One Of A Kind

Meet New York street photographer Louis Mendes. I ran into him while attending a photo exhibit in Brooklyn. He was doing what he does best - talking to anyone about his modified Speed Graphic film camera (popular in the 1930's, 40's and 50's). The always sharply dress Mendes, 70, shoots portraits for up to $20 a pop on Polaroid film. Yes - Polaroid is still in business and still makes film for cameras even in this digital age. Louis makes his living using this unique camera by traveling all over the U.S. to conventions, concerts any most every big event. And he's usually the only guy on the scene with this type of camera so he draws lots of attention ... and customers. He's been a fixture in New York locales for decades. And he makes a good portrait subject for a run and gun digital shooter like me. I found two stories on Mendes in the NY Times archive - the first one - in 1995 - was done when he was 55 years old. He says he doesn't plan to retire anytime soon.

The Art of the Game

Every once in a while I like to take an ordinary picture and turn it into something extraordinary. That's the case with this shot of the Yankees' Derek Jeter diving into second base as the ball is headed toward Sean Rodriguez's glove. I played with the contrast and did a few other things to it using the basic image editing software from Windows 7. I don't have Adobe Photoshop, however there are any number of similar products that do the same things (and some things better) than Photoshop. Even before I tweaked the image the colors were already great thanks to the blue of the Tampa Bay Rays' road uniform tops and the amber color of the sunglasses Rodriguez is wearing. And of course, the plain, clean background that the infield dirt provides helps the viewer concentrate (the word 'focus' is overused and often used incorrectly as a substitute for 'concentration') on the main elements of the picture; the ball, Sean and Derek.

Another View of The Lightning Shot

In this post, I tried a different crop of my last entry (I also spelled lightning correctly this time). It's amazing how many different looks you can come up with simply by cropping a picture in any number of ways. Here, I wanted to highlight the well known frieze design that rings the roof at Yankee Stadium with the lightning bolt seemingly adding an exclamation point on the right side of the image.

A Different Kind of Baseball Strike

We had some really rough weather here in the tri-state area the last few days. Tornado-like winds did a lot of damage. Heavy rains from thunder showers and high humidity all combined for spectacular weather.


After I missed a great chance at a lighting shot Friday night, I got a reprieve Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium when I recorded the lighting strike at the upper right of the frame. Funny thing is, I didn't know I had lighting in the photo until later when I checked the results of the series of shots I'd taken. I'll take a lucky result any day.

Subway Battle of the Horns

On the way home from the Yankee game in the Bronx, these two guys had an impromptu blow-off in the middle of a car on the #4 line heading to Brooklyn. Actually, the guy on the right was there first and started playing the theme from the movie, "The Godfather." But shortly after he began, the guy on the left jumped on the train and blew a series of disconnected notes - much to the dismay of the other guy (and us passengers who frowned on the intrusion). But one rider urged them to play together and they did ... to the limited ability of the guy on the left. My two bucks went to the other guy and he must have thanked me - in Chinese - three times for my donation. Usually if I take photos of these subway acts, I always give them some money in exchange for being a willing subject.

A Weekend To Remember

At the subway platform across from Yankee Stadium, you're reminded of two men who played a big role in the success of the franchise. The team owner since 1973, George M. Steinbrenner III, turned a relatively modest investment into a billion-dollar sports property. The team stays in his family following his death at age 80. The man I succeeded as public address announcer for the Yankees, Bob Sheppard, lived a fruitful and varied life of 99 years. He held the PA position for 57 of those years. The likes of those two icons won't be seen again anytime soon.

Reflection On The Move

While making an early morning trip from Brooklyn into Manhattan (I was a passenger) I put my small camera on the roof of the moving car and - holding onto it tightly - shot this picture without being able to take more than general aim at anything. I got lucky. The Manhattan bridge is reflected on the roof. That's the Brooklyn Bridge sitting off in the background. Sometimes is pays to take chances. It's also a good thing my driver had recently washed his car.

What's That Number?

While waiting to check ID's of incoming patrons at a Brooklyn bar, this security guard took the time to check - real close - his messages on his cell phone. The screen lit his face so well, I took a couple of quick shots with the hope there would be enough light on his face to illuminate his eyes while the rest of the light would fall off naturally with the background lighting enhancing the scene.

I Feel Safe In New York

With the likes of Jet Li (l) Sly Stallone, Jason Statham and Terry Crews backing me up, I can walk the streets of New York with little regard to my personal safety as long as my crew is with me.

Hot, Hot, Hot

After reaching a New York City - Central Park record of 102 degrees on Tuesday, it still was pretty warm - 90 degrees - at close to 11 o'clock Tuesday night outside the jazz venue at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. It's supposed to stay in the 90's the rest of the week.

