About
Not long after I started my food blog in August 2005, a reader left a comment saying that she fell in love with New York after a visit and begged me to post pictures of the city. Initially, I balked at the idea. It was supposed to strictly be a FOOD blog. Besides, I knew next to nothing about taking pictures and I wasn’t sure what I could find interesting. But this woman was persistent.
"Please, please, take a picture of anything in the city for me and post it. Even a tree!"
Because I didn’t know much about photography – I confess I ought to read the manual that came with my camera soon! – and I was still learning how to photograph food, I was hesitant to post anything unrelated to my blog’s theme. At the same time, I didn’t want to say no, so I posted a few photos of a neighborhood in Harlem (it included a lot of trees) that elicited interesting reactions from some of my readers. Except from the woman who initially asked me to do this. She soon stopped visiting my blog altogether! At first, I was relieved; I returned to my focus on food. And I stopped posting the city photos.
I guess other readers, especially those who don’t live in New York, wanted to see more of the city because it wasn’t long before they asked for more NY photos. So I resurrected my New York Monday photos. Over the course of a year I’ve discovered aspects of this city that I didn’t previously notice; aspects which make it come alive and shimmer. Through my lens I’ve found new ways to see where I live, how others live in it, what kind of architecture surrounds me, how the weather affects my view, the different vegetation in this concrete jungle, how adjacent neighborhoods can be dramatically different. Most of all, I’m having fun looking at the city in a different way.
New York Monday photos will continue to appear on my food blog. But as my interest in photography grows I thought it would be a good time to start "Paz’s New York Minute" and give my photos a real home. I’m still amazed when I have taken a good shot. I’ve often thought to myself, "Did I take that?" So I welcome comments, suggestions, tips and any other advice that will enable me to become a better photographer.
I currently use a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 7.2 MP.
And please remember that if you’re looking for a recipe, you’ll have to make the trip to my other blog.
You can reach me at PazsNYMinute [AT] Gmail [DOT] com.
Paz
