As I planned my recent trip to New York City I thought a lot about which camera(s) to bring. I’m sure that many of you will find this kind of planning quite familiar. DSLR? Instant? Mirrorless? Film? I could imagine wanting each and all of these at some point during my weekend in the city. In the end, Itook only my iPhone (having splurged recently to upgrade to the iPhone 6). While on the plane I was plagued with camera FOMO, once I was there I found having only my phone camera to be quite liberating.
Without my “serious” cameras I felt no compulsion to try to make serious pictures. I was free to shoot whatever caught my eye. Like street scenes with that quintessential New York vibe.
Street art
The view from one of my favourite barstools in Brooklyn
Icons/cliches
My reflection in the window of one of my favourite cafes
And even my morning cortado (Do they make cortados in other cities? I’ve only ever ordered them in New York.)
Are these photographs great art? Nope. They are a lovely record of a lovely weekend spent freely wandering around a city that I adore. And that’s just fine with me.
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I feel the same way about my iPhone. It is liberating. Love these shots of New York.
Thanks! It was great but I’m not sure how far I’d want to push the iPhone-only vacation thing. Italy is coming up and I’m a bit paralyzed on decisions!
You were so brave! But the results are amazing! Of course now I want to go to NYC….
I’ve already started thinking about Italy in August and what cameras I will or will not be bringing with me!
Wouldn’t it be fun to meet up in NYC? I always want to go back.
Actually, I have to disagree with you on one point: I would say those photographs are indeed great art. I love the processing and vintagey tones. Really terrific.
Aw, thank so much Lisa. I’m a big fan of VSCO for processing, both VSCO Film for my digital work and VSCOCam for my iPhone photos.
These photos are great art. They also make me want to visit New York. It’s been awhile since I’ve visited. Great post!
P.S. – I’ve had cortados here in L.A. too :).
I know a great place in Houston that makes a delicious cortado and it’s not far from my house…. I love your street art images too. 😉