After the patio lounging episode on Sunday we made our way back to Manhattan and brought ourselves to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock.

Now that you’re looking at this web page I think that you deserve advanced notice. In this entry I will visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island. I arted the shit out of that place. Just so you’re aware… just so when it happens you won’t be able to say you were not warned. There’s some serious art up ahead. It is not the standard product I push, but trust me when I say that you’ll be back for more.

Weather was great. Still hot and humid, but smoggy.

Switched to some 125px.

Sure why not.

70 stories above New York. To the north you can see most of Central Park. To the south is the Empire State Building and further south is downtown and the financial district.

Back on the ground I got more interested in what I had been on top of.

We’d spent a long time up there and become hungry again so we went searching for a good place to eat. Passed up the M&M store…

125px was starting to get a bit slow.

How about that?

After wandering in circles for ever we managed to find a Thai restaurant that was cheap and delicious. Then we wandered back towards the Times Square area to take in the beauty.

When I saw these guys pull up to the light I was thinking I might have a great photo in front of me so I bent my elbows and waited for something interesting on the massive screen across the street. It seemed totally irrelevant, even ugly, and discouragingly I lowered my camera. At the same moment they all noticed me and got excited. Click. There’s no evidence on the negative that the girl was wearing anything at all on her feet. Interesting choice.

That was at Starbucks.

Such is the value of space.

On Monday morning my first stop was at the post office to send some post cards home.

Monday was forecast as being dodgy weather wise. A bit of a storm passed through in the morning but it cleared up quickly and so we decided to head for Liberty/Ellis island in hopes that it would be a little less busy that day.

When I got to Battery Park, that was happening.

I guess that’s something horrific meant to inspire hatred of unknowable foreign enemies and encourage a patriotic support for war. The Statue of Liberty on the far left and Ellis Island mid-frame.

What I wanted to capture was the degree that the boat suddenly leaned the moment we were within proximity of the statue as everyone rushed to that side of the boat. But I couldn’t seem to get a good frame of it at the time.

Yeah.

That’s totally what it looks like when you put the sun behind her torch.

Here is the icon of freedom in America, complete with black helicopter.

A group of boy scouts pass through the Registry room at Ellis Island. Between 1892 and 1954 twelve million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island. Most of them passed through this room.

Off to the side of that room was a room of tiny bunks where children slept. The room seemed creepy and rather claustrophobic. The bunks are smaller and tighter than they look here. I thought of how scary it might have been to spend nights there as a child in a foreign place, but for many it must have been such a comfort compared to the journey that lead them here.

For some reason the crank to operate the windows was fascinating.

That was a long day out in the heat of the sun through the queue to the ferries, the ferries and the islands. We went to do some more shopping on Broadway that evening and then found a place to have some greasy food. I had a bacon cheeseburger and Randy enjoyed a Reuben while we listened in to a conversation between the waiter and this fat kid who was sitting at the bar with his dad. The kid’s like “ey! Amigo! How about that chocolate deep fudge cake and I want a raspberry sauce on the side.” I almost spat out my beer and I’m like Randy did you hear that?

When we paid our bill and walked past to exit, father was asking him how he liked that dessert with the raspberry sauce and encouraging him to finish all that, and in a fabulous New York accent that I hadn’t heard too much of. Priceless experience.

First night in Washington. It was midnight by the time we were settled and found a meal, but having a hotel a few blocks from the White House made it too easy to wander.

Around the corner, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building was almost completely covered in scaffolding.

Coming from Canada I was initially startled by scenes like this chest thumping American patriotism (even amongst renovations) which seemed to imitate Nazi aesthetic. I don’t know if it is just because I am foreign, but the American flag and accompanying styling impress upon me none of the comfort that I imagine is intended. As a visitor, these displays served mostly as dramatic and frequent reminders that I am personally conflicted over what America represents in the world today.

