One Year on the East Coast

Bowery mural, Manhattan: 29mm | ƒ14 | ISO 100 | 1/8 sec

From the moment I arrived on the East Coast, I felt at home, maybe because New York was too busy to make me feel like an outsider. Photography played a big part, too, though.

A firm believer in the idea that adventures should be documented, I embarked on a year-long photographic journey, a commitment to capture a moment of curiosity each day. The project propelled me into a state of constant exploration, a ceaseless quest for novelty. Amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, I found my rhythm, and as the East Coast became my muse, I built a relationship with the place. And when I stopped feeling like a tourist, I started to see some sights.

Reflecting on this endeavor, I’m struck by its profound impact on my life. It has been a discipline of dedication and creativity, challenging me to seek inspiration even on days when the world seemed devoid of novelty. Yet, these moments of uncertainty were far outweighed by the days when I stumbled upon breathtaking new vistas and unforgettable experiences.

I honestly feel like I’ve been on a journey, physically and creatively. It’s heartening to think that, in the process, I may have grown and evolved as an artist, too.

Pig carcasses, Lower East Side: 20mm | ƒ4 | ISO 200 | 1/200 sec

Yellow cabs and advertising, Midtown: 50mm | ƒ9 | ISO 200 | 1/80 sec

Steam vent, Upper East Side: 50mm | ƒ4 | ISO 200 | 1/1600 sec

Fire the police, Lower East Side: 44mm | ƒ5 | ISO 100 | 1/200 sec

Police caution tape, Midtown: 50mm | ƒ1.8 | ISO 250 | 1/50 sec

New Year’s Eve, Midtown: 50mm | ƒ3.2 | ISO 1600 | 1/80 sec

Looking for a New Beach, Coney Island, Brooklyn: 39mm | ƒ5 | ISO 100 | 1/1600 sec

Snow, Central Park: 78mm | ƒ9 | ISO 100 | 1/400 sec

Subway mosaic, Midtown: 30mm | ƒ4.5 | ISO 1600 | 1/80 sec

Chinese New Year, Chinatown: 51mm | ƒ11 | ISO 200 | 1/15 sec

Coney Island boardwalk, Brooklyn: 55mm | ƒ5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/1000 sec

Coney Island pier, Brooklyn: 20mm | ƒ16 | ISO 100 | 1/160 sec

Hanging shoes, Lower East Side: 50mm | ƒ2.8 | ISO 100 | 1/2000 sec

Hot dog vendor, Midtown: 30mm | ƒ5.6 | ISO 1600 | 1/100 sec

Mural, Harlem: 18mm | ƒ4 | ISO 100 | 1/125 sec

Smoking cherub, Meat Packing District: 45mm | ƒ5 | ISO 200 | 1/10 sec

Paul the bird man, Washington Square Park: 50mm | ƒ5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/50 sec

The Empire State Building, Manhattan: 24mm | ƒ5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/100 sec