I have always loved this design firms treatment of the stairwell inside the historic building. I cannot remember why they told me that they can't expose the actual staircase, but putting the photo of the stairwell on these moving doors is genius! This is a true Louis Sullivan staircase. Isn't it lovely?
And what trip downtown wouldn't be complete with a trip to Sweet Bliss bakery for some amazing cupcakes?
... via iPhone ...
So after rethinking the Olympus PEN, I decided to embrace the 5D and get the 40 mm pancake lens and take it for a test drive. I cannot believe how lightweight my camera is with this tiny little lens attached. I like the range very much, probably more than my 50 mm. Time for me to start shooting with primes! This one's a keeper!!
... via iPhone ...
... via iPhone ...
Saturday with Sloane. And Bella. And Holly. And Emma. It was photoshoot day with the little ladies of Chesterton. Just finishing up processing the 5D photos, but cannot resist an iPhone pic too!
... via iPhone ...
... via iPhone ...
I have to say it was hard to get up this morning! The heat, the walking, the cocktails and late night shenanigans. I did manage to get myself into a cab to Rock center for macarons at Bouchon Bakery. (Wanted to do Laudree, but it was too far away!) I had a delightful chocolate almond croissant and tea while watching Kathy Lee and Hoda do their thing over at the Today Show studio. It's crazy to look into the studio and see all the people and equipment that surround the in this little tiny set space. Funny to watch people try to get on TV too!
Had to walk a few blocks to catch another taxi and as I am standing on the corner with my arm in the air, I look left and there was the Empire State building. See what I mean? Photographic moments just pop up! You don't even have to go looking for them... Once I finally got a taxi, it was off to Lombardi's Pizza - for 'za to go and then back to the hotel with about 10 min to spare before I had to check out and hop on a conference call.
Took the FDR back to the airport and snapped a few photos of the beautiful bridges. NY really does have some fabulous bridge architecture! I really do need to go back and be an actual tourist for a few days to explore and see my NYC friends!
Part two of a Tuesday ... dinner at Beauty and Essex, a very eclectic restaurant that is strangely hidden behind/inside a pawn shop. To my dissapointment, the ruby slippers to get me back to Kansas were sold. *wink* A little more walking thru the city and then off to a bar for cocktails, new friends and beyond.
Oh New York... you have so much goodness to offer. Everywhere I look is a photo looking back at me. I don't know if I would ever tire of photographing this city. Spent the morning on the jobsite. And since it wasn't quite ready that meant I had a free afternoon to roam the city! I had lunch at the Loretta Howard art gallery with my client who's friend was showing some beautiful paintings. We sat and chatted with the artist and gallery owner - she even gave me a book from her personal collection! Devil in the White City - can you believe I've never read that book? (Well if you know me, yes... but seriously I really should read it!) Such a lovely and unique experience!
Since the gallery is right on the High Line, I decided to walk along and enjoy the elevated view. What a cool project! And there were a lot of people walking, sitting and chatting, kids playing in the water features - a fantastic public space! I might have enjoyed it a little bit more... but it was 100 degrees and 100% humidity - within an hour I was about to pass out from heat stroke!
To seek air conditioning and cold water, I popped into the Chelsea Market. I would love to go back and spend more time in Chelsea! I loved all the little shops, outdoor dining and the architecture! I managed to make it back to the hotel just before the crazy storms - watched them move in over the Hudson. I was lucky enough to have a room with a view of the Statue of Liberty and as I sat there watching the storm roll in (while checking emails and making calls) it struck me how busy that waterway is ... boats all around liberty island. Maybe I will get on one of those boats and go out the actually see that statue up close and personal someday. She is lovely from a far...
It was simply lovely to check into the Ritz Carlton Battery Park to discover I had a liberty view room! Woot! Thank you to my client for putting me up in such fancy digs!!
... via iPhone ...
Love the super chic packaging of these fuzzy coasters!
... via iPhone ...