Nevertheless, I was there to work and do my part in Ameruhkee. At the conference center things were still quiet apart from the impressive security presence. I was there a few days early for setup.

Since we had no internet access yet in the room in which we were meant to work, the only option was to walk out into the common areas for wifi. Checkin’ da e-mail.

Andrew standing in front of the racks where I did most of my work.

I thought I’d get this shot and then another when it was full of people, but I later learned that full of people made me not so inspired.

We arrived on the east coast in to a record breaking heat wave. Forecast: “Highs of 38 °C. Feels like: 42 °C.” Awesome.

In the crew meal room I went in to decisive moment capturing mode.

Since it was so amazing to me I had to go back to see that building again.

But this time continued on to the National WWII Memorial as the evening began to set in. It sits at the other end of the reflecting pool, opposite the Lincoln Memorial.

Lincoln Memorial in the background. Shooting 1/4 s by that point.

Fortunately, they keep ol’ Abe pretty well lit.

I had to switch angles after I began to appreciate how dominant his hands and feet were.

Sitting out on the steps infront of Abe looking across the reflecting pool.

After some long days at work we finally found an opportunity to head to the Smithsonian.

A glimpse of the DC metro. Which was interesting to be inside after playing Fallout 3.

Right here we’re riding what was perhaps the most incredible escalator I’ve ever ridden. At first I actually thought there was a performance going on up ahead outside, some kind of drunk saxophonist, then I realized that no; it was actually the escalator, moaning, wheezing and grinding its way around and around. That’s at the Archives station, by the way, in case they still haven’t fixed it.

Also, you can find the shot from the other side a couple images down over on this internet web site.

With so many options and not enough time our group split in two, half heading to the National Museum of Natural History and half to the Air and Space Museum.

Crossing the park in front of the Capitol. If you’re keen you’ll find the ball.

That was right outside the McDonald’s built in to the side of the Smithsonian. They might actually use that to drive hamburger buns around.

Once inside I hung out with my buddy in the space station. I really didn’t end up making much photography there because our time was limited and I wanted to read and look at things while I had the chance.

For some reason I kept thinking of Reporter in Generation Kill, and then my buddy JJ walked up and said the same fuckin thing.

The Soviet half of the Apollo-Suyuz Test Project. A recreation of it anyway.

The Hubble Test Telescope.

JJ in front of the SS-20 and Pershing-II nuclear missiles.

We had dinner at a secret destination one evening. It was a long, mysterious drive and when we got there the tables were sticky, but the food was alright. The deep-fried dill pickles were interesting.

Riding on a bus to some place called the Newseum where there was a party that night.  I saw that on the way.

Then I saw this which I rushed to get since the bus was unloading. But I didn’t notice those fellas entering the frame.

Newseum turned out to be very interesting and I ended up mostly ignoring the party and wandering the exhibits which were almost empty due to the private function. It is basically a museum dedicated to journalism and they have some fascinating displays including the largest section of the Berlin Wall to be found outside of Germany. Nearby there is also a three-story East German guard tower that once stood near Checkpoint Charlie. All very humbling to stand amongst, even so displaced of context.

I was going to make a photo of another section and then these guys stood there.

This is the Journalists Memorial. Here are honored the names of over 2000 reporters, photographers, and broadcasters whose lives have been lost while at work.

Once out of the party we jumped on a bicycle taxi that gave us a tour through more of the city. I hadn’t been to the Jefferson Memorial yet, but I also hadn’t been to the bathroom in a while so I took the opportunity to pee in some of his nice bushes.

Him again.

The WWII Memorial at night.

I made this photo mostly because it resonated perfectly with almost everything I had seen so far in DC. The dedication made to remembrance is stronger in this place anywhere else I’ve been. Sometimes I thought that it was difficult to judge whether this imposition of self-importance was legitimate or just dramatic. But mostly it was awe inspiring because where I come from our ancestors are not celebrated with such extravagance.

The last night of the conference, and one more party.

