Unsplash x NYC Photowalk

On Saturday April 21st I had the pleasure of joining a few other talented photographers on a photowalk for Unsplash. Daniel Gold saw that I was in NY and sent me a DM the day before. Thankfully my schedule was open to hang out for the afternoon. 

I met a lot of cool and talented people that I hope to collaborate more with in the future. Check out some shots I grabbed and watch the video at the end for some more scenes from the day. 

 @beccasiegelphoto

 @jessemyfriend

 @hungryshai

 @halfhalftravel / @danielcgold

 @danwme

 @beccasiegelphoto

We concluded the day with some brews and eats along with some really great conversation. It was awesome to meet such great people - I've never met an Unsplash user I didn't immediately connect with. Looking forward to the next one!

Photo by @jessemyfriend

Why I love uniform compositions.

PIXEL 2 // VSCO

Something that defines a lot of my photographic style is symmetry and leading lines (lines that lead you into the frame) - I like scenes that draw the eye towards the center of the image, and I like when there's a uniform quality to the overall composition. What's on the left is balanced by what's on the right. What's on top is balanced by what's on the bottom. Thankfully there's a few easy ways to ensure this uniform quality while composing your shots. The first one is the most basic. The grid.

PIXEL 2 SHOWN - STOCK GOOGLE CAMERA

Most if not all modern smartphone cameras as well as dedicated photo cameras have some sort of grid function. Usually it's a 3x3 or 4x4 - sometimes, like in the case of the Google Camera app you can select the "golden ratio" grid (my personal favorite). This will help you while composing to ensure everything is level, symmetrical and there's nothing distracting the eye. You want to make sure each of the boxes make sense. The center of the box should be your main focal point and anything in the outer boxes should be drawing your eye towards the middle. See below for an example of the grid in action.

Notice how the eye is immediately drawn to the person standing in the bottom middle block but the shape of them draws you upwards towards the center. All of the other surrounding blocks are also drawing you towards the middle. This also demonstrates how even in a "busy" composition we can still use the golden ratio to remain symmetrical and uniform.

PIXEL 2 // VSCO

We're surrounded by leading lines and symmetry in our everyday life - Most notably in architecture where this basic design principle is typically utilized to remain uniform and consistent. Perhaps that's why I enjoy shooting buildings and structures so much because it makes my life a lot easier when composing shots. The architects and builders have done the heavy lifting for me (quite literally) and all I have to do is frame everything properly.

PIXEL 2 // VSCO + LENS DISTORTIONS

PIXEL 2 // VSCO

Ever wondered why this shot of DUMBO in Brooklyn, NY is so popular? It's because of everything we discussed above. It's the symmetry of how the buildings line up with the Williamsburg Bridge and how the Empire State Building rests perfectly in its arches. It's calculated and planned. All you have to do is compose the shot from the right angle and you have a near perfect image.
This search of "DUMBO" on Unsplash demonstrates how many photographers have captured this gem of leading lines.

PHOTO BY ANDRE BENZ via UNSPLASH

My last tip for creating well composed symmetrical shots is to have someone or something in the shot beyond just architecture. Much like Andre Benz demonstrated in their shot of DUMBO above, having the woman walk down the street adds a whole new dimension to the image. It feels more alive with her there. If you can head out with friends when you shoot (and they are patient) have them walk across streets, down alleyways, and stand in as a prop for you when need them. Make sure you return the favour though as it can be a bit of tedious process of trying to line them up properly with their surroundings. At least buy them a slice for the trouble after ;) 

Here's some of my favorite shots that may seem unplanned or "lucky" but they are actually the result of numerous attempts of staging the right stride by, standing in the middle of the street, waiting for a stranger to walk in the perfect spot of the frame, and waiting for traffic or people to clear an area. With the tips of above, a little perseverance, and some patient friends - You can easily take shots like this with your own creative spin. The first thing you have to do though is just shoot it.

PIXEL 2 // VSCO + SNAPSEED

PIXEL 2 // VSCO

PIXEL 2 // VSCO

I've released all of my images displayed here on Unsplash for you to use as you wish. I've also incuded a few more from my archive. Enjoy.
- PT

Follow me on Instagram for more.  instagram.com/impatrickt
Watch me on YouTube for more tips and reviews. youtube.com/impatrickt

Street Photos in New York with the Pixel 2

Pixel 2 // VSCO

I've been spending quite a bit of time in New York City recently for reasons I will probably get into in a later post, but in my most recent trip out there I took some time to shoot some street photos entirely on the Pixel 2.

Pixel 2 // VSCO

The interesting thing about using your phone for street photos is that it's so low profile. I've always felt a bit awkward using my DSLR or even small mirrorless cameras out in public, especially when you're taking photos of strangers. Understandably, people get creeped out when a random person takes a photo of them - when you use your phone you can be quite sly and most people won't even notice you snapping a shot. Always be respectful of personal space, if you're in a public place you're allowed to shoot photos but use your judgement. If it feels weird. It probably is. 

Pixel 2 // VSCO

Pixel 2 // VSCO

Pixel 2 // VSCO

After a few subway trips I ventured above ground in Chinatown and started shooting from the hip as we walked passed the fruit markets and restaurants.

Pixel 2 // VSCO

Pixel 2 // VSCO

Pixel 2 // VSCO

I always forget how much I love doing candid street photography. There's an art and a lottery to it all - You know what you want to capture, and you sort of know how to capture it... but ultimately the photo you get is often nothing close to what you were expecting. That's the beauty of it because it's not scripted or staged - you're deciding what to freeze in time forever out of the millions of things that are happening around you at every moment. It's very special.

For the curious I edited all of these in VSCO with my own tweaks to the M5 preset. As always I urge you to experiment and find a look a you really like and have fun. Don't forget to just shoot it.

See more of my photos in New York: instagram.com/impatrickt