New York City on The Fourth of July

I missed the big Macy's fireworks show this year but I did get this shot of midtown Manhattan shortly after the annual presentation ended. I'm shooting from Brooklyn with the lights of the Brooklyn Bridge providing a stream of star-like lights on the right side of the image. The Empire State Building - illuminated in red,white and blue - is about to be engulfed by the smoke from the Hudson River fireworks.

Back In The Day ...

I spent about one hour at Santa Monica Beach at its concrete skate park looking for a good action shot. Instead this skater caught my eye as he took on the undulaying, swimming pool-like surface. The kid reminded me of me - from about four decades ago - when I was among the few minority skateboarders in Los Angeles. My first board - unlike the state-of-the-art skateboards of today - was made of a thin sliver of wood with tiny steel wheels. Then I ungraded to a Sears model made of fiberglass with hard rubber wheels. Who knew back then, that skateboarding would become the multi-million dollar industry it is today.

Happy Father's Day

We had a special credits role after the Yankees-Mets game

on Father's Day. Since I don't have kids, I elected to have

my father's name on the video board. Daddy was a big baseball fan would have really enjoyed this.

Ready For Their Close-Up

Some photographers at Yankee Stadium got in close to capture the first meeting between new Nets' basketball coach, Avery Johnson (l) and Yankees' manager Joe Girardi. Johnson was making the rounds at Yankee Stadium after his formal introduction as the new man in New Jersey. By the time the Nets move to Brooklyn in two seasons, Johnson hopes he can match the success Girardi has had with the first place Yankees.

Throwing In The Towel ...

You've heard that term and probably used it a few times. But here the literal meaning of it. The folks in the corner of boxer Yuri Foreman (black trunks) wanted to end his title fight with Miguel Cotto (l) at Yankee Stadium early in the 8th round. The towel came in, the fight was stopped and Cotto thought he was the winner. But the referee, Arthur Mercante Jr (r) said the fight must continue because he felt Foreman - who was hobbled by a twisted knee - was doing a good job defending himself. One round later, Cotto won on a technical knockout. The origin of the term, 'throwing in the towel' dates back to the late 1800's and has always applied to boxing and giving up the fight.

Concern By All

The Yankees-Cleveland game came to a halt in the third inning after Alex Rodriguez (r) hit a line drive off the head of pitcher David Huff. Huff suffered only a bruise and after a trip to the hospital for x-rays, he actually returned to the stadium for the remainder of the game. Rodriguez appears to be saying a silent prayer on behalf of Huff.

Ready For The Sun

I'm always looking to find something different about our many famous, well-photographed bridges and landmarks in New York. The secret is to find an interesting subject to occupy the foreground in order to add a twist to an otherwise mundane picture of - in this case - the Manhattan Bridge.

The man with yellow umbrella and dressed in traditional Buddhist clothes was relaxing near the bridge when I took this shot.

Fire On Display

While out for a exploratory walk in an unfamiliar section of Brooklyn, NY - along 5th avenue - I passed the restaurant, SONG, and from the street, you can see all the action in the kitchen. Fire usually make me stop and try to capture its essence in a photograph. Plus, the motion blur of one of the many cooks in the cramped space, adds to the sense of urgency in the kitchen of a popular eatery.

Does Nike Know About This?

This shoe was on display in a store window in my new Cobble Hill neighborhood. I don't know who makes it, but if this type of high-heel sneaker catches on, then the big shoe companies might have to jump on the fad. Perhaps this is for formal basketball games where you're required to dress nicely for the night.

The Yankees Get An Exciting Win

The Yankees Marcus Thames is watching his game winning homer sail into the left-field stands at Yankee Stadium for an 11 to 9 win over the Red Sox. It was the first meeting of the two long-time rivals in the Bronx this season. Thames says he knew he got all of Johnathan Papelbon's fastball in the bottom of the ninth inning.



Then the fun began ...





Here's the welcoming party at home plate. Thames is in the center of that mob of happy Yankees ... somewhere in there - taking cover as his teammates give him a good-natured pounding.

And - as he did 15 times last season for "walk-off" wins - A. J. Burnett (r) gives the celebratory pie in the face to Thames during the post-game TV interview. It was like old times at Yankee Stadium.

Not A Dark Cloud

The game at Yankee Stadium was on network TV and a blimp was used to get panoramic shots. On a bright day in the Bronx, the shadow of the giant airship cast an interesting shadow on the field. The big shadow passed over the field very quickly but I figured out when it might be coming over (by watching for a technician on top of the scoreboard) and I was ready. It reminded me of a late 1970's movie called Black Sunday that involved a blimp and some nasty things happening at a major sporting event.

Good-Bye Annie

A couple of years ago - while I was at Los Angeles Valley College as photo editor of the school newspaper - I had to cover the rehearsal for the musical "Annie" that was being staged on campus. The girl who played the lead role was terrific and the dog - Sandy - was pretty good as well. The stage version of "Annie" will go on forever, but the newspaper version of it will soon be over.

