The Historic Uber Apocalyptic Megastorm Blizzard That Wasn't

February 02, 2015

Last week, New York was supposed to get clobbered by a snowstorm of epic proportions. After everyone freaked out and cleared the supermarkets of all things edible, we got about 4 inches. While it wasn't exactly a winter wonderland, it did make for some snow-globe-like photos. Here are a few favorites from around the Financial District.

The Charging Bull Statue at Bowling Green

20 Best Photos of 2014

December 30, 2014 in Photography, New York

According to Lightroom, I took well over ten thousand photos in 2014. It wasn't easy to narrow those down to my 20 favorite photographs, but I gave it my best shot. I hope you enjoy them.

Here's to many more photo-worthy moments in 2015. Happy New Year!

"Stormy Sunset in New York", October 2014, Brooklyn, New YorkFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/5.6, 2.6 sec, ISO 500I've probably taken this shot of lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park fifty times now. This one stands out for me, not just because o… — *"Stormy Sunset in New York", October 2014, Brooklyn, New York*
*Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/5.6, 2.6 sec, ISO 500*

I've probably taken this shot of lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park fifty times now. This one stands out for me, not just because of the amazing sky, but because of the way the metal bands on the tops of the pylons reflect the streetlights behind me. Usually, these poles either fall completely in shadow (like this), or are partially lit and a bit distracting (like this). But on this night, some alchemy of lights, angle and camera settings came together to give each silhouetted pylon a shimmering halo, mirroring the bands of lights along the skyline.

"Wall Street"  May 2014 , New York CityFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/150, ISO 800I took this photo on Wall Street, a block east of the New York Stock Exchange. While I'd like to tell you that this was a single, serendipitous mom… — *"Wall Street" May 2014* , New York City
*Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/150, ISO 800*

I took this photo on Wall Street, a block east of the New York Stock Exchange. While I'd like to tell you that this was a single, serendipitous moment, it didn't quite come together that way. After noticing the poster on the wall and getting the idea for the photo, I went back to this spot for two days in a row trying to capture this image. It must have taken 200 tries before I got one with a single businessman walking in the right direction, looking just the right amount of unhappy, who was just the right height so the rope would intersect the back of his neck, and frozen at just the right moment so those two inches of rope would actually attach to his collar.

"Cherry Blossom Festival"  April 2014 , Washington, DCFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/11, 1/35, ISO 800Even though I lived in the DC area for most of my life, I never actually made it to the Cherry Blossom Festival during its peak. … — *"Cherry Blossom Festival" April 2014* , Washington, DC
*Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/11, 1/35, ISO 800*
Even though I lived in the DC area for most of my life, I never actually made it to the Cherry Blossom Festival during its peak. This year, a visit home was timed perfectly to catch "peak bloom." I arrived at the Tidal Basin before sunrise along with dozens of other crazy photographers. I got some great shots from the sunrise, but this one from a bit later in the morning is my favorite. When the early morning sun hit the cherry blossoms, the pinks just lit up.

"Man in the Middle" January 2014, New York CityFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 2.1 sec, ISO 250On a rainy weekend in January, my wife and I went to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was playing around with a slow shutter speed to give th… — *"Man in the Middle" January 2014, New York City*
*Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 2.1 sec, ISO 250*
On a rainy weekend in January, my wife and I went to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was playing around with a slow shutter speed to give this stoic scene of the Grand Staircase a sense of energy. But then this guy stopped right in the center to check his phone, which froze him while everyone else blurred. Totally unplanned. But it totally made the shot. This may be the only instance in history where a guy checking his smartphone has actually improved a photo.

"Your Journey Continues" April 2014, New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, New YorkFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/11, 1/125, ISO 5000I take it back. Maybe there are two instances in history where a guy checking his smartphone has improved a photo. I may … — "Your Journey Continues" April 2014, New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, New York
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/11, 1/125, ISO 5000
I take it back. Maybe there are two instances in history where a guy checking his smartphone has improved a photo. I may be the only photographer to ever visit the New York Botanical Gardens and come away most excited about a photo of a guy in front of a beige cinderblock wall, not a flower in sight. I don't do much in the way of social commentary in my work, but I just love this one. The guy, completely oblivious to the journey that lies ahead. The total blandness of this space. The polite sign trying to encourage him on to bigger and better things. The ray of light from the heavens beckoning him on to something unimaginably amazing. He's blind to it all. Right now, there's candy to be crushed.

