The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center as seen from the roof of Saks Fifth Avenue. Photo by George Steinmetz, courtesy Anastasia Photo Gallery.
George Steinmetz is best known for his exploration photography. As a regular contributor to National Geographic and GEO Magazine, he sets out to discover the few remaining secrets in our world today, such as remote deserts and obscure cultures. It was of great interest to learn that he set his lens on New York, and in particular, New York from up above. His current exhibit and accompanying book, New York Air  is a spectacular view of our parks, rooftops and massive infrastructure.
Manhattan at twilight. Photo by George Steinmetz, courtesy Anastasia Photo Gallery.
Steinmetz captures iconic places like Central Park, Times Square, the High Line and One World Trade Center. He captures New Yorkers going about their daily lives, at work and at play, sunbathing on the Sheep Meadow in Central Park, ice skating at Wollman Rink and soaking up the sun in Coney Island. His exhibit occupies two-floors of Anastasia Photo Gallery. Here are a few of the many photos currently on view.
Main gallery floor housing large format archival inkjet prints on Hahnemuhle Photo Pearl paper
Graduating from Stanford University with a degree in Geophysics in 1979, Steinmetz opted for a career in photography after hitchhiking through Africa for twenty-eight months while in his twenties. His first assignment for National Geographic was in 1987. Since then, he has completed more than twenty major essays for the magazine, including three covers.
George Steinmetz taking aerial photos of Coney Island from a helicopter on Labor Day weekend. Photo courtesy Anastasia Photo Gallery.
Steinmetz has won numerous awards for photography during his twenty-five year career, including two first prizes in science and technology from World Press Photo. He has also won awards and citations from Pictures of the Year, Overseas Press Club and Life Magazine’s Alfred Eisenstadt Awards. Steinmetz lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. In addition to his website, he has an interesting and up-to-date Facebook page where you can follow his current projects.
Moviegoers enjoying the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Installation by the artist JR on the roof of a building used to tape The Colbert Report on West 54th Street
Coney Island’s Luna Park in winter
From L-R, Times Square, Coney Island, Rooftop pool at 300 Mercer Street
Anastasia Photo specializes in documentary photography and photojournalism. The gallery space also serves as a center for discussion and portfolio review. George Steinmetz “New York Air” will be on view through January 31, 2016 at Anastasia Photo, 143 Ludlow Street. The accompanying book entitled, “New York Air – The View From Above” can also be purchased at the gallery.
Next, discover our photo series of New York City from the air here. Looking for more on the Lower East Side, check here. Get in touch with the author at AFineLyne.