Little did I think I'd have a reason to use this photo when I snapped it.

A Mother's Day Flower

To all of the fans of this blog: Happy Mother's Day!

Right This Way ...

This photo dates back to the spring of 2009 when I was staying in a hotel in New York while working for the Yankees. This was before I moved from Los Angeles. Outside my window the traffic along 2nd avenue was being directed by a series of cops. I shot this in the early morning hours and was able to mirror this policeman with his own shadow as he waved cars, trucks, and buses along the street. You might not think about it, but each one of the cops has his or her own unique way of directing traffic. Some wave their arms in bigger arcs. Others were smooth in their hand and arms movements while others were more robotic-like.

Ernie And Me

Longtime Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell has died at the age of 92. Cancer took his life but the disease can't take our memories of knowing him as a friend and inspiration. Ernie learned last year his cancer was inoperable but he said he was ready - when the time came - to meet his maker. When I spoke with him in late March of this year, he was typically upbeat and interested in how I was doing and how the season was shaping up for the Yankees. And he always finished our conversation with a hearty, "Call anytime Paul ..." This photo was taken in 2004 after a game in Florida. When I got my first Major League announcing job in 1988 with Cleveland, I was welcomed to the big leagues by a congratulatory letter that was waiting for me when I arrived at spring training in Tucson, Arizona. So here was a major broadcasting talent taking the time to welcome a raw rookie - me - to the fraternity. That should tell you all you need to know about what kind of person Ernie Harwell was.

Summer Comes Early To New York

It was a nice summer-like evening in New York at the Yankees game with Baltimore. It's anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees warmer than it should be for this time of year around here. No Complaints - except for the 90% humidity and the mid 80 degree temps on Sunday. Sticky and hot is not what we expected for early May. Oh ... and did I mention the thunderstorms? But on this night, the colors of the field and sky all seemed in sync. Even the bluish grey and white clouds suggest Yankee colors.

"Boxing" Returns To Yankee Stadium

It always pays to have a camera ready to record unusual sights. Here - in the park across from New York's Yankee Stadium - this group of men is preparing for ... well, I'm not sure what's in the offing for them. But the guy in blue was in charge and his students seemed to hang on his every word. Actually there will be a REAL fight at Yankee Stadium on June 5th when Brooklyn's Yuri Foreman takes on Miguel Cotto. Maybe one of these guys will be on the under card of bouts.

Incoming!!

The Yankees' Brett Gardner leaps above the left field wall at New York's Yankee Stadium in a vain attempt to catch a home run by Chicago's Andruw Jones. The fan standing up caught the ball, but his buddy - on the left - wants only to protect himself from what he thinks might be a baseball on his head. By the way, the guy who made the catch threw the ball back to the field as is expected when a homer is hit by the visiting team.

A Little Help & No Need For Assistance

I've been a longtime advocate for doggy-sized water fountains so as to avoid what we see here. Fido's owners have no choice but to lift their dog to a human fountain for a much-needed drink on a blustery, warm day in New York. At least the dog doesn't put his entire mouth on the faucet ... like I've seen some people do.


This photo reminded me of a picture I took last year in Manhattan Beach in California where ...

A bird had figured out how to get a drink when needed.

An Easy Way To Walk The Dogs

A rainy day in New York brings out all sorts of umbrellas. Including this one being wielded by a guy who has found an easy way to walk a bunch a dogs as he wards off the water. Only he has them affixed to his umbrella. No muss - no fuss. He stays dry and the dogs get their 'exercise.'

Dancing In The Streets

On a wonderful spring day in New York, locals and tourists alike were out and about town. But life goes on for workers who have to toil while the rest of us relax. But it looks like this construction traffic director is really getting into his work as the Brooklyn Bridge looms in the background.

Shadow Ball

When you photograph baseball games you sometimes need to get creative to help pass the time while waiting for something to happen. So I thought I'd try to shoot the Yankees' Curtis Granderson's shadow as he tried to hit the ball. I succeeded in getting the bat and the ball in the perfect spot. I'm not using a motor-drive to fire off 8 to 10 shots a second ... I have one chance to get the shot. So - I lucked out here. And is it me or is Granderson wearing mismatched socks?

Jackie Robinson Tribute

The number "42" was what every player, coach and manager in the Major Leagues was wearing on April 15th. On that date in 1947, Jackie Robinson - who wore number 42 - became the first Black player in modern Major League Baseball history when he took the field with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Every year on April 15th, that historic moment is observed. Alex Rodriguez (l) - wearing his socks like Robinson did - Yankee captain Derek Jeter (center) and Robinson Cano (r) listen to the national anthem before their game with the Angels. Cano, who was named after Robinson, hit two homers in a Yankee victory. Jackie Robinson's window, Rachel, his daughter, Sharon and his grandson, Jesse, were on hand in New York for the special night that honored a baseball and civil rights giant.

