Hanging Out, in Brooklyn

Photo by myself on Atlantic and Hicks Streets, in Brooklyn Heights.

Weekend days are quiet in Brooklyn Heights. This is a family neighborhood with some gorgeous older buildings.

Related posts: Sitting Outside, on Broadway, Enjoying the Sun, in Downtown Brooklyn, and Strangers, Below Columbus Circle.

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A Kiss, on the Brooklyn Promenade

Photo by myself, in Brooklyn Heights.

Just at the edge of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Promenade overlooks the East River. This view looks north west. Beyond, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building.

It's a romantic park. The Promenade is what it sounds like - a straight stretch along the water. To the right out of frame are beautiful, historic homes. To the left, the water. I'm sure that when the Promenade first opened, couples dressed up in their fanciest clothing and sauntered up and down this walkway.

Since the sun sets in the west, this is an ideal place to watch the sunset, as it descends beyond the Manhattan skyline.

Related posts: A Kiss, in Brooklyn Bridge Park, A Kiss, on Broadway, and Unhate, on Fifth Avenue.

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Portrait of a Film Shoot, in Brooklyn Heights

Photo by myself in Brooklyn Heights, around Pierrepont and Henry Streets.

On location in Brooklyn Heights, is the film crew for the movie 'The Sitter'. Mike, above, works as a grip on the film crew.

Mike operates the generator for the lights, and stood watch over the truck carrying lighting equipment. Over his left shoulder, you can see the pretty brownstones typical of this upscale neighborhood.

I spotted the trucks for this production a week ago, in Park Slope. It looked like big budget film, from the sheer number of huge Haddad and Craft service trucks lining the street. Mike assured me that this was a modest production, and a blockbuster movie would employ twice as many trucks. Whew!

I wouldn't say that film crews are a normal sight in New York, but they are certainly not uncommon. You could easily happen upon 7 or 8 crews in the streets each year.

I asked Mike whether anyone recognizable was in the movie. 'Jonah Hill'? he said. Pause. 'You know, the fat kid in 'Superbad?'

Aha! 'The Sitter' is due out in July, 2011.

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A huge hug and "Thank You" to all who encouraged me to continue a portrait series of New Yorkers! I talked to several people during my break during jury duty on Tuesday. (More on jury duty, tomorrow).

Of course, many people that I talked to turned me down. But a few people said yes!! I think portraits will be a great companion to the candids, and it will only be easier to take them from here on. Hooray!

The Portrait Series is a once-in-a-while installment, featuring New Yorkers encountered on the street.

Related posts: On the Picket Line, in Hell's Kitchen, On the Times and the People and Lights, Camera, Action!.

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