The following photos were taken before or during the time of day that cinematographers sometimes describe as magic hour. Pictures 4 and 5 (which are, essentially, the same image) are probably, in terms of composition, my favorites in this series; if only my modest digital camera (a Canon S400) could capture the dusky contrast of streetlamp and natural light the way Magritte does in Empire of Light (see inset image), but this may be asking too much of technology. The bronze statue no doubt speaks for itself; it stands as gatekeeper to a gallery on Prince Street, but it seems that its effect might be more intimidating than inviting. The boy posing with the dog was quite a character. My traveling companion was buying an objet d'art from his father, and the boy was overcome with excitement, certain that he was going to get a commission from the sale, which started at 20 percent but crept up to 40 by the time we left. As the price was being negotiated, I took some blurry photos of their dog (a jack russell terrier), and the boy insisted (1) that he be allowed to take some photos because they would be better, and (2) that I take photos of him holding the dog in place, since his photos turned out to be as blurry as mine. At least he didn't charge me. The day began with a screening of Hellboy, which must be allowed immediate entry into that pantheon of great comic book movies. Photo links appear at the bottom of the contact sheet.
