Caught on film: the silhouettes of High Line visitors are pronounced against a bright cut-out of the sky. Photo by Dave Bias
One of the wonderful things about photographing New York City is playing with geometry. The architectural elements of buildings layered with signage and sky create interesting shapes and contrasting colors. Within the frame of an image a photographer can create a whole different way of looking at a scene that many of us might pass by without a thought.
Seeing everyday things in a new way and working to capture their magic and whimsy has a long tradition in street photography. Photographer Dave Bias’ images reference this tradition in subject matter and composition – and on film, no less!
In an age where taking a photograph is as easy as touching a screen on your phone, it’s interesting to go back to the original tools of the trade. Bias captured this image of visitors on the High Line outlined by a triangle of sky created by the park and The Standard, High Line using a Pentax 67 camera with expired Kodak Ektachrome 220 film. This means the 6 cm x 7 cm negative is larger than the traditional 35mm (remember dropping off film at the lab… anyone? Anyone?). The expired film makes the tonal range a bit different than what it was intended, often processing a bit cooler or warmer than usual.
Share your photos – digital or otherwise – through our Flickr Pool or join the visual conversation on Instagram by tagging @highlinenyc! We would love to see your perspectives of the park!
