleiflex on the table). I took this with the SWC. I was worried I was too close, but as you can see, I had room to spare. I think with a rectangular crop this is a fine enough group shot.

Did I remember his name? Of course not. But nice people all around.

Another View From the Roof

Is it looking more familiar to anybody out there?


I can't believe I actually left New York either.

Where could I have been? Believe it or not, I wasn't home.

Pool Chairs

By the big pool in the sky:


I wonder if this view will be enough to reveal where I was...

The View From 30 Stories Up

Remember I mentioned I was on a rooftop pool? Here's one of the vistas visible from up there:


But now the question...Where was I? Can any of you figure it out, or see any major landmarks that rings a bell? The person who guess right gets absolutely nothing from me. Of course, I'm assuming people even still look at this thing and I'm not sure I'm building goodwill by saying that I'll give you absolutely nothing. But what could I give? Well, I'd be impressed that you know where I was, and I'm sure knowing that must be good for something.

PS:
If anybody should recognize where this is and then wonder why I didn't call, I apologize. I was in and out like a teabag. Like literally less than 24 hours. Just enough time to hang out at the pool, have dinner, and nearly die from cat allergies. Another time, perhaps.

Party Over Mars

Well, where Mars was, this being in June:


Where will all the Martians go? Hell, where did they go (since it's closed and all)? I'm sure they've managed to find other places to drink to (and beyond) the point of passing out. I'm sure they learned that there is life after Mars. But more importantly...

What happened to my mix CDs from the Mars jukebox? I put some mighty fine rap on those. You know, since white guys who grew up in Jersey are definitive authority on all things old school rap.

Windows, Escape

Somewhere in the West Village:


New developments to come tomorrow. I'm almost certain of it.

Yoya's Park

In Downtown NYC:


There's no signage saying who Yoya was (I'm assuming she's a was. I'm also assuming she's a she), and there isn't even a last name to go along with it, but this is her (if it is a her) park. Or maybe Yoya doesn't even have to person. Either way, Yoya's park will continue on.

There is a sleeping lizard in my lap. He's been an under the weather lizard as of late. I'm just trying to make him better. He is my good little guy, after all.

Windows Windows Windows

Did saying it three times really make that much of a difference? I think not:


This was another one of those shots that I thought was going to come out all cool and imposing and interesting and I look at it and just go, "eh." There's been lots of "eh" to go around lately.

Eh.

You see what I mean?

No Parking

In Chinese!


Though I'm guessing that with the amount of characters on that garage door it probably says more than just "No Parking" in Chinese. And you know, I thought I had this thing all level and not on an angle. It's enough so you can tell it's on an angle, but not enough to be in a Batman TV show.

Batusi anyone?

Formerly Wet Paint

Now dry, but still drippy:


What am I thinking? I don't know. I wouldn't expect for you to know either. This isn't one of those mentalist sideshow deals. I'm just bereft thoughts as per this entry. It's been a long past few days around here, for reasons I won't get into. Tiring. Still tired. But the blog marches on.

By the way, I'm working on a "real" website. You know, one where you can go to and see my good stuff and buy prints (if you so desire). When that's ready to go "live" (as the kids say today), you'll know, boy howdy. Yes, you'll be sure to hear about it.

Until then, I'll just lie back and take a nap...

One Way or Another

So which way? One way, or the nother?


So one way's looking one way, one way's looking the other way, and you got this pole in the middle saying, "What do you want from me?"

I wonder how many times I'm going to rely on that reference. If I could fit it into every photo I post I would.

Who says I can't?

Hmm.....

Mack Statewide

Yes, that's Mack Statewide, Private Eye. Tuesdays on FOX:


Or maybe Mack Statewide is a man who's been wrongly imprisoned for something or other and he's now broken out and has to clear his name while not being caught by a determined FBI agent named Ford Ranchero. Hmm, I think I've seen this plot on other photoblogs. It happens, you know.

St. John's Lane

In Manhattan:


On an otherwise overcast and a little cool day (that being today) I headed out to McDonald's on Broadway and then took my meal to Washington Square Park. It's what I do most every year on this day. It's what I did 10 years ago this day (aside from being scared, panicking, freaking out, et cetera). This year things were a bit different of course. The park has been renovated so it's not really the "same" park as it was a decade ago. Also, there were bums aplenty. Seven of them were sleeping sprawled out on benches and on the ground while digital shooters got their "authentic" NYC shots. I wasn't rolling with any cameras today.

After finishing my Quarter Pounder With Cheese, I didn't really feel all too keen on eating my fries, so I left the bag next to one of the sleepers who just kept sleeping as I placed it next to his head. I wondered if giving McDonald's to a homeless person is actually making their situation even worse. I then went to Molly's Cupcakes and got an eclair (in the shape of a cupcake, of course) that was pretty darned good. I'm slowly but surely working my way through all their offerings and have yet to be disappointed.

