The Empire State Plaza
On Friday, I joined with some 10 other members of the Capital District Photography Meet-up Group to photograph the Empire State Plaza and buildings at night. Officially known as the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, the complex consists of State government buildings and public spaces both at street level and in a subterranean Concourse.
Legislative Bldg, State Capitol, Justice Bld.
When I first came to live in the Albany area in 1966, the “South Mall” as it was known in the beginning, was already well under construction. It was finally completed 10 years later. According to Gov. Rockefeller, the inspiration for the Plaza’s construction was an outgrowth of an aerial visit over the blighted area by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands (and the governor) who was in Albany to celebrate the Dutch heritage of the area.
Coring Tower, Cultural Ed. Bldg, Agency Bldgs.
The Plaza houses some of the state government staff in a vast network of office structures including the Corning Tower (named after the long term mayor of Albany), the theater complex called the Egg, four office (“Agency”) buildings, the Legislative Building, the Justice Building and the Swan Street Building (which includes the State Motor Vehicle HQ).
At the eastern end is the State Cultural Education Building which also houses the State Museum and State Library. At the western end is the State Capitol (although not actually part of the Plaza). The Concourse houses an extensive collection of modern art originally assembled by Gov. Rockefeller.
The State Capitol at Night
The Egg
All these images were made with the Canon 10-22mm lens on a tripod with remote release. Post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop. Other images are on display in the gallery.