New Yorkers

2018 was probably one of my favorite snowstorms in recent memory in New York City which led to this image. A store clerk from the fashion brand Thom Browne came outside for a quick selfie, and I was able to take this image with my Leica SL2 with a 28-90 Elmarit lens.

Early morning on 9th Avenue during a snowstorm in New York City. It's that one time that I find the city is in a tranquil state, and I can tune everything out and focus purely on capturing the city that I love. I find you can capture images that have a timeless quality, and the elements often make the advertising boards and distractions in the background fall away into the distance.

This particular image was taken on probably the best weather day I have ever seen in New York. I was teaching a class for Leica Akademie USA that day, and we all lucked out. That morning alone we had multiple competition winners. The image was taken under the FDR Drive on the lower east side of Manhattan, New York.

 

 

An Emotional Departure

 

This image captures the naval ship US Comfort as it departed from New York in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. The photograph is part of a multi-year project documenting the profound impact of the pandemic on New York City and its residents.

Taken from Weehawken, New Jersey, the image documents a moment filled with deep emotion. The departure of the ship, which had been a symbol of hope and a critical resource during the city's struggle with the virus, resonated strongly with everyone who witnessed it. Its leaving marked a poignant turning point for a city that was just beginning to grasp the full scope of the crisis.

Gone but not forgotten. I will never truly understand the magnitude of how big that day was. It changed my life forever. To read a full account of my day and to see all the pictures you can read it here

 

 

 

 

The photo was taken at the Jazz Age Lawn Party, which is this super popular 1920s-themed festival on Governors Island. It's not a regular jazz festival—it's more like a time machine where everyone dresses up in flapper dresses and suits, and you can listen to a live orchestra, have a picnic, and just soak up the vintage vibes. It’s a great place for people-watching and, as it turns out, taking incredible portraits.

 

 

I took this particular shot  using the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux. This isn't just a regular camera lens; it's a bit of a legend. Was fun to experiment with and I would say the main advantage is having the ability to do close up focus.