New York Photographer

The High Line

Pictures of NY — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:25:34 +0000

The High Line is a unique urban park in New York City that has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Built on a former elevated freight rail line, the High Line offers a different perspective on the city’s architecture and green spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the High Line, its development, and its features.

The High Line was originally built in the 1930s as part of the West Side Improvement Project. The project aimed to improve freight transportation on the West Side of Manhattan by elevating trains above street-level traffic. The elevated tracks ran from 34th Street to St. John’s Park Terminal, which was located in what is now Tribeca.

The High Line was in use until 1980 when the last train ran on the tracks. The following year, the High Line was slated for demolition. However, a group of residents formed Friends of the High Line to save the structure and turn it into a public space.

The Friends of the High Line worked for years to convince the city to repurpose the High Line as a public park. In 2002, the group received a grant from the J.M. Kaplan Fund to commission a feasibility study for the park’s development.

The study concluded that the High Line could be turned into a public park and garden, and the project gained momentum. In 2004, the city committed $50 million to the park’s development, and construction began in 2006.

The first section of the High Line opened to the public in 2009, running from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street. The second section, from 20th Street to 30th Street, opened in 2011. Today, the High Line runs from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The High Line offers a unique perspective on New York City’s architecture and green spaces. The park’s design incorporates elements of the original railway, such as the tracks, steel columns, and rail yards. The park also features a variety of plants, including native species, that have adapted to the High Line’s unique environment.

One of the most popular features of the High Line is the seating areas and overlooks that offer views of the city skyline. The park also hosts art installations and performances throughout the year.

The High Line has become a model for urban park development, inspiring similar projects around the world. It has revitalized the neighborhood around it, attracting new businesses and residents. The park’s success is a testament to the power of community action and the value of repurposing urban infrastructure.

New York’s West Village

Pictures of NY — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 18:00:03 +0000

Every year, hundreds if not thousands of young people come to New York for a chance to make it in the city of dreams. It must be the constant free advertising in movies, television and magazines that portrays New York as this magical place. The neighborhood most associated with this ideal is the West Village. Featured in the hit shows Friends and Sex in the City, the area is arguably the most famous neighborhood in the world. While the storylines in the shows may seem far fetched at times the West Village is in fact one of the best in all of New York. I went to school at NYU and can attest that many of the area’s charm, beautiful architecture and style is absolutely true. There really is no other neighborhood like the West Village in all of New York City.

Unlike Times Square and the area around Rockefeller Center where tourists can outnumber locals by a factor of 10, the West Village is a neighborhood that enjoyed mostly by locals. There are wonderful restaurants, unique boutiques and of course Christopher Street which is the international capital for the LGBT population.

Central Park Cherry Blossoms

Pictures of NY — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 20:16:13 +0000

It’s always busy at Central Park whether it’s Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. The park is loved by locals and is world famous because of the many movies it has been featured in. There is however one time of year that the park becomes as busy as Times Square. Springtime is by far the most popular time of the year and the park becomes an international destination. Cherry Blossoms is the one reason why they all come from all over the world to New York in the Spring. While there are many places around the park that you can see spectacular blooms there is really only one place that has that special feel, Cherry Hill.

Cherry Hill at peak bloom can be quite crowded. Lucky there are other areas of the park that while not as well known as Cherry Hill can still be great for a photoshoot. The east side of Bridle Path is densely populated with Cherry Blossoms. The Kwanzan Cherry Trees make a magical walkway and provide a fantastic backdrop for a truly special photo.

While Cherry Blossoms are the main draw for most Spring visits to the park, Magnolias at the Obelisk are just as magnificent. Best of all, it’s never that crowded and almost feels like a bit undiscovered!

SoHo

Pictures of NY — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:01:36 +0000

One of my favorite areas to photograph in all of New York City is SoHo. The Belgian block streets and the Cast Iron buildings give the neighborhood a unique feel. It has changed significantly over the years transforming from an area of manufacturing to it’s modern day high end fashion trendy shopping oasis. While some might find it a tourist trap, there are still many locals, including myself, that visit the area regularly. I’ve spent many mornings lined up at Dominique Ansel Bakery to get a cronut. As a New Yorker, I usually don’t like waiting for anything but it’s really that good.

I see people taking photos all over SoHo. It really is quite a photogenic neighborhood that is very easy to find great places for that memorable photo. It’s tall buildings that provide shade even in the brightest of days and that really helps in finding light that isn’t too harsh in the middle of the day. SoHo can be quite crowded, especially on the weekends even when it’s cold outside. In the Summer, certain streets like Prince or Spring can become so congested it can be difficult to get anywhere fast. Of course, there are blocks and times when you can get some fantastic photo opportunities.