For several years - until the pandemic hit - my friend Sammy and I did an annual trip to a unique city. On each trip Sammy would interview local creative leaders for his podcast, My Summer Lair, and I would find opportunities to expand my photo skills via workshops, conferences or by just exploring interesting neighbourhoods. In July 2019 our trip was to New York City.
YES
It is spring in the northern hemisphere as I write this, and many are choosing two wheels as a safe way to navigate their hometown, so it feels timely to share images of bikes in all their glory.
Bushwick Colours
In this blog I will share:
- street scenes with bikes in them, including some taken on film, from New York City in July 2019
- info about street photography workshops in NYC
- info about bike advocacy
- links to my other bike related posts and images
My apologies if this post makes you want to shop for a new bike. If you've tried to buy a new bike this past year, you'll know how hard it is to find one given the global shortage. I wish you success if you are looking!
Brooklyn Heights Deli
Crossing Atlantic (Avenue)
Except Bikes
Psychic Crystal Readings
No Trash
Soho Grand Hotel
Amici Ristorante
Crossing Mulberry
Pershing Square
Thumbs Up
Great Minds
Crossing 42nd Street
E-bikes were not very common in Toronto in 2019, but in New York we saw them were everywhere we went.
They are much more common in Toronto now.
Sunshine I
Big Lies
Diamond Bike I
Diamond Bike II
Panama Wheels
Street Photography Workshops
Some of the images shared here were taken during a photo workshop I took one afternoon with Leanne Staples who runs Shoot New York City.
Leanne offers photo tours in a range of New York neighbourhoods. The Midtown Manhattan workshop that I participated in was a great experience. Leanne is a licensed New York City tour guide and a talented street photographer. She got to know each of the tour participants and shared personalized tips and insights and took us to unique spots that we likely would not have noticed otherwise.
Leanne is again able to offer workshops, following proper safety protocols, so if you can make it to New York City I highly recommend taking a workshop with her through Shoot New York City.
If you are interested in learning street photography in Toronto, please contact me. I run training sessions for individuals or small groups and will be ready to do so again once health conditions allow. Click here for details about what I can offer and click here to send me a message.
Business As Usual
All Year Long
Sunshine II
Spring Loaded
Bike Blues
Wings & Wheels
Ready to Rock
This next one is dedicated to my friend James, who I've shared many travel adventures with...
JAMES, New York
Shu Han Ju
Setting The Standard
Apple Parking
Defend The North
Manufacturers Trust Company
Wheels Up In Soho
Here also are some film photos of street scenes with bikes that I took in July 2019:
Brooklyn Black and White
Konica Auto S3, Kodak Tri-X 400
Golden City
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
6th Avenue
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Long Island Restaurant
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Red Cap and Ready
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Bike Advocacy
If you have a bike advocacy organization in your city or region, I highly recommend becoming a member. Organizations like Cycle Toronto do excellent work to advocate for safe cycling conditions and to educate and inspire people to get out there and ride safely.
I Do Love Bikes...
Bikes have been a big theme for me in my photography.
In 2014 I did an exhibit at the Runnymede Public Library called "The Foot That Moves the Pedal"...
I've done three other "Bikes of..." posts:
- Bikes of Mexico City (2017)
- Bikes of Havana (2019)
- Bikes of Montreal (2021)
And here are some of my favourite images of bikes as well as my Instagram feed, where bikes often appear.
Most of my images are available as prints, so if you are interested, just send me a message and I'll be happy to help.
I will end with one last image from New York City, July 2019. A timeless rule to live by...
Love Your Neighbor
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100