Tag Archives: New York city

Americana, Photography

In the Subway

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As a person who lives in a place with little to no public transportation options, subways fascinate me. I have to admit that I find them a bit confusing sometimes. Take the blue line to the yellow line, then go to the green line, then back to the blue line.  When I was in New York, I bought a metro pass intending to use the subway more than I actually did. However, there was construction going on and trying to figure out what detours and where was more than I wanted to do. So, I walked just about everywhere. I would leave extra early and stop for a snack or a beer when I got tired. It did give me the opportunity to take lots of pics. Anyway, here are some pics from the little bit that I did spend in the subway. 

I feel like this person may have been on the wrong platform. Everybody was standing on my side of the platform. But there was this lone person way across the tracks. Maybe he was waiting for someone. But it adds a little mystery to this photo. It is definitely one of my favorites from the trip.

Waiting for the train at Penn Station by Sharon Popek
Waiting for the train at Penn Station

The mosaics in the subway were a favorite subject. Everybody around me was ignoring them and fighting their way out of the station. Don’t worry, I didn’t hold anybody up when taking these photos!

To Penn Station by Sharon Popek
The platform at Penn Station
Pennsylvania Station mosaic sign
The platform at Penn Station
W is for Wall Street by Sharon Popek
At Wall Street Station

And sometimes the entrance to the station is just as cool. This is the Bowling Green station entrance. The head house was constructed in 1905. Look at that clock! You know I love street clocks and interesting doorways. This station entrance has it all!

Bowling Green Head House
The exterior of Bowling Green Station

Always be patient when traveling. Sometimes plans change, but you can make that work for yourself. Leave early, take your time, and have fun!

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Photography

I went to NYC and did a thing

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I had 2 pieces in a juried exhibition at the Salmagundi Club. So, we took the train up to NYC. Read about the trip up here. Once in New York, we ate and drank and walked. The walking was probably a sad thing to watch really. I was having back spasms and the mister had a cold. We did not take the town by storm. But we did have a good time. The reception for the show was packed. It was exciting for me to see my work on the wall with so many other beautiful pieces. 

Dinner

Before the show, we went to Burger and Lobster for dinner.  The service was excellent. I also had the best Dark and Stormy ever. We both got lobster rolls and were fat and happy when we left.

Artist’s Reception

When we got to the Salmagundi Club, we noticed a long line for the coat check. There is a restaurant in the club, so we thought it might be for that. Nope. Turns out all of these people were there for the show! We made our way to the gallery, where we found this.

We made our way to where my pieces were and took a few quick pics before the crowd swept us around to see the rest of the show. 

  • They looked great in this spot!
  • There were so many people, it was difficult to get a good pic without somebody’s head in there.

We made it back home, despite the fact that we almost missed our stop on the way home. But that’s another story.  

Photography

Photography Exhibition

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I have great news! Two of my pieces have been accepted into a gallery exhibition in New York City. The show is going to be held at the Salmagundi Art Club from February 3 – February 16. These are the 2 images accepted into the Glimpses of our World photography exhibition are below. 

Taken in New York City in September 2018, this images is one of my all time favorite window reflections. 

Red Silver by Sharon Popek

This was taken while walking around New York City, also in September. I love the juxtaposition of the historic building with the newer, more modern glass skyscraper. The Empire State Building peaks out between the two. 

Between the Old and New by Sharon Popek

My husband and I will be traveling up on the train for the show. I’m sure I’ll get more pics of New York while I’m there!

Thank you for visiting!

Americana, Photography

Black and White vs. Color Part 2

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I posted about my indecision on black and white vs. color photos. This blog is going to discuss when there is no question. It must be black and white. 

A Good Night for Pizza

This image was taken at night in New York City. Often, images taken at night can have an odd color shift. This image had some pretty green tinges. Yes, I can color correct the image. But sometimes it creates other weirdness or I simply don’t like the image in color.

  • A good night for pizza by Sharon Popek
    A good night for pizza in black and white
  • A Good Night for Pizza by Sharon Popek
    A Good Night for Pizza with color correction
  • A Good Night for Pizza by Sharon Popek
    A Good Night for Pizza with no correction

Waiting for the Train

This is another image that looks better as a black and white. The color just takes away from the subject of the image. 

