New York State Capitol 1, a photo from New York, Northeast

Photographer's Note

Another in my ongoing project to visit and photograph all 50 US state capitol buildings. This series is from Albany, the capital city of New York.

The state capitol of the state of New York lies at the heart of Albany, atop Capitol Hill and at the Northern edge of Empire Plaza. The building was completed in 1899, but took 32 years to finish because of construction delays, architect changes, style changes, and massive costs. Adjusted for inflation, it is today still the most expensive public building ever built in the United States - $25 million dollars in 1899, now worth approximately $500 million!

The building itself tells its own story through its architectural details. Though originally begun in a Romanesque style, the first architects were fired 8 years into the project; the next architectural firm continued in a Renaissance style. When that firm was itself fired in 1883, the building was completed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in a distinct Romanesque style all his own. He redid much of the building in that style, though remnants of the originals do still exist, especially in the interior.

The building is one of only a handful of capitol buildings in the US that lacks a dome, spire or cupola of any kind; only Virginia, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii join it. A massive dome was originally planned for the building, but it was discovered that the building was already too heavy and was in fact moving slowly eastward, sliding down the hill. A large and ornate staircase was added on that side to stop its progress.

The capitol building cost was controversial enough already when Governor Nelson Rockefeller began his ambitious plan to expand state government by creating Empire Plaza, a $2 billion dollar renovation of central Albany in a brutalist and modernist style - see my previous several shots for a look at the Plaza.

This shot shows the New York Capitol, once again through the yellow arches of the 'Trio' sculpture, one of many pieces of modern sculpture in Empire Plaza. I was reminded by John (tyro) yesterday that I failed to upload a workshop showing the sculpture in its entirety; that workshop is uploaded here instead.

Larger version on Flickr, here.
New York set on Flickr, here.

quovadis, tyro, cornejo, No_One, bayno, SnapRJW, worldcitizen, PaulVDV, holmertz, bukitgolfb301, Sonata11, Sonata11, abmdsudi, Ecureuil, aliabazari, Hansaphotos, krzychu30, rogerl, ourania, gildasjan, kato, delpeoples, adores has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snunney (130967) 2013-05-13 4:51

Hello Andrew,
Without your informative note, one might think that the building in the background was a French Town Hall or ch鈚eau. The yellow sculpture makes a superb frame and offers a great contrast with that clear blue sky. The people walking across the plaza provide a good sense of scale. Top class presentation.

KLB (23723) 2013-05-13 4:55

Hi Andrew

It's totally impossible to miss this attractive shot.
Looking at the thumbnails, this yellow sculpture is the only thing I saw ! Want to learn more about it...

You've done a great use of these curves and "this eye" to realize an interesting composition.
The marvelous light enhances your subject.
Compliments.

Karine

quovadis (5711) 2013-05-13 5:10

Hi Andrew !!!

No need for an extra frame, your presentastion has it all in one piece. The yellow works perfectly with the blue, very interesting perspective, a shot worth attention and adoration. Thanks for sharing the world !

Tomek

tyro (30513) 2013-05-13 5:16

Hi Andrew,

Another interesting note, particularly about this amazing state capitol building - and thank you for mentioning me too - at least you now know that I read your (and others') notes! Some, I suspect, don't.

This is a very fine photograph of this building, well framed by the "Trio" and your composition is enhanced not only by the striking framing but also by the passer-by who is perfectly placed in the frame. The light and colours are superb and the depth of field and sharpness exquisite.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

P.S. And thank you for adding the picture of the "Trio" as a workshop! I must confess that I'm not overly enamoured by most of these modern artworks and sculptures, but this one certainly makes a very fine frame for your photographs!

cornejo (61504) 2013-05-13 5:18

Hi Andrew, very good picture of this excellent and beautiful composition, very well captured in this beautiful picture with very good sharpness, depth, light and color. Excellent and interesting job perfectly done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good morning and happy start to the week.
Best regards from southern Spain.
Angel.

Sergiom (117241) 2013-05-13 5:27

Bonjour Andrew,

J'aime beaucoup cette perspective sur le Capitole d'Albany. Capitale tr鑣 m閏onnue de l'蓆at de New York. La sculpture jaune � l'avant plan est du plus bel effet et donne l'impression de regarder � travers un oeil.

