VIEW FROM THE TOP, a photo from New York, Northeast

Photographer's Note

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Central Park, bounded by 59th and 110th street (North-South), and Fifth and Eighth Ave (East-West), is one of the defining features of Manhattan. Its origins as a park date to the mid-19th century, when a 341 hectares (843 acres) rectangular plot of land was designated as a park in the manner of the great parks of England and France. In response to competition for a new park project, numerous designs were submitted, and a design by landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux won the commission. Its style, with ponds, bridges, clusters of trees and a zoo, is inspired by elements of two of London’s best known parks, Regents and Hyde.

I took the photo while having lunch in the 25th floor apartment of friends living on Central Park South. This is the view from the lunch table, looking northeast. It had snowed just two days before and the park was still shrouded in white. The road running diagonally near the top is Fifth Avenue, and the dark building in the center is one of my favorite small museums in the world, the Frick Museum, which has three paintings by Vermeer in its permanent collection. Farther up fifth avenue (also bordering the park, but not seen in this photo) is the immense Metropolitan Museum of Art.

As for the flowers in the lower right corner, they are Alstroemeria, otherwise known as the "Lily of Peru," and symbolic of wealth, prosperity and fortune. The Alstroemeria is also the flower of friendship. The inclusion of the flowers in the photograph represents an essential artistic element as a color highlight for the composition. The use of fill flash was required to avoid their appearance as a silhouette.

jhm, snunney, Vasa, paololg, worldcitizen, windosil, bostankorkulugu, papagolf21, JCG, Gerrit, BWJ, ahmetgedikli, delpeoples, leonorkuhn, Charo, gunbud, emjleclercq, ChrisJ, MLINES, jafadabret, daddo, patdeph, Uhu, pablominto, s_lush, shevchenko, Angshu, Kielia, adramad, adores, edcone, paura, elocks, Royaldevon, subhendu_bagchi, Docarmo, mafegan, yeln, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mesutilgim (68014) 2010-03-06 0:34

Selam sevgili Bülent komşum !
Nasıl timing ? Sen dünyanın bir ucunda ben diğerinde, hemen hemen aynı saniyelerde resmimizi yüklemiş ve de enter'e basmışız !
Central Park'ı hiç bu bakış açısından görmemiştim. Bu hali İle de muhteşem ama işin bonus'u, pencere önündeki çiçekler
Yine her zaman olduğu gibi ciddi ve faydalı bilgi notları. Adeta "scientific paper" gibi.
Teşekkürler, iyi bir hafta sonu dileği ile
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

Buin (42084) 2010-03-06 0:46

Hallo Bulent!
What a contrast, what an encouraging contrast! A photo with a wonderful composition showing an interesting view. I like this one very much!
Greetings from still winterly Germany! Have a nice weekend!
Frank

jhm (122474) 2010-03-06 1:17

Hello Dear Bulent,

What a lovely combination, the yellow flowers in house before the glass, snow depth beneath as winter decoration.
You shows the skyline with the different skyscrapers against a nice light cloudy sky.
Sharpness and clarity are excellent.
Perspective and composition are very good choice.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

tober (8748) 2010-03-06 1:27

Merhaba Sayın Hocam, kar örtüsüyle kaplı Central Park ile New York gökdelenlerinin soğukluğunu masadaki taptaze çiçeklerle çok güzel dengelemişsiniz.

Notunuzda ayrıca fotoğrafı hangi coğrafî yöne doğru çektiğinizi yazmanız da bence çok önemli. Böylelikle Kuzey Amerika ana kıtasını arkamıza alıp Atlantik-Kuzey Avrupa istikametine doğru baktığımızı öğrenmiş oluyoruz.

Elinize sağlık, sayglar. Tolga

snunney (67394) 2010-03-06 1:51

Hello Bulent,
A magnificent perspective over snowy Central Park, one of the highlights of any trip to New York I would say. The flowers are indeed well included both for their colour and the great sense of depth they help to create. Your friends certainly have a wonderful view over the city.

