2024: Empire State Building

When I visited London, I had the chance to go to the Tate Modern. Really cool museum, very glad I went. Anyways, while I was there, and already thinking about photography lots, I stumbled across an exhibit about American photographer Joel Meyerowitz.

It was a cool exhibit! Big inspiration while I was there, and I think also in Dylan Vitone’s class. One small series in particular caught my eye:

Joel Meyerowitz 1938. From _Empire State_ 1978. _New York City_ 1978. 4 photographs, inkjet print on platine paper.

Hey I know that place! I live there!! Energized on the ride home, I traced back the exact locations of each of the shots and made plans to take photos in each location. For completeness’ sake, here are those locations, read right-to-left:

  1. 7th Ave, W 44th, from inside the building
  2. Broadway, W 29th
  3. 9th Ave, W 34th
  4. 11th Ave, W 34th

I was planning on scoping out the locations with my iPhone, and then taking “finals” with my Canon once I nailed down the exact angles and lighting I would need to replicate these photos exactly. Unfortunately, life gets in the way, and I got sick with Covid before that could happen, and then I dropped the project :(

Still, I do have some iPhone images! I couldn’t get (1) because it’s tricky to figure out how to get inside a locked building (do I email the property managers? and tell them what story??). I hope you find these cool anyways, because despite everything, I still do :)

Missing :( The Empire State Building is partially shrouded in a small low cloud, behind an old storefront, a city-grade Newsstand, and "Swingers: The crazy golf club".
The Empire State Building is a straight shot down the street, behind roadside trees, an old brick pizza building, an anime game ad, and a walk sign. A new-looking stair-steppy skyscraper reflects a blue sky against an overcast background, with a green construction lot in front of it. The Empire State Building is nowhere to be seen.