WHO?
I am a lifelong New Yorker. I went to school at NYU and have been working in Manhattan in the technology/gaming space for the past 15 years. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in photography but my picture-taking was focused on some occasional landscapes and photos of family/friends. About 4 years ago, I realized that my midtown NYC location and flexible schedule would be a perfect fit for grabbing a camera and taking some photos during the afternoon “lunch break.” I wish that I had started taking street photos many years ago but, as they say, better late than never.
At the time, I had no idea as to what makes for a good picture. However, from looking at photos of others, I quickly realized that it’s possible to capture something special on the streets. Years later, my pictures have evolved but the goal remains the same – to create “art” from an otherwise ordinary moment, scene or person.
WHERE?
The majority of my pictures are taken in New York City – either in Manhattan itself or in Coney Island, Brooklyn. In Manhattan, like many other street photographers, I spend most of my time in midtown, often on 5th Avenue. During the summer months, I find Coney Island to be a great area for photography. The colors, lack of tall buildings (and corresponding shadows), and beach environment create an area that’s very different from Manhattan in the work that it can produce.
Outside of street photography, I am fascinated with industrial landscapes. New Jersey, in particular, is filled with industrial areas (container terminals, railroad tracks, etc.) and I have spent some time taking pictures of these locations.
WHEN?
In NYC, the streets are filled with scenes and people that can make for a great picture. Accordingly, I think that one can walk around on any day and at any time and find something interesting to photograph. For me, the best hours are usually on weekdays in the afternoons – it’s the perfect time to leave the office and hit the streets. I always carry a flash with me so that I am not necessarily dependent on natural light. Usually, I have the flash on and so, by default, I shoot with flash. If I am walking in the right direction (with the light) and the scene supports it, I’ll turn the flash off and let the natural light do its magic.
WHAT?
When I first started doing street photography, I did not use flash. But, over time, I realized that people are often the key elements of my pictures. In order to create more separation between the subjects and the background, I started using flash. In addition to the separation, I also like the dramatic effect that flash produces. I continue to focus on pictures where people are the primary subjects.
Separately, I do think that there is great diversity in what can comprise a great picture. If I see something – it can be anything – that can potentially form an interesting picture, I will take the shot. It may be an old car in a parking lot, an industrial landscape in New Jersey, an old chair in a restaurant – if you are truly “looking” there are possibilities everywhere.
I think that part of the magic in photography is the unexpected. When you begin walking around with a camera on a given day, it’s impossible to predict as to the particular image that you may be excited about once that walk is done.
In my professional career, I spend time creating casino games. Creating a great picture is analogous to hitting a great poker hand or a big win when spinning a slot machine – it is as much about the hand/spin as the excitement of the process itself.
WHY?
What’s better than engaging in a meditative process, outside in the fresh air, where you can observe interesting people, scenes and moments? And, when you see something special, having the ability to press the shutter and immortalize that split second, perhaps creating a work of art in the process. I think that’s pretty awesome and that’s why 🙂