The Yankees Get Their Rings ... And Me Too!

The Yankees received their World Series rings before their home-opening victory over the Angels. Joba Chamberlain (r) and CC Sabathia (the guy with the big smile) - with their first such rings - look like they're little kids getting new toys. Number 42 Mariano Rivera is an old hand at getting the hardware - he now has five World Series title rings.

And - as the Yankees' public address announcer - I was deemed worthy of getting a ring as well! It's my second championship ring. The Yankee one on the left and the Las Vegas Stars Pacific Coast League title ring from 1986 is on the right. I hope I don't have to wait another 23 years before I get another championship ring.

Shooting In The "Wild"

I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, TRAVELS TO THE EDGE, hosted by famed outdoor photographer Art Wolfe. He did a segment on his trip to Africa and I was inspired to try and duplicate some of Art's shots. So I went looking for elephants, lions and zebras. I found what I was looking for at FAQ Swartz - the famous New York toy store. These subjects are about four to five inches tall, but by shooting them up close they appear to be larger and more ...menacing ... or not.

Which One is A Real Person?

To me, the one on the lower left looks like it could be an actual person, but then again - the upper right one might be real. But in actuality, they're all just dummy heads that were on display at an junk store in Brooklyn. The collection of the four heads struck me as odd and a little creepy as well. But in the end, very photogenic. The Angelina Jolie look-a-like is the one making the most eye contact. In fact, I see that she's shaved her head for an upcoming role. Check her out.

Candle In A Bar

So a guy walks into a bar with a camera and takes a picture. That's it. No punchline. That's actually what I did. The place is called The People's Republic of Brooklyn. It was kinda dark, so I put the camera on its timer for four seconds to bring in the ambient light to give the candle and its bright red color some life. I like how the background light on the wall almost looks like a flame from the candle.

On The Menu?

I hope not! But you never know in New York's Chinatown. These goldfish were swimming in a street-side aquarium at a restaurant. Hundreds of them. Many would come over and seemingly bask in the bubbles like the one in the lower-center of the photo. Have you ever seen goldfish on a menu?

So You Think YOUR Job Is Tough?

Thank goodness I have a job I like. Oh ... there might be a day when things are hectic, but those a few and far between. Just imagine if you had to do what this man is doing (and I've seen many others around New York doing the same thing) - collect cans to turn in for some meager funds to help keep a roof over his head and feed his family. And on top of that, he has to drag his daughter (granddaughter?) with him because there's no money to pay a babysitter. I'm guessing at that last statement. But don't you think she's rather be off playing with her little pals instead of walking the streets of Chinatown looking for discarded soft drink cans? But - then again - it kinda looks like she's happy just to be spending some time with him. Things are tough for a lot of people these days. If you have a job, be thankful it's not one like his.

Big Stack

This is 36 days worth of mail. I was away from New York for that period of time because I was in Florida for Yankees' spring training. Among the assorted magazines and bills, I also received two income tax return checks from the state of California. So it'll be worth the time I must invest to read those magazines and pay those bills.

Just A Preview

Here is my World Series ring. The STARTER ring that is. At least that's what I'm calling it. Before the final spring training game in Tampa, fans were given this ring (pretty hefty at that) to commemorate the 27th Yankees' World Championship win last season.

The actual World Series rings are being made and will be handed out soon in NY. I'm hoping to get one of those as well.

Both Sides Now

The final spring training game of 2010 for the Yankees featured an appearance by pitcher Pat Venditte who throws both left-handed AND right-handed in the SAME game depending on the batter. Venditte - who pitched in Class-A ball last season - is currently the only professional pitcher go both ways. Back in the mid 90's Greg Harris - who pitched briefly for the Yankees - became the first pitcher in modern baseball history to pitch in a Major League game right-handed AND left-handed. Venditte has a special glove to accomodate his hands when he makes the change.

Going Home

I took this picture to represent the end of my stay in Tampa. When I leave soon, it'll cap off 36 days in the bay area where I called home for seven years from 1997 to 2005. It's back to New York to enter my second season as the PA man for the New York Yankees but with great memories from being around my friends here.

Watching The Setting Sun

At a local beach near my Tampa hotel, I went to run and I took my camera along to capture whatever might occur. My running track was just about clear of people expect for the guy on the left. I waited a few minutes for him to complete his hunt for shells and I used the time to try a create sometime with the setting sun, him and a nearby small inlet of water. Since I was shooting directly into the sun, I had no idea if I was getting everything I wanted in the shot. As luck would have it, everything turned out with the sun stars in the foreground adding to the composition.