Alright, let’s talk about my little adventure down in Green Street, Soho, New York. I’ve been wanting to shoot some street photography there for ages, and I finally carved out some time last week. Let me tell you, it was a mixed bag, but definitely worth the trip.
First off, I grabbed my trusty Leica and a couple of lenses – a 35mm and a 50mm. Figured that would give me enough flexibility without weighing me down too much. You know how it is, you don’t wanna be lugging around a ton of gear when you’re trying to be stealthy and capture those candid moments.
I hopped on the subway and headed down to Canal Street. From there, it’s just a short walk over to Green Street. The vibe down there is pretty cool – lots of cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets (watch your step!), and a mix of art galleries and boutiques. It’s got that classic Soho feel, but maybe a little less touristy than some of the other spots.
As soon as I hit the street, I just started walking, keeping my eyes peeled for anything interesting. I was really trying to focus on the light and shadows, the way they played off the architecture. There’s something about those old buildings that just begs to be photographed.
I snapped a few shots of some people walking by, but nothing really grabbed me at first. Then, I spotted this guy standing in a doorway, smoking a cigarette. He had this really weathered face and a cool leather jacket. I quickly raised my camera and took a few shots before he even noticed me. I think I got one really good one – the light was just perfect.
I continued walking, exploring the side streets and alleyways. I found a few cool graffiti spots, which I always appreciate. Took some shots of those, trying to capture the texture and the colors.
Then, I stumbled upon this art gallery that had a really interesting window display. I spent a good 20 minutes shooting that, trying different angles and compositions. It was a bit tricky because of the reflections in the glass, but I think I managed to get a few keepers.
One thing I learned is that Green Street can be pretty crowded, especially on weekends. So, if you’re looking for that perfect shot without a bunch of people in the background, you might want to try going on a weekday morning. I’m definitely planning on doing that next time.
I also realized that the 35mm lens was my go-to for most of the day. It just gave me that nice wide view that’s perfect for street photography. The 50mm was useful for isolating certain details, but the 35mm was definitely the workhorse.
After a few hours of walking and shooting, I was pretty tired. So, I grabbed a coffee at a nearby cafe and just sat and watched the world go by for a bit. It was a nice way to decompress and reflect on the day.
All in all, it was a great experience. I came away with a few photos that I’m really happy with, and I got a better feel for the vibe of Green Street. I’m definitely going back soon to explore some more and hopefully capture some more interesting moments.
- What I learned:
- Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
- The 35mm lens is your friend for street photography.
- Don’t be afraid to explore the side streets and alleyways.
And that’s pretty much it. Just a chill day of wandering around and taking pictures. Hope you enjoyed the recap!
