Okay, is that not the most ADORABLE little dog in the photograph above? I just so happened to capture this scene while walking down a street in Manhattan. I took the picture so fast because I didn't want to miss it. However, I really need to upgrade my camera to one with a faster shutter speed setting because it's rather slow. I can't tell you how many times I'll lose a great action shot, but got lucky with this one.
A unique thing about NYC are the billion, trillion, gazillion people walking around. Everywhere you look there are humans. And for someone like me who enjoys noticing people, I find it fascinating because of the diversity.
NYC is very different in that people don't seem to care if you take their picture. It's a city in which I feel so free to snap away without worrying if anyone will be offended. People are too busy going about their business to concern themselves if you're taking their picture.
It's a very camera-friendly city. And not at all shy. "You wanna take my picture? Hell, go right ahead!"
Here, take a look...
I can't remember where I was when I spotted this à la mode gentleman in a full-length fur coat, sunglasses, hat, leather boots and gloves, pacing back and forth on the pavement while talking very intensely on his cell phone.
GOD, HOW I LOVE NYC!
A portrait artist I saw sitting in Central Park.
NY is also a very canine-friendly city. You see people with dogs everywhere. And I love how the dogs are so acclimated to city life; not ever bothered by loud car horns, ambulance sirens, speeding buses and cabs, or all the pedestrians on the sidewalks. They walk with a confident streetwise stride that says, "Hey...I'm a city dog, cute and friendly, but please don't ever mess with me because I'm da' BAD ASS."
This guy was AWESOME! And he really knew how to play that sax too. He was JAMMING! I tipped him because he was such a delight.
Here he is posing for a photograph.
I spotted these guys playing a boom box; lip-syncing and dancing. And as I walked by, I even started dancing myself because the music they were playing was faaaaabulous!
As I turned around while walking away, I saw the guy in front taking an exposé selfie...
Yup...ONLY in New York City!
Happy Monday, y'all!
X
ONLY in NYC indeed!! Oh, how I love that city! There is no where like it in the entire world!! As you know, I worked at Xerox for a zillion years and my boss was from NYC. His favorite place in the entire world! He used to work in the city...as did my husband. The stories that those two can tell are just awesome! I could never live there though...the pace is much, MUCH, too fast for me...too busy!! It would make me crazy!! But, I do love to visit...just like you! People watching at its best!! Happy Monday Ron! xo Jeanne
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Ron. People watching is great fun but I don't think it would work in the UK so much. People are not so casual here. Not yet,anyway.
ReplyDeleteAt first sight I thought the man in the fur coat was a woman. When you think about it, though, why not - why shouldn't a man wear fur?
By the way, a couple of times I wanted to go in The Plaza but didn't dare go past the doorman. I wasn't dressed for the occasion, you see, at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Absolutely great post... anything about NYC goes down well with me. Have a great day and week xx
I think the 70's was calling that guy and asking for their fur coat, hat and boots to be returned!!! And those guys in the rainbow parachute suits in the last photo are straight out of the 80's. Great pictures, Ron!
ReplyDeleteI never see people walking their dogs in urban areas here, but they are always at the parks. I can't imagine putting a dog in a backpack and expecting him to just stay in there like that! Happy Monday!
Ron, that picture of the dog in the backpack is so CUTE! I love the way it's just sitting in there like it's so used to it. A traveling dog! Wonderful photos! Oh my god, the one of the guy in the fur coat talking on his cell phone is faaabulous! I thought it was a woman at first. And it's true what you said about New York, people don't care if you take their picture.
ReplyDelete"As I turned around while walking away, I saw the guy in front taking an exposé selfie..." Lol. ONLY in New York!
Great post, Ron. Have a wonderful week x
Good morning Valerie!
ReplyDelete"People watching is great fun but I don't think it would work in the UK so much. People are not so casual here. Not yet,anyway."
Yes, and it's also that way in many places in the US as well. That's why NYC is so unique.
"At first sight I thought the man in the fur coat was a woman. When you think about it, though, why not - why shouldn't a man wear fur?"
I thought it was a woman at first as well!! Yet, you see quite a few men wearing fur coats even here in Philly.
"By the way, a couple of times I wanted to go in The Plaza but didn't dare go past the doorman. I wasn't dressed for the occasion, you see, at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it."
