New York State of Mind - The Big Apple in photos.
"I’m in New York City, baby! 🗽 This is truly a dream come true to be in the city that defines all cities. I’ve been having so much fun exploring New York’s beauty, chaos, and everything in between."
My write-up about visiting the greatest city on Earth is long, long overdue, but then again wasn't Carrie Bradshaw known for occasionally missing her deadlines at The New York Star? On this occasion, I'm channeling my inner Carrie with a sprinkle of my own flair. Now, don't expect to find tales of whimsical but entirely justified splurges on Jimmy Choo stilettos or Prada dresses. No, my loves, the focus is on photos, cameras, and lenses, because let's be honest, that's where my true passion lies. I did flirt with the idea of dropping some cash on a reversible Coach jacket. I mean, half-price essentially, right?But fear not, for my escapades weren't entirely lens-focused. I obviously did partake in Classic Carrie-approved shenanigans, like crashing a private event by Mastercard in Brooklyn – the ultimate "life's priceless" experience, providing drinks and food for me and my friends, or playing musical chairs on stage in a gay bar in Hell's Kitchen with drag queens and muscle daddies. And where would my New York narrative be without a soirée attended by hosts so fabulous they practically live in the shadow of the Empire State Building? Because really, where else? As I click-clacked through the city streets and captured its essence with my trusty camera, I couldn't help but think, "Carrie, you would've approved." So, here's to the snapshots, the stolen moments, and the undeniable magic of New York – a city that, much like our dear Ms. Bradshaw, never fails to captivate the heart and inspire the soul.
New York State of Mind: A Photographic Journey
May brought with it the opportunity of a lifetime – a trip to the iconic New York City! The city that never sleeps, the Big Apple, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of - it was all finally real. As I stepped foot out of the subway at 7th Avenue and onto the bustling streets of Manhattan, I knew this journey would stay with me forever.
I am immensely grateful to my friend, Daniel for inviting me to experience the city as a local. From the bright lights of Times Square to the serenity of Central Park, each moment was a celebration of life, iconic architecture and breathtaking views from the rooftops of the city. And yes, it seems my Instagram has been temporarily taken over as an NYC stan account - but can you blame me?
Check out my Urban photo gallery for these on a bigger canvas.
Capturing the Essence of NYC
During my stay, I had the pleasure of experimenting with the Capture One beta for iPhone, and it has become my new favorite tool for editing photos on the go (maybe I can finally leave Lightroom Mobile?) The city's dynamic energy inspired me to capture its essence through my lens.
I was particularly pleased with completing a stunning stitched panorama of New York City's highlights, boasting over 100 megapixels! The observation deck on the 70th floor of Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center allowed for an uninterrupted view of every part of New York City and its boroughs. From the timeless Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, every detail was vividly brought to life. You can now purchase these prints from my Prints Store, with sizes up to A1, and experience the magic of NYC in your own space.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of New York City's iconic skyline with this mesmerising photo print capturing the enchanting essence of the Empire State Building during a vibrant sunset.
Visit my Print Store for a selection of high-quality photo prints from New York
Architectural Marvels and Skyscraper Dreams
Amidst the towering giants of glass and steel, I found myself in awe of architectural wonders like the Alwyn Court on 180 West 58th Street. The intricately ornamented terracotta facade stood as a testament to the city's rich history. Yet, in typical New York fashion, it is surrounded by the modern, sky-high "Billionaire's Row" - a symbol of luxury and opulence.
With my trusty Fujifilm X-H2S and 18-55mm lens, I captured this architectural delight in a stitched panorama, highlighting both the classic and contemporary aspects of NYC's ever-evolving skyline.
A View from the Top
Speaking of skylines, I couldn't resist the breathtaking views from Top of The Rock. Gazing at the city's majesty from this vantage point was an experience beyond words. The juxtaposition of concrete canyons and the vastness of Central Park left me in awe of human ingenuity and nature's beauty.
A Tribute to History and Resilience
No visit to NYC would be complete without paying tribute to its history, especially at the World Trade Center. The Oculus, a striking architectural marvel, symbolizes the resilience and strength of the city after the tragic events of 9/11. It stands as a testament to human courage and the power of moving forward.
With my camera in hand, I captured abstract shapes that represent both the pain and hope intertwined within this iconic structure.
During my unforgettable trip to New York City, I had the pleasure of renting the Fujifilm Fujinon XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens from Fujifilm's rental services. This telephoto powerhouse opened up a world of photography possibilities, allowing me to capture incredible detail shots from afar that were previously unattainable. With its impressive focal range equivalent to 152-609mm in 35mm format, I could now frame distant subjects with stunning precision and clarity, whether it was the ornate terracotta detailing on Alwyn Court or the iconic spires of the city's skyscrapers. The lens's image stabilization technology ensured sharp and blur-free shots, compensating for the weighty challenge of carrying its 1.4kg housing throughout the bustling city.
Another memorable moment with this lens was photographing the Statue of Liberty whilst whizzing by across the bay with the famous The Staten Island Ferry. Despite the considerable distance, I could bring Lady Liberty up close and personal in my frame, capturing her majestic features in exquisite detail, thanks to the XF100-400mm lens's capabilities. Although its weight might deter everyday use, I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced its capability during this trip, knowing that it allowed me to freeze cherished moments in time, showcasing the beauty of New York City like never before. As I returned the lens with a sense of satisfaction and longing for more thrilling telephoto adventures, I know that the memories it preserved will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Taking To The Skies
And lastly, no journey to the Big Apple can be complete without a ride in a helicopter, right? I dared to ascend to even greater heights – a thrilling helicopter ride over the urban tapestry that is NYC. Nominated by my brave friend Daniel, we embarked on a journey that took our breath away and filled my camera's memory card with awe-inspiring moments. This was something new even for a seasoned New Yorker. As the helicopter gracefully lifted off, the skyline expanded before my eyes, a cinematic panorama come to life. But, as I soon realized, capturing this spectacle on camera was a whole new challenge. The windswept dance of the helicopter through the sky made every shot a whirlwind of motion, resulting in footage that was, well, a bit "all over the place." Yet, even with the chaos, the experience was nothing short of exhilarating.
What I learned here is that I should have shot at a higher shutter speed than 1/50th. This would've avoided the heavy motion blur caused by shakes and jostles, which would've aided in stabilizing the footage in the future. So, while the footage may not have lived up to my Hollywood daydreams, as I returned to solid ground, my trusty camera witnessed this daring escapade. A new thought formed: "Why not do it again?" Perhaps next time, I'll choose the option of open doors, allowing the wind to tangle with my hair as I capture the city in all its glory. So, here's to the chaos, wind-tousled shots, and the adrenaline of soaring above the city that never sleeps – yet another exhilarating memory forever etched in my mind.
As my time in New York City drew to a close, I felt a mix of emotions - grateful for the experience, sad to leave, and inspired to return someday. From the vibrant streets to the soaring skyscrapers, New York City has etched its mark on my soul, and I'll forever carry its spirit with me.
Now, as I sit on my flight back home, I can't help but smile at the memories captured in every photo. The city that defines all cities has left an indelible impression on my heart, and I can't wait to share these images and stories with the world.
My Fujifilm X-H2S accompanied me on this adventure, allowing me to preserve these mesmerising moments, later enhanced by the magic of CaptureOne Pro.
Until next time, NYC! 🌆✨
