"Americana at its Finest"

"Americana at its Finest"

Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island - November 6, 2010.  Part of my yet to be titled project documenting America's fort's, this was one of the first shots from the day.  It's an Americana story with the entrance to Manhattan via New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty (not pictured), Fort Wadsworth, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and a visionary (little girl looking through binoculars).  While my shutter snapped, I envisioned George Washington and his troops entering New York Harbor to fight The Battle of Brooklyn against His Majesty's Royal Army. 

This picture is currently in submission with Getty Images.  However, I am still waiting to hear back from the Mother of the child to ensure a model release is signed.  Speed it up, Mom!

Yale Gurney | 2010
www.yalegurney.com

"Verrazano Meets Wadsworth"

"Verrazano Meets Wadsworth"

Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island - November 6, 2010.  I had been wanting to visit Wadsworth to get shots that specifically included the old fort with the Verrazano Bridge in the same shot.  This is one of about 4 or 5 that will be included in "The City Project" for various usage.  This photo channels a famous photo taken by Berenice Abbott;  Brooklyn Bridge shot in 1936. 

Oddly enough, many of my images reflect Abbott's style and we also share the same birthday (she's a little older...). 

Yale Gurney | 2010
www.yalegurney.com

"Long Road Ahead"

"Long Road Ahead"

Croton On Hudson, New York - November 1, 2010.  Part of a TBD project, shot this on a whim at the end of the day.  Saw the tower, road and agriculture and envisioned several stories that could be told.  The man walking is friend and model for a day, Jeremy Barrett (mentioned in the post before this), asked him to walk the road, see what we can get. 

This photo is being submitted to Getty Images.

Yale Gurney | 2010
www.yalegurney.com

"Dream Big"

"Dream Big"

November 1, 2010 - New Croton Dam, Croton On Hudson, New York.  One of several new entries for Getty Images, shot with the idea of helping to tell a story.  A couple of weeks prior to this, I called up friend Jeremy Barrett (who is from Croton) to ask him about a specific bridge running through I87 that crossed over the Croton River - I wanted to get to it and if he could show me how, we'd set a day.  He wasn't sure about that one but knew some great spots - this being one - and it blew me away.  As it turned out, on my way out the door to pick Jerm up, I decided he would make for a great model and knowing him, would be fine with it.  I envisioned a traveling beatnik.  He was and this shot turned out to be my favorite in the series - the picture I feel has the single most potential.

Yale Gurney | 2010
www.yalegurney.com

"Hasidic Boy"

"Hasidic Boy"

Williamsburg, Brooklyn 2009.  As I often do, took a day to shoot a subject that could hold water for a project - this day was dedicated to the Hasidic men, women and children of Williamsburg.  One may have thought that the Hasidic folks had never seen a camera or somebody taking pictures before.  The children followed me around and when I tried to photograph them, ran...then came back - this was cyclical.  Caught this young man (above) trying to turn around and run and if not for some quick trigger fingers, would have had almost zero shots by days end.  When I was finished, I wandered in to a fabulous Jewish bakery for my favorite cookie (black and white - thanks Poppa!) and some fresh Challah - the kids stood outside lined up at the window peering in.  I's make pretend I was shooting them...they'd run.

Yale Gurney | 2009
www.yalegurney.com

"Wonderland"

"Wonderland"

Lake Worth Beach, Florida 2007.  This photo is the result of what can reflect off of a clean, blue car's hood.  The blue of the car worked as a blue filter, the cleanliness enabled me to get a clear shot - shooting directly in to the hood - while the nature of the car's design created this odd "Alice in Wonderland" sort of effect.  In fact, I titled it "Wonderland" because somebody made reference to "Alice in Wonderland" after seeing it.

Yale Gurney | 2007

www.yalegurney.com

"EXIT 35"

"EXIT 35"

I'm always striving to nail unique shots.  Stuck in traffic - on my way home from a shoot - on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway during an intense sunset, I grabbed my camera and snapped a few.  I don't even remember having the time to adjust my settings - thanks to Photoshop, all is fixable.  This shot has caught the eye of a client and it may be selected to go to print. 

Yale Gurney | 2010

"Lonely Road"

"Lonely Road"

The only thing missing is a person walking on the line, in the middle of the road/shot.  I think that would tell a story or two for some. 

