New York July 11th meetup

[Calzone]

Cal,

No doubt you're right in that the average Joe makes the banks (and other big corporations) plenty, and that the balance is well and truly tipped toward the latter. It is fortunate that you have photography to offer some solace when faced with the present situation.

It would indeed be a shame if the city were to lose its character and heterogeneity. Even in my relatively short time here, I have found that some areas in particular have become more homogenized and somewhat soul-less. But on the plus side, there are still swathes of the city that are diverse and interesting, and one can only hope that the segments of the population in these areas are resilient enough not to be bought (or forced) out.

Raj

Raj,

Our only hope is young people, but of late even they are moving out to the suburbs to buy homes they can'y afford in the city, and understandably to raise a family.

I go back in time when SoHo was empty, and there were basically homeless and artists. One could rent a 2,000 foot loft for $200.00 a month, and that meant kinda camping out because it was raw space with no bathroom or kitchen. Even though it was a rental artists could recover the build out of a kitchen and bathroom by charging a "Fixture Fee."

In the late 70's I spent a summer building out a loft on Broom Street for a college professor from art school while he was away all summer. The living room had 20 foot ceilings and skylights in one section even though it was in the rear of the building and on the ground floor. There were this double hung windows that stood 14-15 feet tall, exposed brick, and part of the loft was built out to be two levels: underneath was a kitchen, a bathroom, and a guest room; and on the upper level was the master bedroom, another bath, and an open area that overlooked the livingroom.

At that time the only businesses were on West Broadway, and a few uptown on Prince and Spring Streets. At night this area was desolate.

After SoHo got developed the Lower Eastside was where the artists went for cheap rent. Drugs and prostitution were big time. Walking around one got solicited all the time for either sex or drugs, But once you said, "No thanks," it was understood that you were an artist/gentrifier destroying their hood, and you had hostility following you in a very 70's kinda way even though it was the eighties.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Fascinating remanences Calzone. Thanks for sharing.

You are welcome. Sometimes I vent my anger so it does not turn into depression. Never thought I would live to become an old man. Life is good, but unfortunately I might have to leave the city I call home that I helped make into a great city.

I know the old New York...

Cal

 

[Prest_400]

Raj,



Interesting to note that I feel that I personally made the banks, the landlords, and the real estate agents lots of money over the decades; and I got so little in return. I will say Me and people like me are what makes NYC an interesting place, a reason for tourists to visit, and a creator of a culture that makes NYC a great city; but as we get displaced by wealthy people who bring nothing besides their riches somethings get lost.





Cal

My brief stint learning about the (money) system and observing many college classmates getting into it, made me learn: It'll take you in with some nice promises and spit you out the moment you're not useful. No thanks given. But knowing and riding it can have opportunities for moneymaking. It's a "do your own business" thing.


BTW, I see old posts of the subforum have disappeared. Your NYC posts should be recollected into that book idea that was thrown around! These are great stories.

Meeting up and knowing the backbone of NY is something I won't forget. Oftentimes tourism is just shallow, without interest to the histories behind.

 

[Calzone]

My brief stint learning about the (money) system and observing many college classmates getting into it, made me learn: It'll take you in with some nice promises and spit you out the moment you're not useful. No thanks given. But knowing and riding it can have opportunities for moneymaking. It's a "do your own business" thing.


BTW, I see old posts of the subforum have disappeared. Your NYC posts should be recollected into that book idea that was thrown around! These are great stories.

Meeting up and knowing the backbone of NY is something I won't forget. Oftentimes tourism is just shallow, without interest to the histories behind.

Jorde,

Newtown Creek is out of the way and definitely a forgotten part of NYC. It seems not many people are interested in history, or even the geography.

It is NYC's geography that makes it one of the world's great cities.

Also know that where I live now in East Harlem is the first time I do not love in a FEMA flood zone.

Know that many of these industrial areas that are now being made into residential communities are in these FEMA flood zones.

Cal

 

[Prest_400]

Jorde,

Newtown Creek is out of the way and definitely a forgotten part of NYC. It seems not many people are interested in history, or even the geography.

It is NYC's geography that makes it one of the world's great cities.

Also know that where I live now in East Harlem is the first time I do not love in a FEMA flood zone.

Know that many of these industrial areas that are now being made into residential communities are in these FEMA flood zones.