Bluejeans (64239) 2010-03-06 2:14

Ola Bulent,
Que magnifico ponto de visão bem alto para o Central Park , muito interessante a barreira de edifícios ao longo do parque , bonito contraste , boa inclusão das flores no primeiro plano , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

Vasa (15970) 2010-03-06 2:49

The realization is skill and lovely, dear Bulent. The elaborated position is the result of your experience and sensibility for artistic event. So proud of your work and friendship,

Branko

rlrad (1845) 2010-03-06 5:11

Hello Bulent,

Nicely done, I do like the flowers lit up in the corner, great use of the fill flash - especially nice that it didn't obliterate the main scene from reflection on the glass. The angle to the window was a great help, I know, but still, if you have that flash pointed in the wrong direction you end up with a re-take.

I like the composition, too, the park is beautiful in white, you can see the detail between the trees. Finally, the cityscape is well placed and kind of looks foreboding in the background along with those low clouds.

Neat shot, Bulent, I envy even a short stay and your opportunity for lunch in such a nice place!

Have a great weekend,
Reed

ciakgiak (30331) 2010-03-06 5:35

Hello Bulent,
I think that the vertical format works very well in this case, the composition seems perfectly balanced and with the flowers in FG you add a great note of colors.
The quality, and overall the DOF, are really superb.
Congratulations, have a great WE.
Best regards.
Giorgio

paololg (31442) 2010-03-06 7:41

Ciao dear Bulent,
a splendid view of New York captured from a privileged position with great attention and care of the composition. The flowers in the FG are the colored element that pleasantly opposes with the winter colors of the city. The lines of the roads in the park trace a pleasant graphic motive. Excellent composition, my friend! Compliments!
Ciao, have a nice Sunday!
Paolo

Dyerco (10185) 2010-03-06 7:58

Hi Bulent
What a splendid composition with the roadways curving in the FG combined with the varying shapes of the buildings in the BG. The flowers do provide an interesting diversion from this winter scene.
Phil

worldcitizen (4858) 2010-03-06 7:58

Hello Bulent,
I really like this elegant and well-composed view of the park and city. The colorful flowers are a nice contrast to the snowy ground, and they provide a hint that spring is not too far away. I like the patterns in the snow, and the cloudy sky in the distance. It is great to get city views from apartments; they are fresh and not seen before by most people.

ymrk (14929) 2010-03-06 8:00

Merhaba sayın hocam,
Mükemmel bir manzara.Bu karlı manzaraya adeta elveda diyen sarı çiçekler,beyaz örtüyle birlikte mükemmel bir harmoni oluşturmuş.
Selamlar

Yağmur

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2010-03-06 10:04

Merhaba, Bulent -

The flowers are what make this shot, of course! The snow is good, and the counter diagonals of the windowsill and the skyline are well placed, but it's the juxtaposition of bright flowers and plain snow that make this intriguing. Thoughtful of you to have a fill flash on hand!

Best,
Dan

Hansaphotos (5435) 2010-03-06 10:05

Hello Bulent

Nice to see a wintery Central Park from this rare perspective. Nice composition with the flowers in the foreground and the fantastic view towards the parc and the cityshape. Very well done! Thanks for sharing. Have a nice WE.

Best regards, Erling

cak (4799) 2010-03-06 10:09

birde bizim betonların arasında bu kadar geniş tabiat alanlarımız olsada balkondan keyifle çayımızı içip seyredebilsek

sacavem (18576) 2010-03-06 13:48

Olá Bulent,

Beautiful New York my friend.
This composition is fantastic!TFS

fILIPE

bostankorkulugu (40790) 2010-03-06 22:44

nevyork'tan, çok da sık görmediğimiz bir açıdan çok şık bir kareye imza atmışsınız profesör... ve notunuzu okumak yine çok keyifli...

selamlar...

korkut

papagolf21 (76603) 2010-03-07 1:00

Bonjour, mon ami Bulent,
Quelle vue depuis cette fenêtre ! La beauté est déjà manifeste en cette période hivernale, j'imagine le décor quand le printemps arrive et colore ce parc.
Le spectacle est grandiose.
Une prise de vue très originale et très agréable à contempler.
Amitiés.
Philippe

JCG (35129) 2010-03-07 2:27

Hello Bülent,

Here is an unusual sight on the town of New York, while being with the shelter of the cold, which is a good advantage !!! Beautiful air sight on Central Park and this quite typical architecture of the city. I like much this small bouquet of table which adds color to the image. Pretty and interesting glance, thank you Bülent.

