Monday, June 8, 2009

Church Property

Keep Off!
Fire escape violaters will be prosecuted.


This was a scene taken in Harlem, New York a few years back when I was shooting film. The street was illuminated by a street lamp off to the side and behind me, and it was actually raining a bit as well. This was about 2 in the morning. I loved the way the light was hitting this and although this could have been taken during the day, the light playing on this is just as important to me as the subject itself. Harlem is wonderful for its old buildings and churches, truly a grit town.

12 comments:

KimberlyRose said...

Very interesting!!

just wanted to let you know that your blog is now the recipient of the "One Lovely Blog Award".

Here is what you should do in the acceptance of the award:

1. Accept the award.
2. Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog/etsy shop link.
3. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award (which is why I am leaving a comment).

myan said...

really cool gary! i love how you notice details others probably never will take a second glance at. :)

Lee Wolfe Pottery OneClayBead said...

A church that says KEEP OFF, that has a lot of irony in it! I love the moodiness of the colors, too.

gh said...

Thanks all for your comments, I always find it helpful and interesting to see what others are seeing in an image.
Kimberly,thanks for your consideration and I am honored but will have to respectfully decline.

diane said...

I think it's a little bizarre to tell people to stay off of the fire escape, maybe it's a safety issue?
What strikes me about this photo is the metal across the window, and the contrast between the bricks and metal. Then there's that small grate at the bottom. I never would have guessed that this is a night shot.

gh said...

Diane, this section of New York has a high crime rate and lots of vagrants and homeless. I think the sign or warning is meant for those who would try to climb up the fire escape to either hang out on the steps or get to the roof or in the building. I'm sure the Church has experience break-ins or vandals and so this is a warning to them which also explains the metal covering the windows.
Thanks for commenting

L.Holm said...

Amazing there was enough illumination at 2 am. I also love the threatening notice from the church! Wonder what happens to the violators! Great shot all around.

Unknown said...

I LOVE this photograph! Unusual colors for an urban setting.

drollgirl said...

as freaky as it may sound, this shot makes me want to be in harlem right now! it is a wonderful picture.

Unknown said...

wow it's insanely amazing! I would have thought you totally photoshopped it that color. brilliant!

Unknown said...

I agree with you Gary, the soft pink light really makes the shot.
Simple composition, i like it.

Unknown said...

oh my do I love this photograph, you have done it again. The fact that you can capture gritiness and a rosy tone of pink together is amazing!!

Karen