Ha! I know what you mean because I felt that way myself at first. But I think because it's such a infamous spot, they are very casual about people just walking in and taking a look around. Part of the Plaza has also been renovated into condominiums, so it's not longer strictly a hotel.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a great day and week!
X to you and Joe
""Hey...I'm a city dog, cute and friendly, but please don't ever mess with me because I'm da' BAD ASS." Lol. Ron, you crack me up. I love the photos of the guy playing the sax. That's what is so cool about the cities I have visited, the street musicians. And so many of them are REALLY good. Priceless shot of the dog in the backpack.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post about New York, dude!
Hola Denise!
ReplyDelete"...that picture of the dog in the backpack is so CUTE! I love the way it's just sitting in there like it's so used to it. A traveling dog!"
Isn't that dog ADORABLE? When I first I saw it I wondered how he stayed there without trying to jump out. But he looked so casual and used to it, as if he does it everyday!
"that picture of the dog in the backpack is so CUTE! I love the way it's just sitting in there like it's so used to it. A traveling dog!"
I thought the exact same thing at first. I was standing on a street corner somewhere when I took those shots, but I can't remember exactly where it was because I walked to so many different areas that day.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful week too!
X
Boy, Ron, you really went to town! I love these photographs, particularly the one of the gentleman in the fur coat and the dancers. Great stuff!.
ReplyDeleteI've been very reluctant to take people's photos, which is a shame because, as you point out, there are millions of fascinating people in this town. I only have an I-phone camera, but you've inspired me to get out there, take some photos, and see what develops!
Take care, buddy, and keep on snapping those pictures!
Hey there Jeanne!
ReplyDelete"Oh, how I love that city! There is no where like it in the entire world!!"
I have to agree, there is NO where like it in the entire world. I have a friend in the UK who is a flight attendant for Virgin Airlines and fly's international. She's been all over the world, in every major city yet, she says that NY is her favorite city in the world.
"I could never live there though...the pace is much, MUCH, too fast for me...too busy!! It would make me crazy!!"
Yes, I can totally understand that. NYC is not a place that everyone could live (the pace, the cost, the sensory overload). But it is a place that's great to visit and get a "fix." Yet, I have to say that if I ever got the opportunity to live there again, I would in heartbeat.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific Monday and week!
X to you and the girlz
I enjoy the street musicians.
ReplyDeleteLast month we went to the outdoor skating rink to take pics, not skate!
New York IS fabulous! I must get back there this year or next. Love love that adorable pooch in the bag.
ReplyDeleteWow with these posts lately I feel like I visited NYC myself! I absolutely love the pups you took pictures of. My pup is way too spoiled to be a city dog. She HATES being disturbed. If there is so much as a small noise in the house she will start huffing because she has been disturbed.
ReplyDeleteRon, I can almost hear the traffic and horns, almost smell the crisp cool climate, almost feel the ENERGY! Thank you for sharing these photos with us.
ReplyDeletePeople here tend to be a bit more reserved. If I take a crowd shot, for instance, invariably somebody is going to ask me why (and somebody else is likely to complain, ha!). Perhaps I need to find a more camera-friendly location!
The dog in the backpack is precious! A portable puppy is ideal; poor Dallas is far too big to ride like that, and after the relative calm of Central Illinois, I imagine he'd be skittish in city noise.
Happy week to you!
I feel like I'm right there with you Ron! Thanks for taking me on the photo tour!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Ron! We L.O.V.E.D. NYC and took photos constantly but then there is so much to photogaph isn't there? Were you there recently or are these photos from a previous visit?
ReplyDeleteOh forgive me Ron I should have read your earlier posts first, you were there recently I see now. xx
ReplyDeleteTalk about a pimp daddy! All that's missing is the feather in his cap. But I suppose that's because this is 2015, not 1975. Only in NYC, indeed.
ReplyDeleteWell...maybe Portland, too. But he'd have a beard to go along with the fur coat.
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDelete"That's what is so cool about the cities I have visited, the street musicians. And so many of them are REALLY good. Priceless shot of the dog in the backpack."
And you see SO MANY in cities like NY. I see a lot here in Philly as well. Isn't the doggie priceless? I'm so happy I was able to capture that shot. I got VERY lucky!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!
X
" I must get back there this year or next."
ReplyDeleteFiona, it is truly my favorite city on the East Coast. And it's such a great place for taking pictures because there is so much to see and photograph.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!
