Approaching the Big Apple – the Brocken spectre effect seen from the skies.. pretty spectacular.

I went to NY for work, which meant 90% of my time was spent with workmates  - which isn’t a bad thing, but it did mean photography wasn’t at the top of my agenda, especially when it’s 2am and we’ve been drinking Korean soju since 5pm.  I think I took more photos on my phone than on my SLR..  Luckily, I managed to take some time out to walk the streets of this amazing city and soak up the atmosphere (even in arctic temperatures!).

The smoke is just like in the movies!

These guys flogged one of their rap CDs to me:

http://www.myspace.com/str33tstarz. When they heard I was British they asked if I like Dizzee Rascal, dubstep and Chipmunk.

Times Square by night – again it’s just like in the movies.

The only Apple Store in the world that’s open 24/7:

Wish I’d remembered the name of this bookstore:

Grand Central Station is 100 years old.  There were a bunch of events taking place to mark the occasion, including concerts.

This is, without a doubt, the nicest train station I’ve ever been to.  I mean just look at the ceiling:

There’s an Apple Store in the station..

Another thing that struck me – the station has so much character, and rather than walking past buskers as they do in London, people actually stop and listen and applaud at the end, and I mean local people, not just tourists.  This band is called Ebony Hillbillies.

Ground Zero 9/11 memorial:

There are giant waterfalls now where the world trade centre towers used to be, and the name of every victim is etched on the walls around it

The new world trade centre - being completed:

NY is architectural heaven for anyone with an interest in cities.  I love the narrow streets with huge buildings towering on either side.

Brooklyn Bridge

You can just about see the Statue of Liberty in the bottom right-hand side of this shot:

Back in Grand Central Station.  This violinist is called Lucas Lorenzo:

The High Line

It was early morning when I went there, and freezing cold, but I can imagine this place being buzzing in summer:

Badly executed hip-shot:

It was Superbowl weekend, with Beyonce’s face dominating Times Square.  It’s crazy how half time at Superbowl is such a huge deal.  The build up was constantly on the news..

Something interest is always happening on the Subway

Queens:

5Pointz is apparently one of the largest graffiti zones in the world.  I liked some of the stuff, but to be honest I’ve seen much more impressive artwork around East London.

Some guys doing acrobatics and dancing in the Tube in the hope of getting a few bucks out of it

Took the lift up 70 floors at the Rockerfeller Centre – to Top of the Rock:

I don’t think you’ll find a nicer view of NYC than this

Canary Wharf seems minuscule in comparison

The all famous Empire State Building

I definitely will be returning here – preferably not in sub-zero temperatures though!

By September I had no properly functioning cameras. The Canon 350D had pretty much given up on me, and none of my film cameras were working either. I decided to upgrade to a full-frame DSLR.. Canon 5D Mark II, and took it with me to Israel with my favourite lens – 50mm f/1.8.. : )

I used to narrate every blog, making sure every picture that deserved a story had one. I’m not sure whether it’s a lack of time or just an evolution in my photography, but I don’t really have a desire to do that so much anymore. Most of these photos speak for themselves – I hope.  If you’d like a more indepth insight into this place, you can find my previous entries at the bottom of this page.

I took a very British beverage with me.. Pimm’s – Israeli style (with nectarine, lemongrass and mint!):

In Rehevot

My friend Ricki in her lab at uni:

Jerusalem – one of my favourite cities.

Fantastic band – wish I knew remembered their name..

Dome of the Rock:

When I took this shot he didn’t believe it had come out as it was so dark and I hadn’t used flash..

The power of ISO 6400!

Making baklava:

When I took that shot I had a feeling of deja-vu, and later realised I’d shot the same man in this baklava shop in 2009 here – http://tanya-n.com/Israel2009/IMG_0027.jpg

Christian pilgrims:

You can see them all around these areas tracing the steps of Jesus..

Somehow ended up in this courtyard which was for an Ethiopian Church:

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (where Jesus is thought to have been crucified..) and as such packed with pilgrims:

He was walking around videoing himself:

The last time I came here it was so quiet and peaceful and I’d stumbled across it by chance.  This was the complete opposite – there were so many people I could barely move.

