The day before 9/11/11
It's 9/10/11 and everyone in New York seems to have a heightened sense of nervousness and fear. Security is as tight as it can be without Manhattan becoming imposible to move around.
I did two trips to the area around the new World Trade Center to capture the people and the preparations around.
It's 9/10/11 and everyone in New York seems to have a heightened sense of nervousness and fear. Security is as tight as it can be without Manhattan becoming imposible to move around.
I did two trips to the area around the new World Trade Center to capture the people and the preparations around.
People moving around the World Trade Center
I started my trip seeing an oriental wedding in Wall St, the couple had a small army of photographers and videographers documenting the event
It is extremely rare to see cars running around Wall St in front of the New York Stock Exchange, the area is always closed to vehicle traffic favouring tourists
Policemen were everywhere, in the streets, managing traffic, etc and it seems they werent all that happy about having their picture taken, it's not an easy job, can't say I blame them.
St Chapel was full of ribbons with dedications written on them, it was a very nice touch and you could see it was having an effect on people
I manager to enter the Chapel at night, in that silence my camera's clicks felt like thunderstrikes, so after a few shots I decided to put it down.
As usual, these types of events bring quite a few colorful folk looking to spread their own unique message, oh yes, hang on to your seats because the world is ending....AGAIN!
Hey Captain America got a picture of me, I feel important now!
Members of the fire department and police department were out in formal uniforms, it seems they were recognizing a few, I never got to find out the event.
At night there was a fire reported to Fulton St and three fire trucks were in the scene in what someone told me seemed like seconds. In this capture you can see the firefighters and the lights in tthe background is the World Trade Center
This is a closeup view of the WTC which is lighted with the colors of the flag
and a far away view taken with my friend's cellphone
Cristian at Financial District before Hurricane Irene
Just over a week has passed since tropical storm Irene visited Manhattan so I would like to share a little fun adventure we did the day before it visited us.
As Irene got closer, we could see downtown growing quieter, very few people walking the streets except the occasional photographer documenting and business owners making last minutes preparations.I called my friend Cristian and asked him if he would like to appear in photos for a fun little project.
Just over a week has passed since tropical storm Irene visited Manhattan so I would like to share a little fun adventure we did the day before it visited us.
As Irene got closer, we could see downtown growing quieter, very few people walking the streets except the occasional photographer documenting and business owners making last minutes preparations.I called my friend Cristian and asked him if he would like to appear in photos for a fun little project.
Wall St
Cristian is a ballet dancer from Puerto Rico, one very inspired person charged with more enegy than someone s hould have. When I called him with the idea he gave me a very enthusiastic yes and in 15 minutes after we were walking the streets.
We started our small walk at seaport, where we got the chance to take some very cool photos before the guard ordered us to move since we were apparently taking commercial photography. I need to brush up on my understand of photography in New York
Seaport
Seaport
Leaving from Seaport we saw the usually very busy Water St. completely empty except for the occasional car which of course made a great backdrop for Cristian’s jumping antics
Water St
Our short walk ended on the deserted Wall st, after which everyone had to leave to attend to last minute preparations.
Wall st
A special thanks goes out to my assistants, Cristian's brother Ian and Ronald, which stood in the rain all this time trying their best not to seems miserable
Surveying the "damage" in downtown Manhattan
I have a confession to make. I can never stay without doing anything for too long, my mind starts wandering too much and I need to keep it busy. This is part of the reason why i've played video games for so long, it helps but it's such a wasteful activity that I keep trying to find more productive ways to keep me distracted.
Today finally the hurricane had passed and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take my bike outside and se what has been happening
Leaving my apartment I found Water Street eerily quiet (photo from my cellphone)
I have a confession to make. I can never stay without doing anything for too long, my mind starts wandering too much and I need to keep it busy. This is part of the reason why i've played video games for so long, it helps but it's such a wasteful activity that I keep trying to find more productive ways to keep me distracted.
Today finally the hurricane had passed and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take my bike outside and se what has been happening
Leaving my apartment I found Water Street eerily quiet (photo from my cellphone)
When I arrived to Seaport (supposedly the most dangerous area) I found reporters and dog walkers by the truckloads.
The water had actually gone up quite a bit in level, had Irene been category 2 or 3 then it would've been a serious danger to the area, I believe we were lucky that the storm lost power as it got closer.