Cal

I hope best of luck about the rent rising. Just yesterday I happened to see a programme about how many people were struggling to get and hold an affordable rent in the city. In here it's tourism and Airbnb rentals, it's mucho more money made that way. Salaries are way out of whack too, and the way it is, a rent can eat 60%+ of a wage.
Basically most cities are getting gentrified as far I see. In a way it may make more safe some areas but it sterilizes them.

You mentioned SF. Some friends reminded me of the famous, now 50 year old song and hippie movement its related to. I read a funnily replaced line of the lyrics: "If you're going to San Francisco, make sure you can afford the rent" LOL but true. I hardly would doubt a similar hippie movement, without the money, would rise on the same place nowadays.

Of Newtown Creek I do share that strange sensation. It's NYC, but not in a way. Of course to the outsider, Manhattan is the quintessential NY.

The Hudson yard development has covered them already? As an occasional train nut, the view of the trains and the city on the background is an interesting juxtaposition. With so limited space, it shouldn't take very long for Sunnyside. They still have to do the waterfront on the meantime.

 

[Calzone]

I hope best of luck about the rent rising. Just yesterday I happened to see a programme about how many people were struggling to get and hold an affordable rent in the city. In here it's tourism and Airbnb rentals, it's mucho more money made that way. Salaries are way out of whack too, and the way it is, a rent can eat 60%+ of a wage.
Basically most cities are getting gentrified as far I see. In a way it may make more safe some areas but it sterilizes them.

You mentioned SF. Some friends reminded me of the famous, now 50 year old song and hippie movement its related to. I read a funnily replaced line of the lyrics: "If you're going to San Francisco, make sure you can afford the rent" LOL but true. I hardly would doubt a similar hippie movement, without the money, would rise on the same place nowadays.

Of Newtown Creek I do share that strange sensation. It's NYC, but not in a way. Of course to the outsider, Manhattan is the quintessential NY.

The Hudson yard development has covered them already? As an occasional train nut, the view of the trains and the city on the background is an interesting juxtaposition. With so limited space, it shouldn't take very long for Sunnyside. They still have to do the waterfront on the meantime.

Jorde,

Hudson Yards, while not a "Gated Community" it is being advertised as a developed as a luxury community that the wealthy need not venture out of. Pretty much everything a wealthy person needs will be at their doorstep. No need to visit poorer neighborhoods.

Here in NYC the rents have stabilized a bit. In the luxury market, due to a gut, overbuilding, and an oversupply luxury rents are kinda soft. I doubt that my foreign landlord will be able to raise my rent next January when my 2 year lease is up.

Don't get me wrong: I don't want to move; but if I had to I would be able to get something comparable for the same money, but we would likely upgrade to a two bedroom because we are very confined at this time in a one bedroom. We live confined because we spend our money on other things...

Cal

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Cal,
You're now the point man for the July 11th bridge demolition.
It's a very long story but I have a class that day (first day of advanced figure sculpture) that is going to become part of the foundation for my portfolio submission for graduate school.
In a nutshell, the VA has agreed to "re-educate" me towards a new career. After a few months of soul-searching, job field searching, bureau of labor statistics research and writing proposals, I got FULL approval from the VA to pay for graduate school at Drexel University here in Philly. I'm applying to the Art Therapy and Rehabilitation program, which perfectly fits my nature as an artist, a creative type and strong desire to facilitate healing from trauma.
As a part of that, I have two semesters of prerequisite classes, studio art and psychology. Then in the fall of 2018 I should be a fully fledged grad student, pulling my hair out. Another part is the portfolio I have to submit. It will consist of photography, drawing, painting, sculpture and a theatrical piece I will be performing this summer. The sculpture part of this is where the class comes in which conflicts with bridge demolition photography.

I was looking forward to shooting a fast time lapse with an F3/MD4 combo right at the last second of the countdown. On a slightly side note, if you watch the funeral scene where Vito Corleone is being buried during the last fourth of The Godfather, I'm positive it was filmed in the cemetery. You can see the BQE viaduct and the bridge in the background.

