Little Italy - The Bronx by brewgirlca
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Description
Zoom is a must.
FaeMike said he wanted some stories again. Here's a real one from my recent trip to New York.
So I stand at a red light and I do my metering - soon there will be no time to waste. Then the light turns green, I step rapidly into the street, turn my back to the traffic and fire off a few quick blasts, taking in whatever hits my viewfinder at the moment, no time for thought, just aim and shoot, and then high tail it for the safety of the sidewalk! Did this for three more days, didn't even bother to take a close look at the shots until I got home. Several were crap, about half were good and a few were gorgeous.
We had just suffered several sweltering days of 105 F temps with 100% humidity in the Bronx. We were cooked. No air conditioning at the conference because we were in a government building and New York law mandates that during a heat wave, government buildings must conserve power for private and corporate use. But now the conference was over and two of us were looking for a brew in the Bronx.
We wound up in Umberto's Clam House where we quaffed three pints each of Sam Adam's Boston Lager. Not my favorite "microbrew" but I would've gladly settled for a Bud by then. The tap lady recognized me from having been there two nights before and so she treated us to a round on the house. Nice.
Then my friend left to hook up with a graduate student to talk shop. By then I was done talking shop and was in no mood to step out into the horrific heat again anytime soon. I stayed at Umberto's. I had a scrumptious meal of what they are famous for, Clam Chowder.
Then it happened. During the hour or so we had been at the bar a huge storm had blown in - unnoticed by either of us engaged as we were in hearty conversation and enjoying our beer. A torrent of water washed from the sky, clearing the stinky streets of Little Italy in a matter of minutes. Water poured onto the parched pavement, instantly cooling the baked concrete and producing a wonderful fine vaporous mist. I wondered if my buddy had made it back to the dorms or if he had been pummeled? Would serve him right for leaving me there on my own, not that I'm not used to it by now mind you.
Storm blew over and now it's time to leave. Streets are beautiful, drenched in pure black water; too good an opportunity to pass by. I decide to play a bit of a daring game. So many shots of big cities are from the sidewalk, not many from middle of the street. Time to try something different.
Here's one of them. It's from my first rush on Arthur Avenue.
Comments (32)
magnus073
Fantastic capture here Roxy, it really did turn out great considering all you had to go through to get it. Love the story behind this one of your time spent at Umberto's, and wish a rain storm like that would come our way :)
0rest4wicked
The narrative goes so good with your post work. A phenomenal piece!!!
Blush
Great capture like magnus said with what all you had to go through to get it... and this is great...... Hugs Susan~
SidheRoseGraphics
This is an outstanding image, Roxy. Totally taken by it and the post-fx with the wet streets. Really cool looking. You are brave girl!
twelvemark21
Excellent capture, fantastic mood and a sense of timelessness created via your post-work.
Faemike55
the image is just so cool and the postwork is outstanding. The story is just so cool, and even though I've just finished a great dinner of spaghetti (homemade), I'd gladly dive into a big bowl of clam chowder Your timing on the shot is great
eekdog
sorry about them temps my friend, mighty hot, but sure has not stopped your amazing work behind the lens my friend.. take care..
barryjeffer
Wow Roxy this is awesome... great work for a shot you had to rush. I love the gritty finish. Brilliant!!!!
galung
It is hard I think In in the hottest summer. It is great photo
zil2008
A walk on the wildside after a few brews to get this great shot.Like the b/w action on it.
Chipka
This is one of those amazing shots I look at and simply gawk for a time. One of those shots I always want to take. I've managed a few shots that please me, but none, actually like this. I think it's all a matter of time and place, and even a degree of un-familiarity with a place. As I'm in Chicago, I can't see it with any eyes but jaded so-done-with-Chicago-it's-not-even-funny eyes, despite the fact that there are things here worth paying attention to. That's an important part of photography and any sort of visual art, I think: knowing what kind of eye you have and when/where to use it. Of course, having multiple eyes helps, and I suspect that you've got multiple eyes. I know you do, since you work in multiple artistic media. This is a gorgeous shot. I love the overall mood and the accompanying story is a wonderful slice of life. Excellent!
renecyberdoc
the way you describe drinking the beer so vivid i hear you slurping heheheheheh. and say aloud aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh like in an add lol.
BessieB
Brilliant and great narrative.
shingleboot
Love the black and white of this image and all the different textures.
whaleman
Ah, brewgirl's been drinking, LOL! And a nice result, the rain has washed away all of the day's blood from the streets of Little Italy...try as I might I could see no trace of red whatever!
crender Online Now!
Fantastic!!!
Rhanagaz
Great fast shot, Roxy!! Sometimes the improvised is the best!! :o)
Ash888
Looks Great! Like something from an old b/w movie. That was certainly an unusual way to take shots you did there. I sometimes wondered how they do it when you see pics from the middle of a busy street and they have obviously not been taken from behind a cars windshield.
KarmaSong
A wonderful b/w postwork for this atmospheric photo. I remember walking in the streets of Little Italy on my two visits to NYC, and I loved it.
MineFujiko
Cool, monochrome image, Roxy-sensei!
vintorix
Interesting effect! The best thing with reading Roxanne's stories is that you learn so much. I can't wait until the next time I come to New York so I can use my new words like sweltering, a brew in the Bronx, tap lady, pummeled, high tail it. Dropped casually of course en passant so people understand you are familiar with the latest streeth lingo.
photosynthesis
On first glance, I thought this looked like a negative of a daytime shot. Though blackness dominates this scene, it also seems unnaturally bright. The reflections on the wet street reveal fascinating abstract patterns & your decision to completely blacken that patch of sky was a very good one. A very creative & atmospheric piece of work that seems like it should be accompanied by some jazz playing in the background. I grew up in NYC & have been to Little Italy in Manhattan, but didn't even know there was one in the Bronx. And, finally, I;m glad you survived your daring little game - don't try it during rush hour...
odile
Fantastic shot and I like your narrative A LOT! :)
vitachick
Excellant storyline....I type the way I talk...Not recommended for any scholar lol...
Dreamdesigner
wonderful capture and interesting postwork:-)But your stories brings the photos to the real life Roxy:-)) Also,I think all that big cities incredibly hot,crowd and dangerous!..Especially after the latest climatic instability we live in!:-) thank you for sharing your wonderful photos and info's with us my friend:-)))
drifterlee
Very cool shot. I like the black and white!
Tracesl
excellent
RodS Online Now!
Holy cow, Girl.... If I drank 3 pints of anything with alcohol in it, you'da had to drag my sorry butt all the way home! I'm a really cheap drunk LOL! In addition to your wondeful photography AND artwork skills, you have a delightful and dynamic writing style. This missive has a wonderful Mike Hammer-esq style top it - very befitting the Bronx. Love the photo, love the solarized effect, and love your story about how you did it.
3dpoetry
Amazing pictograph, sensational in full view
art-digital
magnifique