February 2022 – Love in the Air
If you have your Picture This Photography NYC Calendar these are your February 2022 collection of images “Love in the Air”
Collectively connected via the complementary red/green colour palette these 4 images are from 2 different locations to make one cohesive calendar page.
📷 Photographing in daylight with no overhead direct sunlight is all about finding or providing enough light to look natural & see the detail without underexposing to lose detail in the dark tones or over expose to blow out the highlights. The good thing about no direct sun is that no shadows are produced however images can look dull and lifeless without mood lighting. Colour & texture plays a part in bringing images to life in natural daylight so were a key factor in all images here. 🍁 🌳 ❤️
The “Love” & “Amor” photos were taken along The Highline which is an elevated Park from Little West 12th St/Gansevoort in The Meat Packing district to 34th St/Hudson Yards midtown west along the old, elevated train track. It is an amazing experience to meander in any direction admiring both the landscape & view. My favourite part is from 12th St which is home to The Whitney Museum up to where the steps overlook 10th Avenue @ 17th St. Walking along the park above the streets of Chelsea used to be open and airy however it now home to some of the most expensive new real-estate in NYC.
New buildings in NYC are all vying for a distinct point of difference to attract an elite multi-millionaire clientele and I honestly have no idea who buys or lives in these fancy apartments as it is no-one I know (clearly I do not run with the cool, trust-fund, rich kids!) but it is entertaining to view them and imagine such a carefree lifestyle or even catch a glimpse of the interior due to the floor to ceiling windows and purposeful lack of blinds or curtains.
The ”Love” & “Amor” sculptures were designed by Robert Indiana, his original version of “Love” was a print created for MoMA’s 1965 holiday card, he then depicted the image in sculpture in 1970. The original remains in his home state at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, but there was also another version on 6th Avenue & 55th Street.
The sculptures were part of a series previously on display outside of the Zara Hadid designed building at 520 W 28th St which is noted as striving to capture “graceful curves inspired by nature”
It is always a pleasant experience to walk along the Highline all year round and see the ever-changing views and latest art installations despite the peripheral vision narrowing due to the luxury buildings rising.
The window images were taken in The West Village which is always a wonderful experience to walk around due to the unique streets and endless beauty. I am always drawn to buildings, doorways & windows and find enjoyment & beauty in close-up corner window shots such as this combining windows, brick & nature.
Top left was taken on a favourite block where the building has a huge display of plants on and outside the red building, I cannot resist capturing a shot every time I walk by despite having so many already!
Bottom right was captured from a newer more traditional building on another favourite block (I have many!) where I was drawn to the contrast of the ivy against the brick.
I find great joy in zooming in on the detail of doors, windows & frames to capture time, age, colour and texture: if these walls could talk I’m sure they would have some great stories to share.
To recreate a feeling of a “Love in the Air” I recommend taking a walk around The West Village or along The Highline to see the detail in the beautiful unique streets and admire the art along the park, it gives a sense of calm & well being and love of NYC.