A Different View | 06:28PM Jun 27, 2008
When one thinks about the Brooklyn Bridge, one tends to dwell on the beautiful stone towers, the staggering engineering achievement, or the historical importance of one of this countries most recognized spans. These are the same thoughts that filled my head as I composed the majority of my images.
It always astounds me how important the photographer’s state of mind is to the final composition of each frame. Take this frame for example. I spotted this guy as Liz and I neared the Brooklyn end of our trek. Seeing him curled up in his winter coat (on a morning where I was dressed in shorts) lying on a cushy trash bag, which I am sure was filled with his entire wardrobe. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel remorse or pity. Instead a gentle smile crept across my face. Watching him lay so peacefully in the warm morning sun, rocked on a regular interval by the quiet din of the morning traffic, how can one not be a little envious.
One of the things about New York that always strikes me is the dramatic and sometimes violent mix of culture and economic status. The affluent all rush from their skyward offices to eat their lunch only feet from the bearded transients crouched at the corner begging for change. Every step on a New York sidewalk is a new experience in the social structure of our country.
It always astounds me how important the photographer’s state of mind is to the final composition of each frame. Take this frame for example. I spotted this guy as Liz and I neared the Brooklyn end of our trek. Seeing him curled up in his winter coat (on a morning where I was dressed in shorts) lying on a cushy trash bag, which I am sure was filled with his entire wardrobe. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel remorse or pity. Instead a gentle smile crept across my face. Watching him lay so peacefully in the warm morning sun, rocked on a regular interval by the quiet din of the morning traffic, how can one not be a little envious.
One of the things about New York that always strikes me is the dramatic and sometimes violent mix of culture and economic status. The affluent all rush from their skyward offices to eat their lunch only feet from the bearded transients crouched at the corner begging for change. Every step on a New York sidewalk is a new experience in the social structure of our country.
