L.A.B. Photo-a-Day

Are there really alligators in the sewers of NYC?

2007-06-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

Marcus investigates this unsolved mystery.

Love Will Keep Us Together

2007-06-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

Fifth Avenue, near 9th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Male Model in Training

2007-06-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

This style of street photography is in tribute to joewig, who stealthily wields his camera like a master ninja on the streets of New York.

Broadway, near Prince Street, Soho, Manhattan, New York.

Hey, I love you! Yeah, you!

2007-06-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

[man with crossed arms] "No way, man -- I'm a pitcher, not a catcher!"

Doyers Street, near Pell St., Chinatown, Manhattan, New York.

Jelly Dance

2007-06-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

For perhaps the first time ever, I used the camera-produced JPEG instead of the RAW image. The RAW version had greater dynamic range and practically no noise, but it was bland no matter how I post-processed it.

In contrast, despite the fact that the JPEG has a hugely visible noise pattern and the dynamic range has far less latitude, I found the overall effect to be much more captivating for this particular subject. All I did was just moderately boost color saturation -- and that was it. Funny how these things work out sometimes.

By the way, these jellyfish are from the same display that was in this photo as well.

New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, New York.

Stonehenge on the Hudson

2007-06-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

Battery Park, Manhattan, New York.

Feels Good

2007-06-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Canal Street, near Baxter st., Chinatown, Manhattan, New York.

Modest Marcus Shows a Little Leg

2007-06-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Squeaky clean from the bath tub!

Got Gas?

2007-06-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Fifth Avenue, near 7th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Caught in the Middle

2007-06-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Broadway-Nassau Street subway station, Manhattan, New York.

Caught in the Rain

2007-06-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

Corner of Fourth Avenue & Ninth Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2007

2007-06-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

By the time I arrived to photograph the parade on Fifth Avenue, in the Rockefeller Center area, the place area was completely packed and overflowing with spectators (as well as legions of police). So instead I walked around the side streets of the parade route and took pictures of other people who weren't able to elbow their way in, either.

Other photos I took around the parade are here, here, and here.

55th Street, near 5th Ave., Manhattan, New York.

A Big Scare Today

2007-06-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

What started out as a promising day for a Project 365 idea I had in mind quickly got discarded with a terrifying turn of events today.

I normally don't talk about myself in the description of any given image I post, including how I felt before, during, or after I took a photo. Whether I was happy, sad, energetic, lazy, imaginative, unmotivated, or whatever it is I was feeling at the time is something that is ultimately besides the point, since the whole point for me is the photography itself, which also involves sharing, enjoying, and learning from other people's work -- all of which has helped me to grow as a photographer.

However, today, while my parents were visiting, along with my sister and her daughter, my mother had a severe asthma attack right after lunch. It was so severe that parademics had to be called; she could barely breathe. Each minute that passed she panicked more and more, frightening us since we were helpless to do anything until the ambulance arrived.

Ultimately my mother was stabilized, her breathing was restored, and she was able to leave hours later from the emergency room on her own two feet. However, there was a lot of hand-holding and hand-wringing involved, and a crushing sense of guilt that I haven't spent as much time with my own mother as a son should (and by extension, time that Marcus should be spending with his own grandmother). Needless to say, my desire to do anything interesting, clever, insightful, or otherwise different for Project 365 for today became completely nil. Today I was reminded of something far more important: that too often we take things for granted, even the health of those closest to us, and we should make an effort to spend as much time as possible with those people who are closest to our hearts. You never know if suddenly there will be no time left at all, and it shouldn't take a big scare to remind us of the obvious and what is truly important in this short life we have.

Maimonides Hospital, Fort Hamilton Parkway & 49th Street, Boro Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Brooklyn Bridge Sunset

2007-06-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hugging and Smooching Imminent

2007-06-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

That stick won't help Marcus defend himself against the inevitable.

Take Pride in Who You Are

2007-06-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

34th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue, Manhattan, New York.

Striped

2007-06-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Coney Island - Stillwell Avenue subway station, Brooklyn, New York.

Bony Bum

2007-06-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

If I Had a Million Dollars, I'd Buy You a Green Dress

2007-06-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

(But not a real green dress, that's cruel.)

Mi Patria

2007-06-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

Coney Island, New York.

Waiting for the Next Customer

2007-06-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

Doyers Street, near Pell St., Chinatown, Manhattan, New York.

Having a Seat for the First Time

2007-05-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Marcus finally figured out how to sit down!

