Cool Tips on How To Take a Great Photograph

West Street New York

Years ago I had a travel business where we took large groups around the world. Some of my friends, still think that I'm in the business, asking for tips, deals, and places to visit. The question high on the list (especially if they are coming to visit New York) is "how can I take architectural pictures like you?" What a welcomed compliment!

My friends inquiries have let me to write this post on photograph. Whether the subject is classical or contemporary, architectural photography can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Here are some cool tips to help you get started … I presume you understand the basics of your camera.

Downtown Manhattan: West Street

Wall Street Area: This side of town is filled with some of the most innovative and modern architecture. A must see when you visit the big Apple

1. Remember to pick your building and look at it from different angles. Your camera never takes a bad picture, you do! When you know what you want, make sure the camera sees what you see. Shoot several pictures and view the screen (for those of you who use digital cameras).

Midtown Manhattan is bustling with businesses and local entertainment. The architecture isn't bad either

2. What if I want to shoot the whole building? Must be your first time to New York, right? Just kidding! Buy a camera (not necessarily a fancy one) with the ability of taking fish eye images, or a compact with a specific scene mode. Word of caution: Getting a panoramic scene in Manhattan can be dangerous (depending on where you are), so be mindful about not standing back into the traffic. You will be run over.

Midtown Manhattan New York

An aerial view of New York City

3. Want to take some indoor photographs? Keep in mind that not all public buildings will allow you to, so you might have to move on. When pictures are not prohibited indoors, remember to correct the camera's setting to one that is suitable to an interior setting, especially the ones that are reliant on various forms of artificial lighting. If that is the case, you will have to compensate accordingly in the "white balance" menu or take a reading from a gray card. Interior shots in older buildings tend to be more irksome because they traditionally feature small windows and doors – thus lack natural light. After a shoot, it's good to view your screen. Word of warning: Some museums will not allow you to use your flash (but then again, you already know that).

A view inside Central Park - The West Side of New York

5th Avenue, a striking statue in front of The Plaza Hotel, New York

4. Night shots can be very dramatic and atmospheric too, but remember to take them when there is still some light and color left in the sky as this adds tone to the backdrop and help to illuminate the details that you'd like to take. I encourage you to get into a good position and set your camera and wait for the dazzling display of urban lights from windows, street, signs – all of these in their rainbow of neon colors will add to the ambiance. Times Square is world famous for this type of pictures. Don't forget to shoot a structure as a silhouette during sunset, position the architecture between yourself and the sun.

The Upper East Side: 3rd Avenue, New York 

Near The Plaza Hotel: 58th Street and 5th Avenue

Strive to have your pictures reach great heights.

5. Architectural photography can be produced in all weathers. Try revisiting and shooting the same building in these various weather conditions, you can produce a neat portfolio of shots – maybe select the best three and you’ll have yourself an interesting triptych.

Fulton Subway Station in the Wall Street Area

View of World Trade Center

6. Reflections add an extra dimension to architectural images and allow the camera to create a canvas on which the building can be playfully distorted. New York is great for the urban environment which is littered with a multitude of reflective surfaces, so you’ll never have to look too far to practice. For example, windows, water features, puddles, wet streets, rivers and old pubs. Use your imagination, and let your camera record it.

Some of the many beauties of the Upper East Side are the mansions' beautifully crafted doors and picture perfect manicured outdoor designs

7. Research the reason why the architecture exists – you’ll be amazed how a little bit of background information can fuel a great deal of inspiration. New York is full of Art Deco buildings, so be sure to walk around Rockefeller Centre, that part of town will most likely blow your mind. Always look out for the intricate brickwork or chequerboard windows iron railings.

8. Architectural images shouldn’t just be all about aesthetic and graphic. They should also provide dynamism and movement – so play with the lines, the light, and the shadows to provide interest and consider the hierarchy of levels and areas. Learn to break free of the cold and sterile straight lines and rectilinear angles and follow the principles of nature by including curves and circles in the form of shadows or reflections which can soften the structure. Remember the camera never takes a bad picture, but you do. Learn to see what the camera sees and together you will take some great pictures.