"Storm over Williamsburg" June 2014, Brooklyn, New YorkFujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 1/40, ISO 1600In June, I drove to Grand Ferry Park in Williamsburg to photograph an event called the "World Naked Bike Ride." It was going to be a bizar… — "Storm over Williamsburg" June 2014, Brooklyn, New York
Fujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 1/40, ISO 1600
In June, I drove to Grand Ferry Park in Williamsburg to photograph an event called the "World Naked Bike Ride." It was going to be a bizarrely great photo op. But nature had other plans. Not more than 15 minutes before the official meet-up time for naked bike riding, this storm rolled in. I stayed around just long enough to take a few dramatic shots before the sky opened up, dumping a monsoon of rain across the city. I'll never know if they went ahead with the naked bike ride.
A day after I posted this photo, I got a notification that one of my favorite National Geographic photographers, Jim Richardson added it as a favorite on Flickr, which is the photography equivalent of Frank Sinatra stopping by to compliment your karaoke performance.

"Watching the storm roll in" June 2014, Brooklyn, New YorkFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 1/150, ISO 320This photo was taken just eight minutes earlier than the one above. I started shooting this scene down low along the rocks. But then I … — "Watching the storm roll in" June 2014, Brooklyn, New York
*Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 1/150, ISO 320*
This photo was taken just eight minutes earlier than the one above. I started shooting this scene down low along the rocks. But then I stood up and saw the couple with the umbrellas. As a rule of thumb, people are almost always more interesting than rocks.

"Covered Bridge at Sunset" March 2014, South Woodstock, VermontFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/4, 1/80, ISO 250In March, we planned a long weekend trip to Vermont. Two days before we were scheduled to go, a storm dropped 24 inches of snow across the state. … — "Covered Bridge at Sunset" March 2014, South Woodstock, Vermont
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/4, 1/80, ISO 250
In March, we planned a long weekend trip to Vermont. Two days before we were scheduled to go, a storm dropped 24 inches of snow across the state. While the snowstorm made for some harrowing driving moments on the less-plowed side roads, it also made for this covered bridge photo op, which is about as iconic Winter-In-Vermont as it gets. Much to my good fortune, they even left their Christmas Wreath up for St Patrick's Day.

"The Long Walk Back" March 2014, Burlington, VermontFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/16, 1/320, ISO 200When we checked into our hotel in Burlington, the concierge suggested we take a walk across the frozen Lake Champlain. This seemed like a terrible and dang… — "The Long Walk Back" March 2014, Burlington, Vermont
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/16, 1/320, ISO 200
When we checked into our hotel in Burlington, the concierge suggested we take a walk across the frozen Lake Champlain. This seemed like a terrible and dangerous idea. But sure enough, people were out there traipsing around all over the ice. So we took a walk on the lake. After all, "when in Rome." Sure enough, it was frozen solid, clear across to New York. This is the first time the winter has been cold enough for the lake to freeze since 2007.

"The Flatiron Building at Sunset" November 2014, New York CityFujifilm X-T1, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/30, ISO 800In November, we edited at a studio on 5th Avenue called Rock, Paper Scissors. This is the view from their kitchen. Wowsers.&nb… — "The Flatiron Building at Sunset" November 2014, New York City
Fujifilm X-T1, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/30, ISO 800
In November, we edited at a studio on 5th Avenue called Rock, Paper Scissors. This is the view from their kitchen. Wowsers.

"The Birdwatcher" November 2014, New York CityFujifilm XPro1, 63mm, f/4.5, 1/60, ISO 200The trouble with taking photos of iconic New York landmarks like the Bow Bridge in Central Park is that they've been photographed a zillion times befor… — "The Birdwatcher" November 2014, New York City
Fujifilm XPro1, 63mm, f/4.5, 1/60, ISO 200
The trouble with taking photos of iconic New York landmarks like the Bow Bridge in Central Park is that they've been photographed a zillion times before. Fortunately, this birdwatcher gave me the opportunity to capture something more unique than the typical postcard view.

"Two Bridges" May 2014, New York CityFujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 250 seconds, ISO 200Sticking with the bridge theme, here's one of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges that I shot from the East River Promenade. This was a four minute long exposure, whi… — "Two Bridges" May 2014, New York City
Fujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 250 seconds, ISO 200
Sticking with the bridge theme, here's one of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges that I shot from the East River Promenade. This was a four minute long exposure, which made the water on the East River go silky and created the sense of movement in the clouds.

