The Kodak Coloramas graced
the east balcony of New York's Grand Central Terminal for 40 years. This
Terminal became one of the most famous buildings in 20th Century America.
The 18x60-foot Coloramas that hung in the Terminal became equally as
famous and made photography synonymous with the idea of visual
communication. Neil Montanus shot 55 of the 565 Coloramas which hung in Grand
Central Terminal during the 40 years of the program. Colorama
photographers included Ansel Adams and another Colorama Art Directed by
Norman Rockwell.
Cheetah,
Mosai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya, Africa
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on January 17, 1989 Sometimes a Colorama photographer had to be both fast with his camera and fast on his feet. While Neil Montanus was on assignment in Nairobi, his driver spotted this cheetah. However, the view looking down from the Land Rover's window was disappointing.
With great care, Neil slipped out the opposite door, crawled around on the grass and peered through his 300mm telephoto lens. The animal's alert face filled the viewfinder. Click, click, click . . . with the motor drive advancing. The cheetah growled menacingly. Another click, and Neil was back in the Land Rover almost before the camera's motor drive stopped whirring. And before the cheetah loped over to investigate --- fortunately, he hadn't leaped!
Snnrise
Over Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on October 6, 1977 Moonrise over Rio De
Janiero, Brazil. The smaller format Linhof Technorama camera permitted a 30 sec exposure at f 5.6 at dusk. Because the Linhof's lens is 8 times faster than that found on an 8x10 view camera, Neil Montanus was able to capture this event on 100 speed Vericolor II, type L film..
Capitol Building, Washington D.C. Grand Central Station beginning on January 12, 1981 Although the Capitol
rotunda is lit a night, the lower facade is not. For this photo the
Capitol was illuminated with portable generators and lights. In addition,
Neil had to carry all of his heavy equipment, consisting of his view
camera, tripod, and film case, up a narrow stairway to the top of the
Library of Congress where the shot was taken. Many of Neil's 40 second
exposures at f22 were ruined by lights of airplanes flying in and out of
Washington's National Airport or by occasional wind gusts that shook his
8x10 camera. Aware of these problems, Neil shot lots of film and was
fortunate to capture at least one perfect image.
Jackson Hole Wyoming at Dusk, with backdrop of Grand
Tetons
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on December 1, 1975
Presidential
State of the Union Address, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on January 26, 1976 To celebrate America's Bicentennial, the Capitol's House of Representatives was completely refurbished. A pair of Coloramas documented the results as Congress listened to President Ford's 2nd State of the Union message. Both sides of the aisle were shown in consecutive Grand Central displays to assure full representation of all members of Congress and Federal officials.
Lost
City of Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains of Peru
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on January 17, 1977
Richardson's
Canal House Inn, Bushnell's Basin, New York
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on May 3, 1983
Autumn
Scene in Lake Placid, Adirondack Mountains of New York
Displayed in Grand Central Station beginning on October 10, 1966
Greek
Dancers, for Worlds Fair, taken in Athens, Greece. 1964
Landing a plane on a glacier
high in the Swiss Alps, with the Matterhorn in background.
Displayed in Grand Central Station January 27--February 17, 1964.
Neil's
first Colorama, Vermont
Portuguese Fishing Village, Nazare, Portugal
Displayed in Grand Central Station August 9--August 30, 1965