As I made my way back through the park on my trip home I saw that the sleeper had awoken, and was eating the fries I had left for him. I didn't even entertain the thought of telling him that I was the charitable soul who was allowing him to raise his blood pressure and increase his carb load. I mean, I'm a self-important douchebag, but I wasn't going to stoop that low just to lord it over this guy that I'm the big man who hands out his fries at the drop of a bag so he can go on living.

I'm assuming September 11th anniversary commemoration fever will die down soon. I avoided watching the coverage. No, that's not true. I tuned in for a second to see what was going on, and a choir was singing Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You." That was enough for me. No mas. See you in 10 years when I'll avoid all this again.

American Thread

The building, not the product:


You know, if it weren't for that business at the bottom of the frame, I'd really like this one. I still can't figure out why that happens with the Rolleiflex sometimes. I mean, it should be a better camera than that. But whatever, I can always go back for another shot at getting the shot. The American Thread Building isn't going anywhere.

Then again, didn't they also say that about the World Trade Center?

Shutter to Think

Oh brother....


I've been feeling a bit off lately. That's not really anything new for me. But maybe it has to do with that thing that's going on this Sunday. All the talk in the air of anniversary. I know I've written about it before here a few times in dribs and drabs. I'm not really sure if I feel like sharing anything from that time in this post (or tomorrow's or Sunday's). Or maybe I'm just trying to turn this anniversary into a scapegoat for my brain which has been rebelling against itself as of late. It's always easier to look outward than in. But enough about me, what about me?

Stay calm, don't be alarmed,
It's just a holiday back at the funny farm.

Name Forgotten (V)

I was walking down Varick and saw him putting some people and luggage going into a van. They were going to Switzerland for work (I didn't ask the nature of their work). He told me he had a Rolleiflex (or maybe he didn't?), and also had a Mamiya tlr (those things are beasts). I asked him his name, and as I walked away I already knew I had forgotten it. I felt a little uncomfortable talking with him. I mean, I've had so many conversations with people who say, "I used to shoot one of those, but now I'm all digital, blah blah blah..." I just never know what to say in those situations.

I'll say something like, "well, that's fine. I'm not running down digital or anything, but I like doing this," as my voice trails off and then we're just looking at each other with nothing much else to say. I wished him well and went on my way before that exchange could happen. Maybe that's why I forgot his name, I just wanted to avoid the whole situation. I mean, it's not like he wasn't nice. You've probably noticed that with just about every person's picture I post I'll say that they were "nice." Well, if they're going to let a total stranger such as myself take their picture, of course they were at least nice enough to allow me that indulgence, so I'll say they're nice by gum.

IN THE "I CANNOT TELL A LIE" DEPARTMENT:
I wasn't happy with the focus on this one. I was surprised to see that it was softer than I had anticipated. So....maybe I did use some "unsharp mask." I know I've said it before, but I don't know why something would be called "unsharp" when it makes everything sharper. I'm only left to assume Adobe is headquartered on Bizzaro World.

Wow, I broke my two day streak of Star Wars references. Well, nobody's perfect.

Giant Zipper

In Midtown:


Could you imagine the size of the cock that would be unleashed from behind that zipper? I wonder if it's circumcised or not. Can you imagine the size of the vagina that cock would go into? But what if it's a gay cock? I mean, you'd be putting that into an asshole the size of the Sarlacc Pit.

I think I've said too much.

These Things

You know, on buildings!


Alls I know is that you turn the handles, and magic happens. Or maybe the missiles launch. Or maybe the trash compactor turns off and your friends don't get crushed to death or eaten by that thing with one eye that lives in the garbage juice. Or maybe there's one for each of the Blue Man Group for when they're walking by.

Endless possibilites!

Shaming

On 42nd Street:


These were striking Verizon workers giving the business to anybody who happened to walk into work or shop for a phone that day. I also wondered if or how this photo might benefit from cropping.

Crop one:


Crop two:


Crop three:


So these are your crop of crops. Or maybe your corps of crops. Which one is the best? I don't know, I just work here.

Man, Guitar, and Bird

In Washington Square Park:


I knew it would be tough to get the bird visible against that background, so I took another shot, but I'm not sure it's much better:


I'm also not too thrilled with the overall composition either. Then again, maybe I could have stood up and gotten the bird framed against that patch of light there.

That's me, ol' "Then Again" as usual...

She'll Kill Me if She Sees This

It's not just that I forgot her name. It's someone I've talked to a few times, and I even have her card. I can't find her card, but I have it somewhere. And it's not just an ordinary card, it's a handmade card that's more of a construction than just a thin piece of cardstock, and somehow I can't find it in any of my overstuffed desk drawers. Anyhoo, she's an artist. A photographer. She makes art and sells it on West Broadway. She's also really nice and pleasant to talk to (or with, take your pick). I know she has my card. If you see this, please forgive me. Or maybe I'll just start running in the other direction.

IN THE APROPOS OF NOTHING DEPARTMENT:
Today I saw two separate people with one arm apiece, a dude with no legs, and a dude with one eye. I think they might have been the human version of Voltron disassembled.