With all my friendships and very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles

Gerrit (43743) 2010-03-07 5:22

Hi Bulent
when winter keeps dragging on you can sure make spring at home.
Interesting and beautiful view over cold Ney York.
regards, Gerrit

BWJ (3022) 2010-03-07 7:52

Hello Bulent,
What a breathtaking view overlooking Central Park. Your choice to include the bright yellow floral arrangement of Alstroemeria is a perfect contrast to the cool colors of winter. The lines and shapes formed by the buildings of the city skyline as well as the streets and the stream in Central Park add interest and pleasing harmony to this cleverly composed shot.
Kind regards,
Betty

wolf38 (28208) 2010-03-07 8:03

Hello Bulent. Wintry weather and flowers. What a contrast. The view of the famous park and the skyscrapers is fantastic. My appreciation for this successful and worthwhile photograph. Regards, Wolfgang.

ahmetgedikli (25064) 2010-03-07 8:50

Çok iyi bir noktadan fotoğraflamışsınız Hocam. Önde çiçekler, karla kaplı park ve ileride şehir ile şahane bir görünüm. Ellerinize sağlık, selamlar.
ahmetgedikli

resat1972 (5960) 2010-03-07 12:42

slm

önceki çiçekler canlılık vermiş. Renkleri güzel. devamı ise ilginç, ilerdeki binalar yer yokmuş gibi sıkışmışlar, ama önde kalan alan gelişi güzel, ilginc durumu güzel yanıstmışsınız.

Tebrikler.

Reşat

macjake (39235) 2010-03-07 16:09

Hi Bulent
this is certainly a view of new york city i have never seen before!
wonderful cityscape, it must be an amazing view from this appartment during the evening and early morning.
the flowers add a punch of colour, a nice touch.
thanks for this viewtop
Cheers
craig

delpeoples (45006) 2010-03-08 2:55

Hi Bulent, your Note is a nice accompaniment to this beautiful composition. I am impressed at how well you managed the light here. As you say, the flowers could easily have ended up in sillhoutte and for me they put the icing on the cake. The DOF is also really imporessive, such a nice scene, almost enough to distract you from the excellent food, wine and company :) Have a lovely week, TFS, Lisa

carper (96) 2010-03-08 2:58

very nice one my friend Bulent,
a very nice view here and the flowers are doing well by this very good composition with a view, good photo, well done and have a good day.
regard jaap

leonorkuhn (16229) 2010-03-08 3:29

Hi Bülent,

Stunning cityscape, amazing view of the city with Central Park in the foreground. You got beautiful colors and excellent clarity, even while inside the house. Very good use of fill flash here, the flowers adds life and colors to image.

Greetings
Leonor

john1 (4028) 2010-03-08 10:25

Hello Bulent,

A beautiful vertical frame of NYC and Manhattan in particular, what depth of field here. The rule of three is observed here and but highlight the central park, the foreground with the flowers gives a little color to the composition. The building in the background are beautiful, TFS.
A good week for you, john.

ManuMay (33357) 2010-03-08 10:29

Merhaba Bulent bey!!

Great composition, not usual to see NYC that way!!

Really a very different cityscape, the use of flowers in first plane adds a very good value and contrasts with snow and the foreground city, a surpressive view...Very good master!!

Have a nice week my friend!!