dogga was about to jump in too
I headed out all along the east coat up to 34th street, but first a picture of my very green and trusty trek
South St. had some nice flooding they were trying to pump out
just a little bit uptown I found a crashed tree, poor tree :(
the bikeway was flooded in many sections, I wasn't sure if I would make it until a couple showed me how it was done
It wasn't bad at all, but damn my camera got wet
more fallen trees
I've never been to this area in bike but I LOVED IT!, very relaxing and it was nice and windy
but a little farther north the walkway was full of debris
back in chinatown another big tree fell on the road. A policewoman was annoyed with me because I kept stepping in front of the line
more swimming bikes
almost home now
Seaport was still relatively empty compared to most weekends, I love it like that, it's usually full of tourist around this hour
Wall St preparing for Hurrican Irene part 2
A few more photos I've captured of Wall st getting ready for Hurricane Irene
A few more photos I've captured of Wall st getting ready for Hurricane Irene
Trains are officially closed
Want to leave Downtown Manhattan? your only choices are taxis and bycicles
Stores adding some last minute store protections
Most of the area near Seaport looks like sandbag heaven
People at Seaport taking advantage of how empty it is to do some funny shots
This is one of my favorite Pizza stores, Cucina Bene, it's proabbly the last food place open at this time
I love how dog friendly this part of Manhattan is, even with the rain starting you can still see plenty of residents taking their dogs for a walk before the storm starts
Part 1 is here
Wall St preparing for Hurricane Irene
Just under 9 hours before Hurricante Irene hits the NY East coast and I decided to cover some photos of my favorite street
Resident from 67 Wall St leaving the building for another safer place
Just under 9 hours before Hurricante Irene hits the NY East coast and I decided to cover some photos of my favorite street
Resident from 67 Wall St leaving the building for another safer place
Garbage trucks clearing Wall St
New York Stock Exchange without the main flag
New York Stock Exchange with sandbags in all their drainage
Brooklyn Bridge from Wall St
CitiBank in Wall St with Sandbags
Residents from Wall St, leaving for safer areas
Adding to this is the hordes of people wanting to hang out trying to leave the stress of the hurricane out of their minds for today. Looks like tomorrow will be a mighty interesting day. Let's see what happens
Part 2 is located here:
Just Another Saturday in New York
Since moving to New York roughly four months ago, I get asked a lot what is my favorite thing about the city. Without a doubt this would be the fact that no matter how much I do, how many events I goto, im always feeling like im missing something awesome.
Saturday July 17 is the perfect example of days like this.
Since moving to New York roughly four months ago, I get asked a lot what is my favorite thing about the city. Without a doubt this would be the fact that no matter how much I do, how many events I goto, im always feeling like im missing something awesome.
Saturday July 17 is the perfect example of days like this. Early in the afternoon there was quite an event at seaport with my friends from Davila 666 hitting the stage with a fury.The event was filled with liberal amount of mosh pits, crowd surfing and the usual silliness you usually see. Being a longtime fan of this band and seeing them grow as they have, I was quite happy to see them win the crowds in that beautiful summer day.
After the concert it was on to battery park for the famous Mp3 Experiment, something I was excited to be a part of. Representing the black shirts and carrying all sorts of illuminating items, the theme for this year ended up being playing with light. There was a moment were we danced with strangers, another moment were there was a a huge light saber battle and everyones favorite, the reenactment of a 1996 rave with glow-sticks and all.
After the official event ended, a person with a musical briefcase (I swear im not making this up) led the crowd to a party all around Battery Park, awesome times.
This is the official video for the event.
Can't wait to see what awaits me next time.
The Family
Inspired people
I like working with inspired people.
There is something special about meeting and interacting with people who are willing to go after their dreams. Such was the case when I met with some old friends, all three of them also from Puerto Rico, but also people who are willing to leave their lands and go where their work takes them.
After knowing them in the island and having different opportunities to collaborate with each one, it's pretty amazing to have all three of them here, at the roof of a Wall St. building.
I like working with inspired people.
The kind of people who wake up at 4am just because they want to pursue a project of their own making. The kind of people that inspire you to be better and promote a healthy and positive attitude. Such was the case when I met with some old friends; all three of them also from Puerto Rico, people who are willing to leave their lands make some serious sacrifices in order to pursue their dreams.
Having met them in the island and enjoying different opportunities to collaborate with each one, it's pretty amazing to have all three of them here, in the most unlikely of places, the rooftop of a Wall St. building.
After seeing this photo, Karlo begged Joel for a haircut
Karlo Ramos - being a photographer/videographer from Aguadilla is one of the most peaceful people I know, he possesses an almost magical ability to stay calm no matter how stressful the situation. I always joke how he is the Zen master.
Having gaffer tape around... priceless
Joel Torres - Has been traveling for a few years now. As a hairstylist and an educator from TIGI. He is one of the few people I know to run out of space in his passport, and still enjoys every single trip he has to take.
Sofia Maldonado - Sofia is a fantastic painter, choosing to imbue her works with social significance, it's great seeing her work being recognized in many different places.
I'm extremely proud to know each and every one of these people. All three of them have been willing to part with safe and comfortable in order to embrace bigger frontiers, to be able to show their work to a bigger crowd and not be limited with the opportunities living in a small (100x 35) island brings. Their choices, sacrifices and rewards is a confirmation of my own decisions, it can't be just about the money, about having a predictable life with a predictable outcome. Sacrifices have to be made in order to make your dreams happen and while the road is a never ending uphill battle, I know the day I am finally too old and tired to work I'll have something to show for it.
Morticia the Mortician
Morticia the Mortician by senen L
I was lucky to work with this fantastic model in the Financial District of NY. She was impossibly hyper and funny, yet gave me a perfect look immediately whenever I asked. I know we will work together again.
Model:Anastasia Stacey
Hair:Simone Baker
Makeup:Alicia Reymora
More pics:
Morticia the Mortician, a set on Flickr.
Skin Experiments
this is a preview of a series im currently working on, focusing on skin texture and water effects. I hope to complete this in the coming months to be able to show it for everyone.
 Water Experiments by senen L |
Note: this is my first post using 500px as my posting engine, i'm amazed at the quality of the site and will probably be using it for all of my uploads in the coming future.