Maiden Lane

Posted by Stephen Phillips (San Francisco, United States) on 21 February 2009 in Cityscape & Urban and Portfolio.

Famed shopping alley in downtown San Francisco.

The name of this two-block street is ironic - as in the early decades of San Francisco's history it was lined with brothels from end-to-end.

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Comments (24)

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Stephen I always love the perspective created by looking down these city streets - an interesting location - wonderful colors and you caught some of the items in the wondows - which catches my eye - thanks for a little bit of history also!

21 Feb 2009 5:28am

@Scott Schilling: History-R-Us ! Anytime, Scott - and thanks.

WABIKOJA from Shiga, Japan

A fascinating, and very nicely captured, photograph.

21 Feb 2009 6:19am

Kylie Greenan from Richmond, Australia

Great detail and reflective light!

21 Feb 2009 6:29am

Paco Díaz from Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Interesting historical detail.
Now it looks like a place to maiden go to spend their money in beautiful shoes and other complements :)

21 Feb 2009 7:54am

@Paco Díaz: Oh my, yes - Francisco - an excellent place to spend lots and lots of money in a very short time!

chrissy from uk, United Kingdom

Well captured, great perspective

21 Feb 2009 8:21am

Mirko Herzner from Mühlheim am Main, Germany

Beautiful soft colors here, Stephen. A fine street shot. But where are all the people? ;-)

21 Feb 2009 8:24am

@Mirko Herzner: Thanks, Mirko. It is the weekend and very early - they will be here soon enough...

DenisSm from Prague, Czech Republic

and Stephen, where are maidens ?? :-)
very nice picture......

21 Feb 2009 9:32am

@DenisSm: Sadly, the maidens referred to here are as dust in the wind...

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

You mean all the maidens have gone... or there is no call for brothels :// A good angled shot Stephen, and the street looks clean and well cared for.

21 Feb 2009 10:48am

@Observing: Oh my, no Mike - there are still plenty of those establishments - but current society requires they be less centrally located and far more discreet.

Chris from South Jersey, United States

I too like the perspective in this - the towering buildings and the retreating street.....

21 Feb 2009 3:14pm

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Gosh I love this!!!!!

21 Feb 2009 3:30pm

Liang from San Francisco, United States

great capture! early morning hours? it's difficult to get street shots of SF with practically no people around. lovely angle and colors!

21 Feb 2009 3:39pm

@Liang: Thank you very much, Liang. This was the Saturday morning before Christmas - just before 8 AM...

hugo poon from hong kong, Hong Kong

Wow, that's a pretty strong image! Such wonderful lines and amazing perspective... your pic is reminding me of one Ansel Adams' famous quote: "A good photograph is knowing where to stand."

21 Feb 2009 5:45pm

@hugo poon: For a photographer - quoting Ansel Adams is like quoting scripture. Yet to the suggestion that, "A good photograph is knowing where to stand." - I must say, "...if only it were that simple."

Fliss from Melbourne Beach, United States

Interesting... love the history behind streets etc

21 Feb 2009 9:00pm

Suzanne from Huntington Bch, California, United States

Excellent cityscape. Your camera angle gives the leaning effect which works so well in this image.

21 Feb 2009 10:50pm

peter from new york, United States

great detail and wonderful city shot

21 Feb 2009 11:43pm

sherri from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

Splendid street scene. Kinda like the ones I find...with no people.

21 Feb 2009 11:58pm

Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States

Wonderful composition and perspective on this...The street looks like a skateboarder's heaven!!!

22 Feb 2009 12:08am

grant from kansas city, United States

i like the wide view, and the new and old in the buildings.

22 Feb 2009 1:16am

Yonatan from Bronx, United States

I am enjoying your street pictures immensely. The light is always just right and your compositions are great. I'm going to have to try to emulate some of your skills in NYC once the weather gets a little bit more cooperative.

22 Feb 2009 2:41am