NYC Elicits Photography
Becoming a street photographer for the Street Photography Project was an entirely different and eye-opening experience for me. I walked the streets of New York City with many themes in mind. I shot plenty of photographs and was surprised by the abundance of subjects that New York City has to offer. The experience of traveling around New York City and taking photographs was very liberating. I was able to see New York City from a photographer’s point of view, appreciating the value of the surrounding objects and situations. Taking a photograph is like capturing a unique object or an unforgettable moment in time. The satisfaction that follows taking a photograph stems from the feeling that one has obtained something rare and of great value. As the feelings of liberation and satisfaction drove me to take even more photos, I noticed that others around me were having similar, positive experiences. They were smiling, laughing, and searching for the best angle for taking their photographs. At this moment, I realized that these people were enjoying New York City just as I was. They were enthusiastically trying to capture landmarks and moments. They seemed to connect to their subjects, whether the subject was another person or an object. After witnessing these people take photographs, I concluded that we were all street photographers in some way. I felt a oneness with them and the city and I decided on my theme. My photographs would reflect how New York City, with all of its sights and happenings, elicits our inner photographer. I took pictures of others taking photographs and in doing so, began to remind myself of the greatness of New York City.
There is something about New York City that brings out the artistic side of people. This something may be the cultural landmarks, historical sights, museums, Broadway shows, or just possibly the feeling of being amongst millions of people living their lives with toughness, creativity, and resourcefulness. The inner artist that emerges in New York City seeks to soak up his or her surroundings, thoughts, and experiences and capture them in a form that can be enjoyed long after the moment has past. This sort of art can be expressed through forms such as music or painting, but photography seems to be the most accessible form of expression. By taking photographs with zeal and an overall sense of happiness and achievement, my fellow street photographers made captivating subjects for my own photographs.
Taking photographs of others taking photographs was not without its challenges. As much as possible, I wanted to capture both the photographer and his or her subject. This was especially difficult when the photographer’s subject was physically tall like the statue of Atlas in Rockefeller Center. I was able to take this photograph by lying down on my stomach. If capturing both the photographer and the subject was not possible, I looked to show how the photographer positioned him or herself in order to take his or her best photograph, as shown in the photograph of the man standing next to the George Washington statue atop the steps of Federal Hall.
Timing was another challenge that accompanied my theme. My camera timing had to be exact or close to exact since my subjects were not stationary objects such as buildings. My subjects were not the only ones on the move due to the endless flow of people on the streets of Manhattan. There were many instances when my view was blocked by traffic or pedestrians. I also saw how the other photographers were distracted or hindered by various obstacles. Witnessing them struggle to take their desired photographs motivated me and enhanced my sense of determination.
As I was taking my photographs, I decided that I did not want all of them to have a famous landmark in the background such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or Trinity Church. I walked around Midtown and Downtown Manhattan looking for a more obscure scene. I was pleasantly surprised when I found someone in an Elmo costume in Bryant Park. The person in the Elmo costume showed how New York City is always full of surprises. I was also happy to be able to take the photograph of the man photographing the woman as she stands in front of a tour bus. The tour bus symbolizes the desire of people to see New York City.
Taking pictures in New York City was both challenging and enjoyable. By taking photographs, I was able to form a deeper understanding of my surroundings. Even observing simple things such as people taking photographs exposed me to moments of enthusiasm, determination, and delight.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Micheal your theme was very unique. Who would have thought a person would take a picture of a person taking a picture? I like the way you angled and positioned the images in your viewfinder. You really tried to get the person and the object being photographed. My favorite pbotograph is the the one on the very top of your post. The one with a man drawing a woman and a photographer capturing that scene. I also liked it how you tried to look at the photographers perceptions and sought what they were trying to capture.