Ahh New York. Of all the things to do there, I think my favorite was to walk around with my camera at my hip and take photos of interesting people/things. I know, that’s weird. But New York is a fascinating place, especially for a photographer.
I was attracted to the real New Yorkers, and their connections with each other. I loved how easily some of them created intimate moments among the mass of people and noise.
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make a statement with these photos, I only shot what interested me. I do not claim to be Leon Levenstein, a brilliant, pitiless New York street photographer. I only shot what interested me. This is New York through my lens – it’s how I’ll always remember it. Most of these were taken with my Canon 5d, 50mm lens. Some, as noted, were taken with my iPhone. I had always found Street Photography to be difficult because it seemed so intrusive, walking down the street with the camera in front of your face stealing images from people. Not my style. It seems so aggressive to me. I kept my camera on my shoulder and snapped away from that position. It seemed much less intrusive, and no one even noticed I was taking their photo. After a little while, I got pretty good at aiming the lens to capture the shot. Because my camera was at this angle, I found it was better to put the camera on auto (gasp!) in order to get the AF points to focus on what I wanted to focus on.
One of my favorites. The thing I loved most about New York was to walk the streets at night and just watch. We were walking by this couple obviously on a date and I had my camera at my hip, set on Auto (gasp!) and fired away.
I liked the contradiction.
Another mannequin on the catwalk. I had a little obsession with these, as you can see. This one was designed by Tommy Hilfiger. On the right, is a photo of Bryant Park. One of my favorite spots to watch lovers.
Taken on the stairs in front of Bryant Park. One of my absolute favorites. I love how she’s pushing her right foot up just a little to reach the kiss – and also the woman on the right is totally appreciating the sweet moment. Taken at my hip – in manual mode. I was lucky to capture them in focus.
Taken with my iPhone. A truly beautiful couple, right in Times Square.
The man on the left made me a little sad. I had been watching him on the subway platform. He seemed a bit unaware of his surroundings, and lonely. I can’t imagine being alone in that huge city. I hope he’s not. The man on the right was yawning, if you’re curious.
Taken at the World Trade Center Memorial. It’s still difficult to remember. We also saw Ground Zero, where they are building. I wish more than ever they would just build the towers again. Stronger and better.
Probably one of the strongest images in the series. I almost didn’t take the photo, not wanting to be intrusive. Glad I did.
Again, another stolen moment. But they didn’t seem to mind. In fact, they didn’t seem to even notice there were other people around.
Thank you for keeping them in black and white. I always feel that street should almost always be done that way. You have some great images and I agree with you about intrusive! Good job.
Wow! Fabulous photos! You make me miss NYC more than ever.
Those are some really powerful images. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your kind comments everyone!
I loved every one of these. You are awesome.