More images from West Street New York

Last look at one of the many modern architecture from New York City

All photographs by Michael S. McConkey. Using a Canon XS500 IS

8 Tips On How To Beat This Summer's Heatwave

New York City under a blazing summer sun

It’s HOT outside, and I mean HOT! A dangerous heat wave has spread across the country from California to New York. The hot weather is affecting more than 100 million Americans and it's also the first time that all the major cities - including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles - have had heat warnings in place at the same time, NBC’s Today show reports. In New York City, ozone pollution levels are so high that an air quality advisory is in effect. The city is expected to hit 99 degrees on Saturday (23rd July 2016), as I was planning to explore Manhattan. Can you image what the subway (underground) must be like?

Remember: Keeping your body cool in the heat this summer is paramount! And a true life saver. Sign of heat stress include increased heart rate, and dizziness.

Here are a 8 tips to beat the heat by Sydney Narvaez

Stay safe New York!

   1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking a lot of water is essential. If you’re working outdoors, consume one quart of cold water every hour, as well as pouring it on your skin. Electrolyte energy drinks are also beneficial.

2. Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in the heat does the opposite of what you want to do — it dehydrates you.

3. Consume Shaved Ice

Shaved ice hydrates you, which allows heat to leave the surface of your body.

4. Find Shade, or Make Your Own

If you’re outdoors, try to be in the shade as much as possible. You can also create your own by using an umbrella or a hat.

5. Cooling Centers

There are many cooling centers around the city if you do not have air conditioning in your house.

6. Buy The Appropriate Air Conditioning Unit

Look for appliances with high energy efficient ratings, and choose the appropriate number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) that correspond to your room dimensions. For example, choose a window air conditioning unit with 15,000 BTUs for an 800-square-foot room.

7. Keep Your Pets Cool

Pets should be kept groomed with short hair to avoid the heat, but do not shave your pets because their fur offers sun protection.

8. Keep Your Pets Hydrated

Dogs and cats should have access to water 24 hours a day, and be kept in a cool, shaded place.

As for me, I make sure our bird bath is full of fresh water.

How to Avoid Being Pigeonholed

Conversations over coffee usually starts with "So what do you do for a living?”

Several times in the last few weeks I’ve been asked "So, what do you do in New York?" This question has basically become synonymous with “Who are you?” “What’s your name?” “How do you make your money?” Those various questions do lend themselves to follow-up questions that can keep a conversation going. To be honest, I dislike the notion that I should answer these friendly inquiries in 30 seconds flat.

Business coaches are well-known to teach this type of (crap) pitch. It's a load of codswallop to think anyone can do this (please don't get me started, how can we learn the 'art of listening in 30 seconds?). CNN's Wolf Blitzer takes a minute to ask a question and then he'll say "you have 30 second to answer." How funny is that. Wolf always manages to make me laugh, and I am aware that opinions varies on this subject, and I'll just have to live with it. The great thing about writing a blog is I can let off steam like Andy Murray. I do pride myself of having an attention span of longer than 30 seconds.

British top player Andy Murray letting off steam on the tennis court

Pictured: A coach teaches the important Art of Listening

From left: Wolf Blitzer, CNN top anchorman, Hillary Clinton (I'll leave you to guess the name of the other politician)

As with all conversations I aways hope it leads into a polite conversation and to greater things, although responding to this common question sometimes make us feeling a little uncomfortable because all eyes and ears are upon us, a word of advice...be prepared with a stellar response, and you’ll impress those listening to your reply and take notice of your poise in the light of an (unintentionally) tough question. Beware! In New York (as in most places) people are quick to categorizes you and put you in a pigeon hole, okay for a pigeon but not if you are a peacock.

