world trade center – Photogeek Blog

Fear of Heights

While I can’t precisely pinpoint what started my fear of heights. I often recall several instances where I felt the pace of my heart, the oncoming sweat, and the jelly-like feeling in my legs quickly joining forces to end me. I took this picture in 1993 while working for Cantor Fitzgerald. I and many others had returned to work after some maniac planted and exploded a bomb in the parking garage. (Note that this was about eight years before the 9/11 attack.) During my lunch break, I attempted to take this picture to, perhaps, show the resilience and strength of the structure and the people who worked there. As I stood staring into the sky, my legs began to buckle. No matter how I repositioned myself, I couldn’t recapture my balance. It wasn’t until I went down on my knees that I could capture what you see below. In the years that followed, I could not cross bridges, enjoy observation decks or enjoy anything related to heights. Strange considering my first paid photo shoot required me to scale a waterfall located within the bear mountains. I’ve since faced my fears, but haven’t gotten past the rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or weakness in my knees that are sure to follow.

It’s All There for You to See

Art, Color, Downtown

As Dim Sum was the order of the day we hopped the PATH train headed to the WTC and headed up to our Mott St. destination. Taking our normal route through City Hall Park to the Court Houses and onto our final destination Mott St. The park, though small always offers something for the eyes and the sense. On this particularly overcast day. It was color. Hungry beyond belief. I could only spare seconds before I would start to gnaw on my own flesh. “Snap, Boom, Pop” and I was off. No time for pleasantries with the tour bus tourists. I plowed my way through to my prized Dim Sum.

As I often see myself wanting to leave my city to the tourists and all the other artless savages. I’m drawn in to it’s art, culture and ever evolving and continuously rewarding cuisine. Like that memorable quote from The Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Well done New York City. Well done Buddha Bodai. Well done indeed. I remain tangled in your web of deliciousness.

On the Way Home

Canon lenses and equipment, Finding your Zen, NYC

Shortly after the new year, we had an official Christmas dinner at my Dad’s place in Staten Island. Though we usually drive in when visiting. A early trip to Chinatown for dim sum meant we had to take the Ferry instead. Having lived on the Island for two years in my early twenties. I had taken my share of pictures from the deck of the ferry. As we returned that night I figured I’d take a few shots from the deck. Being that it had been nearly twenty years since I regularly took the ferry. It only seemed fit. Though it’s safe to say, night photography is not one of my strong suit. The night sky and it’s varied colors and textures more than welcome my untrained lens. So as we grew closer to the Manhattan side of our ride. I took my shots. Low and behold, they weren’t all that bad. It reminded me how I always enjoyed my ride home from The World Trade Center and Cantor Fitzgerald. How on a few occasions I was able to catch the warm sun setting over the Statue of Liberty. It was a nice moment. One that I was glad to have been able to share with my wife.

Stickin’ it to “The Man”

Uncategorized

Last night I took the Path to the World Trade Center to meet Kayuri in Chinatown for dinner. As you pass by the courts and other Federal buildings you can’t help but notice the barricades and security check points. As I noted in one of my older blogs. So much has changed since 9/11. As a photographer I am often stopped and even confronted by security guards, police and the like. Often being questioned why I’m taking pictures or being told in no uncertain terms “You are breaking the law by taking pictures here.” It’s something I’m used to and often prepared for. Sometimes you fight back. Other times you just play dumb and act as if you’re a unknowing tourist. So when I saw this guy skating and using this Court Building as his personal Skate Park…. Well, it made me smile ear to ear. I know from experience that this makes security guards and police NUTS. And as much as I’ve become a “Good Citizen”. It always brings me pleasure to see someone giving his middle finger to “The Man”. I was amazed at how long he was able to skate without garnering the attention of anyone official. If only everyone had their little moment to stick it to the man we’d probably all be a little happier.