Tag Archives: New York

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, Year End

Things I did and did not do in 2018

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Every January, I set goals for myself. Sometimes those goals are small. Sometimes they can be far fetched and high reaching. In January of 2018, I set 3 goals for myself. I did not do any of them. However, I don’t feel like I failed myself. Because life changes, it’s important to be fluid and willing to change direction. So instead of completing my original goals, I found myself meeting goals I did not even know I had. 

Bohemia Moravia Prague Travel Map by Sharon Popek
Bohemia Moravia Prague Travel Map

My first goal was to create a training video. I have developed a strong desire to share my knowledge with others. But I guess I’m having a hard time convincing myself that people want or need that knowledge. I know that I should do it anyway, it’ll make me better at what I do. On a side note, I did create a video of my work flow for my new job. But cannot share it on here.

Speaking of jobs, I lost my job in July of 2018. This changed things drastically for me. I had to find a new job and so will not have actual vacation time until next year. That means, there was no beach trip for me. However, when I was unemployed, I was able to help a friend and go to New York City for a couple of days. This helped create a huge opportunity for me. I took some great photos and even got a couple of them into a juried show.

Ellis Island by Sharon Popek
Historic Ellis Island against the NYC skyline ©Sharon Popek

The loss of my job did give me a little kick in the butt and I have started my own commercial product photography business. So, that studio that I was going to set up? When I was out of work, I started really working on that.  I bought new strobes and have done several freelance jobs. However, now that I am back at a nine to five job, it’s hard to get myself motivated to finish it. It’s also difficult to pick up work, since I can only work after hours or weekends. 

So, I find myself at the end of 2018, goals unfinished. As I said before, it’s important to be willing to change direction when life tells you to. So, 2019 will have new goals. I may not meet those either. But I have no doubt that I will still do some awesome things! 

Hopeful ©Sharon Popek
Reflections and rainbows and hope by Sharon Popek
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 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.

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.