first looks - streetwalker
During a recent trip to New York City, I had the opportunity to put into practice the advice I shared in my last blog post, ("In Praise of the Process.") The essence of this advice was to focus on activities that bring joy and to use that experience to capture photos should an opportunity arise.
This proved to be the case as I wandered through the city streets, utilizing my travels to build upon a photographic technique I have been working on. This technique involves taking long-exposure shots while on the move, the city's dynamic and bustling environment providing the perfect environment for experimentation.
The gallery below showcases some sample results. As with all in my ‘first look’ series the images reflect only initial results to allow the viewer an understanding of the process.
It became evident in the initial test shots that favored outcomes were achieved when I tracked moving subjects keeping the camera-subject distance somewhat constant while gathering the image. This approach created fascinating and endlessly varied results due to the relative motion differences between the camera, the subject, and the background elements.
In this example varying levels of clarity reflect the relative motion between camera and elements during the time the shutter is open
It's worth mentioning that using such a technique can sometimes attract curious (or concerned) looks and questions from observers. On more than one occasion, I found myself explaining that I wasn't really a stalker but, in fact, merely trying to create unique art. In every instance, sharing a sample of my work not only dispelled any concerns but also garnered a positive response.
I really enjoy the impressionistic feel this technique produces, the fact that all were captured whilst enjoying the sights of the city make the results even more fulfilling.
The gallery below offers only a glimpse of the results. I've attempted to delve deeper into the theme by exploring variations in subjects, different times of day, and the integration of the environment to help tell the story. Keen observers might spot iconic New York landmarks, the occasional monk, or even a Disney character in the mix!
I plan to share future posts featuring theme-based images of the same nature.
I’d LOVE to hear what others think about this type of work. Feel free to leave comments and let me know if you have any favorites!
Click on images to open in the intended format