Shot in Chloride, Arizona as part of my yet to be titled and on-going project (or projects) from America's western states.  Rushing to catch my plane (spoke of this in an earlier post from the same day), I envisioned this old road from one of my standard angles - hopped out of the car - good ole' boy music playing in the background - and snapped.  I also have the same picture as a black and white.

Yale Gurney | 2010

8 Yale Gurney Photos Selected By Getty Images

As a pro photographer, having your images featured within a stock photo agency is a tremendous accomplishment. Today, hard work and persistence paid off when Getty Images selected 8 of my photos.  Getty Images is considered to be one of, if not the top stock photo agencies in the world and today, is one of my most proud career achievements.  

Below, all 8 photos Getty chose to start with.  If you see them around, there's a good chance that the company who is using them made the purchase direct from Getty Images (or myself).

Yale Gurney | 2007-2010

"The Manhattan Bridge"

"Manhattan Bridge: The Reflects"

"Diving Board Closed"

"Broadway Taxi's"

"New Foot"

"Sleeping Beauties"

"Mua!"

 

"Love on the Brooklyn"

Rare Photos from Yesteryear

Angelina Jolie with Mom (Marcheline Bertrand) Dad (Jon Voight)

I'd love to know the true story behind her reasons not to have a relationship with Voight for all those years.  Kids always have good reason.

The Beatles before they were...from left - George (14), John (16) and Paul (15)

Classic. 

Marlon Brando

I wonder if he's posing for a shot or actually typing away...would love to see what's on that piece of paper.

Elvis Presley

Something tells me Elvis was a good guy.  Proof for me is during my Fathers' days as a music booker, he sat in Elvis' living room - he, the king and Colonel Parker - and was offered peanut butter and banana sandwich.  Dad always told me the story and always mentioned what a nice fella he was.

Marilyn Monroe

This image of Marilyn reminds me of a mix between Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.

John Travolta

 Typical.

Star Wars Cast

Can you decipher who played Chewbacca and who played the ewok?  I am pretty sure the person standing next to Harrison played Darth Vader.

Madonna

 Striking a pose.  Something tells me Madonna struck many different poses.  Heals to Jesus anyone?

George Clooney

Wow.  Can you say "geek"?  Guess we all had some odd and bizarre phases.

"Happiest Baby"

"Happiest Baby"

Coney Island, New York, 2009.  Stacey and I decided to take a day trip to Coney Island with the baby.  She had just started smiling and I caught her taking in one of her first hearty laughs.  No teeth and nothing but happy...  The day was warm and humid but as new parents, we were taking it all in and unaffected by the heat.  Wonderful memories...

Yale Gurney | 2009

"Rene Collins"

"Rene Collins"

Last Spring, Rene Collins contracted me to shoot for what could be his next album cover image.  We decided that due to the nature of the album - no pun intended - that the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens would be the location.  Today, he informed me that it was this one (or another one that is 99% close to this - we shot several) that will grace the cover of his new album due out soon (release date TBD).

Yale Gurney | 2010

Test

"Jewels"

"Jewels"

West Hampton, NY circa 2007.  Marc and Mel's daughter Julianna enjoying her first lolly pop.  We were at a friends kids' party and as we were leaving, I was witness to Julianna trying it.  Of course, there was a camera handy - our Canon Powershot pro-sumer - and I got this.  I took about 10 different shots to ensure I got this gorgeous kid with the green bushes and bright red lolly.

Yale Gurney | 2007

"World's Fair Arena"

"World's Fair Arena"

Flushing Meadows, Queens New York.  In 2009, I set a day aside to shoot the World's Fair structures.  I remember thinking finding a unique angle (or different than anyone has seen already) on any of these famous landmarks was going to be challenging.  Indeed it was but this stood out.  I went with a wide-angle lens for distortion - giving the feel of the pillars collapsing.  Also, timing and patience allowed me to capture the birds flying over (top).

This picture is currently not shown (or sold) anywhere but is in consideration along with several others for a client and their office wall decor.

Yale Gurney | 2009

"Life Around The Verrazano"

"Life Around The Verrazano"

Reading a story about New York's bridges in Popular Photography this morning, I felt inspired to post a bridge picture or two.  I snapped this from the Brooklyn side of the bridge (for those who don't know, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge spans from Brooklyn to Staten Island) - these seagulls were lined up on the railing and using a telephoto, snapped this quickly and quietly.  Just behind me, the Belt Parkway - there is a small parking area for those to stop and admire.

