The Jump Roper

Today’s Post by Mildred Alpern

Can you imagine jump-roping with vigor in 93 degree Fahrenheit weather in mid-morning under a broiling sun? Not I, but I came upon someone who did just that with all the grace of a ballet star.

On the broad terrace behind the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil War Memorial in NYC, clad in exercise or bathing attire with a top knot hairstyle, she hopped and skipped, while jumping the rope in an ongoing series of circular patterns around the broad plaza. I immediately set my camera in shutter mode for her swift effortless spins and jumps.

Photographing her at a short distance away neither disturbed nor captured her attention as she continued her workout for another twenty minutes before lying down for leg bends. Perhaps music in her ear buds focused her concentration.

Her stamina impressed me as well as her fortitude in this unseasonably hot summer weather. Did I photograph her for inspiration or simply because she entranced me with her skills and fortitude? The latter, I suspect.

All photos were taken with Olympus E-M5 and the Olympus M. Zuiko 40-150 f/4.0-5.6mm lens. Back view of jumper at 40mm with an exposure of 1/400 sec at f/9 and ISO 400; side view 70mm with and exposure of 1/400 sec at f/6.3, +1 EV and ISO 400; leg bends at 105mm with an exposure of 1/1600 sec at f/5.1, -1/3EV and ISO 400

You can see Mildred Alpern’s work in person at the St. Agnes public library in NYC located at Amsterdam and 81St. Tel. no. (212) 621-0619. The exhibit will feature 26 metal prints and several posters showcasing her images of Winter Gardens and Seedheads. The poster (at left) is Mildred’s personal homage to Piet Oudolf.