Frozen in Time at the Sheep Meadow, Central Park, New York City

Frozen in Time at the Sheep Meadow, Central Park, New York City

The Sheep Meadow in summer is a place to sunbathe, see and be seen or have a picnic with friends. But why that name? It turns out that it was a real meadow with sheep until the 1930s, and used Tavern on the Green as their stable. Sadly, even the Tavern is gone.

It is a place that offers that unique feeling in Central Park – a pastoral landscape with the edge of the urban landscape not far away. These layers are always such a interesting aspect of being in Central Park – you see the city but luckily you can feel like you are far away. Maybe that is why this is picture perfect, even in real life the cityscape in the distance is like a photograph…

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Taking a Break Inside Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

Taking a Break Inside Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

It is easy to get cold, walking around in the early morning, wearing thin gloves so you can actually take photos, standing still until you have your shot all lined up. Even though this winter has not been bad at all here in New York, when the snow comes, you have to get out there – not only as a photographer, but as a fan of the city with snow…

Our one snow day here was pretty cold, the snow was dry, which helps the camera – wet snow is the worst, but dry snow isn’t bad at all. It just bounces off of you. But you do need to find time to get your hands back into your coat pockets, check the lens, maybe drink a sip of water.

No better place than under the mosaic tiles of Bethesda Terrace. Central Park has done a great job to restore and highlight the tile work, illuminating the tiles with subtle lighting, in the main and side colonnades. There is even a skylight which you can just see a bit of, which at night standing on top of the Terrace is an illuminated circle of glass tiles.

In the summer there is usually a musician playing, maybe a cello or a violin, taking advantage of the acoustics. But at 7:30 a.m. in the morning, only another photographer passed through. We talked and laughed that we were there for the same purpose… because we love New York.

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Ice on The Lake with Central Park West, New York City

Ice on The Lake with Central Park West, New York City

What a view the luxury condo buildings must have, since what a view we have of them from Central Park!

It’s the thinnest layer of ice and snow, changing minute by minute, opening up in the middle here as the snow stopped falling in the early morning air.

There were some ducks flying around, landing in the water, but not many. Maybe the same number as people up early in the park to defy the only snowfall we have had here in New York this winter – maybe it’s the only chance to see it before the winter is gone…

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Looking at the Angel From Within Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

Looking at the Angel From Within Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

It is always nice to catch your breath, especially if the weather is a challenge, within Bethesda Terrace. The restored tile work is incredible, sometimes you might hear a musician playing a guitar or a flute – the acoustics make the music a bit haunting…

The arches also do a great job of framing the view of the Angel of the Waters.

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Looking Back at the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

Looking Back at the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

This is the Bethesda Terrace, which has two grand staircases that flank the Arcade. You can cross Terrace Drive either above and come down these stairs or go below and come through the Arcade, which is a great place in the park to hide from the rain, or the snow for a few moments…

In summer I come here to relax, meet friends, or watch some street performers on the plaza, who usually draw the crowds in. It’s a good crossroads, if you are going east/west, or north/south, as many paths bring you here. It’s all in the design…

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