Beads Of Water Take Life

It was a rainy day in New York and I always like to shoot close-up shots like this one during bad weather. The water beads were pretty big and give the appearance of an almost other-worldly growth on the leaves.

9-11 Tribute In Lights

It's been nine years since the attack on the World Trade Center in New York by terrorists. Almost 3,000 people died when both towers of the Trade Center were hit by jet planes - the towers collapsed and in their place since that time, these twin beams of light serve as a reminder of that infamous day. Each year in the days leading up to 9-11 these lights are turned on and people pause to reflect on the past and the future.

Swisher Takes the Tour

Yankees' players surround home plate at Yankee Stadium as Nick Swisher arrives with his hands in the air celebrating his game-winning homer vs Baltimore. The Yankees snapped a four game losing streak with the 3-2 win. Home plate celebrations are fairly subdued after the May incident involving an Angels' player who blew out a knee when he landed wrong after leaping on home plate following a game winning homer. And of course, Swisher had the hero's pie waiting for him ...

A.J. Burnett got Swisher with the pie. Swisher who then turned to the crowd with the pie remnants still on his face. The camera man is waiting for him to turn around to get the money shot of the hero of the Yankees win.

ARod Of The Yankees

The September shadows helped create this image of the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez as he prepared for his plate appearance at Yankee Stadium. ARod reached the 100 runs-batted-in (RBI) plateau for the unprecedented 14th time in his career (13 in a row) with two RBI against the Orioles. I had to act quickly to get this shot because he was standing in that spot for only a short amount of time and I wanted to line him up with the famous interlocking NY that is on the ground behind home plate.

A Nice Day In The Bronx

The hottest summer in New York City history is - we hope - behind us and cooler weather is here ... for now. The weekend began with the fear hurricane Earl would bring lots of wind and rain to the city, but - as was the case many times when I lived in Florida - the weather system didn't live up to the predictions and we spared any problems. BTW, the Yankees have won 9 in a row and are in first place in their division with one month to go before the playoffs begin.

Two Artists At Work

Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia won his 19th game of the season allowing just one hit over 8 innings to Oakland. CC - who doesn't use periods between the two letters that make up his first name - turned in one of his best performances of the season in 90 degree heat.

It was this pose, or position, that seemed to catch the attention of an artist who literally had a front row seat as she tried to capture the essence of what CC is all about. As we'll see, she took some artistic license with her version of the scene at Yankee Stadium ...

Her finished product of Sabathia gives him much thinner legs than he actually has. But she gets the upper-body girth pretty much right. Yankee Stadium itself is rendered in generic hues of blue and green. I spotted this woman from my perch high above home plate, but I have a pretty good zoom lens and I waited until she made some progress before I took this shot.

Where Are His Manners?

You would think this man would allow his instrument to sit down while on a subway ride into Manhattan. But when you think about it - it's clear why he's sitting; it's a STAND-UP BASS.

Rainy Day Window Views

It was another rainy and cool day in Brooklyn (a nice break from the regular summer heat.)

Bad weather often leads to interesting photos and I took these from my living room window. Water droplets hanging from leaves and cable wires and people with colorful umbrellas were well within the range of my lens. The bad news is that the weather is expected to return to normal summer highs (80's and 90's) by the weekend.

Moon Over The Bronx

While waiting at the elevated subway platform for the train back to Brooklyn, the moonrise over the Bronx courthouse caught my eye along with the etchings in the building itself. The courthouse is a landmark in the borough and it was always seen behind right-field at the - since torn down - old Yankee Stadium.

When In Miami ...

A recent quick trip to Florida led me to pose with this surfboard while walking in the tourist trap known better as South Beach in Miami. I don't surf, but here in New York, the new fad of stand-up paddle boarding is catching on and I will try that since I'll be allowed to wear a life-jacket seeing how I'm not much of a swimmer.


Here's a photo-taking tip: Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds when taking tourist photos. This is the second version of this picture. The first one had an open door in the background and was a distraction that had to be eliminated. So a few steps to the left was all that was necessary to clean things up

This Is How You Do It

It looks like umpire Eric Cooper (l) is giving Royals' second baseman Mike Aviles a lesson in how to make a convincing call. The ump seems to be saying, "Slightly bend the knees and point with your right hand while you steady your shoulder with your left hand." Aviles needs to get that gloved hand a little higher - otherwise he seems to have the hang of the motion.

Cotton Candy Man

On my way to Yankee Stadium on the D train and we pull up at just the right spot for the door to frame this cotton candy salesman who was waiting for a train heading in the other direction. I quickly grabbed my camera - always nearby - and was able to shoot three frames before my train took off. It looks like he is checking his cell phone to see if any orders for cotton candy have come in before he heads to his usual spot.

The Arrival of 600

The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez (l) is a happy man! He seems to be saying "Wow!" as he gets the double high-five greeting of teammate Derek Jeter at home plate in Yankee Stadium. Rodriguez hit his 600th career home run after going almost two weeks since his last homer. He becomes the 7th man to hit at least 600 home runs. Toronto pitcher Shaun Marcum gave up the two-run first inning shot to center field. The ball landed in the famed Monument Park where Yankee legends are enshrined. A security guard to retrieved the ball was given an autographed bat and ball by Rodriguez in exchange for the specially marked home run ball. Umpire Tim McClelland looks on as a witness to history.

Breaking News

This guy was sitting on a sidewalk near Yankee Stadium holding this sign seeking money. I had some loose change and gave it to him in trade for snapping this picture. I don't think he really knows if the newly-married Chelsea is expecting or not, but it was food-for-thought. He gets points, however, for the neat and clean lines of his printing and for coming up with something other than a plea for beer money. By the way, he signed the placard the "sidewalk cynic."

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.