Silent Rave - Union Square NYC

On Friday, there was a silent rave in Union Square. The concept is to load dance music to your iPod and come dance. I stopped by to see the activities just after it got underway.

I first went up to DSW for an aerial view. The window and contrasting light didn't bode well for a good photograph, but I thought I'd include it anyway so you get the idea.



When I went down into the masses, the crowd was full of all sorts of characters. This guy, dressed as he is and standing on a trash can nonetheless, was irked at all of the people taking his photo. What did he expect really?



I didn't get in the middle of things, but got a few shots from the edge. I liked this one. Dirty old man! LOL



This one doesn't really capture the essence of the dancing (no iPods, no movement), but I liked it anyway.



p.s. Obviously this was shot with the little point and shoot. =)

Last Attempt: En Garde!

Our last shooting location for Sports Photography was fencing. I must admit it was more successful than I had predicted.

Attempt 3: Swimming

Last week we went to this awesome facility to shoot swimming. I actually really liked this venue and the sport. It was probably the hardest to time, but I got my most successful shots here. Unfortunately, you won't get to see them. We were shooting minors, so I can't post them here. Boooo. Here are a few I feel I can include.





Sorry I can't show you more.

Stay tuned...this week is fencing!

Staten Island...Sort Of

On our latest adventure, we went to Staten Island. I know, everyone wants to know why. It was actually a great adventure filled with surprising treats.

Our first stop, after an unexpectedly good lunch of crepes, was the Tibetan Museum. We could only take photos outside and this statue was really the only interesting thing in the garden. Well, there were prayer flags as well, but the harsh afternoon light didn't lend well to photographing those.



Our next adventure was to the Rossville Boat Graveyard. That was the intent anyway. We had to make our way through sticker bushes and over old garbage to get to the swampy water's edge. Beware the toxic mud!



We couldn't actually get to the good part of the boat graveyard due to dogs, security guards and camera surveillance. Sheesh. I had to settle for rusted out garbage in the muck and the mission to find access another way.

Attempt 2: Hitting the Ice

So, our last class was shooting hockey. The lighting was a little better, but everything came out pretty underexposed (despite my exposure meter). It was also harder to get in a good spot and to shoot through the "glass." Here's how I did.

Sport Photography - Attempt 1: Basketball

After some thinking about what it is I like and if it can be combined with photography, I've signed up for Sports Photography at the School of Visual Arts. Our first shoot was league basketball at Chelsea Piers and well...I'm no protege for this stuff. Despite not wanting to post only "okay" shots here, I'm going to make an exception with these. We can see how I grow during the class...hopefully.

My only caveat (not excuse) is that I don't really have the ideal lenses for this type of photography, but here's what I got with what I do have. There are definitely some "that could've been great if _________" shots. Enjoy!

Jackson Heights, Queens

Yesterday, some friends and I went on a cultural adventure to Jackson Heights in Queens. Our focus was the few blocks known as "Little India." Here you can find shops dedicated to Indian foods, clothing, gifts, music, dvds, etc.

I tend to focus on the details, so here's an attempt to shoot wider.



Back to my details (that was quick)...look at this sad mannequin. Poor guy. Perhaps yellow isn't his color. I like this photo for the young girl reflected in his head. An added visual treat!



We stopped in a sweets shop for a chai break and some cherry naan. Delicious!



I liked this shot grabbed at the vegetable market. It makes me want a pina colada perhaps more than Indian food, but nonetheless...



We ventured up into the 80s where the neighborhood completely changes. This area is more populated by Latinos and the street under the elevated subway track is lined with food carts (definitely another adventure to be had there). Whatcha looking at fella?



Interesting indeed! (that's a splayed out pig if you can't tell, but the tamales to the right looked mmm, mmm, good!)