X
Hellooooo there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because when you take pictures of NYC, the ENERGY just naturally comes through. You can actually feel it, can't you?
"People here tend to be a bit more reserved. If I take a crowd shot, for instance, invariably somebody is going to ask me why (and somebody else is likely to complain, ha!)."
Philly is the same way - much more reserved. I don't take nearly as many people shots here as I do in NYC.
"The dog in the backpack is precious! A portable puppy is ideal; poor Dallas is far too big to ride like that, and after the relative calm of Central Illinois, I imagine he'd be skittish in city noise."
Isn't the doggie PRECIOUS? OMG...I wanted to hug him because he was so cute. I think dogs just get acclimated to all the sensory overload that goes in a city; especially if they were born and grew up there.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous week!
X
You are so welcome, Benze. Glad you enjoyed :)
ReplyDeleteHave a grrrrreat week, my friend. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!
X
:)
ReplyDeleteX
"Well...maybe Portland, too. But he'd have a beard to go along with the fur coat."
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHA! That's right, Mark, I forgot about how POPULAR beards are in Portland!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaabulous week!
X to you and Tara
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteDon't you LOVE the guy in the fur coat? I think I was walking somewhere near Macy's department store when I took that. 32nd or 33rd Street, maybe? The dancers were in Central Park.
"I've been very reluctant to take people's photos, which is a shame because, as you point out, there are millions of fascinating people in this town."
Like I shared, NY is the ONLY city where I feel comfortable taking people photographs because no one seems to mind. Plus, there are so many FASCINATING people in that town!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a supa' week!
X
The street musician are the BEST, Suzi! And so many of them a SO talented!
ReplyDelete"Last month we went to the outdoor skating rink to take pics, not skate!"
I haven't ice skated in so long that I don't even know if I can still get up on a pair of skates!
Have a super week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
X
Hello there Pearl!
ReplyDelete"We L.O.V.E.D. NYC and took photos constantly but then there is so much to photogaph isn't there?"
I KNEW you would LOVE NYC! And I can't tell you how eager I am to read about your trip there in September. I bet you took some GREAT photographs too! Anytime I go there, I have to bring along extra batteries for my camera because I take so many pictures that I end up having to changed them mid-day - HA!
Yes, I was just recently there last week for a day-trip and had a blast!
Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear. Have a lovely week!
X
Hey there Shae!
ReplyDelete" I absolutely love the pups you took pictures of."
Isn't the pup ADORABLE? It looks like a little ragamuffin!
"My pup is way too spoiled to be a city dog. She HATES being disturbed. If there is so much as a small noise in the house she will start huffing because she has been disturbed."
OMG...that sounds a lot like a cat I used to have. She hated being disturbed and would let you know it, too - HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!
X
ONLY in New York City indeed, Ron! And isn't something how after you live there for awhile, none of that ever seems to shock you anymore? It just becomes a part of the 'norm' Lol. The picture of the dog in the backpack is precious! Glad you were able to snap it. Love the shot of Rockefeller Center. It's been years since my husband and I have been there. I love the huge Christmas tree during the holidays. There is no place like NY at Christmas.
ReplyDelete"And isn't something how after you live there for awhile, none of that ever seems to shock you anymore? It just becomes a part of the 'norm' Lol."
ReplyDeleteHA! Yes, that is SO true, Elaine! After you live there for awhile, you don't even seem to notice it. That's why I love going back after a long break because I seem to notice more. It's like seeing it with fresh eyes!
"I love the huge Christmas tree during the holidays. There is no place like NY at Christmas."
You're right, there is no place like NYC during the holidays. It's so MAGICAL! I was there two years ago, right after Christmas, and was able to catch the tree in Rockefeller before they took it down.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!
X
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDelete"Being a dog lover, I think it's great that the city is so dog friendly and that the guy could walk around with his pooch in his backpack and no one cared."
Isn't that GREAT? I've even noticed here in Philly that it's getting more and more dog-friendly; allowing people to bring their dogs into stores as long as they're small enough to hold. We allow it in my store as well.
"One of these days I have got to visit New York. You make it look and sound like such a special city."
I'm biased, but to me it is a 'special' city :) And I think you would enjoy it too. Not everyone could live there, but it's a great place to visit.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrrrreat week!
