If I don’t get out to photograph every couple of days I get antsy, there is an underlying itch. This can create a lot of images and I need to be able to access my favorites easily. Not every photo has to be revisited, some just need to be deleted. Luckily I've always kept my picture's pretty organized, but occasionally you do have to clean house.
So when I began looking through older images I started to see a common denominator in the way I processed some of my raw files. I like intense colors. I like super sharp. I like graphic. I like deep blacks. I have other genres and techniques that define my photographic style, but to see one of them so clearly emerge has been eye opening. I didn’t think I would ever have a true definitive style. Also posting to Twitter has added a new way for me to see my images through other peoples eyes.
What prompted me to look through my archives was when I realized that 130 years ago the Statue of Liberty landed on our shore. I knew I had visited the monument last year, so I perused my files for something to post. I was quite surprised, and of course pleased, at the favorable response to this image of the Statue of Liberty. It is, after all, timeless.
I love living here, thank you NYC for providing endless beauty to capture my moments in time.
Statue of Liberty - July 19th, 2014
One thing I have learned, when the light is right, strike, take advantage of it. This past September I got many wonderful images while heading back to the mainland from Governor's Island. The sky was on fire.
Under the Brooklyn Bridge - September 14th 2014
Two Bridges - September 14th, 2014
One of my favorite places to photograph is Central Park.
Orange Light and Blue Sky - May 22nd, 2015
The west village at twilight glowed pink and purple. I was trying out my new tripod and took the photo below with ISO 160, f/13 at .5 sec., something I couldn't do handheld.
Twilight on 3rd and Sullivan - May28, 2014
I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of light. You have to chase and pursue it when it's right. It doesn't happen every day and you can't go back and capture that moment because it just won't be there.
The next day was Manhattanhenge so of course I wanted to go out and photograph it - just like a million of other people. It was a complete bust this year, clouds covered the grid line horizon. That didn't stop the crowd at Tudor City on 42nd Street for sticking it out just to make sure. What I loved was that I captured the silhouetted photographers on top of the bridge, waiting for a moment that was not going to happen.
Tudor Bridge Manhattanhendge - May 29th, 2015
Coming home that evening I passed a bar with colorful neon lights emanating out of the doorway. I love the image, but I think I am alone on this one. It perks my interest and curiosity when I adore a photo but no one else does, though this doesn't make me like it any less. I posted my beloved picture and only got one fav, I thought I would get tons. That surprised me. Yes, I know I cropped the girls legs but there was only a split second to capture this moment. I see a story here, at least in my mind. I am going to print the image as I'm interested in how it will look without the glow of the screen.
Neon Night - May 29th, 2015
A friend was visiting from out of town so of course I did some touristy things. I love to do touristy things in my hometown. What a treat it was to finally get to the top of the One World Trade Observatory. Unfortunately the sky was hazy and I didn't get any great photos. The images were OK for remembering the day. Sometimes photography can be that simple and personal.
After they left I walked down to the Hudson River. The light was lovely and managed to get some nice shots. I am always a sucker for children playing in sprinklers.
Interactive Fountain Pier 84 - June 12th, 2015
Intrepid Sunset - June 12th,2015
I have been wanting to photograph the Met for some time now. I really want to go on a rainy morning at sunrise. I have that preconceived idea again of what I'll find, but already know how that goes. I went the other evening just to explore.
Met with Blue Sky - June 14th, 2015
I once heard someone say, "If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose." For me, my passion is photography.
And to quote Aaron Rose: "In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary".
Susan Marie