My Trip To New York
My purpose to visit New York has changed drastically since I moved to Pennsylvania. I used to be a lifestyle/portrait photographer for models. My work did progress nicely before the Pandemic hit. I was getting a lot of attention and I thought that's what I wanted, or maybe that was what success felt like. Unfortunately, I quickly learned that was not the ideal life I wanted to pursue. Moving to Pennsylvania gave me time to think about what I like and what suits me. I have been struggling with the change and still figuring it out. I know I need to focus on my voice, listen to my needs, and settle into a good place without relying on other people's advice or opinions.
Returning to New York, I didn't reach out to anyone I knew. I wanted to soak it all up on my own. New York was still more or less the same and filled with energy. People rushed through the city chasing their dreams, and nobody stopped for anything anyone. The city was still dirty and messy but full of life. People in New York have a rhythm when they walk. The way they walked reminded me of the truck driver in Texas. They were going their way, they made sure you knew it, and they would elbow you to the side if you were in their way. They walked with determination, like they had no second choice.
During the trip, I visited multiple book and stationery stores, but I tried to be selective about what I bought. Even though I didn't buy a ton of stuff, I did buy a few things that were enough to make me happy. Since Yoseka was closed on Monday and Tuesday, I had to visit them on Sunday when I arrived. I was shocked to see how crowded the store was. I think my favorite was Goods For The Study. They have two stores in Manhattan, and they do have an exciting selection of planners, notebooks, pens, and inks.
In Manhattan, the Strand bookstore was impressive; it reminded me of Powell's City of Books in Portland. Other than stationery stores and bookstores, I also visited a Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building. It was so different than other regular Starbucks stores. They have many unique souvenirs that you won't see at your neighborhood Starbucks. I didn't try their pastry and dessert, but the selection was definitely enticing. Other than shopping and food, I also went to see a Broadway show, Cult of Love, a story that is entirely relatable and appropriate for current society in America.
Photos on this page were shot using my Sony RX100v and edited in Adobe Lightroom using Jamie Windsor preset.
Camera I used in New York:
