The Men That Build America
This is probably my favorite photo in this series on Jersey City. I walked past these three men, construction workers, on the street while they were waiting for their ride after a long day working. The man standing called out to me "why don't you take a picture of the men that build America?" Of course how could I not? The men and women who build this country are the backbone, the very soul of us. These 3 guys were very proud and very pleasant to chat with. I thank them so much for allowing me the honor of taking their photo. I never did catch their names.
I had my fisheye lens on the camera and I warned them that it might look a little strange, but I was pleased with the powerful perspective it gave this photo.
I had my fisheye lens on the camera and I warned them that it might look a little strange, but I was pleased with the powerful perspective it gave this photo.
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9.11.01 It's been 7 years.
Never Forget
9.11.01 It's been 7 years.
Never Forget
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News:
This photo of the Bucknell Quad is a 2 page feature photo in the Summer 2008 issue of Bucknell Magazine.
News:
This photo of the Bucknell Quad is a 2 page feature photo in the Summer 2008 issue of Bucknell Magazine.
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As of July 2008 I have decided to post the same photos on "Parallel Universe" as I do here. It has become too complicated to maintain two different photoblogs on a regular basis. Feel free to visit "Parallel Universe" and look through the portfolio/archives since there are quite a few photos there that were never posted here. I will continue to post on both since each one gets different viewers.
Labels: candid portraits, city, cityscape, Jersey City, people
posted by Laurie at 12:00 AM
20 Comments:
So, will these guys ever get a chance to see this image, or are they going to be out in cyber space without seeing your world? :)
Anyway, I love the black and white and really like the fisheye. I think that sells the photos. It's an excellent image of the everyday life of a lot of people. Well done!
A very dynamic portrait of these men. Splendid B&W.
Great street capture. I did some of this type work in my younger years and the men that do this are just a little crazy but lots of fun and like to have a good time after the work day is over.
Laurie, that is excellent. A fish-eye portrait! It just works!
Wow very cool shot and I really enjoyed your story on how the photo came to be! I wonder if they will ever get to see this great photo?
I agree with your assessment as a favorite. I like it as well. I liked the little background story, too! Love the fisheye thing you do. In this shot, it oddly didn't affect the men, just everything else. Really nice.
Love this type of street photography. Excellent job.
More on 9-11. You can go to my archives for 9-11-2006 and see pictures I took of our NYC fireman friend and the tribute.
Very fine and powerful picture of powerful people. Yes, they built our world, and I thank you not to forget them, on their behalf !
Excellent street shot, Laurie. I love the curved shadows and the arm of the traffic light produced by the fisheye lens. I also like how the tattooed gentleman is sitting on his hardhat.
My father is also one of those men that built America. He is a retired brick mason and worked on buildings all over Pennsylvania and in Washington, DC. To this day, I'm amazed at the craftsmanship that his hands produced over the years. One of the more personal things he built was the veteran's memorial in the little town where he grew up. It was poignant because he got to add his own name, and those of his cousins', to that memorial.
Hahahaha... the relaxed atmosphere in New Jersey. Very pleasant. All the expressions laughed... independent. Regards From Yogyakarta Indonesia.
this is a great picture, the B/W together with fish-eye make this.
T
:o)
What a great spontanious moment!
Great models also ;)
Love the fish eye effect, it really works well here.
ps: how could we ever forget :(
Love the perspective from the fisheye, they sure look like very proud builders of the U S of A :)|
that's just so cool! a perfect perspective from the fisheye series.. these guys are great sports.. :D this is just great! :D
Nice story ;) Reminded me about "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" =)
Laurie, this is excellent. The fisheye angle frames the 3 workers perfectly. Again, there is a lot of energy and it is indeed a slice of Americana. I can see this image having a timeless quality.
I'm a fan of worker portraits and this one is superb. You capture these fellows' fun-loving, though hard-working nature and place them within their geography. It inspires me to go for that wider angle. Looks like a union logo on the standing' guy's shirt. Many of my clients for whom I do graphic design and photos are unions...so, I appreciate the important message about America's backbone.
Thanks Mindy. I have a great respect for the hard working people of this country. It was an honor to take their photo. And to think I almost missed them!
excellent street-portrait ...
love the fish-eye-effect.
Fantastic use of the fisheye lens Laurie!
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