Amicalement

Serge

No_One (4) 2013-05-13 5:41

Hi Andrew,
Another beauty to your capitols collection, and this one is so very unique! Not only for the price tag (500 million!? WOW!) but also for the unusual design of the building. It looks to me like something we would find in Prague, not in Albany. A brilliant idea to frame it through this sculpture, both for the colours and for helping me build up a mental map of this area. Thanks for the note, fascinaing story behind this place.
All the best
Noel

Oceania (5202) 2013-05-13 5:49

Hi Andrew,

Wow...The color of yellow is so eye-catching. And it's the nature frame of the picture. A very nice work!

bayno (18348) 2013-05-13 5:53

Original compo!!! so wonderful colors...i like the contrast with tones and architecture...nice geometric element in FG, the compo is enriched by the human figure that make really the difference for me...fine details...
well done...
Valter

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-05-13 6:19

Wow Andrew - You have surely found an exceptional POV for the NY State Capitol and I find it fascinating to compare the rather elegant and classical building with the vivid set of curves of the sculpture. I'm very impressed with the front to back sharpness of the shot and the colours are superb. The yellow really hits the back of my retina! Warm regards Rosemary

dta (98848) 2013-05-13 6:21

Hello Andrew ,
This yellow structures provides excellent opportunities for the photographer . This picture is yet better than the previous one .
Splendid !

olive224 (2719) 2013-05-13 9:39

Hi Andrew
I prefer this one to the last one !
The yellow frame is closed and the effect is better i think!

Nice work !
Olivier

worldcitizen (15930) 2013-05-13 9:48

Hello Andrew,
Great composition! This yellow sculpture certainly comes in handy when looking for interesting photo ops. :-) The capitol building is certainly beautiful, and it is framed perfectly in the yellow spirals.

Bluejeans (64251) 2013-05-13 11:20

Ola Andrew ,
Uma bela composi玢o com este monumento amarelo em primeiro plano parece um olho , bonitos os edif韈ios de fundo , boa profundidade de foto , boa luz e cores, parab閚s!!
Um abra鏾 Gon鏰lo

rbassin (27472) 2013-05-13 11:33

hello Andrew
une t鑣 belle comoition, le regard � tavers la sculture est une bonne id閑;
Le jaune vif est d'un impact dynamique.
Bonne soir閑
Roland

PaulVDV (62770) 2013-05-13 13:17

Hello Andrew,
A wonderful eye-catching frame of which the visual impact hits us already from at the thumbnail.
And as your note says, this capitol buildings looks very special, lacking a dome or a cupola.
Excellent sharpness and clarity. Very attractive colours.
Best regards, Paul

holmertz (101930) 2013-05-13 13:49

Hello Andrew,
This has to be your most eye-catching state capitol picture so far. I understand why you couldn't resist this POV. Any other way of photographing that building would have been comparatively boring. As a building it looks more French than American, but then again I think most architects behind these capitols were looking to Europe for inspiration.
Kind regards,
Gert

mesutilgim (0) 2013-05-13 14:43

Hello Andrew,
Wonderfull capture from Albany with an amazing pov through this modern artwork.
Great graphical effect and many good and usefull notes.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

Waylim (25436) 2013-05-13 17:20

Hi Andrew,

This is a very cool shot, great POV looking through the abstract scupture. the colors of yellow ochre in the low warm light contrast well against the landscape and the blue sky, the shadow create nice shades and proved sense of space and depth.

Way

jcpix (14030) 2013-05-13 19:38

Hi Andrew,

Even though I recognized this was another in your series from Albany, I had the same first thought as Stephen mentioned regarding the capitol...that really could pass for a French City Hall, it's beautiful! I had no idea it looked like that, or would have even though it would be of that style. Anyway, to the picture at hand...well, what can I say...you nailed it again! :) What a great way to frame the centerpiece, and with such a vibrant color no less...this really stood out from the crowd today. An imaginative perspective to say the least, with great vibrancy and detail. Love the multitude of features presented, compliments on an outstanding visual! Have a great day ahead.

