Empire
Four very different images of the same piece of brick and steel. The Empire State Building has dominated the skyline of New York City since 1931. Named as one of the wonders of the modern world, it stands on 34th street and is a visible icon for the American dream. The most photographed building in the world (according to some) but it has a mood and essence that changes with the seasons. Over the years, a plane has hit it, over thirty people have thrown themselves to their death from it, celluloid gorillas have hung from it, countless films have set their beginning or end here. Some people have even run up the internal staircase with 1576 steps, a record of 9 minutes and 33 seconds to complete the task to reach the 86th floor. Over 100 million people have traveled on its winches and pulleys (that’s an elevator to you, lift to me) at high speed to marvel at the view from the observation deck. If you ever get yourself here, come have a look. From a distance you think ‘Is that it?’ When you get close, it becomes what it is. A magical part of what we want America to be!
LUST & RUM 
Beautiful.
Thank you! Sorry it took so long.
Amazing! You’ve really shown what different atmosphere/feel the same building can take on. Nice job!
Thank you
Great photo. Anton, and interesting facts. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2014!
Groetjes, Francina
Francina, and all the very best to you and yours. May 2014 be good to you.
Great images bringing back fond memories of NYC and this landmark building……
Thanks for that, it is iconic isn’t it!
I’ve never seen it for myself…you’ve presented it beautifully. That first image is incredible…. Thank you.
Hey, you should make some time to come shoot it yourself. A very special monument to the past and the future of America.
That would be a treasured experience, L&R…I think I would enjoy it very much.
Ah, Anton, beautiful images. I haven’t visited you for such a long time, but I don’t forget your unique vision.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
George
Ah George, it means a great deal that you like it. I think you are an amazing photographer and to hear that from you means a lot. Thanks
Chuckle… You’re a sweet man, Anton. With the vision of an artist and the heart of a poet. Not to mention that you are one helluva photographer … on a mission. I just saw your fashion week photographs. Good grief! Such incredible skill and talent. I point and shoot and hope. You photograph. But, it’s wonderful that digital photography has opened the door for old, shaky people like me to express themselves. It makes me happy. I don’t just admire your photographs, I absorb them like a poems or a stories that inform my understanding of who we are. That, my friend, is photography. đŸ™‚
I humbly thank you for your kind words George. I think that any photographer would tell you, if they were honest enough, that ‘point and shoot and hope’ are the rules for most of us when we try to capture an image. Nice when we get lucky though isn’t it!
Wonderful! Have you (can you?) done the same for the Chrysler Building?
Did you get my email with the photographs of the Chrysler?
YES!!! So awesome! Thank you!!! A belated Happy New Year. All the best to you and your loved ones, now and throughout 2014! I’m looking forward to enjoying more of your work. Thank you!
And to you and yours! All the very best and thank you for your kind words and support in 2013.
Reblogged this on Heartafire and commented:
fantastic pics
Well thank you! For the comment and the re-blog.
a stunning photo and subject. Thank you!
It is magical! Well said. Well shot!
Stephen, you have obviously seen it for yourself. Every time I shoot this wonderful building it looks different. A true NYC (and American) Icon.
I agree – after many years in NYC, I found it has many moods. I always loved it when fog or clouds hovered over it and you get the play of light…and there are places in Jersey where it juts up quite unexpectedly, seemingly rising by itself out of the wetlands. The shot with the sign made me smile!
The sign tickles me too. As you know, when you walk west on 34th Street, the Empire State dominates everything, whoever thought that a sign is needed to notice it is more than a little stupid. There is a fantastic view of it from Dumbo where it is framed beautifully inside one of the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge.