Let's find out more about his captivating work...

1. What's the status of your project now? From which bridges have you photographed, and which remain on your wish list?
My project at this time is basically on hold. In 2002 the Port Authority was very kind in allowing me to photograph the George Washington Bridge, twice within three weeks. It was awesome! All the other bridge authorities have denied me access to their bridges. I really need some full-length views of all the bridges. This view would be the first image seen in my eventual book. I have only a few bridges with this view, but all the repairs and reconstruction has made this difficult. At this point I have photographed all the most well-known bridges in New York City. There are really only two bridges that I need to complete the photographs required for this book: the "Truss Span" of the Triborough Bridge and the Henry Hudson Bridge. These bridges also have had a lot of repair work. I was almost ready to start climbing and photographing them but then 9/11 came into the picture.

2. What was the process in getting access to climb these bridges pre-9/11? And weren't you scared to death up there?
It took a lot of patience, phone calls, begging, pleading and the usual red tape for all the agencies involved to allow me to do this. I had to prove to them that my motives were sincere and I had the skills and qualifications to accomplish such a daring project. My 20+ years of gymnastics definitely helped me in my climbing skills and carrying all the heavy equipment. All the authorities involved with this project now realize how beautiful their bridges really are. As for the height, it doesn't faze me one bit. Don't think I don't respect height, because you're asking for trouble if you don't. I never really had any fear of heights, even when I was a small boy. I remember one time my grandfather took me to the observation deck of the Empire State Building, and I just loved looking straight down and seeing how small the people and cars were. This fascinated me! My grandfather, however, was scared to death!

3. The sheer numbers associated with these bridges are staggering. How high above the city have you stood and what is the length and weight of some of these monstrous works?
Bridges are engineering marvels! The only structures that might come close are the great pyramids of Egypt. Buildings are fascinating, too, but no structure is as amazing as a bridge, especially suspension bridges. As for some bridge facts, the longest suspension bridge in the United States and in New York is the mighty Verrazano-Narrows. It is 4,260 feet between the towers, 60 feet longer than the Golden Gate Bridge. Its towers are 693 feet high, and the tops of the towers are 1 5/8ths further apart at the top than at the base, due to the curvature of the earth. This was intended to keep them perfectly perpendicular. The roadway (or deck) changes 12 feet between the cold of winter and the heat of summer. The weight of the suspended roadway is 51,000 tons. Each three-foot-diameter main cable can withstand the pull of approximately 180 million pounds!

4. Which bridge do you admire most?
The bridge I admire and love the most is the great George Washington Bridge. I have crossed this bridge more than any other and after studying this masterpiece of engineering. I realized that no other bridge can close in terms of aesthetics and the way it was engineered. If it were not for the GWB all modern bridges may not have been built, including the so-called famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The GWB was Othmar Ammann's first large bridge, and it was also his favorite. His daughter, Margot, has referred the GWB as her sister.

5. Do you think your work presents a security threat?
I believe it my work poses NO threat to the safety and security of the New York Bridges or any bridges. My work is "fine art," and is not showing the critical areas of any bridge. That's what makes my scenario so sad. If any terrorist wanted to cause any harm to a bridge, building or EC, my photographs or anyone else's photographs would NOT be the cause. They would look for plans and blueprints. Unfortunately, at this time, I have to abide by the strict rules and regulations of the bridge authorities that do not let me access their facilities. Luckily, there are some people who realize what I am trying to accomplish and allow me to take some photographs, within reason. I do hope in the near future that things calm down enough to where I can return to do what I do best!

6. What kind of equipment do you use?
I use quite a few photographic tools to accomplish this monumental task of capturing these magnificent "sculptures" on film. My main tool is the Hasselblad 2000 FCW camera. For most of my work I use a 40 mm lens. It's a wide-angle lens that's very sharp and gives me the "vision" I require. Actually, I have two; one as a back-up. It uses 120 film and makes negatives 6x6 CM (centimeters). My mainstay is black-and-white, but I do use color sometimes. As for slides and smaller camera work, I use with my two Leica R5s. For the Hasselblad, I use exclusively a "GYRO" to stabilize the movements of the camera. Most of my work wouldn't be possible because of all the vibrations and movements on the bridges. All my equipment is tethered to me, and my safety harness with steel cables and nylon straps. Nothing can leave my person when I am up on a bridge. I take safety very seriously.