"Brooklyn Bridge" May 2014, New York CityFujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 240 seconds, ISO 200Here's another shot from the same evening. I love how foggy the water looks around the pylons. The scene feels totally silent except for the flapping of the flag… — "Brooklyn Bridge" May 2014, New York City
Fujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 240 seconds, ISO 200
Here's another shot from the same evening. I love how foggy the water looks around the pylons. The scene feels totally silent except for the flapping of the flag on top of the bridge. (Of course, it was far from it, with horns blaring overhead on the FDR Expressway)

"Coney Island Reflected" June 2014, Brooklyn, New YorkFujifilm XPro1, 74mm, f/5, 1/750 seconds, ISO 200My favorite shot from Coney Island's raucous Mermaid Parade wasn't even of a mermaid. It was this quiet moment of an amused spectat… — "Coney Island Reflected" June 2014, Brooklyn, New York
Fujifilm XPro1, 74mm, f/5, 1/750 seconds, ISO 200
My favorite shot from Coney Island's raucous Mermaid Parade wasn't even of a mermaid. It was this quiet moment of an amused spectator, sitting on the boardwalk railing, taking in all the madness. I love how isolated he is against the blown-out sky. It's only when you see the reflections in his sunglasses that you get a sense of place. A jam-packed boardwalk with Deno's Wonder Wheel spinning in the background.

"Bonk" April, 2014 New York CityFujifilm XPro1, 35mm, f/4, 1/55 seconds, ISO 1250It's hard to create slapstick humor in a scene without any people. But when I spotted this poster at the Broadway/Lafayette Street subway station in SoHo, I k… — "Bonk" April, 2014 New York City
Fujifilm XPro1, 35mm, f/4, 1/55 seconds, ISO 1250
It's hard to create slapstick humor in a scene without any people. But when I spotted this poster at the Broadway/Lafayette Street subway station in SoHo, I knew I had to come back with my camera. I took this photo on 4/2/14, so it may have been inspired by April Fools Day. Or, more appropriately, tax day.

"Little Cupcake Bakeshop" January, 2014 New York CityFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/105 seconds, ISO 6400I love the feeling of this photo. There's something kind of Edward Hopper about it. And there are so many little d… — "Little Cupcake Bakeshop" January, 2014 New York City
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/105 seconds, ISO 6400
I love the feeling of this photo. There's something kind of Edward Hopper about it. And there are so many little details. The glimpse of the Empire State Building in the distance. The snowflake decorations that make the cupcake shop feel just a bit cozier. And the fact that the two people crossing on either corner of the street are perfect mirror images of each other.

"Indecent Proposal" May, 2014 Brooklyn, New YorkFujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 1/40 seconds, ISO 400I have so many questions. Was it a real marriage proposal? Did she say yes? Did they cash his check? Was the tiny shrub in the shippi… — "Indecent Proposal" May, 2014 Brooklyn, New York
Fujifilm XPro1, 14mm, f/8, 1/40 seconds, ISO 400
I have so many questions. Was it a real marriage proposal? Did she say yes? Did they cash his check? Was the tiny shrub in the shipping crate part of the proposal?

"Houston Street Noise" May, 2014, New York CityFujifilm XPro1, 35mm, f/8, 1/160 seconds, ISO 1600This famous mural on the corner of Houston and Bowery Streets has had rotating artist installations for 30 years, inc… — "Houston Street Noise" May, 2014, New York City
Fujifilm XPro1, 35mm, f/8, 1/160 seconds, ISO 1600
This famous mural on the corner of Houston and Bowery Streets has had rotating artist installations for 30 years, including work by Keith Haring and Shepard Fairey. I've just learned that the wall has been temporarily dismantled for the construction of a new building. This mural by Cope2 was the final installation.

"Welcome Freedom Creators" December, 2014, Edgewood, MarylandFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 1/160, ISO 200I took this photo just a few days ago. We were driving home for the holidays and pulled off I-95 to to get gas. This hotel was … — "Welcome Freedom Creators" December, 2014, Edgewood, Maryland
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/8, 1/160, ISO 200
I took this photo just a few days ago. We were driving home for the holidays and pulled off I-95 to to get gas. This hotel was next door. This is why you always carry a camera.