Phil Forrest

 

[Calzone]

Cal,
You're now the point man for the July 11th bridge demolition.
It's a very long story but I have a class that day (first day of advanced figure sculpture) that is going to become part of the foundation for my portfolio submission for graduate school.
In a nutshell, the VA has agreed to "re-educate" me towards a new career. After a few months of soul-searching, job field searching, bureau of labor statistics research and writing proposals, I got FULL approval from the VA to pay for graduate school at Drexel University here in Philly. I'm applying to the Art Therapy and Rehabilitation program, which perfectly fits my nature as an artist, a creative type and strong desire to facilitate healing from trauma.
As a part of that, I have two semesters of prerequisite classes, studio art and psychology. Then in the fall of 2018 I should be a fully fledged grad student, pulling my hair out. Another part is the portfolio I have to submit. It will consist of photography, drawing, painting, sculpture and a theatrical piece I will be performing this summer. The sculpture part of this is where the class comes in which conflicts with bridge demolition photography.

I was looking forward to shooting a fast time lapse with an F3/MD4 combo right at the last second of the countdown. On a slightly side note, if you watch the funeral scene where Vito Corleone is being buried during the last fourth of The Godfather, I'm positive it was filmed in the cemetery. You can see the BQE viaduct and the bridge in the background.

Phil Forrest

Phil,

Thanks for the great news on the heads up on your pursuits. I not only wish you the best, but I also want to let you know at the hospital where I work they have great employment opportunities using your advanced degree. There is a whole culture offering support and ways not only for sick patients to cope with disese, but also their families. Using your advanced degree in your new career will be a great thing.

You might have to move back to the NYC metro area.

BTW in 2004 and 2005 I got my MFA in Creative Writing, my second masters degree, and at that time I worked full time and went to school full time. Basically I had no life.

Just also wanted to warn you that those studio art classes are mucho time intensive. They are only three credits, but the amount of time required to get the most out of your studies is about double a 4 credit course.

Know you have my full support.

Cal

 

[lamefrog]

Is this still on (July 11th) ? Would we be moving around or staying in one place ?
Philippe

 

[Calzone]

Is this still on (July 11th) ? Would we be moving around or staying in one place ?
Philippe

Philippe,

So far it is Raj and I. Over the next 4 days I will be taking my bike to scout everything out.

I hope you understand that the area is kind of remote. Not sure if the Queens side is better or the Brooklyn side. No real mass transportation and it kinda means getting off on the second stop on the 7 Train in Queens or Court Square (third stop) and hiking in; or taking the G train to Nassau in Greenpoint and walking towards the BQE; or perhaps getting off at the second stop in Brooklyn on the L train and walking north.

On July 5th when I'm back at work I will report on the logistics and the possibilities from my bike patrol. I know that Raj has no bike, but I'm thinking this might be a good opportunity for a bike and shoot Meet-Up. BTW the area is all industrial around Newtown Creek and extends inland for 4 1/2 miles. Only a few places that are inhabited: Blissville; and Masbeth. There is plenty to shoot, but it is kinda spread out. In a way it is kinda endless.

Cal

 

[lamefrog]

Remote is no problem, I'm in. Anything with a bike sounds great too , I'm on my bike all the time in the summer .

Ph.

 

[jszokoli]

a bike and shoot Meet-Up.

I'd do that, when are you thinking; You will answer your phone this time, right?

Joe

 

[Calzone]

I'd do that, when are you thinking; You will answer your phone this time, right?

Joe

Joe,

I have a dead ear. My dad use to yell at me all the time and now I have really bad hearing loss. I'm sorry I missed your call the other day. Yelling at me more only makes things worse.

If we do a bike and shoot we can really explore and move around. I'll take out my single speed Ti IBIS Mountain Trials. The Rollie 3.5F is one possible camera, or maybe a pair of Texas Leicas.

This is for the demolition of the Kosciuszko Bridge which is scheduled on the 11th of July.

If you want we could do a bike and shoot Meet-Up separately for those of you who have to work on the 11th, although probably best if only a few guys for shooting.

Cal

 

[jszokoli]

Will you be doing any scouting over this coming weekend?
Joe

 

[Calzone]

Will you be doing any scouting over this coming weekend?
Joe

Joe,

Yes I will. Do you want to join in. I wouldn't mind company.

I will be off of work Monday and Tuesday so I have 4 days in a row off. Call me a lazy slacker.

BTW I know the area around Newtown Creek very well. Even far inland. Walking during the workweek with Robert and Raj it is odd to see other people and all the cars. I did a lot of shooting after the Great Recession and it was vacant, uninhabited, and displayed this moody loneliness of urban neglect. I really like shooting during that time and for me it was a very viseral experience.

