New York's skyline casts an indelible shadow in every viewer's memory. Diverse architectural styles vie for attention in a never-ending competition that has spanned centuries. Capturing a fraction of that magic via a photo is difficult given the constant flurry of distracting activity that surrounds the city from every vantage point. In order to overcome this, I decided to combine two photographic techniques.
First, I used the VAST photo technique to create one of the highest resolution photos ever crafted of the skyline, at 2,127 megapixels. Second, as I was shooting the VAST photo, I also set up a camera to record a series of 100 long-exposure photographs using a very strong neutral density filter. I later merged these long exposures together into a single image, representing a 23-minute exposure. The sky and the Hudson river benefited from this technique, appearing with a smooth and subdued character, replete with subtle flowing gradients.
Then, I very carefully merged the VAST photo and the long exposure photo into a single final image: the highest quality super long-exposure photo ever taken of New York City. In addition to its exceptionally high resolution, this photo stands out because of how starkly the subtle tonality of the negative space juxtaposes with the sharp lines and contrast of the most powerful skyline on earth.
Note: A close-up cropped version of this photo also exists here if you prefer a version with less negative space and a wider aspect ratio. Licensing this photo allows you to crop it how you like.
Date & Time | August 9, 2016: 7:24pm |
Location | Manhattan, New York City |
Coordinates | 40.719342, -74.029410 |
Focal Length | 349mm |
Aperture | f/7.1 |
Shutter | 1/320 |
ISO | 250 |
Num of Exposures | 109 |
VAST photos are the highest resolution photos ever made.
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Our ready-to-hang canvas prints are created using a specialty printer that carefully lays pigment inks down onto archival-quality fine art canvas material. The canvas is then stretched around a 1.5-inch-deep wood support structure to provide depth and elegance. Our canvas material has a delightfully matte finish that looks spectacular in any lighting conditions while retaining maximum vibrancy and contrast. Click here to learn more.
A VAST Print™ represents the pinnacle of the photographic medium. Each print is a true photograph created specifically for you using light-sensitive paper exposed in a darkroom with the industry's highest precision exposure technique. Your print is then sealed with a shine-enhancing protective glossy coating*, adhered to a sturdy aluminum composite backing, and finished in one of two ready-to-hang formats:
*Note: a non-glossy, satin matte coating is alternatively available on request.
Due to their record-setting resolutions, VAST photos are the most versatile images ever created, with the quality necessary to look great at any size and in any project. Purchasing one of our standard royalty-free licenses provides you with the digital file at your choice of resolution and a permit to use it for most types of projects. Click here to learn more.
For a premium license that gives exclusivity, glass-related use in North America, or use in merchandise for sale, contact us.
Total Pixels | 2,359,521,033 px |
Width | 65,301 px |
Height | 36,133 px |
Aspect Ratio | 1.81 : 1 |
Date & Time | August 9, 2016: 7:24pm |
Location | Manhattan, New York City |
Coordinates | 40.719342, -74.029410 |
Focal Length | 349mm |
Aperture | f/7.1 |
Shutter | 1/320 |
ISO | 250 |
Num of Exposures | 109 |
Here are some rough guidelines for this specific photo: