Slickrock and Shadow

Exit:  The only word on the floor and on the slanted column Herzog and De Meuron Building is an unassuming parking structure in South Beach Miami.  Over several years it has attracted photographers and models because of the fascinating columns, background city and modern design.  Located right on Lincoln Avenue, it's an easy walk from Taschen bookstore into the parking building.  Each floor is unique.  Here are a 3 of my takes. Modern Stairs 3, 4, 5

Empire State Building at Dusk:  seen from Top of Rockefeller Center Unquestionably the best view in Manhattan is from the top of Rockefeller Center at sunset.  Looking to the north, central park stretches out as far as you can see, into Harlem and beyond.  Looking to the south, the Empire State building, the freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty and countless other skyscrapers fill the landscape.  Standing over 70 stories tall, Rockefeller Center looks down on almost everything. Reservations are accepted.  Wanting to be there for sunset, I planned my reservation 2 hours before the sun went down.  There is a bit of time taken before you actually reach the top.  You wait in line, you see a presentation, get assigned to an elevator and up you go. On the top of the building, there are several platforms for viewing.  The highest one has an unobstructed view.  The middle platform has tall glass walls.  Between these glass walls, there ...

Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Manhattan New York City has so many amazing things to see, it is impossible to do them all in one trip.  My previous visit several decades ago included the most famous landmarks such as the Empire State building and the Statue of Liberty.  Slightly less famous is the Brooklyn Bridge.  This incredible structure has been standing for over 100 years.  Millions of cars, bicycles, and pedestrians have made the track into and out of Manhattan from Brooklyn.  I decided to give it a go.  On a nice day, the walk is delightful.  As far as photography is concerned, the views are somewhat constricted.  Pedestrians must walk in the center of the bridge and there is a lot of rails, cables and other supporting structures to block the view.  I found better creative photography using my 70-200 mm lens and choosing to isolate parts of the bridge and parts of Manhattan.  I've seen very good wide-angle pictures as well....

Quiet Intersection of Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre Before crowds wake up, before the shops open, before sounds fill the alleyways, every city seems to have a quiet side.  I like to get up and wander around during this time to see the world without so many people.  Here in there, a shopkeeper was getting ready for the day.  For the most part, the alleyways for empty and silent. As a photographer I enjoyed exploring.  I had no map, no agenda.  I just wandered around, took my time and enjoyed whatever happened to cross my path.  Some street signs, hanging lanterns, umbrellas, parked bicycles and doors ajar caught my attention.  I hope you enjoy them. Monterosso al Mare is where I stayed during my 3 days in the Cinque Terre.  This is a wonderful town.  I stayed in the older part, more southern part.  There is a wonderful beach, wonderful old buildings and delicious pizza. Green door number 21 Shops before opening time. ...

Quai de la Riviere:  a sign in lovely La Roque-Gageac The perfect little town of La Roque-Gageac in the Dordogne region of France is the location that I stayed for 3 days while visiting this region.  The region has a lot to offer with the incredible castles of Beynac, Castelnaud, the picture-perfect town of Sarlat, rolling hills and farms, the living river and the Garden of Marqueyssac.  After a lovely dinner, I wanted to capture some of the gown itself.  This is a little challenging because it sits between the river and a cliff.  It is very narrow and you really cannot step away from the town to see it entirely.  Instead I tried to focus on the details, smaller parts of the whole.  Hopefully that will satisfy. Boulangerie in La Roque-Gageac Burst of Sunlight at the End of Day Window Treatments Step into the Past Shooting into the Sun

Urban Art:  Paris apartment windows and balconies Apartment buildings in Paris plus a telephoto lens creates urban art.  While walking around the Ile de St. Louis on a pleasant morning I enjoyed the city itself.  No particular monument, cathedrals, museums or other points of interest were on the agenda.  The City of Paris was what I hoped to discover.  On all levels, Paris delivers.  Paris does not disappoint.  This morning, I enjoyed these artistic architectural wonders.  Each window & balcony add to the pattern of city life.  It's a wonderful thing.  C'est la vie. Here are a few other photos of the city as art. Rue Montorgueil and Lamp Post Blue Door #14, Paris