Accidental Tourist

‘Fulton Fish’

I have had the good fortune to work in Manhattan for many years, which gave me access to countless visual treats, historical treasures, amazing feats of engineering and design. Several of those years were spent in the Financial District, at the intersection of Broad and Water Streets. My walk from the parking garage and my lunch hours gave me the opportunity to capture so many things on camera.

‘Winter Study’

One amazing view was the Brooklyn Bridge, at late afternoon near sunset, glowing so beautifully. My walk to the parking garage took me up South Street, passing under both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. As attractive as these views were to attempt to paint, I needed to remind myself of the countless photos and paintings already done, in a full range of angle, atmosphere, and level of quality.

My only unique vantage point was from in front of the old - and at the time condemned - Fulton Fish Market pier, a bit South of the bridge. I did this view twice. The second was on a fair average NYC day, but the first was in Winter as the snow was falling one morning. The area in front of the pier was part of a parking lot, and for a few months, my car would be parked daily right there. Got out of the car that morning, and ‘wow.’

The touristy stuff I share for social purposes, that’s fine. But when others are framing that perfect shot, I am looking for the offbeat compositions. Makes me look odd or suspicious sometimes…