Anybody in New York City last week could identify with Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.” The Yankees won the World Series, and everyone cheered up and down 5th Avenue outside of the Empire State Building after the game. Later that week, New York City had a parade, and everyone could hear Alicia Keys belt out the chorus to Jay-Z’s song:

New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let’s hear it for New York, New York,
New York

The city has pulse, that’s for sure. In the last two months in Texas, I shot once or twice; in New York, I squeezed in a dozen shoots in a week. I worked with dancers from the NJ Nets and Knicks City Dancers–and dancers that taught me a bit of choreography from this year’s VMAs as they got to dance onstage with Beyonce. I expressed interest in photographing an iconic group from the 70’s, and I worked with Lisa Ramos, a contestant from this cycle’s America’s Next Top Model. I met the coolest people and heard the most interesting stories, and of course, I have pictures to prove it. (Coming soon) Before I launch a series of blog posts from my trip, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that made last week a tremendous success.

Thank you…

Alayna Simpson
Angel Pai
Barry Mullineaux
Candifiend Studios
Cecilia
Daisha G.
Dex Studios
Diana Manzanares.com
Elizabeth W. & Miss Cindy
El Leo
Jaclyn Sabol
James Dentel & Andrea G.
Jeff Fuller
Kesha Nichols
Lisa Ramos
Loris Diran
Marla
Naomi Porto
Nina Soriano
Peter Yang
Scott Wasserman
Stephen Eastwood
Sugar & Spice
Tami McCarthy
Peony Red (Thanks for the 旗袍!)
Vickie A.

Special thanks to Jon Slevec for sending me an external hard drive to back up all my ginormous files.

Just like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys said, in New York, the big lights inspire you and make you feel like you can do anything. I went to the Big Apple and did what I love doing most: take amazing photos. I certainly could not have had such a delightful trip had it not been for the beautiful, talented and generous New Yorkers (and some NJ’ers) listed above. Now I want any excuse to go back!

I met Kesha in 2005 after she responded to one of my casting calls. I started dabbling in photography then and got lucky when she modeled for me. We became friends, and I got the chance to see her cheer on the Nets court. Kesha has an infectious smile, and she radiates such positive energy. She is a talented dancer and has an optimistic spin on life. I got to see this optimism in action firsthand when we went to Hawaii this summer. We always have a blast when we shoot together, so when we passed by a pool, we just jumped right in–she had a bikini, and I dove in with all my clothes. Anything for a great shot, right? I had to work without an assistant, but we got these fun, organic shots that really showcased our rapport as close friends.

We had an amazing time in Hawaii–a place where we got to relax, chat, go horseback riding, and ride a helicopter for some thrilling aerial shots. We got to play where they film the set of LOST, and we listened to Hawaiian music on the stereo. There’s nothing like that with the waves crashing nearby the coast and the scent of macadamia oil permeating the air. Ahhh. But Kesha and I do not necessarily need such beautiful scenery every time we shoot. With her smile, we are bound to get incredible shots. I hope someone equally as warm, funny, beautiful, talented, thoughtful, and positive wins her dress.

xoxo,
Amy

Horseback riding on the beach in Hawaii

Dive in to get the shot!

You can see my white linen pants.

Hawaii, 2009

.News article from the New York Post and bridal photo by Elizabeth Lippmann

.Snapshots by a generous passerby

All other photography by Amy Dunn
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