X
Ron, just the first picture alone gives us an idea of how unique life is in New York. Being a dog lover, I think it's great that the city is so dog friendly and that the guy could walk around with his pooch in his backpack and no one cared. And what an adorable dog!
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of dancers. Nice abs in that selfie Lol!
One of these days I have got to visit New York. You make it look and sound like such a special city.
As I'm commenting, and perhaps even while you were snapping away, the temp is 16 degrees outside. Not that it feels that way at the computer. It's pretty cozy, and that's just how your post feels. Cozy. Perhaps because everyone ALWAYS rushes in Manhattan, it really never feels as cold as it is. You captured joy in your photos, Ron.
ReplyDeleteMany not from "the city" would think Manhattanites are curmudgeons. I'd say any city has its fair share. But they're just like anyone else, aren't they? Omg, except for SHAFT in the fur coat. Love it! And where else? Lol. And that looks like Bruce Springsteen's Clarence Clemons incarnate on the sax. (God rest his soul.)
Yes, I agree, there's an attitude that Billy Joel reflects, "I'm in a New York state of mind." And your frames put it in such a wonderful light, Ron. It was a pleasure! Thank you! :))
"Perhaps because everyone ALWAYS rushes in Manhattan, it really never feels as cold as it is."
ReplyDeleteI love how you expressed that, Petra. And I agree!
" But they're just like anyone else, aren't they? Omg, except for SHAFT in the fur coat. Love it! And where else? Lol."
Bwhahahahaha! OMG...I never thought of that, but you right...SHAFT!
"And that looks like Bruce Springsteen's Clarence Clemons incarnate on the sax. (God rest his soul.)"
Yes! He does look Clarence Clemons!! This guy was so good too! He was in his own little world playing that sax; bringing such joy to everyone who walked by. People were tipping him like crazy.
"...there's an attitude that Billy Joel reflects, "I'm in a New York state of mind." And your frames put it in such a wonderful light, Ron"
Thank you. And it's ironic you mentioned "New York State of Mind" because as was taking the bus into Manhattan, I had the song playing on my head phones. I kid you not!
Have a super week, dear friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
X
"It happens to be my favorite rendition of that song. She sings it with such feeling and emotion. She had an amazing voice!"
ReplyDeleteRobert, I feel the same way! Amy's rendition gives me chills because you can feel her emotion is every note and word. God, I miss her.
Thanks for stopping back, buddy!
Ron, when I stopped back to read your reply, I noticed the clip of Amy Winehouse on your sidebar. It happens to be my favorite rendition of that song. She sings it with such feeling and emotion. She had an amazing voice!
ReplyDeleteSome more cool photos from NYC, great stuff Ron! I love your description of city dogs too! I hope that they aren't too bothered by noises etc...I'm guessing that they do adapt if living in the city on a regular basis. I know in Toronto years ago, it was afghan (BIG DOGS!!!) that i saw everywhere and they just went with the flow, their coats shining, looking oh so chic and cool! They didn't seem bothered by the noises either.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another Big Apple tour!!! :-) Have a great day and weekend too, it's almost here!!!
Hello there Geraldine!
ReplyDelete" I love your description of city dogs too! I hope that they aren't too bothered by noises etc...I'm guessing that they do adapt if living in the city on a regular basis. I know in Toronto years ago, it was afghan (BIG DOGS!!!) that i saw everywhere and they just went with the flow..."
Yes, and it blows me away to see how city dogs (especially in a HUGE city like NY) adapt so well to all the noise and sensory overload. They just seem to take it in stride and go with it. Also too, I've noticed that city dogs are very acclimated to having so many people around. They're very friendly.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your day was FAB! Can you believe the week is already half over!?!
X
There was no one like her!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Robert. And her voice will live on!
ReplyDeleteWow....you've gotten really good at people photos. I imagine snapping random photos in NYC is a pretty common place thing. Around here they'd be carting you off to the county jail. LOL...or at the very least setting you up with a visit from Cousin Guido. :-/ Seriously....even I get weirded out if someone starts snapping photos of me. And that's just talking about himself doing it. LOL
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the grand tour around NYC. Thanks so much for taking us along with you. Feel free to do that again! :-)
The Big Apple certainly is a boon for photographers, Nice post.
