“Broadway Alley At Midnight” Image: JB Brookman

I was in Downtown Los Angeles, testing out the Nikon D4 camera, when I came across this dark alley and parked motorcycle.  I was in LA, photographing a concert at one of Broadway’s historic theaters.  It was midnight and extremely dark, so, I decided to test the capabilities of Nikon’s newest camera.

(For you photography geeks, I shot this image at 5000 ISO and used a 50mm 1.4 lens)

To my delight, the D4 made an incredibly dark scene, look like it was shot in the middle of the day.  I was able to hand hold (not have to use a tripod) the camera with no problem.  I fell in love with the street art, painted on the alley wall, covered in stickers and small billboards.  I love the fact that I could barely see the detail in the bricks of the street, with my naked eye, but, the camera brought them to light.  There is always a thrill, creating photos with your professional camera equipment in the darkness of Downtown, as you never feel 100% safe.  But, I always say a prayer and try to go after the image that is tough to get- as it always brings the biggest reward.

Broadway has so much history.  I was able to talk my way into it’s historic Los Angeles Theatre, in 2009 and I plan to return and capture all of the theaters, soon.  The history of the street, gives me chills:  Broadway was first originated as part of the 1849 plan of Los Angeles.  First called Fort Street, it was eventually re-named Broadway in 1890.

Broadway is home to the legendary Broadway Theater District.  In a span of only 6 blocks the district includes 12 movie theatres built between 1910 and 1931.  It is the only remaining concentration of movie palaces left in the United States.

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

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