_See __Crow’s Nest Restaurant,__ also The Arch of Jewels, New York
City—Mr. Alcock’s picture was made under similar conditions._
Picturing New York with a camera after dark is perhaps one of the most
interesting phases of pictorial photography. After spending several
evenings prowling about for subjects that will lend themselves for night
pictures you start out one evening to transfer these mental images to the
plate. A little patience, endurance, and a great deal of enthusiasm will
do wonders. It is not the easiest thing in the world to start out with an
8×10 view camera, a good substantial tripod, and several plate-holders. A
strong tripod is absolutely necessary on account of winds, jars,
vibrations, etc. To avoid halation use portrait film, take the view where
there are no glaring lights, and develop with Azol. Judge your time
according to the amount of light (two to ten minutes). Capping the lens
each time a lighted moving vehicle comes along helps the picture. For
night pictures probably the best medium is gum palladium, because it lends
itself to the mellow evening lights.