Chinatown

This is an older photograph of mine that I took with a film camera. One day during the spring I was in New York city and was snapping all kinds of urban type shots, this one specifically is from a fish market in Chinatown. I had found an old 35mm film camera in my house that needed some work, so I got it repaired at put it to work. Film cameras often yield much different types of photos than digital pictures, they just have a more vintage feel to them, even if they’re just as sharp. They seem so much more untouched, no pun intended considering that film comes out pretty much raw disregarding the modifications that can be applied in the darkroom. The high contrast and graininess of the photo make it unique, and the fellow standing front and center adds a certain mood to the scene. Although his face expression is small, compared to the other parts of the photo, you can tell he isn’t happy, he looks tired. He probably works long and dull days and doesn’t make the best money. From the appearance of the store, it doesn’t look like its in the best condition and may not be the image people get when they think of Chinatown and New York City. I find taking pictures of strangers, and urban settings, interesting. You get so much personality and character since its on the fly and usually in their natural setting (not a lab or set), and a real story can be developed. Lighting, objects, and the scenery is all natural and not set up. Two summers ago, I walked all over New York with one of my friends and took pictures of all types of New Yorkers, young and old. Look forward to some of those photos in the coming weeks.