Best regards

Manu

Charo (51174) 2010-03-08 12:34

Hello Bulent,
I like the unique perspective of the big city and Central Park with snow.
Excellent depth and detail of the flower in the foreground.
Best wishes,
Charo

gunbud (34052) 2010-03-08 20:21

Hi Bulent,
Those lovely flowers really make an impressive lead-in to this beautiful window shot of the splendid park and distant skyline.
The park is seen in striking contrast to the skyscrappers that enjoy a beautiful blue sky backdrop.
Regards, Tom

emjleclercq (15778) 2010-03-09 13:19

Your picture gives a fine rendition of having a bi park in the middle of a huge city: a little corner of nature surroundered by Civilization. But are really tall buildings and skyscrappers the best symbol of civilization nowadays, I wonder?

All the best,

Emmanuel

giorgimer (34512) 2010-03-09 14:20

Hi Bulent,

excellent POV, very good idea to include the flowers, in perfect contrast with the tones of the BG

TFS

G

ChrisJ (86902) 2010-03-09 18:43

Merhaba Bülent

A superb high pov & good overview of Central Park. I like the splash of bright yellow color, added by the flower at right. Tfs!

MLINES (12516) 2010-03-09 20:47

Hi Bulent, This is a treat to see on TE, as we usually see it from ground level rather than a higher vantage point such this. The snow shows how our seasons are far apart, but as you predicted, our autumn is on its way right now with later sunrise and a cool breeze, making the early morning walk less pleasant. The splash of yellow is idea. TFS. Murray.
PS I am ready to head for the tropics again soon.

sayeed_rahman (5985) 2010-03-09 20:57

This is quite a vantage point to sip on the black coffee on a cold winter morning and watch the city silent, so peaceful for a change. No race, no competitions..no 'American psychos'..to deal with at work..

if this is your hotel room Bulent..you deserve it ;)

sayeed

jafadabret (56497) 2010-03-10 10:16

Bonjour Bulent,
Je n'ai jamais vu Central Park sous cet angle et sous la neige. Cette photo est une réussite, j'aime le ciel, les constructions singulières juste dessous et les fleurs éclairées par un coup de flash du premier plan.
Une photo très agréable !
Amicalement
Jacques

daddo (18517) 2010-03-10 15:15

Merhaba Bulent Bey. A thoughtfully composed image which combines nicely the foreground and the vista below on a number of levels: firstly, optically as it links the immediate with the distant; secondly, emotionally or intellectually, as it links in a contradictory way the seasons (snow-winter; flowers-spring)and all the sentiments associated with these seasons. There is also an element of surprise here. Selamlar. Klaudio.

Urs (11850) 2010-03-10 18:45

Hi Bulent

Excellent idea to include the flower in the FG, that adds color to your winter shot. What I like as well is the high rises in the BG. It is like a very bold contrast of nature and modernity. Creative framing and execution with clever selected settings. Well done. Thanks for your critique of my river shot from Alor Star.

Best regards
Urs

sothy81 (9526) 2010-03-10 21:39

HI Bulent,

This is a very nice photo. I love the yellow standing against the white snow. It really stands out well. Vertical view works so perfectly here since it covers wide range of snow and sky all together. Nice buildings on the background.

It is good to hear from you again too. I am so no active lately on TE. I want to.

Sothy

Silvio1953 (98217) 2010-03-11 7:12

Ciao Bulent, superb composition with flowers in FG, grat POV on wonderful skyscrapers, splendid winter view, very well done, ciao Silvio

erhan1958 (13073) 2010-03-12 8:33

merhaba
sıcacık bir şehir manzarası
çiçekler gerçekten mükemmel bir yerde
emeğinize sağlık
erhan

mursaloglu (8047) 2010-03-12 9:31

merhaba Bülent bey
Workshopunuz için bir kez daha teşekkürler., Kadrajı doğru tutsam da hafif eğimli çıkıyor bir türlü çözemedim. Neyse....... Bu son fotoğrafınız olağanüstü bir güzellikte. Soğuk kış manzarası ve cold colors a karşın çiçek kontrastı harika olmuş. Ellerinize sağlık ihsan

patdeph (35738) 2010-03-12 9:46

hello Bulent
the use of the fill flash as enhanced the contrast between the vivid colors of the flower and the soft and misty colors of the skyline and the snowy landscape!And as you say,these flowers give a very artistic touch to the picture,and make it still more nice to look at!Superb!
Kind regards
Pascale