After I demonstrated how it's done, he then proceeded to repeatedly back up to these concrete steps and eased himself down in that funny squat that beginning walkers have. I think that after a few more days of practice, he'll be sitting down like a champ.

Next, how to cross one's legs and hold the taza de cafe just so.

If You Like Someone, Go With Your Gut

2007-05-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

East Broadway, near Catherine St., Chinatown, Manhattan, New York.

...and I swear, it was THIS big!

2007-05-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

"Oh my..."

34th Street, near 8th Ave., Manhattan, New York.

Some Day My Prince Will Come

2007-05-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

The Bronx Zoo, New York.

Slurp!

2007-05-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Times Square, New York.

Don't touch my balls!

2007-05-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn, New York.

Within the Realm of a Dying Sun

2007-05-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Washington Cemetery, Gravesend, Brooklyn, New York.

Marcus meets two flickr friends

2007-05-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today, Marcus and I met Lee (on the right), who drove out from Madison, Wisconsin for some family matters, and had a day free to spend in NYC. Our trio then met up with Jodi (on the left) during her lunch hour in midtown Manhattan.

Marcus was happy to demonstrate his new trick (besides charming grown women with his winning smile!), which was to push himself up from a sitting to standing position without needing to hold on to anything for support. As you can see he's, still quite pleased with himself.

More photos of this get-together are here, here, here, and here.

Too Cool for School

2007-05-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Houston Street, near Broadway, Soho, Manhattan, New York.

Can Bruiser have an ice cream, too?

2007-05-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Uncle Louie G's on Vanderbilt Street, near Prospect Park Southwest, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York.

Admiration... or envy?

2007-05-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn-bound F train, departing York Street subway station, Brooklyn, New York.

Yes, that's me!

2007-05-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

License plate as seen on the back of a Ford Focus.

E. 5th Street, near Fort Hamilton Parkway, Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

On Men's Minds

2007-05-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

Fifth Avenue, near 57th St., Manhattan, New York.

Face, Meet Brick. Brick, Meet Face.

2007-05-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Me and my Pentax K10D, fitted with Tamron 18-250mm lens and BG2 battery grip.

As I once said in a previous description, this combination weighs like a brick and is just as graceful.

Marcus the Modest

2007-05-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Holy Roller

2007-05-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

15th Street, near 8th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

So, waddaya say, sweetheart?

2007-05-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

"I dunno... does that Viagra thing really work?"

Seventh Avenue, near 9th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Always Be Yourself

2007-05-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park Southwest, near Vanderbilt St., Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York.

The Compass and Armillary Sphere at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

2007-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Crystal, Marcus, and I visited the BBG one more time for Mother's Day, along with another small family that Crystal got to know via an online mommy group. Needless to say, a wonderful time was had by all (Marcus ran his little legs off on the Cherry Esplanade), and I got to explore the indoor conservatory where all the tropical flowers and rare blooms are grown.

Naturally, I photographed everything else but the flowers, and the photo above is one such example.

[begin excerpt]
In 1933, the compass and armillary sphere were added to Magnolia Plaza, the bequest of A.W. Jenkins, a member of the Garden's governing committee. The sphere is made of bronze bands representing the principle celestial circles and constellations. A thin bronze rod, or gnomon, passes through the center of the sphere, pointing north and casting a shadow on the inside of the sphere, which can be used to tell the approximate time.
[end excerpt]

-- sourced from bbg.org

By the way, the B&W treatment and toning was inspired by the excellent imagery in Wade in Tulsa's photostream.

Enjoying the View

2007-05-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Broadway, near Houston St., Soho, Manhattan, New York.

NYC Candy

2007-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

14th Street, near 6th Ave., Chelsea, Manhattan, New York.

Dandelion Gazing

2007-05-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Unorthodox Descent

2007-05-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

Ditmas Avenue, near McDonald Ave., Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

Alternative view on black.

Village of the Giants

2007-05-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the cheesy Bert I. Gordon film of the same name.

Sixth Avenue, near 15th St., Chelsea, Manhattan, New York.

Running on the Promenade

2007-05-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York.

Super Model

2007-05-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

34th Street (alongside Victoria's Secret), near 6th Ave., Manhattan, New York.

Capturing Jellies

2007-05-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, New York.

Alternative view on black.

