Most photographers think that they can just show up and start shooting in New York City. Yes, if you want a lot of random images of the buildings and tourists. But who wants to edit 2000 photos just to find 3 really good ones? Not me.
"The Most Beautiful Girl in the Alley" by Tina Ortiz
In order to make the best of your time in NYC you need to be prepared. I just got back from a photography business trip that also allowed me 2 days to shoot my own stuff. I knew that I wanted to be in the Garment District because that tends to be a pretty safe area that is surrounded by the type of people and streets that I crave!
While taking a few breaks, a few photographers came up to me - because they love the look of my white camera(s) or they just wanted me to move out of the way, because they wanted to shoot their own models. But as we got chatting, I noticed that they weren't sure how to "break into" street style, or even what it was.
I have found that people think "Street Style Photography" just means buildings, streets, or fashion on strangers, or homeless people in B&W photography. It can actually be all of those things, or none of those things to you.
Street Style photography for me, is checking out the dirtiest parts of the city; getting lost*, walking away from the tourist locations, using a guide book to find "hidden" parts of the city (in that author's opinion), as well as a walking tour. These are all ways that I have found the best images.
*Disclaimer: never go anywhere without your cell phone or letting others know where you will be. Plus, if you are able to go with a group of inspired photographers, tourists, or your partner, then please do. I never ever put myself in danger- day or night. It's not worth it.
Now back to the good stuff. Pull out your pen and paper and take notes. You next trip to NYC is going to blow everyone away!
1. Dress comfortably but plainly. You will be walking a lot, taking the subway or bus, getting dirty everywhere you sit, and you want to sort of blend in. You never want to stand out as a tourist. I tend to wear a boring long sleeve t-shirt and jeans or cargo shorts; basic ponytail or messy bun, cheap sunglasses in case they break or fall off into the gross gutter, tinted sunscreen and lip balm.
"He Gets It" by Tina Ortiz, 2023
2. If you can avoid it, don't bring a camera bag, backpack, or tripod. Nothing is worse than seeing a black backpack that says "Nikon" or "Leica" on my fellow travelers. (I see it ALLLLL day long in the cities.) Yes, you might be proud to show that you can afford those brands and the thieves are glad you are advertising what's inside. Further, the more you open your bag, the more chances you have to be distracted. I bring a mono-pod (cuz no one knows what that is and it looks like a billy club!) and I have my smallest street style camera around my neck with my baseball cap snapped over the front of it. It just looks like I am carrying my hat, unless you really look.
"Pret-a-porter" by Tina Ortiz
3. Pack a few dollars in your pockets. I know this sounds weird, but I have been in parks or areas where there are some sketchy people around. Having just a dollar or two for a bus pass or metro card single trip, is so much safer than bringing out your credit card. Pickpockets are looking to see where your credit card is. Plus, in an emergency, I have given those dollars to a homeless person who was "looking out for everyone" coming and going around certain areas. (But that is a topic for another time.
"Trying to shrink the best view in the city" by Tina Ortiz
4. Do your research from home. You can find out where certain populations are, what parts of NYC have the most murals, the buses and subways that you will need to take, and where to stop for water, snacks, or meals along your path. This is definitely a money saver.
"Feelin thirsty?" by Tina Ortiz
5. Restaurants and bars have employee entrances. These allies sometimes have really cool and unique paintings, murals, and graffiti. If you can safely maneuver yourself through them, during the day: through the homeless, garbage bags, and illegally parked cars and vans, you can actually get some really good shots.
"Tell me how you really feel?" By Tina Ortiz, 2023
6. Look up! I know you have been told not to - and that it makes you look like a tourist. But sometimes the signs and billboards are actually quite funny and noteworthy. Different parts of town will have different vibes, too. A lot of places will be more political, sexier, or modest.
"Bjork Lover" by Tina Ortiz
7. Finally, Look at the locals vs the tourists. Tourists dress up, but they don't look like that most days. The locals show who they really are on their way to work, out with their families, or on date night. Locals usually don't hang around tourist spots - and they get to work about an hour before the tourism starts. Like you, you should be "on location" before the stores open.
"Tourists in the shade" by Tina Ortiz
(All Photography shown is copyrighted to Tina Ortiz Photography, 2023)
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