SHELBY AND THE CITY II
A Moment in Dumbo
I found myself in Dumbo, Brooklyn. As a photographer who travels often, I’m constantly fighting the urge to shoot touristy images. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not against them, per se. Some places are iconic for a reason, and certain angles naturally lend themselves to being shot again and again. There are only so many ways to tell the same story, and sometimes repetition is part of the story itself.
Dumbo was that temptation for me.
The view of the bridge between the buildings is a magnet for tourists. I expected crowds, but I was genuinely shocked by the sheer number of people flooding the area. Elbows flew as people jockeyed for their moment in front of the bridge—phones raised, smiles staged, and off they went.
It’s funny—street photography usually makes me comfortable in the chaos. I’m not easily shaken. But something about this scene made me a little shy. Maybe it was the energy—everyone so focused on their own quick snapshot. I didn’t want to interrupt their moment, even though the whole scene was exactly the kind of moment I came to capture.
Still, I got my shots. Yes, I took the classic Dumbo bridge photo (you kind of have to), but I also made it a point to document the environment around it—the noise, the movement, the slightly absurd beauty of everyone trying to get the same shot. At one point, I even photographed another professional photographer who kept unknowingly stepping into my frame. That felt like part of the story, too.
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Gear Talk: Lessons from Dumbo
I shot with my Sony 85mm f/1.8 for most of this trip, and while I generally love that lens, I have a few regrets when it comes to Dumbo specifically. Looking back, I wish I had used my Sony 35mm GM f/1.4 more. From a gallery perspective, Dumbo would’ve benefitted from a wider mix of compositions—something with more environmental context and layers to better tell the story of the space.
But hey—live and learn.
Right now, I’m definitely partial to prime lenses. There’s something about the consistency and quality that just feels right to me in this chapter of my photography journey. That said, if you’re heading to Dumbo or planning to shoot in high-traffic areas like it, I’d actually recommend bringing a 24–70mm lens. A good zoom will give you the flexibility to capture both context and detail without constantly switching lenses or repositioning.
Yes, you might lose a bit of sharpness or low-light performance compared to a prime—but in a place like Dumbo, that trade-off is worth it. The ability to move with the crowd and adapt quickly matters just as much as glass quality.
Financial District: Not Quite My Scene
After Dumbo, I found myself back in Manhattan—this time in the Financial District. Honestly? I wasn’t impressed. The streets felt overly polished, swarming with tourists, and lacking that raw, unfiltered energy I look for. It didn’t feel authentic. While it was still worth seeing, it just didn’t hit the same creatively.
If there’s a major event going on in the area, I could see it being more worthwhile. But for everyday street photography? You could probably skip it. In hindsight, I wish I had planned a little better—I would’ve much rather fleshed out Fifth Avenue in Midtown than spend time around Wall Street. But like I’ve said before: you live and you learn. And it gives me one more reason to come back.
Instead of spending my time photographing twenty different businessmen in the same wrinkled suit, I reminded myself of the original challenge I set at the start of this trip: look up. Don’t get stuck shooting people. Find meaning in the environment.
And that’s where things shifted.
I ended up capturing some really compelling shots of the buildings in the area. One of my favorite images from the entire trip—titled “ Image : 1776”—is of the Freedom Tower. It’s not necessarily emotionally charged, but it did spark something new in me. A real curiosity around architectural photography.
The prismatic shine of the glass, the smooth, almost surreal gradient of the sky behind it—it was striking. I loved the composition right out of camera and chose to hold back on heavy editing. I didn’t want to manipulate it too much. Sometimes the power of a shot lies in its simplicity. I focused on fine-tuning the details and let the structure and light speak for themselves.
A City That Never Slows—And I Loved It
Despite the overwhelming crowds, the chaos, and the creative pressure I put on myself—there was something about New York that just clicked with me. I loved the energy.
It’s not just the movement or the noise—it’s the rhythm. There’s a pulse in New York that keeps you alert. Inspired. On edge, but in the best way. It’s a place where people are unapologetically themselves, where life is lived out loud, and where every street corner feels like it has a story waiting to unfold.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so creatively stimulated just walking through a city. The architecture, the pace, the people, the tension—it forces you to stay present. To keep your camera ready. To move with intention. And somehow, that energy found its way into my work.
There’s no denying New York is exhausting. But it also fills your creative tank in a way few places can. For someone like me—someone who thrives on observation and atmosphere—it felt like the perfect storm. And honestly? I can’t wait to be back in it.
Image: 1776
Financial District, Manhattan - New York City
May 10th 2025
