New York: Bryant Park
Inspiration: Another theme that I am noticing throughout my body of work is the outdoor sleeper. I am usually sleep deprived, so I may be drawn to photos of sleep. But as tired as I get sometimes, I cannot sleep outdoors. Ever.* I think that if I did it, I wouldn't just take a quick snooze. I'd fall into deep REM sleep right away and I don't like the idea of being utterly vulnerable in deep sleep while exposed to the entire world and elements. But for many people, sleeping outside is a beautiful thing.
*Except for the one and only time I went camping in my life, but that doesn't count because I was under a tent with a little door.
New York: Central Park (2nd and 3rd photos)
Maybe there's a tiny possibility that I could sleep outside if I found a shaded rock like this one above, which involves a climb and is a bit more solitary. But I definitely could not sleep on a rock like the one below, which is right on a main path. Actually, as I think about it, I'd rather not sleep on a rock at all.
HAHAHAHAHAHA! so true! It seems so freeing, beautiful to be able to sleep outside. I tryed in my back yard onece. but after the 3rd bug running accross my face I was over it.
I do love your sleeping photos. Esp the first one. It looks sort of romantic in a way. Not in a love sence, In a it is all that I would picture in my head of romantisizing about sleeping in the middle of the park in New York.
Posted by: Cristi | June 6, 2010 at 10:40 AM
LoL, I don't have a problem with sleeping outside. I just did it yesterday at a beach.
But I think I wouldn't sleep in Central Park either and definitely not on a rock this close to the paths.
Posted by: San | June 6, 2010 at 12:34 PM
i'd rather not sleep outside (i don't think i can), and i totally hate camping. the few times i had to go camping, i would prefer to stay in my little car...
Posted by: Carole | June 6, 2010 at 12:50 PM
There is something intimate about photographing those asleep - one is caught unaware - out of doors, wrapped in the blanket of sleep. These picture are dreamy. very well taken;-)
Posted by: Englishvers | June 6, 2010 at 01:26 PM
I think the 2nd photo is very well-composed. And I don't like the idea either of sleeping ouside. But I can understand those people. When you're a real outdoors/nature person and living in a big city like New York, you've got to get creative. I don't mind sleeping outside in my parents garden, but not in public.
Posted by: Biana | June 6, 2010 at 01:56 PM
this is such a cute series! all of you pictures are great, keep it up!
http://asquaredplusm.blogspot.com/
Posted by: A(Squared) + M | June 6, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Carole: I thought I would have camping. But I actually liked it. But I had to submit to it in order to appreciate it. That said, I cannot say I would jump to do it again.
Englishvers: I agree with you completely about photographing people sleeping. Thank you for your comment.
Biana: I can understand them too. I just cannot understand them enough to actually emulate them!
San: Sleeping on a beach might be a wee bit different. Especially if the beach was quiet. But on a main pathway in Central Park? Nah! Not me.
Cristi: The first bug would send me back inside.
A(Squared) + M: Thank you!
Posted by: The Photodiarist | June 6, 2010 at 08:39 PM
I know that it's comfortable.
I love 1st and 2nd photo.
Posted by: Lady M | June 8, 2010 at 09:45 AM
lol, I have the same problem, I've tried to sleep outside and it's not working. The pictures look stunning, specially the first one, good work!
http://fashiondoseblog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: valeria | June 10, 2010 at 10:21 AM
the sleeping people!!!!!!!!!! yes, this is amazing!! Love the first one particulary ;)
Posted by: Second Wind Photography | June 11, 2010 at 03:11 AM
I just love love LOOOVE your photos! And your ability to capture moments and light in a photo, and how you create that magic in black and white! True talent :))
Posted by: Anette Kvam | July 3, 2010 at 02:19 PM