All the best,

Jason

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2013-05-13 19:52

Hi dear Andrew

Great angle / frameworked image, the best one among recetnt 3 postings.
Great view image in perfect framework with so bright / vivid color contrast / combination.
Thanks a lot for your sharing and have a good day!

Takero from hot Tokyo(28℃）

Sonata11 (34119) 2013-05-13 21:45

Hello Andrew,
what a very beautiful composition and wonderfully framed. I missed so many your fabulous photos. Fantastic yellow frame and beautiful architecture. Perfectly well done. I like execution and presentation. Tfs.
All the best,
Barbara

dkmurphys (79209) 2013-05-13 22:08

Hi Andrew,
A very original presentation of that building. The yellow modern structure is a perfect frame here. Clever shot!

Have a nice day.

Daniel

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-05-13 22:43

Hi Andrew
A very rich and vibrant shot on such a brilliant day and given that information, this shot takes on a new poignancy of the distant arcitecture with that stunning 'eyes' lead into the domeless Capitol building. I really do like your work and the strong fg is the added bonus to make the visual senses be moved creating a tremendous depth as well. What a great image, lighting is exquisite and the colours are super and warm in contrast to the blue and yellow. But I do so like mosty is the purity of the striking sculptures that would brighten anybody's day. Great capture and Tks for sharing.
Warm regards

mjw364 (1466) 2013-05-14 0:31

Well Andrew

Yet again you surpassed yourself with this one. Probably one of the most original frame within a frame shots I have seen on TE. I love this series from Albany.

TFS

Mike

Ecureuil (532) 2013-05-14 5:30

Bonjour Andrew,
une approche tr鑣 efficace des m閘anges architecturaux, la crois閑 du moderne et du traditionnel, des 閘閙ents et mat閞iaux contemporrains avec la pierre.
Des couleurs fortes pour cette oeuvre � l'avant plan et le ciel d'un beau bleu, en contraste avec le terne de la pierre.
Une prise de vue d'une grande profondeur et aussi d'une profondeur de champ large bien � propos.
Regards.
Daniel.

Haymotion (2761) 2013-05-14 8:19

nice shot !
Good composition for a original idea.
good quality and nice pov.
TFS
Vince

aliabazari (21165) 2013-05-14 10:21

Hi Andrew Dear
View of a beautiful and attractive display. Exposure was carried out with great clarity.

Regards ...

adidas5nb (5743) 2013-05-14 19:14

a fantastic beautiful creative image.love the graphic yellow with the cityscape behind.great thought and execution.
regards
dwaipayan

marabu61 (11587) 2013-05-15 1:01

Hello Andrew
Interesting note on the state capitol of New York. Even though the capitol is your main subject, it is the yellow arches of the sculpture that catches the eye immediately. For me the idea to frame the capitol in that way works really fine here.
have a good day
Daniel

Hansaphotos (11381) 2013-05-15 12:54

Hello Andrew

A fine combination of artwork and architecture. The artwork creates a nice framing and is quite eye-catching with its bright yellow colour. Fine architectural details. Not often we see pictures from Albany here on TE. Great work:)

Best regards, Erling

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-05-15 23:55

Hi Andrew,
this one is even better than the previous one with the yellow sculpture.The view through it and the strong color contrast it creates are magnificent.Blue vs.yellow looks always attractive.
Magnificent view of the State Capitol building in the distance-really beautiuful architecture.
And I磎 still amazed.Just one Plaza and so many photo opportunities.

Have a good day
Krzysztof

npecanhuk (79329) 2013-05-16 3:41

Hi Andrew!
This one has pleased me a lot too!
Of course the same pleasant urban space and beautiful State Capitol Building, but a superb chosen pov and composition are true highlights here!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

rogerl (1632) 2013-05-16 5:31

Andrew, a really interesting and pretty shot through this sculpture. Wonderful color in the sculpture itself against the clear blue sky, and great detail in both the building and the stone on the plaza. I'm a little surprised you framed the shot this way instead of moving the camera a little to the left - but I don't know what's hidden behind the right side of the sculpture.

kasianowak (17672) 2013-05-16 8:52

Wow, Andrew, this is a very eye-catching composition. I love the use of complementary colours too.
Kasoa

