on closer inspection
A number of images from my recent NYC street photography endeavors left me with a feeling that there was more to be told. Many have a back story or details I feel may be helpful or of interest others.
Here are some of my favorite images I deem worthy of additional discussion.
Group capture
This is my favorite image from the series. Taken on the Brooklyn bridge I was triggered by the people who as a group seem to have discovered something camera-worthy and are almost in sync with their picture taking. What I didn’t spot at the time was the woman crouched down between, and feel this lucky accident is key to the strength of the image.
The original color image is included for comparison, but I personally feel the black and white conversion really brings this image to life.
Hot & Spicy
In these shots I was drawn by the harsh afternoon light and angled shadows. The first image was shot from the hip as I tried to remain unobtrusive as possible, capturing a wonderful subject as she entered the sunlit area of the frame. The man walking out of the sunlight was a lucky bonus, adding an important element to the composition.
I really like the energy in this image, with a strong and confident subject dominating the frame, balanced by her more languid male counterpart.
click on image to show full-frame
The second image is a follow-up from the first. Spinning round I was able to capture the girl with backlighting forming a wonderful silhouette. I feel the angle of the shadow really helps the composition, and of course the ‘Hot & Spicy’ poster simply adds a meaningful cherry on the top.
Doggone
There is something about this picture that I really enjoy, even though it has technical deficiencies (or because of that??). The trigger in this instance was the dog, and shooting from the hip I had no time to check settings or compose. My priority in this instance was to capture the dog with an understanding that portions of the owner would be out of the frame.
I feel this works well. There is just enough of the dog and relaxed state of the owner to demonstrate their relationship, with the tomes of both being replicated by the background.
I also like that the person exiting through the door (and frame) is largely unobtrusive. Their body shape presents enough information to infer they are leaving the scene without becoming overly dominant in the frame.
A difference in time
The following two images fully demonstrate how even the smallest changes in position can make a world of difference in the composition, especially when shooting with a wide angle lens.
These images were taken in quick sequence. With the camera set to continuous shooting as I strolled across Brooklyn bridge these images were taken within a step or two of each other. As can be seen the spacing of the elements between the images shows significant difference, with my favorite image being converted to black and white to enhance its dynamic nature.
click on image to show full-frame
Don’t walk
Moving on to one of my attempts at capturing something in the vein of Saul Leiter, or of interest in the car/passenger relationship. Whereas Leiter found success, my attempts on the whole failed miserably. I do feel that such efforts are part of the learning curve though, and that I am the better for trying.
This is what I’d consider my most successful shot. With the angle of the light hitting the car window perfect, finding a subject that provided an interesting gesture posed the greatest challenge. This was as close as I came - with the car stopped at a busy intersection I quickly noticed the reflection of a ‘don’t walk’ signal. Angling to get the best view prior to the lights changing I was able to capture this image.
I suppose one could propose that the expression of the subject reflects a frustration of being caught in traffic, but that is a bit of a stretch in my opinion.
Significant other
I must start by saying I am against the exploitation of the less fortunate and typically vie away from capturing images that take advantage of such situations. This instance is an exception as I feel there is a story to tell and I am comfortable that I maintain the anonymity of the individual.
Like all cities, homelessness in New Your city abounds and is evident on seemingly every street corner. This image for me tells a poignant tale - that of an individual somewhat discarded by society set against a background of a similarly abandoned and abused storefront. Passers by simply add to the story by rendering both as insignificant.
Whether others agree or not I feel that documenting these uncomfortable truths is important, and to keep such issues significant.
Although I have merely dabbled with such photography in the past I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time getting out onto the streets of New York city and interacting with the public. That enjoyment, no matter what the results is what draws me to photography in the first place.
I do hope you like the images presented and/or gained something from the stories behind them. Feel free to leave comments below and of course I remain open to questions.