  • Metro photo by Sharon Popek
    A lone person waiting across the platform on the metro ©Sharon Popek
  • Waiting for the Train by Sharon Popek
    Waiting for the train in color

Avenue of Americas

The street sign for the Avenue of Americas looks better in black and white. The lights glow more. The color version just feels dull to me. 

  • Avenue of Americas by Sharon Popekk
    The street sign for the Avenue of the Americas with a street clock.
  • Avenue of Americas by Sharon Popek
    The Avenue of Americas in New York City.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Feel free to comment and share the link to your own blog. 

Americana, Photography

Black and White or Color

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This is an interactive blog. I would like your feedback and opinion on this images. I have a hard time deciding if I like the black and white or color versions better. Of course, in the end, I usually offer both in my shop. But it is nice to get feedback. So let me which you prefer and why.

New York Public Library

  • NYC Library bw by Sharon Popek
    The steps of the New York Public Library in black and white
  • NYC library by Sharon Popek
    The New York Public Library entry

When on the train to NYC, I met a lady who told me I had to go see the Public Library. She did not lie. 

Trefoil Arch Central Park

  • The Trefoil Arch in Central Park in black and white.
  • Central Park Tunnel color by Sharon Popek
    The Trefoil Arch in Central Park Color

I love this tunnel. I have seen other photos and was excited when I came across it while wandering the park. I had to wait for a few people to come along and walk through to get this image. I prefer the black and white. It  emphasizes the shapes and textures better. What do you think?

The New York Times Building

  • New York Times by Sharon Popek
    The front of the New York Times in black and white
  • New York Times by Sharon Popek
    The front of the New York TImes

When I looked up and saw this, I knew that I had to take a picture of it. I am torn on which I prefer. I like the more modern feel of the color version. But I really like the classic touch of the black and white.

Between the Old and the New

  • Between the Old and the New Color by Sharon Popek
    Between the Old and the New Color
  • Between the Old and New by Sharon Popek
    Between contemporary and historic buildings is the Chrysler Building peaks out.

The thing I love most about traveling in large cities is this. When modern meets historic and a classic in between. I can’t pick which I like better. Maybe you can!

Glass House Tavern Sign

  • Glass House Tavern by Sharon Popek
    The color version of the Glass House Tavern Sign.
  • Glass House Tavern sign by Sharon Popek
    The sign for the Glass House Tavern is simple but I love it

I found the simplicity of this sign to be eye catching. Shoe horned in with the big showy marquees of Times Square, it caught my attention. The black and white image feels like classic, like it could have been taken in the early days of photography.

I look forward to your input on these images! Also, feel free to link to your own blog in the comments below.

Prints of all images are available in my shop.

Americana, Photography

New York City Day 2

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See Rhode Island or Bust and New York City Day 1 for the beginning of the trip.

I got online and bought a ticket to the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island tour for early Monday morning. I had read that mornings were the best time to go. I checked the subway map to plan my route. So, on Day 2 in New York City, I headed out bright and early, looking for breakfast.

Bumps in the Road

Did I mention that it was Labor Day? Holidays change everything. The streets were virtually empty and everything was closed. So, breakfast was a coffee and muffin from the only small market open.

An empty street scene in NYC ©Sharon Popek
Penn Station Steps with a single person on the steps ©Sharon Popek
The front of Penn Station, empty and quiet.
A lone person waiting across the platform on the metro ©Sharon Popek

At Penn Station, I discovered that there was construction on the line I needed to take to Battery Park. Battery Park is where Statue Cruises is located. So, the line that goes straight there, was closed. So, some helpful metro workers told me to take Line 2 to a different stop and get on the free shuttle that would go to Battery Park. At the stop, there was no shuttle and the sign said it would not arrive for another 30 minutes.  According to my phone, I could walk there in 20. So, off I went. I took lots of photos on the way. Here are a few. It took me a little longer than 20 minutes. There was construction, thus closing the sidewalk and I had to take a detour.

An image of the 911 memorial in New York City ©Sharon Popek
American Stock Exchange ©Sharon Popek
The Chrysler Building peeking out between a building in NYC

Boat Rides and 195 Steps

On the boat over, I had a great view. But once we started getting close, people started crowding in front of me. I managed to snag a few shots before too many people came in.