McDonald Deli

2007-05-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Corner of McDonald Avenue & Albemarle Road, Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

A Mother's Kiss

2007-05-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

It's not yet Mother's Day, but you can't predict when Marcus will decide to return a big sloppy one. And his are VERY sloppy -- and full of teeth!

So here's an early Mother's Day portrait of Crystal and her little boy sharing a kiss!

Springtime Relaxation

2007-05-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

By the way, the bench this couple is sitting on is the same one that's in this lonely bench photo.

Alternative view on black.

Radio Flyer Pile-Up

2007-05-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Cherry Esplanade, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York.

Here's another scene taken the same day, at the Japanese section of the BBG.

Harry's Wall

2007-04-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Harry’s Wall, in Prospect Park, honors Harry Murphy (1914-1993), co-founder of the Prospect Park Track Club. Murphy, along with other local running enthusiasts, established the track club over 30 years ago.

The wall was originally built in 1874 as a place to fasten horse carriages. Now the wall is often used as the start and finish line for park races, ensuring that Harry Murphy will be remembered by runners for generations to come.

(Information provided by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Web site.)

March of Dimes: WalkAmerica

2007-04-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today, Crystal, Marcus, and I participated in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica fundraiser in New York City. This specific event also occurred in many other cities and towns across the U.S. this weekend. The WalkAmerica walk-a-thon, which covered 6 miles from Lincoln Center, through Central Park, down Lexington Avenue, to 23rd Street, and then back to Lincoln Center, was staged to raise awareness and money to help prevent premature births.

Since Crystal is about 6 months pregnant, we couldn't walk the full distance -- we stopped at Madison Park, near the Flatiron Building -- but our enthusiasm would have carried us the whole 6 miles and beyond. Little Marcus is still too young to walk such a distance (never mind a straight line), so he rolled merrily along in his stroller. He was asleep most of the time, yet he was an active participant nonetheless, since he reminded us of how fortunate we are to have such a healthy and happy little boy.

Cafe Fonduta

2007-04-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Water Street, near Broad St., Lower Manhattan, New York.

She needs a hero!

2007-04-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

She's holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night
It’s gotta be strong
And it's gotta be thick
And it's gotta be fresh on rye

Steve's C-Town, Ninth Street, near 4th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Running Past the Comfort Station

2007-04-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Marcus is not yet old enough to use the comfort station at the playground (he's still wearing diapers!), but it doesn't prevent him from finding discarded things on the ground next to it. I think I'd object if he found a dead rat. Maybe.

If a psychic can't predict the weather...

2007-04-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

...why would you trust one to predict the future?

Church Avenue, near McDonald Ave., Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

Fifth Ave Pizzeria

2007-04-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

If you run out of money and need just one more slice of pizza, you can always go next door and withdraw extra funds -- or just cash your entire paycheck!

Fifth Avenue, near Union St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Bad News

2007-04-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Church Avenue, near McDonald Avenue, Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

Yo, baby, this is the best news ever!

2007-04-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

Manhattan-bound F train, approaching Smith 9th St. subway station, Brooklyn, New York.

Failed Headlock

2007-04-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

It turned into a "I've missed you" hug instead.

Corner of Union Square West & 16th Street, Manhattan, New York.

Spider Hole

2007-04-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Ojitos Azulitos

2007-04-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

(Little blue eyes.)

(And big hands, too!)

Disconnected

2007-04-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Corner of Fifth Avenue & Ninth Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Momentary Indecision

2007-04-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Fourth Avenue subway entrance, F subway line, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

All Lost in the Supermarket, Pt. 2

2007-04-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Steve's C-Town, Ninth Street, near 4th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Red Boots in the Cold Rain

2007-04-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

34th Street subway station, Sixth Avenue line, Manhattan, New York.

Ducky Love

2007-04-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Lonely Bench by the Lake

2007-04-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Sleeping Marcus

2007-04-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Three Friends on Fifth Avenue

2007-04-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

The one on the left looks like he should have stopped at that Barber Shop they've just walked past.

Fifth Avenue, near 6th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Leave my pizza alone, you stupid bird!

2007-04-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn, New York.

Red Camouflage

2007-04-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Rather defeats the purpose of camouflage, doesn't it?

Corner of South Street & Fulton Street, South Street Seaport, Manhattan, New York.

All Lost in the Supermarket, Pt. 1

2007-04-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

Foodtown, McDonald Avenue, near Albermarle Rd., Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

Brooklyn Beachcombing

2007-04-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn, New York.

Walking the Goth

2007-04-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

Broadway, near Houston St., Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York.

