If you have your Picture This Photography Calendar this is your May 2023 image ”Big Views from Little Island.”
Summer in the city means lush greenery and plenty of time spent outdoors by the water to keep cool in the city heat. Finding a place with a view & a breeze away from the crowds means heading west towards The Hudson River.
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 captured on a midweek afternoon in June 2022 and tickets were still a hot commodity and had to be booked in advance, now it is much more accessible and attracts locals & tourists alike day & night. I love the curvature of the pathway drawing the eye to the iconic Empire State building which blends in to the landscape.
📷 This image was captured with a 16-50mm lens at approx 18mm
Location-Little Island, Pier 55 Hudson River Park W 13th St.
Time of Day-early afternoon, Summer
Camera Settings-Hand held, Deep depth of Field to create detail & background clarity at f/16, Slow Shutterspeed as there is no movement, Daylight White Balance for natural light, Low ISO, Focus on the top of the pathway.
Insider Tip-be sure to also visit Pier 57 next door and view Little Island from the end of the pier, breathtaking!
Little Island is well worth a visit and has a something for everyone. I live wandering the elevated pathways and finding new vantage points and views.
All of this gives a feeling of temporarily finding “Big City from a Little Island.”