I recently went to New York’s Coney Island for the first time. I couldn’t wait to see it, as I love nothing more than a change of scenery for new photo ops. There is always something interesting to photograph, and I knew that Coney Island would not disappoint. But I don’t just pull my camera out once I’ve reached my destination — I look at the ride there and back as more photo opportunities, even if I must shoot out of the window of a car or train.
This day was no different, as the Q subway train rode above ground for a good part of the trip. I saw this scene on the ride home at one of the train station platforms. This train was across the platform on another track and, as we slowly passed it, I noticed the woman appearing lost in thought, looking out of the window. I was struck by the light on her face and the deep shadows surrounding her.
I love a minimalist aesthetic and am always pleased when I can achieve that when photographing New York City and its surroundings. I look at that as a personal challenge.
I didn’t notice some of the other elements until viewing my photo in Lightroom, and it makes me wonder if we really are seeing the entire composition, and what the final image will look like, on a subliminal level, when we click the shutter. The weird squiggle on the train, the shadow of the lamppost that includes the top of the lamp that we don’t see, the open door with the shadows inside, the dented top of the train, and, of course, the color (shooting in color is my default)!
I was pleased at the way this came together, and was also pleased that not one person who saw it said to me, “I’d love to see it in black and white.”
What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
I think the minimalism of the photo helps us focus on the woman lost in thought, and the light that day was a gift.
If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or differently?
It’s difficult to say what I’d do differently if I were to make this image again, because I look at images that come out well when I’m shooting out of the window of my transportation as gifts. I consider myself fortunate to end up with what I do sometimes!
Cynthia Gladis shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Cynthia Gladis, New Jersey, USA
Equipment and settings
Fuji X-T5 with XF16-55 f/2.8, at 55mm, 1/1000 sec at f/13, ISO 800.
I have the new, lighter version of the 16-55, and I highly recommend it.
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