NYC Panoramic
Sailing
Statue of Liberty from the boat
Historic Ellis Island against the NYC skyline ©Sharon Popek

I visited the Statue of Liberty first. I walked up 195 to the pedestal because the elevator was packed and full elevators are on my list of “probably not”. I made it up to the pedestal and got a great view of the city and the grounds below. If you go, you will have to get a locker. Be prepared for frustration and waiting in line for this. Either way, I’m glad I went. It was worth every step.

The view from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek
The statue from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek
National Park Service building ©Sharon Popek
These bolts hold Liberty together ©Sharon Popek
The signs say “Area of Refuge” by Sharon Popek
NYC Panoramic
The original Statue of Liberty torch ©Sharon Popek

Ellis Island

I and 50,000 other people decided it was time to get back on the boat and go to Ellis Island. By the time I made it off the boat and out of the crowd, I was pretty tired. But I walked around the place and took some photos.

A copy of the book of names
Main hall in Ellis Island
Entrance to Ellis Island

Back in NYC

After disembarking at Battery Park, I found a kiosk selling cold beer and could not refuse.  I bought a beer and walked around for a bit. Then I returned to the room for a long nap.

A monument to refugees in Battery Park
The Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park
Cold Beer on hot day in NYC

After my nap, I found an Indian place for dinner. It was delicious. The garlic naan was spot on.

Saag Paneer
Garlic Naan
Skylight Diner at night
A good night for pizza in black and white

After walking 11 miles and taking tons of photos, it was time to retire. The next day would be more walking, sweating, drinking, and photos.

 

 

Photography

New York City Day 1

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When it was time to leave Providence (see Rhode Island or Bust), E dropped me at the station early because I did not know what to expect. Would it be like the airport? Would I have to remove my shoes and take out my electronics and shampoo? Would I get the joy of a pat down? Nope, none of that. They did have police walking around, watching for suspicious behavior, I suppose. That left me with some time to kill, so I went down and took some photos of the platforms. When it was time to board, I hopped on and grabbed a comfy seat. Coach seats on trains are nice and cushy. After everyone found a spot, no seat assignments here, we were off. I was headed to New York City, just me and my camera.

The interior of the Amtrak station in Providence, Rhode Island.
People waiting for the train
The train platform in Providence, RI.
Waiting for the train in Providence

On the Train

I sat next to a very nice woman from Florida. Her daughters lived in New England and she was visiting them. She told me to visit the Public Library in New York. So, I added it to my list. There are several reasons to love the train. One of those is that you can have a conversation without everyone else in the whole place hearing what you say. It’s also easy to get up and move around.  I visited the snack bar where the cashier told me about the time he visited East Tennessee and loved it. There’s also the views.  I got to see so much of New England that I would not have seen otherwise. It made me want to visit the places I viewed from the train.

A view from the train
A view from the window

Made it NYC

The train pulled into Penn Station and I had a moment of what now? I had researched the location of my Airbnb and the exits were clearly marked, so I found my way out easily. The Airbnb was only 3 blocks from the station. I made my way there and there was a nice guy waiting to give me a key card and show me to my room. It was a private room with a shared bath and kitchen area. I had reservations about the shared bath, but it ended up not being an issue for me. I only ran into the other tenants once in the 4 days I was there.

Skyscrapers ©Sharon Popek
Right outside of my Airbnb

What Now

The biggest problem with visiting a place like New York City without specific plans is there are so many options, it’s hard to decide what to do. I took a shower and relaxed for a bit before deciding to hit the streets in search of food and drink. It was Sunday and quite a few of the nearby places were already closed or closing soon. But I found Jack Doyle’s Irish Pub and Grill and planted myself at the bar. After a couple of perfectly poured Guinnesses and a delicious Caprese Salad, I was ready to go to bed and start again the next day.

The marquee for Jack Doyle’s Pub and Grill
Caprese for dinner
A perfectly poured Guinness
The New Yorker from my window

Stay Tuned

Watch for Day 2! The next installment includes a trip to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, more beer, and lots of walking.