August downpour
under the Highline.
New York.
Take cover?
Or
take advantage?
Just a month earlier my son had returned from Afghanistan, safe and – well maybe not entirely sound, but certainly safe. It was time to celebrate. “Let’s take a walk on the Highline!” Then, a sudden summer downpour. We scrambled for shelter… perfect! Under the Highline we found a beer garden and a food truck selling dumplings. Most of us took cover, but not this man – I didn’t know who he was, but he sure made everyone smile, and does to this day, thanks to a lucky break with the camera. That’s my son in the background (3rd Battalion, 9th Marines; safe and sound today).
For day Four of the Five Day Black and White Challenge I thought something light would make a nice break in the routine – hence the handstand-in-the-rain photo – enough seriousness! 🙂
I invite Brandon Brasseaux to join the challenge today. I just found his blog, When This Becomes There, via FATman Photos, another great blog. Brandon, if you want to do it, just post five black and white photos, and each time you post, invite someone else (this could go on, and on…). If you can’t do five days running, well, neither could I. I’m just doing them as often as I can. If you hate blog challenges, I understand!
One more day to go for me, with the black and whites – after that, I’m eager to post photos of the incredible pinks I’m seeing here, as spring blossoms early.
bluebrightly 
That is a fantastic shot Lynn! Love it. Tell your son thank you for his service, for me. My son just returned too.
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A big thank you to your son, too!
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Will do.
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Wow – what a feeling, right? Best to you!!!
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What a happy, fun moment for you and your son. I admire your quick thinking and your steady hands – it’s the perfect shot! And yes, a big thank you to your son for his service to our country. Take care, and enjoy those early blossoms…I’m a little jealous!
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Thank you so much. I AM enjoying the blossoms – it’s amazing!
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Cannot wait for color to return. Enough of this dreary black and white already, though I loved your shot, it could have used some color! (Just my humble opinion, of course.)
The shot reminded me of springtime in Boston when I was still in my teens… a sudden downpour had me twirling in Boston’s Common (park) with a skirt that flared quite nicely. A fond memory.
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Nice memory! The sudden storms, the intensity – it’s much more common on the east coast than here, that’s for sure. Gee, I should send you the color version! 😉 Always good to hear from you – straight-shooter!
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This is a very different type of photographic shot from your earlier choices but illustrates well an important point of advice for all photographers; ‘Be prepared. Seize the moment.’
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And it’s really hard – there are so many times you miss those moments. So this was worth digging out of my archives. Thanks Louis!
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What an amazingly cool shot, so lucky to have something like this in your catalog/portfolio, though you seem like a pretty accomplished photographer so I suppose you have plenty of keepers. But this is just one of those that falls under the magical category! Neat that your son is in it, too. Does he live back east?
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I know I’ve gotten better since I moved to PNW-land. Thank you for the compliment! True, that was a magical day. Recently, when he got out, he made his way here to visit. We hadn’t seen each other for a few years! And guess what – he loves it here and is staying. At least for now! (Your own love for your sons rings loud and true in your writing, and it always warms my heart.)
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A great example of a moment captured!
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Such luck it was!
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But isn’t it great when we get luck like that! And take the opportunity….
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What a great shot. I’d bet it could win a slice of life contest somewhere. Since it’s fun, I usually would’ve thought it would be better in color, but in this case, I love how the black & white focuses the viewer on the rain in the air and the drops hitting the puddled ground, and removes some of the busyness to focus on the expressions. I also really like your son’s striped shirt and laughter, and he might have been upstaged and missed in color.
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What I realized was that the color was distracting – there are bits and pieces of it all over the image, but not in a way that draws you to the subject. So I tried it in B&W and thought it worked. Yes, the back ground is terribly busy. I tried different processing and chose this exactly because it emphasizes the raindrops and wetness. My son has an infectious love of fun, that’s for sure. Thanks for your perceptive comments!
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I’ve really enjoyed your challenge posts. I’m glad you decided to go for it. 🙂 My participation made me remember how much I like shooting in B&W. A whole new boost in inspiration!
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What a fabulous picture Lynn! I love it!!
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Thanks – say Hi to Poppy, and have a fabulous adventure!
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Thumbs up all round for this great shot Lyn, what a moment and so pleased to hear your son is safe, well and happily settling in the PNW!
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It’s all good! Thanks Patti.
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This is such a great capture…the spirit of living, even during rainy days ~
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Absolutely! It was a great response to the rain.
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A really fun and lively image, Lynn. Wonderful in B&W. 🙂
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Thank you!
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Makes me jump for joy, Blue! We’re getting some rain and snow here in AZ.
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How wonderful to have your son home!! And what a fun image this is, I just love it!
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