Humans of New York

As always, my little Michelle bought me this thoughtful and tasteful gift for Christmas...  It's a book by Brandon Stanton who got his first camera in early 2010, dropped his "bond trader" job in July 2010 and became a full-time photographer in the summer of 2010.  Over the next 3 years, he covered thousands of miles by foot in New York and created a photographic census of NYC.  In October 2013, he published the book "Humans of New York."  Such an inspiring story of a guy who sucked at photography at first, but eventually became a successful photographer by following his passion and determination.    

When you think about it, it's not about me having a book, it's about the book letting me see possibilities in life...  Pretty awesome stuff!!

 

Humans of New York

By Brandon Stanton

Introduction:

I got my first camera in January 2010.  I was working as a bond trader, so I only had time to use it on weekends, but I fell in love with it.  Every Saturday and Sunday, I'd take my camera into downtown Chicago and photograph everything.  If I found something especially beautiful, I'd photograph it from 20 different angles -- just to be sure that I'd end up with one good shot.  I'd return home each night with over 1,000 new photos.  Almost all of them were awful, but I didn't mind.  I was hooked.  Photography felt like a treasure hunt, and even though I sucked at it, I'd occasionally stumble upon a diamond.  And that was enough to keep me wanting more... 

Here is the first photo in the book.  It reads: "I am just trying to figure out what I want to do, 'cause it ain't this!"

I'm not sure if I felt inspired or ashamed... The truth is, I started my photography journey in February 2010, and I am still sitting here -- without a book!  But trust me, some day, I will have my own book -:))