Fuji X100T, fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens, 1/125 sec @ f/9.0, ISO 2000

A hot, humid, hazy mid-afternoon in New York City, and it was the final day of four that I spent last week in this wonderful metropolis. Shortened tourist lines found me 70 stories above street level atop the GE Building in Rockefeller Center, the 10th tallest building in NYC. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers spectacular views of Manhattan, which include the Empire State Building (a big selling point for spending $24 to ride the elevator here as opposed to visiting the top of the ESB). Plus the 70th floor deck is completely open-air at the top, with no security fences to shoot through. It’s a great place to take photos.

Despite the oppressive haze, Lower Manhattan was still a wonderful sight. In the distance stands Freedom Tower, at 1776 feet tall, and though barely visible this day, just off to its right on the tip of Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay, Lady Liberty extends her welcome.

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