June 2022 - Little Island, Big City
If you have your Picture This Photography NYC calendar this is your June 2022 image "Little Island, Big City"
Little Island is an extended park connected via walkways located at Pier 55 on The Hudson River at The West Side Highway between 13th & 14th Street. It is located between the remnants of Pier 54 and Pier 56 which were the first ports in New York City & was designed by architects Heatherwick Studios and was constructed as a repair for the piers that were badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy, it opened May 2021.
Commercial cruises departed from Pier 54 & 56 In the early 1900's & were operated by the British Cunard-White Star line. There is a steel archway at Little Island’s South Bridge entrance remaining from the Cunard-White Star building.
Little Island is funded by the Diller-Von Furstenberg Family Foundation in Hudson River Park and is a public park built by New Yorkers for New Yorkers. Highlights of the park include breath-taking views from rolling hills with walking paths, plenty of open lawns with amazing views of New York City.
Little Island features an amphitheater "The Amph" for regular open air performances behind the hills right on the river. There is an intimate stage for up 200 visitors called The Glade tucked away and an open plaza & gathering space known as The Play Ground. The aim of the different spaces is to host a range of programs for all people including theater, dance, music, educational programs and community events.
"Little Island provides New Yorkers and visitors with a unique urban oasis—a place for experiences that ignite imagination, foster spontaneity and play, and supports camaraderie and connection." from Little Island official website
I remember seeing the plans all over social media during the proposal stage and never imagined it would be built as it was so futuristic in appearance however as time went on the whole skyline has changed so much it both blends in & stands out at the same time.
This photograph was taken not long after it opened one Sunday afternoon and tickets were a hot commodity and had to be booked in advance, now it is much more accessible and attracts locals & tourists alike.
📷 Photographing in bright sun/daylight required a balancing of light to capture detail without over/under exposing colour, add to the mix the many layers contained within the foreground and background means also choosing correct depth of field and a suitable focal point. I like the challenge of capture colour, shape & detail against a bright sky when shooting in daylight although it is not my favourite time of day to shoot.
I prefer minimal adjustments & choose to work with what is captured as opposed to photo editing so stick to minimal manipulation such as straightening, slight cropping, basic adjustments and do not use photoshop or lightroom to maintain authenticity.
Little Island is well worth a visit and has a something for everyone. My favourite inclusions are the hypnotic spinning spiral and interactive percussion instruments dotted around the park surprising people and bringing great joy by stepping on the musical metal plates or playing the upright xylophone.
All of this gives a feeling of temporarily being on a Little Island while connected to a Big City.