Some sort of art.

Our last night in DC. My team got together and went out for some drinks. The next day we were splitting up for different destinations.

And that was DC. Next stop, New York.

I should also mention, since I asked a number of individuals to stay tuned to my blog for photography from my USA travels, that I’ll begin posting some of that in the next post. So maybe you will want to look at that.

That’s Frankie.

That’s Jenny.

That’s kind of esoteric.

At the Biltmore, waiting for the show.

That’s Bob Log the THIRD.

He’ll celebrate the end of every song with a fist raised.

Sometimes he wants to know how he did that.

Where was that scotch?

Already another scotch on offer.

His shit’s perfect.

Some days (especially when there’s a camera nearby) it’s a good idea to chase a dog in circles.

This story ends like that.

Leaving home one day during May, I walked out the door to this scene.

The rider is sitting on the curb, quite lucky to be okay.

Tenant played music for me, which I liked.

Here we were, waiting to cross the street.

I can’t remember where we were headed though. Probably the liquor store.

We celebrated Dave’s birthday by Trout Lake on a nice evening.

That car had some shit on it.

Eating the frosty at the park.

Playing the banjo by the sunset.

Hopefully that series made a lot of sense to you.

Here we are heading out to visit with the family, my sister incorporated some of the makeup tips my father had offered.

Apparently I thought it was important to do that.

Here’s that.

Here’s a birdie.

Here’s… that.

Here’s the garage, with a variety of scenery.

He missed.

I thought grandpa was waiting to tell me something but I made the photo and then he walked away. My sister and I consulted to determine that he meant to offer me a beer.

These kind of things happen when you have a computer camera in your hands.

Sorry, you’re not allowed to do that.

The reason for our visit.

Later I met up with an old friend.

We’re going back home here, even though it looks like we’re going the same direction we were going before.

Well, I guess I just sent that all to the internet. Oops.

Backyard moments.

When you’re young, you’re not allowed to use the garden hose. But having been turned off recently there remained some lingering pressure to get excited about.

But it didn’t last long.

Time to fall down and feel depressed on the concrete.

Then again, there’s other things to get done.

Moody shots from upstairs inside the red barn.

It is necessary sometimes to employ a flash to capture the decisive moment.

One day we went to the Bloedel Conservatory. I wrote about that trip in a previous blog entry but I never developed this film until now.

Our Town. This little series reads like a dialog.

Yep.

Something about these tourists was not quite right.

Back for another visit.

The sun had just set. The Where’s Waldo of lovers in the landscape.

The desire to finish off that roll coincided with a nice afternoon view from my apartment.

This fella had a funky dance as he glued his posters up. I made this frame and then waited a long time for another, hoping he’d look my way but I left frustrated.

Dad’s giving my sister some make-up tips there.

My sister was enjoying a nice coffee.

Dom left.

Bye, Dom.

That’s Loscil performing at Red Cat Records.

I enjoyed that.

The Main for some brunch by the window.

She’s saying something.

Another day, and brunch at Habit.

You won’t hear it often, but that would be better in colour.

This is that photo that I wouldn’t normally make, but when you already have the camera at your face you sometimes decide ‘why not?’ and then it’s your favourite shot on the roll.

For anyone who doesn’t understand graduated licensing in BC, it’s required to display that L when one has a Learner’s Licence. I think this photo is special because it isn’t just a Porsche Cayenne, it isn’t even just a Porsche Cayenne S, or a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It’s a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. It’s never a bad idea to learn to drive on a six figure 550 horsepower eurominivan, at least that’s what I’ve always said.

John didn’t have much to say about that.

But Randy was quite impressed.

Enjoying the rest of the evening sunlight.

And checking out what the neighbors are up to.

We were at the park another evening to throw a disc around.

I had lunch with Gil Grissom.

Just something that I saw.

Hmm, I wonder what’s next.

