I went for a stroll on St Marks yesterday with my hubby. I finally broke out the camera my friend gave me. I took some pics of random strangers, with their permission of course. Not one person said no... pretty good for a first timer.
One girl in particular caught my attention so much so that I actually remember her name ( I have an awful time trying to remember peoples names ) Her name was Straps. I found her hanging out on a stoop next to the new fan-geld sandwich store on St Marks. She and her ( boyfriend, I assume) squat in NY in the warm weather and move to FL when it gets cold here.
She was really sweet and even helped me out with camera when the button got stuck. Turns out she is into photography too.
Even though she had no real place to call home, she seemed totally at ease (no, she wasn't doped up).
When I asked her about where she lived she said "where ever my back pack lands" . I don't know why but that statement made me feel a great sense of respect for her.
So Straps ( the girl ) let me take a picture of her, I have a feeling that shot will be the best in the roll.
Walking around there yesterday made me truly realize the extent of damage our country's leader has had on the city during these last 5 years.
All of the businesses that I frequent below 14th street are disappearing. My favorite store on St Marks is gone now too. I actually found my wedding dress there and the brides maids dresses, I found directly across the street.
What was once my favorite area in the city is looking more and more like yuppie country. Instead of seeing the small artist owned shops , I am seeing 'Subway Sandwich Chains" "Organic Food Conglomerates" and a sickening amount of she-she high priced restaurants.
These were the places I have been visiting since I was 14 years old. They have become part of my history and they are all evaporating one by one.
So when I finish shooting the roll and get them developed I will post some pics in my folder.
One girl in particular caught my attention so much so that I actually remember her name ( I have an awful time trying to remember peoples names ) Her name was Straps. I found her hanging out on a stoop next to the new fan-geld sandwich store on St Marks. She and her ( boyfriend, I assume) squat in NY in the warm weather and move to FL when it gets cold here.
She was really sweet and even helped me out with camera when the button got stuck. Turns out she is into photography too.
Even though she had no real place to call home, she seemed totally at ease (no, she wasn't doped up).
When I asked her about where she lived she said "where ever my back pack lands" . I don't know why but that statement made me feel a great sense of respect for her.
So Straps ( the girl ) let me take a picture of her, I have a feeling that shot will be the best in the roll.
Walking around there yesterday made me truly realize the extent of damage our country's leader has had on the city during these last 5 years.
All of the businesses that I frequent below 14th street are disappearing. My favorite store on St Marks is gone now too. I actually found my wedding dress there and the brides maids dresses, I found directly across the street.
What was once my favorite area in the city is looking more and more like yuppie country. Instead of seeing the small artist owned shops , I am seeing 'Subway Sandwich Chains" "Organic Food Conglomerates" and a sickening amount of she-she high priced restaurants.
These were the places I have been visiting since I was 14 years old. They have become part of my history and they are all evaporating one by one.
So when I finish shooting the roll and get them developed I will post some pics in my folder.
Edna St. Vincent Millay