Western Wall

The synagogue in Ricki’s home town/village.  We went there at 5am for Yom Kippur : )

Went to Hanita with Ricki. Hanita is a kibbutz town in the north of Israel, right on a border of Lebanon.

You can see Hezbollah bases from here

Dana, Alison, Eliad and Ricki – some of the loveliest people I’ve met! : )

A deserted appartment block in the kibbutz where the youngsters of the community used to stay.  It was like a scene out of a movie – an amazing view of the hillside from a derelict building.  Someone would pay good money for that!

Where missiles from Lebanon landed a few years ago:

The fence was only put up a few years ago after someone from Lebanon attacked from across the border. Until then people were pretty much free to venture onto the other side..

Had some amazing food

This is the 2nd time I’ve been to a kibbutz. The concept is one I can’t imagine would work in many places – where people live in harmony sharing meals together with their neighbours. The feel is one of a village – where everyone knows everyone. It was a bit surreal being in a place where people feel safe keeping their doors unlocked yet have an underlying fear of missiles.  It’s something I think most of us would be unfamiliar with..

Tel Aviv

Pua Bar and Restaurant in Jaffa, Tel Aviv:

Random photo of Princess Diana came with the bill:

Shakshouka – a delicious Yemen dish that’s very popular in Israel:

This part of the Middle East amazes me every time I’ve been there. The people are so hospitable and I’m lucky to know Ricki and her family. Through them I’ve learnt so much about a place I’d otherwise be ignorant about. Whatever your views may be about Israel, the place is undeniably amazing and diverse in so many ways.. I couldn’t even begin to sum it up!
As for the 5D, being able to use my 50mm full-frame has suddenly made this lens even more appealing. I have a feeling this will be the only lens I’ll be using for some time.

Next stop – India.

—–

If you’d like to read more about this beautiful place, you can find my initial impressions here – my previous 2 trips to the ‘holy land’:

Shalom! http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=125

4000 years, 3 cultures, 1 city http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=396

The Wall of Separation http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=419

Sun, Salt and Christianity http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=424

Tel Aviv, Walls and Clouds http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=432

It’s available on Amazon in the UK, US and internationally, and if you can’t find it in your local Amazon, check any online book shops specific to your country. It’s also out in bookstores across the UK (Waterstones/Foyles/Tate Modern/any bookshop that has a sizeable photography section), and soon to be released in the US.

So what is this book all about? It’s a handy guide to street photography – with tips, advice, examples and a fabulous showcase section featuring the following photographers:

Antonio Wijkmark
Brian Quentin Webb
Charlotte Gonzalez
Clare Atkinson
Danny Santos
Felix Lupa
Ferhat Celik
Ronya Galka
Mustafah Abdulaziz
Seamus Travers
Severin Koller

I really wish this showcase section could have been longer as the wealth of talent is immense. Each photographer above gives their own personal insights into how they shoot, what they shoot with and what inspires them.

I also have to mention Kishan Chandarana , a lawyer who has contributed to a section on street photography and the law. As a street photographer it’s so important to know your rights. Most street shooters I know have been approached by the police or security or even members of the public questioning them on what they are doing and why they are shooting. Kishan dispels some of the myths and truths surrounding the laws which affect us street shooters.

I genuinely believe this book will give you some real first hand advice and insight into street photography – not only from myself but from the photographers listed above. I started out shooting with a 5MP tiny digital camera in 2006, and then got myself an ‘amateur’ DSLR (Canon 350D) which I used until only a few months ago (I have only just upgraded to a full-frame DSLR – Canon 5D MK II). Yes I’ve shot with a Leica but it’s not mine. The point I want to make is that this book is not designed for people with access to high-end gear. Yes a Leica is a wonderful piece of equipment – but it’s also a hugely expensive bit of kit, and most people just don’t have the money for this. I wanted to prove through this book that talent does not need to come from equipment – it comes from your eye and your ability to recognise ‘moments’. Who cares if you use a mobile phone camera? Maybe this is a fad (what with Instagram etc.) – or maybe it’s just frigging convenient as most of us, if not all of us own a mobile phone and therefore have it with us all the time!

The book therefore covers all kinds of equipment – from the lust-worthy Leica to the hefty SLR, to the mobile phone camera.

Thank you if you’ve already bought this – I hope it’s inspired you in some way. I’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to email me.