Me, a pigeon; how dare you? Most of us hate being pigeonholed, however life often dictates that will be at some point 

While living in New York, I'm always asked: Are you a Brit? “Indeed I am, how did you guess?” This is not a good answer... take my word on it. While taking a leaf out of Fox News Bill O'Reilly's this is a "No Spin Zone"

My no spin is that I need to find acceptable answers to a question like: So! What do you do? It's important  to stay within the ethic codes of good manners, I hate being stereotyped, but I understand how perception is a powerful influence on people.

Perception is a powerful influence, don't you agree?

When I find acceptable answers I will practice, practice and practice. I don't want to be unkind or unforgiven to anyone especially to those who want to be friendly towards me. Ha!

 From Left: Michael McConkey, Kahlil Blazia, Theophelis Cooper

Karim Rashid, industrial designer, and Michael S. McConkey, founder of the Top-Up-System

In future I am going to experiment with different answers and then try to take the lead with my own conversational tidbits and let people see that even a Brit in New York can build more meaningful relationships.

When it comes to American-British relationships, words sometimes get lost in translation

Friends and strangers reaching out to communicate over their busy work weeks.
Reaching out to others is always good for business

My favorite time of the day is when I reach out for my coffee. 

Some view New York as a city with cultural, and language barriers and use this fact as an excuse not to try to make things work when it comes to business. This can prove costly, specifically in the hospitality industry. I'm all for keeping our sense of humor when trying to reach out and understand one another. It's good for business! Time for my coffee break. Bye for now!

Safety Tips for Travelers to New York

Michael McConkey - Local Expert! 

If ever you come to New York I would love for you to say "hi!" so let's meet and share our euphoria over coffee. Have fun, and I hope you'll be able to make a lot of good memories. So here are my safety tips for New York, or for any other big city that you plan on visiting.

At 14th Street 9th Avenue - Blending in while instagraming

Sadly, it seem many people suffer from ‘holiday amnesia’ and leave their common sense behind, although I believe common sense is not so common, so use "good sense" when applying these tips.

It is irritating to get lost in this Big Apple, believe me, I've done that many times. Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist by standing on a street corner while looking at maps. Do your best to walk confidently, as this will deter many criminals. Be aware of your surroundings and try not to gawp at the majestic buildings that surrounds you.

Every corner has a street sign

 Union Square 14th Street

City Hall Park

Do not succumb to the charms of New York, and all it trappings. In the States, carrying an ID is expected, and when asked, it must be produced. When you are in a crowded subway, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side at all times. It will be even more than an irritation to lose your ID and cards.

Unlike the pop diva, Rihanna, try not to flaunt your valuables  around

We all want to look our best! Do not be naive and flaunt jewelries, cameras, your smart phones or cash in public. If you need to organize your wallet, duck into a store.

Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you -- most places accept credit cards (let your card company know you are visiting New York), and there are ATMs everywhere.

By now your adrenalin is running high, New York can do that to you, so after dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.

If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions. Do what I’ve done on many occasions, find a helpful cop, be polite and remember, no sudden movements…

One of New York Finest

When in doubt of your destination or you question the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab, especially late at night. Many business districts are desolate at night -- keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab. A cab is a good way to travel around NYC if you are only in town for a few days.

New York Yellow Cab

If taking the subway late at night, stand near the "During off hours trains stop here" sign or in view of the Metro-Card booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor's car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops). Its rare to see an empty car (carriage to my UK friends)

Pick a car with lots of other passenger

All said and done, should you find yourself the victim of a crime, contact a police officer. In case of an immediate emergency, call 911. Otherwise, contact 311 (free from any pay phone) and you will be directed to an officer who will be able to take a report. 311 calls are answered 24 hours a day by a live operator (don’t get me going on this one). Speak slowly not all will understand your British accent! I know!!

A relic? Two of New York's Telephone Booths