Chapter 1: Umbrellas and Unseen Stories

Recently, I shared a series of photographs capturing individuals navigating the rain-soaked streets of Manhattan, each wielding an umbrella as they went about their routines. However, my photographic journey was far more expansive than just umbrellas. Over the course of a week in New York, I clicked hundreds of images, and as I sifted through them, I aimed to curate a cohesive collection tied together by a central theme. Given the dreadful weather of late September, umbrellas emerged as the perfect subject. Their vivid colors, particularly the striking reds, provided a sense of anonymity that was quite captivating.

Inspired by Saul Leiter’s iconic rain-themed imagery, I noticed that New York boasts a surprisingly high number of red umbrellas compared to other cities I've explored. While I appreciated the photos I ultimately selected for sharing, I couldn’t shake the feeling of neglecting the interesting shots that lacked a unifying thread. Here, then, are some of those overlooked B-side photos taken during my rainy escapade in New York, all while making sure my camera stayed dry.

One afternoon, after visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, I strolled towards Battery Park and caught a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, with a fisherman casting his line in the harbor. The metal railings obstructed my view, prompting me to raise my camera for a better angle. Although the image turned out slightly tilted, I found it had a unique charm in its imperfection.

As I wandered towards a grocery store, I snapped a photo of a bright blue sky that stood out against the drab weather, adding a refreshing contrast to my collection.

In Times Square, I sought a fresh perspective, aiming to capture the area without resorting to the clichéd images of flashing advertisements.

After getting completely drenched walking through Coney Island, I stumbled upon a street vendor offering classic American fast food.

While exploring Central Park's literary walk, I arrived at Bethesda Terrace, where the gloomy weather led to an abundance of umbrellas.

In Midtown, I captured a scene that felt oddly reminiscent of early 2000s music videos, featuring a figure on the street while passersby moved by with their faces obscured.

The New York Public Library, a highlight of my itinerary, was fascinating with its array of historical artifacts. Before diving into the exhibits, I managed to take a candid shot from the first floor, intrigued by a figure peering out into the street.

I encountered various posters plastered on construction site walls, many of which were disintegrating due to the rain.

While wandering Dumbo in Brooklyn, I observed a couple sharing a kiss on the rocks, reminiscent of a romantic scene from Paris.

Further south, I spotted a woman gazing towards Manhattan, her posture evoking a sense of melancholy, as if she were lost in thought.

While these images may not share a distinct theme or color palette, they serve as visual reminders of my trip, allowing me to relive those moments long after the adventure ended.

Chapter 2: The Unseen Side of New York

In the video "NYC is for losers & rejects," the creator explores the underbelly of New York, shedding light on the overlooked stories of its inhabitants.

The video "The New York Times Rejected My Book…" offers a personal narrative about rejection and resilience, reflecting on the challenges of pursuing a creative career in the city.