"MacDougal Street Snowstorm" January, 2014, New York CityFujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/2, 1/125 seconds, ISO 2500This year was one of the ten snowiest winters on record for New York City. So there was no shortage of picturesque sn… — "MacDougal Street Snowstorm" January, 2014, New York City
Fujifilm X100s, 23mm, f/2, 1/125 seconds, ISO 2500
This year was one of the ten snowiest winters on record for New York City. So there was no shortage of picturesque snowglobe-quality photo opportunities. But of all the winter photos that I took this year, this shot from Greenwich Village is my favorite. I took this photo while kneeling in the center of MacDougal Street. I snapped a few shots, played around with settings, and tried to compose something interesting. But then this guy stepped off the curb in the distance and crossed into the middle of street. Sometimes it's that tiniest of details that makes all the difference. The other photos from this series are totally unremarkable. This one is magic.

Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade 2014, East Village, New York

October 28, 2014 in Events, Photography, New York

On Saturday, Tompkins Square Park in New York's East Village hosted the 24th annual dog halloween costume parade. According to CNN, it's the largest dog costume parade in the world. It's also arguably the most adorable. Here are some of my favorites from the day. Pity Dog Halloween only comes once a year.

Shaya's 1st Birthday Party - Brooklyn, New York

October 23, 2014 in Events

A few weeks ago, I got to take the photos for our dear friends Shosh and Ari's daughter Shaya's first birthday party. Too many great photos to choose from, but here are a few of my favorite photos from the event. Cute overload!

Steve and Nick's Wedding - Central Park, New York

October 01, 2014 in Events, Photography, New York

Talk about an amazing destination wedding. On September 20th, Steve, Nick and 25 of their closest friends traveled from London to New York celebrate their union at the Cop Cot in New York's Central Park. They couldn't have asked for a nicer day. With perfect weather, lots of laughter and so many excited friends, the wedding was a joy to attend. Congratulations to Steve and Nick and thank you for your hospitality and the huge honor of photographing your wedding!

We started the day with some wedding portraits in Steve and Nick's hotel room at the Viceroy in midtown Manhattan. The light from the huge windows was fantastic. — We started the day with some wedding portraits in Steve and Nick's hotel room at the Viceroy in midtown Manhattan. The light from the huge windows was fantastic.

After a few pre-wedding portraits, we headed downstairs to Kingside to meet the guests for Champagne and pastries.

Afterwards, everyone headed over to Central Park for the wedding ceremony.

But first a few photos. (I'm always a sucker for the selfie shot.)

Steve and Nick's wedding took place Inside the Cop Cot, a rustic wooden gazebo on the crest of a hill at the southeast corner of Central Park

Rev. Annie Lawrence gave a beautiful ceremony.

And here's a picture of me taking a picture of them. Thanks for the behind the scenes shot, Rev. Annie Lawrence! — And here's a picture of me taking a picture of them. Thanks for the behind the scenes shot, Rev. Annie Lawrence!

Congratulations Steve and Nick! Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day!

September 11th, a Tribute in Light

September 11, 2014 in New York, Photography

Tonight, New York will remember the lives lost on September 11th with the annual Tribute in Light memorial. The Tribute is a breathtaking art installation made of 88 xenon light cannons which shine from the shadow of the World Trade Center into infinity. The lights can be seen from 60 miles away. I've spent the last two September 11ths capturing images of the display. Here are some of the better images from the Brooklyn waterfront (2012) and Lower Manhattan (2013).

Vesey Street, Manhattan 2013This is Robinson. He told me that his cousin passed away in the towers. He moved to the US from the Dominican Republic. On 9/11 he was 10 years old. — Vesey Street, Manhattan 2013
This is Robinson. He told me that his cousin passed away in the towers. He moved to the US from the Dominican Republic. On 9/11 he was 10 years old.

From the roof where they hold the light canons. Lower Manhattan, 2013

Event: Pooja and Chris's Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

September 08, 2014 in Events, Families, New York, Portraits, Photography

Last Friday night I had the pleasure of capturing the memories from Pooja and Chris's wedding rehearsal dinner aboard the Atlantis cruise yacht in New York. After a few portraits by the waterfront in Jersey City, we set sail along the Manhattan shoreline, with a trip up the Hudson and the East Rivers and a grand finale at the State of Liberty. Perfect weather, an amazing party and a very, very happy couple. Congratulations to Pooja and Chris!

Event: Debbie and Dan's Surprise 35th Anniversary Party

August 23, 2014 in Events, Families, Photography

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing Debbie and Dan's surprise 35th wedding anniversary party at F&G Pine Restaurant in the Bronx. It was a fantastic party. Their wonderful family came in from around New York, Connecticut and even Florida for the event. And Debbie and Dan were definitely surprised! Congratulations!