Uhu (8347) 2010-03-12 13:27

Good evening!
Your friends surely have a nicely located flat, I suppose - judging by the views, at least.
Very good photo - despite snow all around, which I'm totally hate right now. There were little too much snow this winter, and it don't want to end.
Great work!

fabianoleite (9016) 2010-03-12 19:23

The flowers on the first spot are wonderful, with the excellent backgound consisting of snow and trees and the buildings on the back. Very complex, congratulations!

SteveH (6155) 2010-03-12 22:03

Hi Bulent, nicely composed image, use of the flowers in the FG to contrast with the almost monochrome BG works well and provides a sense of height and distance. cheers, Steve

pablominto (53744) 2010-03-12 23:40

Hello Bulent,

The yellow flowers are a strong eye-catcher, that provides a fine contrast with the snowy park!
The skyline in the back sets the city mood, excellent details and a most attractive sky with the fine clouds...
An artistic composition that stands out..!

Greetings,
Pablo -

s_lush (15592) 2010-03-13 9:31

Hello Bulent,
I have never seen how Central Park looks in winter. As your picture shows the view is very spectacular. The nice foreground and impressive background make the scene to be beautiful. Very colorful winter cityscape!
Best regards,
Sergiy

npecanhuk (53913) 2010-03-15 3:21

Hi Bulent!
What a lovely and beautiful NYC photograph!
Never-seen pov and quite original composition are real highlights in this one!
Suitable level of sharpness, excellent exposure, wonderful colors! Vertical format and black&white frame are superb featrues here as well!
TFS - congratulations!
Have a very good week!
Neyvan

shevchenko (18243) 2010-03-15 20:05

Hi Bulent,
A large park between your friend's apartment and the oppesite skyscrappers, it is look like an abandoned city during the winter while outside is just too quite and desolated, good frame with including foreground plants, good perspective, thanks for sharing an impressive view.
Ally

Cricri (86501) 2010-03-16 3:27

Hi Bulent
Grand et beau POV sur la ville et le paysage soupoudrer de neige, douce lumière et couleurs ou s'ajoute un joli éclat de fleurs jaunes en cadrage, belle image
Friendship
cricri

Angshu (51174) 2010-03-16 8:55

Dear Professor 'A'
A fantastic shot, made special with the colourful flowers in the FG. A lot of snow in the Central Park. The use of flash was optimal and precise without any reflection in the glass. A very different picture indeed and its your photographic eye which shows here.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

Kielia (20467) 2010-03-16 9:03

Hello Bulent,
I really like your idea of this composition. And I would call this view really spectacular!
The composition is brilliant; everything is going very well together, especially the flowers are adding color to the scene . The overall impression is very harmonious. Congratulation!
Warm regards
Harriet

veyselk (0) 2010-03-16 23:49

merhaba bülent hocam;

o çiçeği kadraja alarak harika bir tezatlık oluşturmuşsunuz. Dışarıda ki kar'a inat içerde ki hayat enfes görünüyor. İnşallah bir gün new york'u da görüp fotoğraflarım.
ellerine sağlık hocam

veysel

anokutan (15097) 2010-03-17 13:51

Çok güzel bir bakış Bülent bey.Dört mevsim birlikte gibi.Tebrikler ve saygılar.

polpo56 (15121) 2010-03-17 15:40

Ciao Bulent,
a beautiful view of snow-covered Central Park, from a privileged POV, with the skyscrapers on BG. The idea of including the yellow flowers in the foreground, giving color and perspective, is very good.

My best regards

Ludo

mavikuzey (378) 2010-03-18 8:34

Merhaba Bülent bey,
Sarı çiçekler kış manzarasına çok yakışmış. Elinize sağlık.

adramad (27556) 2010-03-18 13:34

Hello Bulent.
Wonderful image of Central Park from a vantage point with fantastic skyline also the buildings in the background, the color of the flowers in the foreground make a remarkable beauty.
Have a nice weekend.
Best regards.
Luis.

adores (28236) 2010-03-18 17:02

Hi Bulent!
You have really lucky friends there:)! This winter view over the Central Park is simply fabulous! Very well framed and I like the idea of including the flowers!