Yale Gurney | 2009

"Accomplice Alex"

Accomplice Alex

Shooting for The Accomplice The Show as I had done several times before and always look forward to the next, I was asked to join them at their hang out/hot spot to shoot stills of one of their characters.  Alex was a new cast member but absolutely rocked this shoot - this photo is evidence of it.  

Yale Gurney | 2010

"Stormin' The Net"

"Stormin' The Net"

Shot as a still for the documentary "Coached into Silence" for director/producer/friend Chris Gavagan.  Chris took me to the place where he played hockey as a youth - the gate was open for us to just walk in which amazed Chris.  So, we were in business and I shot away,  This was the image that left a lasting impression on me - it tells of the storm about to roll in on abusive coaches.

Yale Gurney | 2010

"Peek-A-Boo"

"Peek-A-Boo"

 

 

 

Photographing my daughter is one of my life's truest pleasures.  Invited to friends pool club in Chappaqua, New York, I captured H while she was exploring a playhouse.  She's known my lens since day one so its nothing new for her to pose.  The plan is to submit this to stock photo houses, see if it flies. 

Yale Gurney | September, 2010

"Coney Island Lovers"

"Coney Island Lovers"

I always manage to take some shots for my own projects when commissioned.  This was shot on a hot, steamy Brooklyn summer night in Coney Island while I was there shooting for Nathan's, 2009.  Combing the boardwalk searching for something great, I couldn't help but point my camera at these two.  It kinda reminded me of a picture I shot years before in Arizona, "Phone Booth Cowboy". 

Yale Gurney

"Director Directing"

Client:  Hyundai
Production House:  GuerillaFx - Zero 2 Sixty

Thor Raxlen doing what he does best, directing a commercial (for Hyundai).  This was shot @ Brooklyn Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  I was introduced to Thor a few weeks earlier by mutual friend Julia Heath (from my days at Medialink).  In fact, it was Julia who strongly suggested to get back in the to arts a few months prior to this, my first commercial where I was the still photographer.  This commercial was an effects-driven spot that aired on the Hyundai website.

Yale Gurney

"Throgs Neck Bridge"

"Throgs Neck Bridge"

Taken through a cinder block at the bottom of a Le Havre building in Whitestone, NY in the Winter, 2010. I lived in one of these buildings from 1979-1982 so had a good grasp on the area and where to get this shot.  I pulled over while my daughter napped in the back of my truck.  After I shot, stopped at Stork's Bakery to pick up some dessert for the family.

Yale Gurney

"Leticia Cline - Liquor Brand Shoot"

Leticia absolutely rocking this pose - rocked the ENTIRE shoot.

Contracted to shoot Leticia Cline for a soon-to-be-launched liquor brand - shot at Club 84 Park in Stamford, Ct., this shot was my favorite of the day.  Leticia Cline was easy to work with and super cool.  In fact, she was so professional that she hardly needed direction and whatever direction I gave, took it to perfection.  These images are currently being featured as part of a presentation to major brands in the liquor industry.

Yale Gurney

"Lights On Wheel"

"Lights On Wheel"

Nathan's commission, 2009-2010.  Overlooked.  In my opinion, this should have been selected and featured with all chosen images that grace the walls of the Nathan's Famous corporate headquarters.  Something about the composition versus the color of the lights that I love.  This looks incredible when blown up large.  Shot this during one of my Coney Island night shoots - I was there to capture the Friday night fireworks that blast off in the background of the Wonder Wheel's colorful lights.  In fact, one of the fireworks images are hanging in Nathan's Chief Architect Don Schedler's office.

Yale Gurney

"The Pump"

"The Pump"

Chloride, Arizona.  In the mid 90's, I took a picture of this before I adopted the profession as my career.  It was always one of my favorites, even had it blown up and framed.  Needless to say I was pleased it still existed upon my return in 2010.  Still old, still cool.  This is soon to be offered to the public on my standard museum-quality giclee (canvas).

Yale Gurney

"Gas Station"

"Gas Station"

Another in the series of images shot in Chloride, Arizona.  Unsure if this is a working gas station or just for looks, it made for an interesting picture nonetheless.  I remembered this clearly from my visit years earlier - which I thought was about 7 years ago but the more I think about it, it may have been in the mid 90's while on a trip with my Father, also to Las Vegas.

