When I found out about Macaulay Snapshot Day I had many different ideas about what I wanted to capture in my picture.  At first, I thought I would capture New York City in the daylight with its blue sky, tall buildings, and chaotic streets.  I thought about the different techniques we learned in class about composition and framing, and some ideas came to mind.  I considered using windows as framing and capturing some aspects of being a student; however, finding a picture I really liked wasn’t that easy.

I decided that I would take a picture of Radio City Music Hall although it was not what I had planned at first.  I had tickets to a concert at Radio City that night so I figured I’d find something interesting to photograph there.  I am pleased with my picture because I believe it does embody many aspects of New York City.  In the foreground you can see many cars waiting at a red light.  Something we’ve all come to know is that traffic is a very common sight in New York City although we’d rather not have to sit through it.  I also liked how you can see American flags in the image giving the picture a patriotic aspect.  Although it isn’t the skyline, you can still see the skyscrapers of New York City that I was considering capturing initially.  The main component of the picture is Radio City Music Hall and its lit up signs.  Capturing this famous venue in my image shows the importance of the arts in New York City.  Music and the arts in general are something to be celebrated, and this venue shows that.  Many events are held here from concerts to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  It makes the photo somewhat relatable because Radio City is a part of New York that most people know about.

Compositionally, I like how the two vertical signs of Radio City almost lie on the thirds lines, and the horizontal portion of the sign lies on the bottom third line.  The curve of the sign gives some depth to the picture.  The cars in the foreground of the photo also give depth to the picture but do not take away from the photo’s main component.  Radio City’s lights and colors draw your eyes to the building.  The sign’s shape helps you to continue looking up and out by following the lines of the sign.  Although it is not the best picture compositionally, I still believe people can take what they want out of the meaning of it.

When I see this photograph in the future I will remember how it felt to walk in the city that night surrounded by rushing cars, flashing lights, and excited people.  I’ll remember the great time I had at the concert and how lucky I am to be able to experience it in my favorite city.  I’ll also remember our seminar and the different techniques we learned about.  Ultimately, I hope the photo can bring about some of these thoughts for other viewers as well.