ReplyDelete" I imagine snapping random photos in NYC is a pretty common place thing. Around here they'd be carting you off to the county jail. LOL...or at the very least setting you up with a visit from Cousin Guido. :-/ "
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHA! Mel, that made my LAUGH! Yeah, it's the same here in Philly. However in NYC, it seems to be common place to take people photos. And OMG...there are so many opportunities to take them!
I may be posting one more photo tour of NYC next week.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a terrific Thursday!
X
Thanks, Dale :)
ReplyDeleteNY is such a great city for taking photographs because there is so much going on around you. And it amazes me to see how many people are taking pictures. It seems that everyone is pointing their camera somewhere; snapping.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're having a super week!
X
Ron, those pictures are GREAT!!! I love the last one, bless his heart - he looks so happy!
ReplyDeleteThe black leather/fur coat guy looks scary ... but the doormen at the Plaza is my favourite. It says 'No standing at any time', and what are they doing? Ha! STANDING!
"ut the doormen at the Plaza is my favourite. It says 'No standing at any time', and what are they doing? Ha! STANDING!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHA! Great catch, Jay! I didn't even notice that!
" I love the last one, bless his heart - he looks so happy!"
Yes, he does look happy. And it was freezing cold that day, with his torso exposed like that!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
X
That first bus picture is WONDERFUL. I especially love the blur of the bus and how the man and the dog are perfect!
ReplyDeleteAll of these are wonderful.... you got to see so many neat things and really cool people!
But the ice skating picture.... oh my goodness. I caught my breath when I saw it! TRULY! You captured a moment that is timeless. If only that mom could have that picture. WOW it is so wonderful. And I love the angle... the gold in the picture.
WOW WOW WOW!
Aw...thank you, Katherine :) As I shared, I got VERY lucky with that one because I barely had time to focus on the picture. I took two shots. The first one the dog was looking away. The second one he looked RIGHT at me.
ReplyDeleteI love stopping by Rockefeller Center during the winter months because they have ice skating and you can capture some nice shots. During the summer months it turns into a outdoor restaurant.
I would LOVE to meet up with you one time in NYC because I know you would love it. We could walk around and take pictures all day!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
X
You got some great character photos! Fantastic people watching in NY, isn't it? I can almost feel your glee in capturing those shots.
ReplyDeleteI love candid street photos and these are some great ones! You can fill up a memory card in a hurry in NYC. I chuckled out loud when I saw the doorman and other guy, standing in front of the Plaza Hotel, right behind the "no standing" sign. I know the sign relates to cabs, but it was still funny.
ReplyDelete"Fantastic people watching in NY, isn't it? I can almost feel your glee in capturing those shots."
ReplyDeleteIt sure is! And yes, I was so full of GLEE while in NYC. I truly love that city.
X
Me too, Pat! I love candid street shots; natural and spur of the moment.
ReplyDelete" I chuckled out loud when I saw the doorman and other guy, standing in front of the Plaza Hotel, right behind the "no standing" sign. I know the sign relates to cabs, but it was still funny."
HAHAHAHAHA! Yes, one of my other readers pointed out that same thing. And it's funny because I didn't even notice the sign when I took the photograph.
Thanks for stopping by, Pat!
HA! I think you captured the personality of NYC very well! Eclectic surrounding at its best!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Lisa :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!
((((((((((( You ))))))))))
X
Even though I'm not much for taking random people photos, (guess I just prefer watching them?) I do feel that all of these are in good taste and just show a nice selection of life in the big city. I like that first one, and would have thought that you maybe put a little blur around it purposely... like I do in Picasa. ha! Which is why it takes me so dang long to get pictures posted sometimes because I can't not edit them in some way.
ReplyDeleteI love to listen to street musicians. Even when we're driving, if I see anyone performing, I roll the window down if we're at a stop light so I can enjoy the sounds for a minute or two.
Good morning, Mary!
ReplyDelete"I like that first one, and would have thought that you maybe put a little blur around it purposely... like I do in Picasa. ha!"
I edit my photographs as well, however that one came out 'as is.' As I said, I took it so fast and got very lucky that the dog and owner came out clear, and the moving bus, blurry. I took two shots, but only this one the dog was looking at me :)
"I love to listen to street musicians. Even when we're driving, if I see anyone performing, I roll the window down if we're at a stop light so I can enjoy the sounds for a minute or two."
Me too. And even here in Philly they have LOTS of street musicians. They add such a cool ambiance to city life!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Saturday!
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