Royaldevon (85606) 2013-05-16 13:47

Hello Andrew,

We have all tried to make interesting, natural frames but this is in a class of its own!. Not only is colourful, it has 3D appeal, eye-catching curves and a most attractive interplay of light and shadows. It creates the perfect 'eye' through which to enjoy the sharp details of the capitol building and its f/g plaza.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

batalay (41261) 2013-05-17 4:42

Hello Andrew,

The presence of the pedestrian is a subtle trick to elevate the composition from "simple and good" to "simple and excellent." The shades of yellow and blue are close to the colors of the Swedish flag. Your series of state capitols would make a very good Photo Book. Although a number of companies provide the same services, for my travel photos, I've been using a company called Snapfish.

Warm regards,

Bulent

ourania (51103) 2013-05-18 12:02

Hello Andrew,
point of view and composition are wonderful. The foreground you've created is magnificent and gives the classic setting in the background a totally new definition. There's superb dynamism due to the rich, bright colour and the fascinating sense of movement, as if the yellow patterns were shifting to reveal the view ahead. The shadows enhance the interest of the sculpture and enhance this impression. Depth, lighting, clarity and colours are all exquisite. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely weekend,
Ourania

gildasjan (43826) 2013-05-19 10:20

Bonjour Andrew
Le jaune a attir� mon attention pour cette image.J'aime beaucoup la compl閙entarit� de couleurs avec le bleu du ciel.
Bonne journ閑
Amicalement
gildas

kato (11630) 2013-05-20 0:19

Hello Andrew,

You're capturing well this the tate capitol by an iteresting angle and excellent tone/clarity, so it's imoressive to see the state capital of Romanesque style and its courtyard seen through the modern sculpture with yellow. The state capitol looks like the good architecture with settled design, and it's imoressive in red roof with the triangle shape. The whole id harmonized well by a good arrangement and bright color combination. And, the shadow projected to the sculpture draws out an additional good effect in this image.

Kind regards,
mikio

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2013-05-20 9:20

well framed indeed... and beautiful colours too...

cheers andrew...

krkt

delpeoples (60342) 2013-05-23 3:11

Gidday Andrew

What a top shot. It really stands out, even in thumbnail. The yellows and blues contrasts superbly and I like the POV you've chosen, looking through the hole in the sculpture. Through this photo, I can see so dramatically the effect TE has had on your photography. You really have come around to truly looking at and understanding a subject, rather than merely recording what it is - something we all started off doing. So congratulations and thanks for sharing. Have a great day - ARE YOU A DADDY YET???? I've been thinking about you all week?

Cheers
Lisa

adores (46979) 2013-05-23 17:16

Hi Andrew!
Great series:)!
This one is surely different, but the building is also interesting. I like the wonderful frame you found - original and eye catching. And the people passing couldn't be better placed. Very good shot!

emka (157280) 2013-05-27 23:19

Hi Andrew,

I missed this impressive shot when I was away. Striking composition with this yellow sculpture. Splendid with the blue sky.
Warm regrads

Malgo
I looked at your intro - there is big family of yours here on TE. And are you with your baby on the photo?

Urs (14082) 2013-05-30 22:23

Hi Andrew

What makes this shot work is the unique combination of modern art with urban architecture. The yellow of artwork boost DOF and sets a very bright highlight, breaking with the usual frontal approach to photograph just the building, perhaps including some passer-by. Well done

Warm regards
Urs

KristinsCamera (2384) 2013-06-30 20:47

wonderful use of the bold yellow modern structure to encapsulate a vision of the old, traditional architecture, almost as if it is a window on the past ~ nicely seen!

kristin

seb1lopez (187) 2013-12-01 5:57

the background is not extra ordinary, but ur use of the yellow curves is perfect!

Photo Information

Copyright: Andrew Lipsett (ACL1978) (7511)
Genre: 风景
Medium: 彩色
Date Taken: 2013-04-17
Categories: Architecture, Artwork
Camera: Nikon D3100, Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/200 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Your Favorites, US State Houses - Northeast, Statues and Sculpture [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2013-05-13 4:44