A few weeks ago I stopped by the warehouse district and the area under the High Line to take some shots before work. After I was done, I walked up 10th Avenue for a few blocks before turning east to catch the 8th Avenue Subway uptown to my office, when I spotted this big “EAT” sign from almost a block away. Because of the angle, I couldn’t see what it was connected to, but I was pretty certain I would want to shoot it. I love that sign. It doesn’t mention the name of the establishment, or even say say “Eat Here.” It just says “Eat,” as if we needed reminding. (Although as Brandt Steinhauser reminds us, sometimes we do).
I ended up a little surprised when it turned out to be the Empire Diner, which Brian Matiash featured in a very cool shot a short while ago. So this creates just a bit of a problem, as I don’t want to recreate his shot but I’m definitely doing my own treatment of the diner. Fortunately, I was pretty sure he didn’t feature the giant EAT sign in his image, so I figured I had that going for me (yes, which is nice). Apart from that, I just shot and processed without referencing his image until I was done. I won’t bother cataloging the differences but I think I accomplished my goal.
The last reason that stumbling on this diner gobsmacked me was that way back in my single days I spent a fair amount of time in this area of Chelsea. It was by no means my primary area for hanging out, but I know I walked this area of 10th Avenue more than once or twice, yet I have no memory of ever seeing this diner before. Looking at the world with an eye to photographing it can make you notice things you previously overlooked.
Brian Matiash
7 Apr 2010Hey Mark,
Thanks for the link back to my version of the Empire Diner. I definitely think that your version easily stands on its own. I mean, it’s the same diner but your composition and processing are notably different than mine. In my shot, I opted to focus on one piece of the diner facade by using my Tilt Shift lens so I think we both did a good job of keeping some unique elements. 🙂
I think your shot is awesome and I love that you did get to capture the big ‘Eat’ sign in the background. Rockin’ job, man.
mark
7 Apr 2010Thanks, Brian. I couldn’t have asked for a better response.
Michael Tuuk
21 Apr 2010Nice one all around, Mark.
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