Leconte (5795) 2010-03-20 13:58

hello dear Bulent,

a bouquet of flowers that has a hard time competing against this view so breathtaking and so attractive to New York, which is more under the snow, buildings so high that the trees seem to be little undergrowth, light and colors wonderful and give an impression almost unreal, what chance have benefited from this excellent POV,

I wish you a good weekend,
Valerie.

paura (47166) 2010-03-20 18:24

Bullent,
Fantastic point of view to show the winter Central Park landscape. The comp is also very nice with the inclusion of those yellow flowers. Very well done, friend.

Regards

Paulo

AiresSantos (56155) 2010-03-21 0:54

Hi Bulent
Beautiful composition with these lovely flowers in foreground
Fine POv and details
Have a nice Sunday
Aires

Glint (5573) 2010-03-21 6:21

Hello Bulent,
I thought that I had critqued this when I first saw it, but evidently not. By now you don't need me to tell you how good it is but I am happy to add my congratulation on a tip-top pov as I have never seen New York from this angle. The snow and the flowers add a touch of magic.
Bev

Royaldevon (17791) 2010-03-21 8:57

Hello Bulent,

This photograph has just begun to churn up the excitement within me, that I know will increase as the weeks go by. I will be travelling to N.Y. for a short holiday and will be there in July for Independence Day, which, co-incidentally, is also my husband's birthday. We hope to see Central Park, and your shot underlines the vastness of the area, but also defines its proximity to the world reknown sky scrapers!
A really delightful composition, anchored by the f/g triangle of building and softened by the presence of the flowers.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

subhendu_bagchi (16590) 2010-03-23 2:24

Namaste professor Bulent,
here you have presented a dynamic composition. The way line in snow increased graphism here. Your chosen exposer is perfect. Faded skyscrapers at far added romanticism and inclusion of the yellow flowers at FG provide sufficient contrast. An excellent catch. Thanks for sharing and thanks also for your kind visit and critique on my 'different perspective...' shot. Hope I can get some valuable tips in future...
Have a nice day.
Subhendu

Docarmo (9639) 2010-03-30 17:28

Hi Bulent,
A fantastic composition, image and note give us a lesson of photography!
Thanks for sharing,
Docarmo

jemaflor (69011) 2010-04-04 9:20

Hi Bulent,
Good contrast between flowers and snowy urban landscape, good effect with roads and curves and well managed for the dof.

mafegan (8618) 2010-04-07 3:16

Hello Bulent
New York from an unfamiliar position - but the skyline and Central Park are still easily recognisable. What a wonderful location to enjoy lunch. The bunch of Alstromeria are an interesting contrast. Tfs this special photo, marlene

yeln (11502) 2010-04-26 1:28

hello Bulent
google
be nice and warm through the window caught the moment that you bow down to us. flowers in the foreground are very nice contrast in the photograph. Park is unfortunately empty, but the skyscrapers in the background acting powerfully. the sky is unique. TFS!
Congratulations!
Regards
Vojko

nagual2 (1075) 2010-07-12 3:47

EXCELENTE.,take care and carpe diem.

serp2000 (29242) 2010-10-08 6:52

Privet, Bulent,
Excellent winter shot of NYC from the top! Excellent composition, good POV and fine DoF.
My daughter is living in Brooklyn and working on Manhattan now. Good or bad, but she made this choice.
Greetings from Russia!
Serghei

ikeharel (37378) 2012-08-04 1:11

Good morning Bulent,
In a hot mid-summer day, it is enlighting to see a full winter view on NYC - but just from a safe distanace... I know how cold NY is in winter.
Fabulous view accross the Central-Park over the east-side scrapers. The flowers on the balcony is a nice vivid addiotion.
Lovely,
Ike