What is it About New York?
Sunset from One Vanderbilt - 2023
I first visited New York at the end of December 2009 to cap off the decade past and welcome a new one forward. It was the first time I witnessed the crowds of Times Square, the gloriousness of Grand Central, and the iconic Statue of Liberty after years of seeing and hearing everything New York related in TV shows, movies, and music. I was so excited to go! It was finally a reality. I can still remember the flight into the city, turbulence and all, and looking out of the window and seeing the cluster of skyscrapers emerge in the distance. I was finally here.
That was the end of 2009. Five years later, in 2014, Lisa and I had our first trip to New York together. It was her first time in the city; for me, it was my first experience of New York during the warmer months. It was in September, and it was hot. This is my type of weather; I loved it!
We accomplished a lot on that trip - looking up at the Flatiron Building after emerging from the 23rd Street Station. The first walk across the monumental Brooklyn Bridge. That sound of rushing water as we neared the memorial waterfalls at the World Trade Center. At that time, One World Trade was not yet open for visitors (that would be the following year), but the building and memorial were complete. Standing beside the waterfalls and seeing the names etched into the surrounding wall of all the people who had perished is a powerful feeling, understanding what had occurred on that very spot years before. I return here every time I am in the city.
I’ve been to New York six times now, and every time, I feel the same sense of awe as the first time I did in 2009. But why is that? What is that allure? Why does New York still draw me in and remain a place I continue to visit?
Renowned for its diverse neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks, 24/7 lifestyle, and its place in American history, New York City contains all the ingredients for a fantastic visit and photography experience. While numerous cities worldwide offer captivating scenes and interesting people, few create the experience of New York City. There is a constant energy that I appreciate, an energy that provides a never-ending supply of photo opportunities. The diversity of the residents and tourists and the popularity of New York as a worldwide destination means everyone is taking a photo of something. It’s a welcome place for photographers, which can be attributed to how prevalent photography is in the city and partially because people just can’t be bothered by someone pointing a camera or a phone in their direction.
New York City is built on a historic cityscape that is continually evolving. Since 2009, the city transformation has included constructing One World Trade Center, super-slim skyscrapers like 432 Park Avenue and Central Park Tower, and One Vanderbilt. There are new areas like Hudson Yards and the completion of Little Island. With large buildings, endless people, and plenty of places to explore, there is rarely a time when I don’t find something of interest. The tall buildings provide excellent light and shadow, the number of people allows numerous subjects and compositions, and overall, there are photographic opportunities everywhere, day and night, with plenty of lit areas and activity into the night.
My multiple visits have combined to have many lasting memories and experiences that I will carry with me forever, including:
Being seated front-row for Stephen Colbert.
Having pizza at the iconic Angelo’s.
Enjoying dinner with friends at Sardi’s on Broadway.
Attending our first Broadway Show, The Book of Mormon.
Seeing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Laughing at Chris Rock live at MSG.
Walking around and people-watching at Grand Central Terminal.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan Skyline from the Staten Island Ferry.
Witnessing a sunset from One Vanderbilt.
Seeing the Bugatti Chiron and Bugatti Veyron Super Sport for the first time at Phillips Art Gallery.
Walking the Highline.
Looking up at One World Trade.
Walking into and seeing the expanse of the Oculus.
Lunch at O’Hara’s near World Trade Center, flipping through their 9/11 book.
Looking over Lower Manhattan from the Observation Deck at One World Trade Center.
Exploring the Chelsea Market.
Washington Street in DUMBO, looking towards the Manhattan Bridge.
Walking around Little Island.
The impactful yet sombre experience at the 9/11 Museum.
Conclusion
I return to New York because there is always something new to do and always will be. Even if I am in the same area and walking the same streets, it still feels fresh, especially as I grow more familiar with the city and see some of the changes that have happened. New York City is a city that I can enjoy with Lisa or one that I can enjoy by myself. I love being part of the busy lifestyle of New York and seeing everything that the city offers. I have a lot of great memories already, and I know there is much more to experience.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
Bond 45 - New York