Quiet Pictures in the City

Came out of a job in Montana last week, Big Sky Country, and returned to NYC to teach two workshops in the concrete jungle. No big skies in the city, just big buildings, all comprised of unfeeling steel and glass.

Wouldn’t think the pic above would be, well, available in the Big Apple. But, waiting for my Nat Geo Expeditions group to show up at Bethesda Fountain, I turned and saw a sprinkler, spraying into backlit trees. I’ve been to the Redwoods a couple of times (thank you Moose!) and this came damn close. Okay, I exaggerate. Those trees are bigger. But such a sylvan scene, in the heart of the city? Made me smile.

And of course, this was just after teaching for Nikon School, which worked to create a truly special photographic opportunity on Ellis Island for a small, lucky group. The Save Ellis Island foundation, working hard to preserve the essence of that historically significant portal to the new world in the NY harbor, gave us access to the old hospital wing of the island, abandoned since the 50’s.

Another quietly beautiful, evocative place, within the bustling, tumultuous borders of the city.

Ellis is a truly haunting place, filled with memories. The abandoned rooms stand as testament to the bravery, fortitude and daring of all those who came, seeking freedom, and a new world.

Quiet beauty, right in the hustle of the city.

For the technically minded, all of the above made with the Nikon D500 camera, sporting the 16-80 DX lens. It has become my carry around, photo walkabout mainstay.

More tk….