Photograph of New York

New York Skyline of Wall Street

Over the last few years I have begun to really appreciate photography -- especially urban photography -- so one day I decided I needed a print to hang on my wall. I’ve travelled to many different cities, but my favorites include New York, Chicago and Boston, so I went searching to find a print I liked from one of those locations. After some time, I came across a fantastic 32x24 inch print of New York overlooking Wall Street from a bird's eye view, and decided to buy it. Whenever I do homework I scan the photograph up and down, as it hangs over my desk, studying and noticing new details about it every time.

The beauty of the photograph, taken by an aerial photographer named Cameron Davidson, is within the details it's composed of. There is a stark contrast between the cold, dark blue buildings towering over one-another, and the bright orange streetlights illuminating the streets at the base surrounding them. This framework is a symphony of orange and blue intertwined to create an alluring mosaic. There’s an array of blue-shaded buildings with many variations between square, oval, and pointed structures, all unique in their own way. No pattern between short and tall, round or square, stone or steel, just one large architectural gathering.

To me the photograph serves the personal function of allowing my imagination to run wild. There are so many different aspects and details within a concentrated area that I can study it forever without getting bored. It’s easy to get lost in the buildings, streetlights, pedestrians, corners, cars, windows, etc and it forces you to imagine what was going on at that exact moment in everyone’s lives. What were they doing? What were they thinking? What were they saying? Who were they with? How were they feeling?  Someone, somewhere, hidden behind the buildings and windows, could be having the best day of their life; or their worst; and yet we have no idea about it. It forces us to question the infinite possibilities and situations they could be in, testing our imagination, and allowing us to place ourselves in their shoes.

This photograph speaks to me not only because of its visual appeal, but of the way it compels me to think and utilize my imagination. It offers a new perspective every time I see it. I can imagine a new situation, environment, person’s life, and event each time, envision the thousands of interactions occurring simultaneously. When I’m sitting doing my homework, I am reminded of how much there is to this world and how small each individual's life is in comparison to the whole. There are so many different aspects and perspectives to this world, and the beauty of this photograph is in the way it highlights and brings forth these perspectives.