New York City is a photographer's paradise. They say if you want to find it—no matter what "it" is—you will find it in New York. This is especially true of great shots for photographers. When I was working for the power company in New York, every year they sent us to their training building in Long Island City. Every year, it was the same boring classes. A lot of it was due to OSHA regulations—the same stuff with little change the first two weeks every year. It was horrible. Some instructors made it better, others were... let's just say, not good!
I got to the point where I would bring my camera with me every day we had class and go for a walk during lunch time. The city, with its vibrant energy and eclectic mix of people and architecture, was my escape from the monotony. As soon as the lunch bell rang, I'd grab my camera bag and head out. The streets of Long Island City, with their industrial charm and proximity to the East River, provided a perfect canvas for my photography.
One particularly gray Wednesday, after a grueling morning session on electrical safety, I ventured out with my camera. The air was crisp, a light fog lingering over the city scape. I wandered down to Gantry Plaza State Park, a favorite spot of mine, known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The view was incredible. I have always loved taking panoramic shots and I was in the perfect location for a great pano. The clouds hanging over the city made an incredible backdrop. I shot up seventeen shots. After class that afternoon I got home and stitched the shots together and was stunned with the result.
Every class trip thereafter, my camera became a fixture by my side. Those lunchtime walks transformed the monotonous routine into an adventure, each photo a testament to the city's magic. And so, amidst the drudgery of annual training, I found my own escape, one frame at a time.
