The view from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is like no other view in the city, no matter what time of day you make the trip to the 70th floor. While it is 16 floors below that of the outside deck at the Empire State Building and 32 floors below the observation deck in the same building, the view of the New York skyline with the ESB standing so prominently in the middle is definitely something to behold. Also present this time around which wasn’t there last summer when I made the trek to the Top of the Rock is the new World Trade Center Building, which you can see just off to the right of the Empire State Building. And just off to the right of that, way off in the distance, you can just make out Lady Liberty, though it appears as little more than a speck. On the opposite side of the frame you can even make out the distinct outlines of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, though the buildings obscure a bit of the view.
Last year when I was here, I didn’t make it up to the top until almost 8:00, which definitely gave me some breathtaking views. However I knew that this time I wanted to get up there a little early, settle into a prime spot to be able to watch the sun go down. So I bought my tickets online to avoid the long wait and after having a couple of beverages at Johnny Utah’s just around the corner, I moseyed on over to Rockefeller Center. Sometimes being a single traveler isn’t too bad, as I was whisked right up since there was just one more space available on the elevator. Once at the top, I found a nice little area just slightly off to the right of the ESB, which gave me a great view down Manhattan. Taking bracket after bracket as the sun dipped lower and lower in the sky, this is probably one of my favorite shots from my time up there, which was almost three hours. I loved how half the city was in shadow and the way that the light was striking the sides of the buildings, really giving a sense that the whole place was glowing.
Like I said, I have quite a few from my night up there, but I didn’t want to diminish this one by posting it along with a handful of others. Look forward to more of these soon!
Thanks for swinging by today everyone. Catch you all tomorrow.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
show hide 12 comments
Great stuff Dave. I really like how you have the crowd moving past you on that second image. I was in NYC this past weekend and wasn’t able to shoot much so I am envious of these.
Len Saltiel recently posted..Acadia Guardian
Great shots Dave! Love that filter and the long exposures!
Great idea to take long exposures in NYC Dave and you executed these quite well! Good stuff!
Jim Denham recently posted..Color of Spring
Wow Dave, these are great! I love the motion you captured in that second shot!
That’s a great idea with the 10-stop! I have some places I need to shoot in NY now!
The light trails and ghostly people shots are wicked!
Chris Nitz recently posted..Walk the Plank
Great shots, Dave. Love that 2nd shot with the people in motion, awesome. Nice long exposure work!
Jimi Jones recently posted..17th Century Harp
2nd shot in this set looks so cool with the people blur. Amazing man.
doephotog recently posted..Floating In Ink
That Times Square is fantastic, Dave. I really like the effect with the ghostly people. Great job on all but that one is my favorite.
Interesting shots. I love the car streaks and blurred people
I can’t believe I missed this yesterday. Love these shots Dave and the long exposures are awesome. The Times Square image is my favorite.
Really awesome captures, Dave!
Eden recently posted..Sedum Leaves