I attended an event after work at the Mandarin Oriental - a luxury five star hotel at Columbus Circle - and took this shot from a cocktail lounge on the 35th floor. I love watching all those yellow taxis go around and around. On left is the beginning of Central Park and the street going up is Central Park South stretching all the way east to Fifth Ave. (Please View Large).
Fantastic photo! I am trying to come to turns with the cars going around the round a bout in the opposite direction to the way we drive around them. I am assuming a few of the streets are one way. Fav.
Wonderful wide angle! Is that blue-ish haze off in the distance smog? Your images from up high are so interesting! I love the definition of the trees in the park. And I like the info you supply with the image so that I really get a feel of NYC... it's almost like looking at a map in a way.
@aspada - thx Amy I very much appreciate that. The haze is from the rain we've been having all week so it's misty in the distance. And there is always a story behind my photos. I could go on but try to always give a brief narrative to connect the viewer or give context as to what's going on and how it fits into the City. :)
@nicolecampbell - hahaha yes I'd be confused in London going other way. NYC is mostly one way streets. Here I think 6 different streets spill into and out of Columbus Circle.
Wow, this is one of my favorite photos that you have done, Michael. That new lens is fantastic but the person behind it has to know how to capture this well and you did that. FAV
So often wide angle lenses distort the view. Not in your hands,Michael Elliott! This is a terrific photo. I could wax poetic about so many aspects of it, but I'll just say, I love how all the lovely little yellows cabs stand out so clearly. Sans honking! Beautiful.
Viewing large should come with a vertigo warning label! ;) The positions of the yellow taxis creates a lovely movement which makes the whole pic come alive. Virtual reality.
unfortuntaly my husband never wants to go in hotel's bars so I can't get him to visit places like this. But next time I'll go, with or without him! a fav love it
@melaniesavage - thx Melanie for the Fav! At first I was concerned I may not be able to pick up all that detail but with a little tweaking I was able to bring it out.
@jgilker - thx Jessika that's an awesome compliment - much appreciated. I definitely have a love affair with the city - it has a real vibe that can sweep you away. Glad some of that comes through my photography. And thx for the Fav!
@michaelelliott It certainly does! I've always had a love affair with NYC but even more so now through your pics :) Your perspective of the city is simply awesome!
Wow, wonderful view and great shot. Look at all those taxis. When we visited New York the first thing that jumped out at me was all the taxi cabs and how they loved to toot and honk. Fav. for me.
@hasselhotch _ Thx David so much for the Fav! Funny thing is when I got there I checked my camera bag as I had to mingle at this event but when I noticed the view I bolted to get the camera and take some shots.
@mittens - Yeah topns of yellow taxis everywhere and all are always busy. Try to get one when it rains and fuggetaboutit! Haha thx so much for the Fav!
Absolute fav! thank you for the exact dates on site. I have my NY map already in hand to mark this point. I'm so excited, only a few days left and I 'm going to travel to your city.
@noragentian - Thx so much for the Fav Ruth (It went thru). Thats fabulous you will be visiting NY. Go thru my album and pick out some of the great spots for photos. Email me if you have any questions while here about things.
One of the most appealing things for me about New York is it's grid pattern, and yet within these tight grids, the most extraordinary facets of life burst out of the lines. It is on my Very Soon Travel list.
@skygirl - very good observation! Often times the grid is bursting at the seams. Lower Manhattan the grid is quite haphazard. Midtown though is very regimented.
It is a city that refuses to be defined by structure, but uses the structure to make itself more beautiful and more artistic than it could without it. Of all the worlds' Architecture, early New York is my favourite, and look how it has stood it's ground amongst all those modern, but equally beautiful skyscrapers.
@maggiemae - Thx! When ever my mom asks how I get these high elevation shots I always tell her a friend dangled me from a window while I snapped it. And she always says back to be careful! hahaha.
If those cobbles could share their stories. I am sure you have many wonderful photo's of the area, please share some. It is one of the super things about walking in London, that feeling of being tempory in an old, old town.
@tonyjsisti - thx Tony very nice of you to say. I almost didn't take this shot because I had checked my bag entering the event. But when I saw this view I ran back to get it. Thx for the Fav too!
@naladka - yes the hotel is right in the Time Warner Center which is amazing but outside nearby is Lincoln Center and across the street is a main enterance to Central Park. So much going on in this area all day and all night.
@tesssa - thx very much. Most people only think of NYC as a concrete jungle. But there are little parks and wonderful waterfronts all over and around the City. Of course none like Central Park.
@michaelelliott We went there last year on holiday from Australia. I did enjoy NY. But I do wonder why when talking and mentioning our holiday why everyone asked if we went to NY like it is the only place to visit.
Another amazing shot Michael! Plus, I was right there in Feb. Thanks for posting such great shots and letting me relive my memories! You are the King of NYC! FAV
@numinee - Wow thx very much Sally! It is hard to get good elevated access in CC wth private businesses dominating at Time Warner Center. You really need an in.
Most Definitly a Unique shot of the Circle! great angle and love that you used the wide angle to emcompass the park and the other landmarks! This is how i first found Times Square! lol..walking from Broadway down through the circle and right smack into All the Light 's and Action! I love the statues is this area...another Fav Michael!
You have the most amazing pictures....they make me want to visit NYC every time I view them! Maybe you should consider working for their Travel/Tourism Bureau...you photos would definitely draw some visitors (like me)!
@pj - Thank you so much - that is a fabulous compliment! Besides a number of photo projects I've been mulling around in my head, one is meeting with the City on that subject, and a friend with connections is trying to set that up.
@josephpadiernos - Being a lawyer I have a lot of connections that provide me special access to many places. But sometimes that's not enough to get a shot I want so must be creative. Shot this from a swanky lounge on the 47th floor of Time Warner. If you're dressed appropriately and sweet talk the hostess you can get in to the windows for a few shots without having to pay a lot for drinks etc.
awww.. @michaelelliott that's bad. when I got in first to NYC I search for places)(rooftops) accesible to public. but to bad, I still can't find one.. Im excluding ESB and Rock.
@josephpadiernos - Great shots can be had from the Manhattan side of the Manhattan Bridge. The beginning crosses over several blocks of Chinatown about the height of the old apartment buildings. How old are you? Some hotels have roof top bars with great views. Also walk the Highline! Great elevated shots to be had. Keep going thru my album - all 3 as I disclose many places theere.
@josephpadiernos - ok great then you can try some of the hotel rooftop lounges. The Highline runs thru one of the trendiest areas of the city - the meatpacking district - lots of fancy clubs and restaurants - lots of movie stars, models and the like - though youd never know from the grimy looks of it all. Go back a few times and just hang out and watch life on the streets. Every time I go its a photo bonanza!
One of these years, I'm going to make it to NY.
:-)