New York City

[OmerV]

...1980

New York City, 1980 by Omer Claiborne, on Flickr

[RSL]

Interesting shot, Omer. Makes clear why you wouldn't want to live there.

[petermfiore]

I didn't want to live there then...and I left. For all the reasons this shot reveals and much more.

Peter

[OmerV]

I didn't want to live there then...and I left. For all the reasons this shot reveals and much more.

Peter

Interesting shot, Omer. Makes clear why you wouldn't want to live there.

Well, this is interesting and confusing. I get that New York isn’t for everyone, but the photograph is of regular folk relaxing on a mild, sunny day, sitting(and laying) on a circular park bench listening to a musician. What’s bad about that?

[RSL]

Actually, Omer, they were "lying" on that concrete bench. Who'd want to lie on a concrete bench? Only in NY!

[Alan Klein]

I'm a new Yorker, And this looks like Washington Park, near NY University.  A hubbub of activity.   If you want lots of grass, you could go to world famous Central Park with is woods and such.  Plenty of parks like that. 

Frankly the problem with the photo in question is not the city, but the photo itself.  We photographers know you have to isolate.  The shot covers too much clutter making the place seem univitable.  Too many leaves.  The over exposure of the picture adds to the clutter.    These are just people relaxing at lunch on a warm day sunning themselves where they can, a normal Big Apple activity.  A young girl, a couple of older people napping having taken their shoes off, a guitar player strumming a tune others can listen too, etc.  The stuff goes on all over the city; always something going on which makes people want to see it.  These are not bums and the place has fallen leaves not garbage.  The photo doesn't show the joy and contentment these people are actually feeling.  That's the photographer's fault, not New York City.

[Alan Klein]

Actually, Omer, they were "lying" on that concrete bench. Who'd want to lie on a concrete bench? Only in NY!

Russ that's wooden seat on top of a concrete foundation. 

[Alan Klein]

Now this is concrete, actually granite.  Obviously, these are tourists visiting Rockefeller Center.  They sleep everywhere.
Lunch Break by Alan Klein, on Flickr

[Alan Klein]

Same granite seat but with a nicer touch.  These are locals, not tourists.
Woof by Alan Klein, on Flickr

[OmerV]

I'm a new Yorker, And this looks like Washington Park, near NY University.  A hubbub of activity.   If you want lots of grass, you could go to world famous Central Park with is woods and such.  Plenty of parks like that. 

Frankly the problem with the photo in question is not the city, but the photo itself.  We photographers know you have to isolate.  The shot covers too much clutter making the place seem univitable.  Too many leaves.  The over exposure of the picture adds to the clutter.    These are just people relaxing at lunch on a warm day sunning themselves where they can, a normal Big Apple activity.  A young girl, a couple of older people napping having taken their shoes off, a guitar player strumming a tune others can listen too, etc.  The stuff goes on all over the city; always something going on which makes people want to see it.  These are not bums and the place has fallen leaves not garbage.  The photo doesn't show the joy and contentment these people are actually feeling.  That's the photographer's fault, not New York City.

Alan, you are correct. It is Washington Square Park, but can’t remember if it was a weekend or week day.

The photo is busy, and I’m trying different processes to have the circular bench more obvious. Still, I like the busyness though I do wish the guy in the center (in socks) didnt’t blend in with the background so easily.

Yep, I take full responsibility (and credit) for the problems/merits this picture has. 

Nice pictures Alan. I do miss true metropolitan cities.

Actually, Omer, they were "lying" on that concrete bench. Who'd want to lie on a concrete bench? Only in NY!

Russ, you are The Boss. As for lying on benches, we here in Tucson don’t, not sure why.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Here are some slightly more active New Yorkers, in Union Square Park.

[RSL]

Looks as if that kid's gonna grow up to be a chess champ.

[RSL]

Russ, you are The Boss. As for lying on benches, we here in Tucson don’t, not sure why.

Probably because they're hotter than hell. I lived a year in Buckeye when I was about eight, and I spent a month in Yuma one summer when I was the intercept controller for a rocket team. I also have a sister-in-law living in Tucson. Been there. Done that. I stay away from benches in southern Arizona.

[Alan Klein]

Alan, you are correct. It is Washington Square Park, but can’t remember if it was a weekend or week day.

The photo is busy, and I’m trying different processes to have the circular bench more obvious. Still, I like the busyness though I do wish the guy in the center (in socks) didnt’t blend in with the background so easily.

Yep, I take full responsibility (and credit) for the problems/merits this picture has. 

Nice pictures Alan. I do miss true metropolitan cities.

Russ, you are The Boss. As for lying on benches, we here in Tucson don’t, not sure why.

Omer I'm sorry I was coming off critical.  Just protecting my home town.    I think you could make a number of great street shots from your one picture.  There's too much activity and it confuses viewers.  The guitar player is one shot, the women with the stroller, the guys or the little girl sleeping, etc.  Each could make a nice study in themselves.

[OmerV]

Omer I'm sorry I was coming off critical.  Just protecting my home town.    I think you could make a number of great street shots from your one picture.  There's too much activity and it confuses viewers.  The guitar player is one shot, the women with the stroller, the guys or the little girl sleeping, etc.  Each could make a nice study in themselves.

Alan, I was not offended by your criticism and honestly, your points were not a surprise. The pic needs some work.

EDIT: I very much like New York.

[Alan Klein]

Here are some slightly more active New Yorkers, in Union Square Park.

Nice shot.   Lots of chess in NYC on the streets.

[Paulo Bizarro]

I have never been in NY, but I have been to London many times. It's easy to get tired in these large cities, so I have no problem in lying in concrete, grass, wood, or other material, to take a rest:)

P.S. I like the photo, it shows the urban environment.

[OmerV]

I have never been in NY, but I have been to London many times. It's easy to get tired in these large cities, so I have no problem in lying in concrete, grass, wood, or other material, to take a rest:)

P.S. I like the photo, it shows the urban environment.

Thanks.