New York: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Inspiration: I've come to face a sad realization. For all of my travels around the world, when it comes to my hometown, I am provincial. My photos definitely reflect my penchant for my borough (Manhattan) and within it, my favorite neighborhoods (Gramercy Park, Union Square, Lower East Side, West Village). So, in an effort to expand my limited hometown horizon, he and I spent some time in Brooklyn today. Delightful! We hung out in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene. In Brooklyn, the pace slows down. The congestion of people and traffic lessens dramatically and the density of buildings thins out quite a bit. This borough is diverse and open in a way Manhattan is not. People stop each other on the street because they actually know each other - as opposed to Manhattan where, for the most part, people stop you on the street for money, directions, or because they are a bit crazy (or just really friendly, which means crazy in Manhattan).
There's a genuine feeling of belonging in these Brooklyn neighborhoods. For him and me, coming from years of the 24-7 pace of Manhattan, this more relaxed, friendly feel was a bit foreign. It felt so good that by the end of the night, we were starting to think: "what if?" Could either of us live in Brooklyn? To be honest, one of the open tabs on my computer right now is New York Times Real Estate . . . I am that taken with the idea.
In any event, this was the scene at East River Park in Williamsburg. The day was hot, humid and a national holiday, which gave people the excuse to bask on the grass, enjoy the river and gaze the most perfect view of MANHATTAN! Well, what can I say. I am taken with Brooklyn for the moment, but I still love the old island.
These shots are wonderful, photodiarist. I always love your wide angle photos. And we have the same thing here in the Netherlands, the cities in the west are so densed and populated that I feel a bit suffocated there sometimes. Where I live (in te east), close to nature and lots of green is different, the people are friendlier and the air feels cleaner and fresher. Sounds crazy, but I really do feel the difference in the air. Goodluck with your decission! x
Posted by: Biana | June 1, 2010 at 01:36 AM
Lovely shots.
I think it's a good idea to move. Personally I need the city but when I get into my flat, I want to have sunshine in my face when I sit in my favourite armchair in the evening while I read. And when I look out the window I want to see trees. Somehow I don't think that this would be possible in Manhattan.
Posted by: San | June 1, 2010 at 03:04 AM
I was surprised with the horizontal shots. It was a welcomed change :) Move to Brooklyn I say :P for a month then go back to the island haha
Posted by: Nicholas Leong | June 1, 2010 at 04:48 AM
Thanks Biana! I should do more wide-angle shots. These were actually taken with a 70-200mm on the 70 end (the last one) and by an 85mm prime lens (the first two). My 24mm lens dwarfed the skyline entirely and gave me mostly sky.
San - appreciate your perspective. I am going to consider it, I think. I see trees when I look out of my window, but they line one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city!
Nick: I am a vertical shot junkie. Horizontal is good too.
Posted by: The Photodiarist | June 1, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Great wide angle shots---I love the retro feeling of these shots--they look almost like they could have been taken in the 50's---lovely!
Posted by: [email protected] | June 1, 2010 at 08:52 AM
I guess what you say about Manhattan and the rest is true from what i've heard from friends who reside in NY.
That aside, what a view to be-hold.
Wow.
Posted by: the nyanzi report | June 1, 2010 at 09:27 AM
What a lovely view!!
I love 1st and 3rd photo.
Get some fresh air,favorite place,favorite mood...it's important things.
Anywhere,You can take great photo.
Posted by: Lady M | June 1, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Really amazing photos. The first one reminds me the painting of french Seraut "La Grand Jatte" Do you know it? ;)
Shonwer
Posted by: shonwer | June 1, 2010 at 12:30 PM
your photo amazes me as usual
Posted by: Marilynka | June 1, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Love these images... the energy jumps out of them.
Posted by: Lisa | June 1, 2010 at 05:48 PM
There is a very clear love affair between you and your subjects, even if just momentarily. It shows.
Posted by: Enrique | June 1, 2010 at 11:01 PM
I would love go to Brooklyn, there is a lot of
cool artists !
Beautiful .
Posted by: C. | June 2, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I really love these. I think what makes them special to me is the contrast between the slightly blurry, hazy cityscape and the crisp images of the park loungers. It almost looks like the cityscape could be a fake backdrop. Gorgeous! Yay - move to Brooklyn!!
Posted by: Alyson | June 2, 2010 at 02:21 PM
Just really friendly is crazy? Oh man, no wonder you had such good take on Brooklyn. I'm liking these photos so much I'm sending them to FB. Thanks for such great shots. They look like love letters to Brooklyn.
Posted by: CherylT | June 3, 2010 at 12:46 AM
OH I will visit NY city someday!
The last photo I love so much! Awesome!
Posted by: cristi | June 3, 2010 at 09:39 AM
these are also beautiful! I never stop loving your photos, and, you are so right about Brooklyn!! It's a nice escape, no? I lived in the upper east in NYC for almost two years, and although I was near the Central Park, I also very much enjoyed going to Brooklyn for all the reasons you mention! it's slower and more laid back, no?
Posted by: mich | June 6, 2010 at 01:24 AM
Thanks Mich! Brooklyn is pretty awesome.
Cristi: You must come to NYC! Must!
Posted by: The Photodiarist | June 6, 2010 at 11:07 PM
I used one of your amazing shoot here http://theeyebehind.blogspot.com/ I hope u don't mind!of course it's written that it was u who took the picture but if this creates any problems to you please feel free to contact and I'll delete it asap! anyway, u have talent man!
Posted by: M. | June 11, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Thanks M. I don't mind at all. I am honored, actually!
Posted by: The Photodiarist | June 11, 2010 at 11:54 AM