7. Tell us about the effect these bridges have had on the social and cultural history of New York City?
New York bridges are one of a kind. The United States began on the East coast, so it seems appropriate that modern bridge-building began here. Bridges are connectors. They connect people and cultures, cities and towns. Since waterways have to be kept open, bridges are the ideal solution to allow people and transportation vehicles to go to from one place to another. Ferries have their purpose, but bridges do the same function a lot faster. Visually, bridges are a permanent connection to land masses. For example, because of the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges, both Brooklyn and New Jersey have grown culturally and physically over the many years both bridges have been in existence. The same can be said about Staten Island. Staten Island had a very small percentage of New York City's population. After the completion of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the population in Staten Island practically exploded.

8. How has your website, DaveFrieder.com, and the Internet in general, helped you to promote your work?
It took me some time after friends hounded me to get a website that I finally moved forward to have one made up! I'm very glad I listened to them. I've been getting responses and compliments from people all over the world! I've been contacted by many film and documentary producers and others needing photographs of New York bridges and technical information. I'm considered an historian on the history and building of New York bridges, so the website helps everyone. Since I started this project, I have images that no one else has, especially since the tragic events of 9/11. I literarily have hundreds of images of the World Trade Center towers that were taken from the tops of many city bridges. I have sold some work from my site, and some bridge contractors have even hired me to do some photographic work for them. That's the best job in the world. To be paid to do something one LOVES to do!

9. How can one order prints of your photographs?
If one wants to order "fine art" prints from me, all one would have to do is log onto my website and decide which image he or she would like. I usually have several print sizes and, of course, different price ranges. Most people do not know the value of a fine art photograph and the countless hours it takes to produce one. When most people see my prices they shy away, not realizing that I have and the skill required to produce a print entirely by hand. The average person cannot afford a fine print by Ansel Adams. My work may have a different subject matter from Ansel but my fine-art quality is equivalent to his.

10. Has Osama bin Laden tried to order any prints?
No, Osama bin Laden hasn't tried to purchase any prints, nor has anyone else connected with terrorism. Believe me, If I knew of ANY terrorist that was trying to purchase prints or obtain information about the bridges, I would either turn him in myself or call the FBI immediately. I do sincerely hope someday soon that all these terrorists are captured and prosecuted so everyone can feel a little more at ease.

11. What are some of your favorite photography-related websites?
My favorite photography-related websites are the Ansel Adams Gallery, John Sexton Photography and Jeff Nixon Photography. Also, B&H Photo has a nice site! If I had a million dollars I could go on a major spending spree!

12. Do you have any upcoming presentations where those interested can check out your work?
I am giving a slide show and lecture as part of the March 30 "Tuesday Evening Hour" at 49 Fulton Street (Manhattan), Suite 8-J, at 6:30 p.m. I'll be bringing with me some extra bridge artifacts, and I believe there will be a big crowd! I have also invited all the people I know from all the bridge authorities and some others. As far as a large photographic presentation I really don't have any displays now or in the near future. I really need the time and some funds to print up some large prints to be displayed in a major gallery. Since I work for myself and can't seem to find enough time, it may be awhile before I can have a fine gallery display.

Paul's Recap: Thanks to Dave for taking PK.com to new heights! I caught one of his slide shows and lectures awhile back, and I was floored by the captivating images and stories that he shared. I recommend that anyone interested in photography or New York history take advantage of the opportunity this coming Tuesday to experience the same. Dave's photography is not only beautiful but inspirational. We should all have a passion that will someday leave behind a legacy of great work. Just like those guys who made Hamburger... the Motion Picture.

Be sure to visit DaveFrieder.com to view more NYC bridge photos.