Just had the pleasure of wandering the Big Apple in search of the lights of the holidays, in the company of some very cool photogs, and with that preeminently talented duo, Fancy Girl Street Boy. (Otherwise known as Liza Politi and Ari Espay.)
The swarming holiday crowds indicate the city is back, at least in terms of visitors, once again brimming over with its customary energy and verve. Moving through streets was like playing rugby, and finding a seat in a restaurant akin to searching for the lost ark.
Times Square, never a shrinking violet of a locale, even had a constant air blast going through the grates near the statue of Father Duffy where folks could step in and go for a Marilyn pose.
And then there was SantaCon.
As their website says….“SantaCon is a charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year to spread absurdist joy.”
And trust me, these goodhearted people are up for a snap.
Santa’s galore! And Santa’s helpers.
It was such a congenial crowd that I was able to shoot and move literally on full auto, and rarely even looked through the camera. I was using Z 9, with the new 17-28mm f2.8, on aperture priority about -.3EV, eye detect AF. And my light was a Profoto A10, programmed on Auto, at about +.5EV, and fitted with the new ProClic softbox. Light was controlled, seamlessly, from the new Connect Pro. Shoot and move.
Great crowd, great fun. Many thanks to the organizers who let me climb the bus.
And thanks to Ari Espay, who made the snap of me above.
Happy Holidays to all….peace on the streets, and everywhere…..
More tk…
You must had a blast doing this, I just went to my local church to a mass to celebrate the virgin of Guadalupe and I managed to get some nice shots, not as good as yours but at least I got to take my camera out and use it. Thanks for sharing this Joe, you are the best.
All best back to you, Jorge….enjoy the holidays!
Just finished reading your latest book THE REAL DEAL and enjoyed every Page. I am going to try to find your older books if they are available.
Happy Holidays to you and yours over the holidays Mr. McNally
Same back! Glad you enjoyed it. The other titles are still up and running on Amazon….all best, Joe
OMG how fun! ??
I look back at your body of work and see how NY has both filled and broken your heart along the journey. To me -this post represents the culmination of every single happy moment NY has ever given you. Maybe it is the most wonderful time of year.
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Joe.
What a wonderful, thoughtful note. All best to you for 23!