The Photodiarist

Happy Halloween

New York: Union Square

Inspiration: I hope that you are having a goulish one!

I ❤ BG

New York: 5th Avenue and 58th Street

Inspiration: After devoting a multitude of posts to documenting its windows, need I say that I am a fan of this store? So, I had an appointment on the Upper East Side today. By the time I left, it was late afternoon, which is a great time to photograph Bergdorf Goodman's windows. During that point in the day, the shadows of the city linger on the glass in a way that I love. Also, the combination of the store's bright lights and the evening light outside allows me to underexpose the photographs to obtain black or near-black backgrounds, which I find so dramatic. The other good thing was that my camera was equipped with my 35mm lens (a rare thing since I am crazy about my 70-200mm these days). Because of wide angle of the 35mm, I can stand really close to to the glass, avoid people traffic criss-crossing in front of me, and get the shots I want. Warning: lots of photographs follow.

Ephemeral Art

New York: West Broadway, Tribeca (first); 2nd Avenue, East Village (second); and Lafayette Street, East Village (third)

Inspiration: There's street art (poster art pasted on walls) and then there's street art (original art drawn or painted on walls). While I appreciate both types, I am on the lookout for more of the latter . . . which is harder to find. Original street art is really ephemeral. Chalk work disappears quickly because of the nature of the materials used and painted work is rapidly covered up by building owners or the work is painted on buildings that are about to be demolished. But because of its ephemerality, capturing original street art is so satisfying.

Track Short Fashion

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: I wear these types of shorts to the gym and out running in the summer. I've never seen a "fashion" element in them before I photographed this girl. Now, I am not saying I would wear my running shorts with high wedge heels, but somehow, when this girl did it, it worked. 

P.S. It's practically November and I could have dressed like this today without any problem. What is up with the weather? I cannot believe I am saying this but . . . where's that Canadian cold front already?

Une Belle Laide

New York: All over town

Inspiration: "It is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal. Its politics are used to frighten children. Its traffic is madness. Its competition is murderous. But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no other place is good enough."  --John Steinbeck 1953

New York may be ugly but it does ugly very beautifully. So beautifully that I never want to leave.

The Board

New York: Union Square

Inspiration: It's been a while since I've photographed the skateboarders at Union Square. So this past Sunday, I stopped by to take some pictures. Most of these guys are longboarders and masters of the longboard they are. On another note, you know what I need to do? I need to master the art of the action shot . . . I missed so many brilliant tricks. 

P.S. It's been warm here for the past few days. That's why you're probably thinking I took these over the summer.

Street Portraiture: Waiting

New York: 4th Avenue and 13th Street

Inspiration: I always find touching the look of a person waiting for something or someone. In fact, I am realizing that people waiting has become one of the themes of my work.

The Stylish Wanderer

New York: Washington Square Park

Inspiration: As soon as I spotted her wandering through Washington Square Park wearing a vintage sweater dress, really chic tortoise shell glasses and a fabulous top knot, I wanted to photograph her. I am finding myself drawn more and more to vintage pieces these days . . . While I do shop quite a bit at consignment stores in the city (Ina, Roundabout and A Second Chance), it's taken me a while to get on the serious "vintage" bandwagon. In any event, when I see people wearing vintage looks well and keeping it modern while retaining some of the original style, it's inspiring. For a totally cool vintage experience, check out one of my favorite bloggers - Nadia Sarwar of FrouFrouu.

P.S. For the brilliantly hued color story, click here.

The Sunday Brunch Crowd

New York: 6th Avenue and Bleecker

Inspiration: This is what I call doing Sunday brunch Manhattan model style.  I went to Bar Pitti for brunch last weekend. I forgot what a model hangout that place is. Bopping around with my Converse sneakers and wide legged jeans, I felt totally flat and earth-bound compared to these glam girls. My feet trot around in heels all week. I just cannot wear them on the weekends. In fact, by the time Saturday and Sunday roll around, my feet are screaming to be let down from the pedestals. And they won't take no for an answer.

Fairy Tales

New York: Central Park

Inspiration: This is a farewell to the woodland fairy of the summer. I haven't yet spotted her this fall, but I am looking forward to her autumnal woodland fairy dresses.