I just returned from a trip through DC and New York, a combination of work and vacation where I shot a lot of film. I’ve found a sizeable backlog of neglected photos to push while I scan and edit about 20 rolls.  But this is a photoblog and words are just more space to scroll past.

This was the result of faulty beer packaging. Quite disappointing. You can see Olympic hockey on the TV in the background that we are eager to get back to. But the situation was made right by a new case from the shop keeper.

Making sure the second one is not defective as well.

I went to Our Town with a nice lady, big surprise.

I’ve made this photo before, 4 years ago. It’s hopeless, I cannot find it.

This is a photo of Paul at the restaurant.

What’s that a photo of?

Canada won the gold in hockey that day.

With a 50mm it was difficult to capture the epic sprawl of coach buses lined up over the Cambie St bridge towards downtown. They were waiting for passengers who were at the closing ceremonies.

With our nations victory, spirits were high, so we ate some greasy cheeseburgers.

Those are chocolate chip cookies.

Winter light.

Coffee and reading.

Peaking out the window from the same seat.

This band is called The Lonely Forest. They were here to open for We Were Promised Jetpacks, a great band who came to town when it was March.

We Were Promised Jetpacks taking the stage.

I liked them so much, I bought a t-shirt.

A classic Vancouver view.

I think that is the washroom at Budgies Burritos?

I thought that sweater was impressive.

Some other time and place, awaiting the Hawkers Delight.

Outside my favourite book store in Vancouver. That day they had agreed to take on a truck load of used books. I wondered if there was much in there that was worth their time.

I was visiting this space over and over during those months. The site where my favourite breakfast spot, Slickity Jim’s, burned to the ground.

Transporting to happier times, a few of us took a trip to this parking lot. Stopping to get the head excavated.

Actually, we’d gone to the Aquarium.

Proving it with a fish.

And swaying little sand aliens, SO CUTE.

Pit stop for soft drinks and french fries.

Then we waited for dolphins to entertain us like the subservient slaves they are.

Wasn’t expecting to see chimps at the aquarium.

This guy was cool, but fast.

At the computer terminal, visitors could ask questions and also reply. I knew the answer to that question. Nice little frame to help date the film.

Blogging is hard work! As you can see there is still a ways to go before I get to July. But we’ll get through this together.

I guess every once in a while, some photography manages to speak for itself. Or, I manage to shut up.

Technical note: this entry is entirely Arista Premium 400 +1 (@800).

One evening, some eating happened. Maybe too much in too short a time.

Wait for it…

Yep, too much.

To prevent death, you should go get a coffee after over eating. We went to the coffee shop and found a case of Granville Island Winter Ale under the chess board. For 10 minutes we debated taking it, but in the end we gave it to the staff.

Hey! Tractor!

Driving tractors is fun business.

But every tractor ride has it’s end.

I saw Mew play some rock n’ dream-prog-pop.

I was fortunate to capture a variety of angles on film.

We rode the train home.

And I took advantage of the opportunity to make sure my winder still works…

Test successful.

Elves drunk on motor oil?

When you meet someone new it is always important to get the awkward portraits out of the way so you can get something real.

Let’s go.

Realized I needed a shot of the mirror in Our Town. That does not mean you have permission to burn down.

It was my first Bo Kong experience.

Deserving a panorama.

The Bo Kong mirror earned her portrait too.

Slickity Jim’s used to be there. I remember sitting on the bench at the bar drinking coffee and staring back through the kitchen, down the hallway past the fridge, past the washroom and out the back door, seeing the sun glisten off those steps.

The day is December 25, 2009 and that’s my ride arriving at the train station.

Jingle Bells.

The day is December 26, 2009. I observed the creation of art.

I observed the consumption of art; the Wendy’s Baconator.

I am very confident in my winder, thank you for asking.

The day is December 27th, 2009. For some reason we still can’t pry ourselves from the malls.

Gosh, this swells and aches my heart.

In a pretty good way.