The Number Eight

2007-04-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

Or is Marcus reaching for infinity?

Stocking up on TP

2007-04-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

Rite Aid, Church Avenue, near E5th St., Kensington, Brooklyn, New York.

Think About It

2007-04-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

No, really -- take a minute and think about it.

Seventh Avenue, near 2nd St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Russki in Red

2007-04-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

F subway line, Kings Highway station, Brooklyn, New York.

U.S. Marines recruiting station in Downtown Brooklyn

2007-04-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

After a great deal of thought and consideration, I finally made up my mind and went down to the local military recruiting office in Downtown Brooklyn and signed up for the Marines.

The decision wasn't easy for me, but as President George W. Bush has always maintained, we're fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them over here. The President has also said that with one more surge, we'll have victory over the terrorists. I feel it's my patriotic duty to be part of this massive effort to fight for our freedom and keep America safe.

It doesn't matter that too many of us would rather sip French wine and appease Islamic Jihadists like modern-day Chamberlains. I'm just going to do my part to fight for security and our way of life, because surrendering to the global Jihad is simply not an option.

At last! The first signs of Spring!

2007-03-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

...or, at least that I finally noticed.

These were blooming on a tree right in front of my apartment building where I live in Brooklyn. I'm botanically challenged, so I have no idea what the tree is called, or if these nascent blooms have their own unique name.

I do know that they are lovely (ack!), and precisely what I've been looking for to start off my macro exploration of Springtime 2007.

Keep Out

2007-03-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

Center Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Fascinated by the statue of Peter, and his pet dog, Willie.

2007-03-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

There must be something about this statue that Marcus finds so funny. Maybe one day Papi will get the joke, too, especially once my little boy can talk and break it down for me.

You can read more about the statue, based on Ezra Jack Keat's children's book, "Whistle for Willie," here.

Abraham Lincoln statue in Prospect Park

2007-03-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

It's hard to tell because he's not wearing his signature stovepipe hat, and the silhouette obscures his beard , but it's old Abe, alright.

Prospect Park, Concert Grove, Brooklyn, New York.

Stopping for a bite at the Cheyenne Diner.

2007-03-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

33rd Street, near 9th Ave., Manhattan, New York.

Hardened

2007-03-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

More like pitted and rusted.

Greenwood Avenue, near 11th Ave., Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York.

Mister Softee

2007-03-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

The day was warm enough for a Mister Softee ice cream truck to make its appearance next to Prospect Park.

Prospect Park West, near 11th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Out with the Old, In with the New, Pt. 1

2007-03-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Flatbush Avenue is Brooklyn's longest avenue, stretching from Brooklyn Heights all the way out to Rockaway Park. The section of Flatbush Avenue that runs adjacent to Park Slope and Prospect Heights is undergoing slow yet inexorable change. Gentrification, coupled with soaring real estate prices, is replacing long-time shops and services with new businesses that cater to the more recent residents.

Corner of Flatbush Avenue & Bergen Street, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York.

Sef

2007-03-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Greenwood Avenue, near Prospect Avenue, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York.

Maybe it's time for a nap, but Marcus has energy for one last round of play with Papi!

2007-03-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Lonelyville Coffee Shop

2007-03-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park Southwest, near Vanderbilt St., Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York.

F Train Streaks In

2007-03-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

Seventh Avenue subway station, Brooklyn, New York.

Daughter tells daddy what she knows about all the castles of the world.

2007-03-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Brooklyn

2007-03-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Prospect Park West, near Bartel-Pritchard Square, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from NYC!

2007-03-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Fifth Avenue, near 82nd St., Manhattan, New York.

Beware the Hail of March

2007-03-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

In an abrupt departure from Wednesday's taste of spring weather, we got hit by an unwelcome blanket of icy sleet and hail -- the latter so intense that without the protection of an umbrella, it stung rather painfully.

That comically small blue car on the left can be seen in greater detail here.

Corner of 9th Street & Seventh Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Mommy Squirts Marcus with Water in the Tub

2007-03-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Marcus smiles to encourage Crystal to squirt even more water!

He could probably keep doing this all day if it wasn't for the fact that his whole body would eventually look like prune and his fingers and toes like raisins.

Springtime Romance in the Park

2007-03-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

In the Spring a livelier iris changes on the burnish’d dove;
In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.
-- Alfred Lord Tennyson

It looks like she's still a bit unsure. Perhaps he should try another line!

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.