A few weeks ago, I got it into my head to try some street photography. Turns out I'm phenomenally bad at it. But what the hell, I'll never get better if I never try it, right?

I've also learned that it's much much easier to do this sort of thing in a city. In the 'burbs, there are so few pedestrians that we are shocked to encounter each other, and we all just stare suspiciously at each other (ESPECIALLY if that other person is pointing a camera at us), which doesn't ever make for a good photo. In a city, if you see someone with a camera, they're probably taking pictures of the city, and it's totally normal, and you ignore them and don't worry too much about it.

Anyway. I'm putting this up for Photoblog Challenges' "Black and White Cityscape."


Date: January 31, 2012
Where/What: Manhattan, looking over the Hudson River to Jersey City
Camera: Fuji S700
Shutter: 1/400
Aperture: f/13.6
ISO: 400
Listening to: "Rhubarb Pie," by Five Iron Frenzy
Thankful for: Being able to run again!

This Coney Island mural strongly reminds me of scenes from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. Since almost every human I've ever met seems to be a Monty Python fan, seeing nods to the Pythons in unexpected places really shouldn't be unexpected.

But for some reason, it still is. I love it.



Date: March 2008
Where/What: Mural in Coney Island, as seen from behind a chain link fence
Camera: Fuji S700
Shutter: 1/220
Aperture: f 4.5
ISO: 200

Listening to: My Fish has Wings (SmokStik)
Thankful for: Long E sounds ("It is neeeeeeeat to eeeeeeat thee feeeeeeesh.")

I went to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in April. To my delight, there was a little observation bridge on the eighth floor that allowed visitors to peer over the edge and watch everyone else hanging out in the commons area below.

(I AM NOT A PERVERT. But I do like peoplewatching-- don't you?)



Date: April 2008
Where/What: the MoMA, NYC
Camera: Fuji S700
Shutter: 1/50
Aperture: f 3.5
ISO: 200

Listening to: You Will Go to the Moon (Moxy Früvous)
Thankful for: the temporary 6-cent drop in gas prices

I went for a road trip to North Carolina last spring (to the International Whistler's Convention, no less!). On the way back to Poughkeepsie, we were stuck in Bridge traffic for about 3 hours. Three hours! To cross one measly bridge! Once we'd finally finally FINALLY crossed it, I took a celebratory photo of the bridge behind us.

Whew. I hope I never have to do THAT again.



Date: April 2007
Where/What: George Washington Bridge, New York
Camera: Nikon E3200
Shutter: 1/3000
Aperture: f 5.6
ISO: 50

I went to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in April. One of the exhibits was a swinging pendulum fan attached to the top of an 8-story commons area; it swung low enough that a lot of vistors (myself included) feared it would HIT THEM ON THE HEAD. It was a lot of fun to watch... and chase! A lot of kids had the times of their lives chasing this thing around, seeing if they could catch it.

And, to my delight, there was a little observation bridge on the eighth floor that allowed visitors to peer over the edge and watch everyone else enjoy the swinging fan.

(I AM NOT A PERVERT. But I do like peoplewatching-- don't you?)



Date: April 2008
Where/What: the MoMA, New York City
Camera: Fuji S700
Shutter: 1/50
Aperture: f 3.5
ISO: 200

I couldn't help but take a picture of this portly fellow ("Niq," apparently).



Date: March 2008
Where/What: Graffiti somewhere in NYC.
Camera: Nikon E3200
Shutter: 10/1287
Aperture: f 2.8
ISO: 50