Yale Gurney

"Chloride Cemetery"

"Chloride Cemetery"

Chloride, Arizona...a small, old, lonely town located roughly 50 miles from the Hoover Dam.  Good luck finding the turn-off from the lonely, old highway it's located off of.  But if you do and you have a vivid imagination, this town will take you back to the old west - the days of saloons, gunfights and a bit of Clint Eastwood.  This shot is self-explanatory and taken while in a rush to catch my flight at McCarran Airport so didn't have the time to check out the headstones but rest assured, some of those dates would have been interesting.

Yale Gurney

"Mr. D's"

"Mr. D's"

Western project shoot.  Mr. D's - a little hamburger/homemade root beer joint located in Kingman, AZ. where route 66 begins.  This was my destination during my day trip from Las Vegas - I would make it here, have a burger and root beer, then head to the airport where I would catch a flight back to New York City.  Even the food wasn't nearly as good as I remember when I found this place with Dad about 7 years earlier (in fact, it was kinda gross), I was so happy to be downing ice-cold root beers and purchasing a uber cool Mr. D T-shirt.

Yale Gurney

"Keep Out"

"Keep Out"

Part of my yet to be titled project shooting in the western states, snapped "Keep Out" on a lonely highway in Arizona on my way to Kingman, AZ. (where route 66 intersects).  Possibly my favorite day trip to date, I rented a convertible on a 115 degree day and got in a "day of work" after a weekend in Las Vegas for a friends bachelor party.  Originally, I set out just to shoot the Hoover Dam but I couldn't resist heading an hour in to my favorite state.  You will see many more images and read stories from this day in the coming posts.

Yale Gurney

"Manhattan Bridge"

"Manhattan Bridge"

This photo is unique on several levels.  Firstly, it's a shot almost impossible to garner - there is no middle walkway - or anywhere to stand - to ensure a picture can be taken on this bridge.  As it turns out, I was driving across on our way to Atlantic City on an 85 degree day in the middle of October, 2008.  Traffic was backed up on a bridge that NEVER (or rarely) has any sort of issue.  Not only that, but the cloud cover was perfect to me - nebulous and puffy which turned ominous with a little help from Photoshop.  So happens my camera was handy, grabbed it and leaned outside the drivers side window and shot this.  This image, turned out to be my top seller to date.

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: "New York Exchange Of Stock"

"New York Exchange Of Stock"

Commissioned by old friend, Jon Faber of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, this photo was part of the aptly named "Wall Street Project" - which Jon suggested.  I spent two days and many hours shooting the Wall Street area located in the Financial District of New York City.  I shot this with a wide-angle lens to try and spice up the shot to ensure it was different than the billions of others taken of it.  What do you think?

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: ""Shoot The Clowns"

"Shoot The Clowns"

Nathan's commission, 2009.  Coney Island.  These fellas can be found near the boardwalk in Deno's (where the Wonder Wheel is located).  I love this shot - they are the classic clowns you expect to see at an amusement park.  Old school.  Anyway, they caught my eye and I shot a bunch of them but this one stood out.

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: "Harvey Keitel: King Neptune"

"Harvey Keitel: King Neptune"

Nathan's commission, July 2009.  In the rain and shooting the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, Harvey Keitel made his way through the parade as King Neptune.  Neptune is the honorary member at the parade each year.  Keitel seemed unfazed by the rain and genuinely having a good time.

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: "Nathan's, Wet Street, Woman"

"Nathan's, Wet Streets, Woman"

An underrated photo in my eyes.  I love the woman's silhouette, wet streets, passing car, blurred street lights and neon lights of Nathan's.  I thought Nathan's CEO Eric Gatoff and President Wayne Norbitz would jump at this one.  He liked it but chose others for the headquarters as part of there theme.

Same night as the prior post, same story.

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: "Nathan's At Night"

"Nathan's At Night"

During my year-long documentary shooting of Coney Island for Nathan's, I waited for the right night to get this image (and others).  I needed for it to rain and needed to show patience in waiting for it to stop so that the streets were still wet, creating the reflection of the neon lights.  Luckily, when I arrived, there was about a fifteen-minute interval between showers - I snapped away.

My good friend Will Petzel joined me on this night - I think he enjoyed himself.

Yale Gurney

Behind the Photo: "Wonder This Way"

"Wonder This Way"

Coney Island, 2009.  One of the photos that led to my commission by Nathan's Famous to shoot and document Coney Island to furnish the walls of their new corporate headquarters.  The park was closed - it was off-season - and I saw this sign (from the rear), while I was shooting The Cyclone which is located on a public street.  I imagined Berenice Abbott standing in my spot 75 years earlier snapping the same shot.

- Yale Gurney