Cal

 

[rajmohan-fotograf]

On July 5th when I'm back at work I will report on the logistics and the possibilities from my bike patrol. I know that Raj has no bike, but I'm thinking this might be a good opportunity for a bike and shoot Meet-Up. BTW the area is all industrial around Newtown Creek and extends inland for 4 1/2 miles. Only a few places that are inhabited: Blissville; and Masbeth. There is plenty to shoot, but it is kinda spread out. In a way it is kinda endless.

Sounds good. As you say, I'm limited by the lack of a bike, and I'll keep watching this space as plans develop. I have the day off, but if the group consensus favors a bike n' shoot affair, I may have to sit it out. 🙂

 

[Prest_400]

Sounds good. As you say, I'm limited by the lack of a bike, and I'll keep watching this space as plans develop. I have the day off, but if the group consensus favors a bike n' shoot affair, I may have to sit it out. 🙂

Look perhaps for a bike shop that does rental and start from there. Bicycles are a mighty fine transport, and in a way it is like walking at a faster pace.

I am curious about hoy you guys would carry the cameras while riding. I often have them in a backpack, stop, take them out, shoot and in they go again. A bit inconvenient, but doable and quite comfortable under weight.
Athough possible, I never liked to carry the cameras slung across unprotected, feels dangerous in a way and tend to be bouncy. I don't have a -biking- messenger bag, but feels that it would strain one side of the body too much.

I do imagine that in a front basket would be mighty convenient.

BTW, my 29er is very comfy for long rides. I feel that the back sits rather straight and it helps with carrying. City bikes feel quite comfy and laid back. The more aggresive position of (my) road or 26er feels much more strained -- maybe because mine are dad's I'm not down to the geometry!

Being European but without any foreseeable visit to NY, I may lobby towards the cause of a ride meet up in the future.

 

[Calzone]

Joe and I did a bike and shoot.

It seems unlikely the demo will be dramatized by explosives. Looks mor like they will detach and lower the span over Newtown Creek and worry about the deteriorated and cracked pilings later. The new span is too close to the old span to blow the bridge, and it seems they are putting in place supports to hold the main span.

I do have the best vantage points. The best unobscured view is from Greenpoint, but I like this zig-zag place on Review Avenue, this hill in the cemetary, and this parking lot of a restaurant supply.

In Greenpont you can get right under the BQE, but on the 11th one might be restricted.

One thing for sure is a bike is the way to go. Also there is other stuff to shoot.

BTW I used a fanny pack to carry a Rollieflex.

Cal

 

[rhl-oregon]

Let's see: it's the 5th of July. If I get on my Bike Friday Pocket Llama now, I might be there by...um...July 26. Maybe August. If I get on my Trek Soho, more like September 15.

Anyone for a bridge rubble shoot then? 🙄

Maybe next visit to LIC I'll pack the Bike Friday as my luggage. Fewer cameras, better transport. (If they'd accept my Aprilia 500 as $25 luggage, I'd pack that. 😎)

Y'all have fun and watch each other's back. Cal and Raj helped me more than once when I was engaged in yakking/not looking while crossing the street in LIC.

 

[Calzone]

Let's see: it's the 5th of July. If I get on my Bike Friday Pocket Llama now, I might be there by...um...July 26. Maybe August. If I get on my Trek Soho, more like September 15.

Anyone for a bridge rubble shoot then? 🙄

Maybe next visit to LIC I'll pack the Bike Friday as my luggage. Fewer cameras, better transport. (If they'd accept my Aprilia 500 as $25 luggage, I'd pack that. 😎)

Y'all have fun and watch each other's back. Cal and Raj helped me more than once when I was engaged in yakking/not looking while crossing the street in LIC.

Robert,

Pretty much they will be lowering the main span onto a barge to be recycled.

Joe and I took some shots of the LIC skyline competing with tombstones.

Interesting to note that Joe kinda made the observation that I have "Diane Arbus factor" in that strange, odd, and crazy people seem to approach me readily for some untold reason.

I was "minding my own business" when this guy engages with me telling me and showing me where Don Cory-On's grave is. This man gave me all this Mafia smut, so I had to ask him if he was in the mob. LOL.

I think one of the best shots will be when they raise the Mick-gin-us bridge gets raised and they bring out this main span on a barge. towards the mouth of Newtown Creek.

Cal