big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York."
This New York City anthem from 2010 (although a little overdone) is a great song. And it's true, these bustling streets can be inspiring and make you feel alive. Maybe I am biased, but New York City provides the ideal backdrop for street photography. It is the perfect synergy of people, architecture, traffic, diversity, fashion, action and culture.
I planted myself on the corner of Broadway and Howard Street on a beautiful spring-like day last week. There were crowds of interesting people coming towards me and I had to be discerning, fighting the urge to just shoot everything. I am always looking a good 20-30 feet ahead, scanning the crowds for something visually interesting. And suddenly, there it was. The hat. As she moved towards me the crowd just kind of parted, giving me the opportunity to take her photo without a lot of distractions in the frame. I love her vintage look, her stride, her shadow, her shoes. I followed her with my camera for a moment, and in my next shot, dealt with one of the perils of crowded street photography. Then I saw this guy coming towards us and I waited because I just knew his eyes were going to be drawn to her...like this. Gotcha.
I planted myself on the corner of Broadway and Howard Street on a beautiful spring-like day last week. There were crowds of interesting people coming towards me and I had to be discerning, fighting the urge to just shoot everything. I am always looking a good 20-30 feet ahead, scanning the crowds for something visually interesting. And suddenly, there it was. The hat. As she moved towards me the crowd just kind of parted, giving me the opportunity to take her photo without a lot of distractions in the frame. I love her vintage look, her stride, her shadow, her shoes. I followed her with my camera for a moment, and in my next shot, dealt with one of the perils of crowded street photography. Then I saw this guy coming towards us and I waited because I just knew his eyes were going to be drawn to her...like this. Gotcha.
I love lizzard_nyc's photo below, perfectly capturing this moment on Fifth Avenue. These women look much more contemporary than mine above, and I wonder where they are headed--out to lunch? back to NYU? out for a day of shopping? And what are they talking about?
Urban street photos can be gritty and raw. They can be bright and beautiful. There is no pre-set agenda in street photography and you never know what you are going to end up with. I love to venture out, choose a neighborhood, stake my place on my chosen corner, and click away...
~christy of urban muser
the walk on 5th avenue by lizzard_nyc
20 comments:
Ahhhhhhh, New York, New York! Lizard's picture is out of this world fantastical! And so is yours Christy! Very cool!
The first picture is almost timeless and both make me want to go to New York, great photographs.
Street photography and New York City were a match made in heaven. Both such wonderful, wonderful pictures!
Love the first picture! Nice choice!
I totally thought you got that first shot from an archive. Fabulous shot! But I really love the moment you captured with the girls. Great post Christy!
Your shot is out of a different decade altogether. LOVE.
I did a double take when viewing your capture - it took me a moment to figure out if it was contemporary or vintage. It's a classic! Lovely. Lizzard's shot is fun.
I do think you have found a time traveler in front of that travel sign!
So often I wish I lived in a city!
Truly wonderful. I am smitten with her shadow portrait, Christy.
This shot could easily have been taken yesterday or 50 years ago. Love it.
At first glance I thought this was a vintage photo - what a great capture.
Wow, these are such wonderful street shots both of them!!
Fantastic image, I thought it was a vintage photo too. I love the NYC photos today!
I can just imagine the photographs to be found on the streets of NYC. I would love to try it for just one afternoon. I love what you both captured here. I am big fan of yours and lizzard nyc's street photography. You both make it look so easy.
And I loved seeing the 'out takes' too. thanks for sharing those. Great post.
Oh my word. You are born for this, christy!! I love your street shots and the one you feature too of course. Great work!
You can see every emotion in this shot - totally awesome!
these are beautiful photos! also christy, i checked out more of these at your blog it's awesome!
yes, your photo looks like it's from another day and time - it's fantastic. love the second one, too. street photography is so hard for me, but i try to channel the satorialist from time to time!
what awesome shots! as always, you take the best street photos!
it's me--lizzard_nyc
Christy I'm honored you chose my photo to display along with your unbeleivably retro/vintage out of this era capture.
They are so vastly different and both so NYC.
I love this city and street photography is in my blood like a disease, glad to see we share the same passion.
Thank you again--what an honor!
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