New York City Noir

Windows 7: Gateway Computer

I recently purchased a Gateway computer, model DX4822-03, in order to upgrade to Windows 7.

The configuration is great.  It runs on an Intel 2 Quad Q.8400 Processor at 2,66 GHz, has 8 gigs of RAM, a terrabyte hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce GT220 graphic adapter with a gig of discete RAM dedicated to video. 

The only problems I encountered when installing and using the computer were (1) the VGA hookup did not function, forcing me to buy a new monitor that worked with the HDMI port, and (2) after checking the Control Panel upon installation, I discovered the computer itself needed troubleshooting because the "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter" was inoperative. 

I was not overly concerned about the monitor problem -- it only gave me an excuse to upgrade to a wide screen LCD far superior to the CRT I'd been using.  The failure to detect the wifi adapter problem was more troubling.  I think Gateway should not sell a computer without first checking to see if there exist problems with the drivers installed on it.  This was not a hidden flag -- all one had to do was look at the hardware control panel to see the triangular yellow sign with black exclamation point next to the computer icon.  Even more importantly, the faulty driver still did not work after troubleshooting.  In fairness to Gateway, I should mention that this problem hasn't had any effect on the machine's otherwise totally splendid performance.

Conclusion:  The Gateway is an extremely powerful machine and a great value at less than $800; but the company needs to improve its quality control procedures.

Photoshoot with model Sarah Ann

 

I worked today with a very professional and beautiful model named Sarah Ann.  I believe she can be contacted both through OMP and Model Mayhem.  If you're a NYC photographer, I highly recommend working with her before she returns to Berlin.

Now that August is ending and the weather's cooling, I want to get back inthe darkroom and print the shots that I took of Sarah Ann, as well as those of other models I photographed over the summer.

Hard Times in New York City

The unemployment rate in NYC hit 9.5% today. 

I took these pics a few months ago on a Nikon Coolpix 7.

 

Fresnel for Fashion

 

The Speedotron fresnel spotlight, which I have mentioned in earlier posts, is excellent for fashion as well as fine arts.  It casts a strong light on the model and clothes and creates a dramatic effect well suited to fashion.

The model for these photos, Jing Li, is not only a beautiful woman, but a great news reporter/anchor as well as can be seen by following the link to the youtube video.  I was lucky to work with her.

May 2009 Japan Day in Central Park

 

Japan Day in Central Park was at the end of May.  There were stage performances, displays of crafts, and free food and bottles of iced green tea.  It was a really friendly scene with Americans and Japanese sharing a sunny day. I bought a beautiful t-shirt showing a flight of wild geese -- the proceeds from the sale are going to be used to plant cherry trees around the Central Park reservoir.  I'll be able to see sakura each spring even if I'm not in Japan.

 

I met my friend Li at the festival and held the videocam for her while she interviewed the Japanese ambassador/consul-general.  As Li set up, I spoke briefly with the ambassador.  He was very patient as I rambled on about how much I'd enjoyed my last visit to Tokyo and how great I thought Japan was.

NYC Fireworks

 

I was in the West 80's and too far uptown.  The fireworks barely broke over the rooftops far to the south.  All the technical data is the same as in the post below.

Moonglow over Central Park West

 

I was on the roof of a building on Columbus Avenue about 9:00 pm hoping to photograph the July 4th fireworks.  Turning to look behind me, I saw to the east an almost full moon rising.  About ten minutes later, the fireworks still had not begun; but by then the moon was positioned directly behind the Beresford's northwest tower.  I shot a five second exposure with the Nikon 18 -200 DX lens open to f5.6 and the D200 (mounted on a Tiltall tripod) set to ISO 100.

Fresnel Results

 

I haven't been posting the past few months and have no excuse other than sheer laziness.  Fortunately, I have at least been working on my photography.

I began using my fresnel immediately after my last post and have gotten dramatic results with it.  I find the fresnel creates a much more dramatic light than I had previously achieved using only softboxes.  The lighting I get now is much more theatrical and works very well with my style.  Bringing it close in gives a very harsh effect that requires burning in on the final print.  Keeping the spotlight further back, and placing it immediately in front of a softbox, gives a much more nuanced effect.  The light is particuarly useful when photographing portraits.

Speedotron 4.5 Fresnel Lighthead

I picked up at B&H today a Speedotron 4.5 fresnel spotlight.  I got it because I'm interested in recreating the lighting for early b&w Hollywood glamor portraiture, especially that of Hurrell.  I thought that the 4.5 would be a good choice for me because my shooting space is rather small.  Also, the 4.5 has a 2400w cable rather than a 4800w.  I think the 4800w, even with the "isolate" switch thrown, would be too overpowering in such a small space.

When I had called Speedotron, at B&H's suggestion, to check availablility, I found out that the 4.5 is being discontinued.  It seems the 4.5 is built on a Lowel 650 chassis which Lowel has already stopped making.  Speedotron only has a few left in stock.

Finally, great customer service by both B&H and Speedotron.

Toning Slavich Paper

 

This past week, I experimented with split toning Slavich paper sepia/blue.  I found that the Bromportrait 80 glossy embossed "silk" surface (above) sepia tones beautifully but does not hold enough of the blue to make use of that color practical.  On the other hand, Unibrom 160 matte surface split tones very well, often more subtly than in the example shown below.