I love architecture and real estate. This shot was taken from the deck of the new Martingale Wharf building, featuring the brick facade and outdoor patios of what was once the original Martingale structure. Amazing to watch the progress of the building over the past few years, and this new structure undeniably has character.
There has been much talk of bridges lately, especially here in the seacoast with the newly unveiled design for Portsmouth and Kittery’s own Memorial Bridge. As part of the public presentation made on the design of the bridge, a reference was made to the George Washington Bridge in New York and its beautiful uplighting at night. Let’s hope that whatever bridge finally makes its way to the banks of the Piscataqua, that it is something we can all be proud of and enjoy from near and far.
My favorite lens, responsible for probably 90% of all photos since last December when I bought it, is the Carl Zeiss 21mm. My major problem with it for shooting landscapes was that I couldn’t experiment with one of my favorite types of photography – long exposures – because the filter thread was so wide at 82mm. To perform a long exposure (2+ minutes), you need to have a 10-stop neutral density filter, which looks like a piece of black glass, to reduce the light that reaches the sensor. I finally realized I could use a Lee Filter Kit to screw onto the 82mm thread, and use their square filters on not only this lens – but on all the lenses in my arsenal…but the problem was, due to the earthquake in Japan, everything seemed to be in ridiculously short supply (until this week!).
What better subject than the Memorial Bridge to break in the new toys! Despite the moody, cloudy and colorless sky, I was excited to see this shot – remarkable clarity and crispness throughout the frame – just what the doctor ordered.
This is my favorite building in New York City – The Chrysler Building. There is a fascinating story behind how the crown was secretly constructed inside the building, and then erected once the spire was completed, so it could become the tallest building without its competitors being aware of its final height.
I love this shot because it was taken on the fly. Sometimes you don’t have enough time to hit the spots you want to in order to keep on schedule with an appointment. That led me to shooting this building repeatedly through the sunroof of my wife’s car as we blazed down Lexington Avenue. I love a good challenge, and am pleased with the clarity and the presence in this shot, despite not having either of my feet on the ground and without having a tripod. I look forward to getting back to the city for a more traditional shoot.
It’s old news at this point, but the Memorial Bridge will never have vehicular traffics on its deck ever again. It’s time to turn the page on the saga of the past several years, and while it will be painful for everyone that is used to enjoying the convenience it afforded, I look forward to seeing the process of the old one come down – and a new one get constructed in its place. In just the few minutes I was here taking this image – I saw a slew of people riding bikes and enjoying a walk on its deck, while also having a quiet on the steel decking that nobody is used to. I will be documenting the process of its demise over the next year or so – as well as the growth of the new bridge from NH to ME.
The story behind the impressive Wentworth-Gardner mansion that stands opposite the waterfront in the South End is a cool one. Head over to the Wentworth-Gardner’s website to learn more. I’m very pleased to be part of an opening happening in June that will highlight the history and beauty of the home. The craftsmanship of the home is incredible, and the moment you step inside the structure, you’re instantly transported back in time. I highly recommend making a point to check this out sometime this summer once its open house hours return.
This week’s feature of the Portsmouth Museum of Art’s Street AKA Museum collaboration continues with the artist Shark Toof. At the Harbour Place marina, Shark Toof has made quite an impression on those who’ve seen it in person…utilizing a pretty fascinating painting process along the brick walls that line the wooden dock of the marina. I can only imagine how striking it must look from the water – especially if you’re not expecting to see it. Looking forward to getting back once the third shark is finalized…and to sharing more of the murals around the city through the rest of the week.