It’s also being sold at the Tate Modern in London as part of a street photography exhibition by Klein and Moriyama. I’m yet to go to this but I’ve heard some awesome reviews.

Thanks to all those involved in this project, and to Ilex and Pixiq publishers for taking it on. The best advice I could give to anyone aiming to better their skills – shoot, shoot and shoot!

My publishers also publish Michael Freeman’s books, and they’re holding an Online Book Launch for his new book The Photographer’s Story on the 30th October; it’s free and everyone’s invited – you can even ask him questions live via Twitter – to sign up just visit Ilex’s sign-up page.

If you live in London you’ll know what I mean when I say the last month was pretty surreal.  Who would have thought sport could have such a positive effect on the capital.. it was simply superb.  No single can possibly depict the atmosphere!

A fantastic outdoor exhibition by Tom Stoddard.  It’s things like these that make London such a great city to live in – you just don’t know what you’ll stumble across.

The front of the women’s Marathon

I love how the crowd cheers for every athlete going past

A very ‘British’ exhibition by Thierry Guetta aka Mr Brainwash

A familiar site over the last month – the thousands of friendly and chirpy Gamesmakers (Olympic volunteers):

On the way to the Excel Centre for some Women’s Boxing.  It was the first time women were allowed to box at the Olympics.

GB’s Nicola Adams who went on to win Gold in her division:

I was initially sceptical of what women’s boxing would be like but the atmosphere was electric.  It was so noisy my ears were ringing for hours later.  Apparently this very session of boxing had the highest decibel level than any other Olympic event! And here’s why..

Katie Taylor – Ireland’s main hope for a Gold medal.  There were more Irish than English in here.

2 weeks later I went to the Olympic Village for the Paralympics

Wheelchair Rugby!

The Olympics really opened up my eyes to sports I didn’t know existed, and the slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’ was very fitting

I wish I’d been out and about more with my camera during this time – I felt I didn’t get enough of it, but then again I think the majority of Londoners feel the same way.. awesome summer of awesome vibes.

Nothing really happens in my part of town – fact.  Well, the riots happened last year, and the place is known for knife crime, chicken shops, barbers and (one I’m quite proud of) the home of Dubstep.  Yes, this is where it all started.

The Olympic Torch relay went through the town on the hottest day of the year so far.  I’ve never seen such a positive buzz in this part of London.

Awesome vibe. 

People are complaining about the Olympics and how much chaos and inconvenience it’s going to cause, but seeing this part of suburban south London like this made me realise that perhaps it’s all worthwhile, even just for a few minutes.

I spent a week in the beautiful, sunny shores of Miami

Espanola Way:

Spain had just won Euro 2012.  Interesting fact – around 65% of Miami’s population are native Spanish speakers.

Miami is a haven for tiny dogs – they’re everywhere.  This was a petstore called Les Petits Puppies.

Too cute.

When in Rome.. McDonald’s for breakfast!  The McGriddle, which we don’t get in the UK.  Deceptively filling:

In case you’re wondering what a McGriddle is made up of – egg, cheese, sausage, sandwiched between pancakes filled with syrup..

South Beach (also known as Miami Beach)

It’s no myth that American portions are HUGE.  How and why one person needs so much food is beyond me.

Nikon, taken with a Canon:

Miami has got to have the highest percentage of modified cars in one place – it’s like being in a hip hop video.  I even saw a car bouncing up and down as it went down the street. I thought that only happened on TV!

Dubstep originates from my home town in London, so this t-shirt got me excited.  Shame he hadn’t heard of any of the pioneers such as Skream and Benga!

Early morning on South Beach

Unfortunately the serenity is somewhat ‘ruined’ by the air adverts flying past continuously, yet they add to the hugely commercial and materialistic atmosphere (not necessarily a bad thing).

The range of tanning oils is neverending.  Some of these have an SPF of 4.. how that is meant to add any protection in the Miami sun..!

The famous Ocean Drive on July 4th

On July 4th, a random woman saying “Happy July 4th!” to people hears me talk and says “you’re from Britain! Do you celebrate July 4th over there?”.

Guy next to her: “Of course they don’t.  We’re celebrating getting away from Britain”

Woman: “Really?! I didn’t know that! Do you at least have fireworks? I know someone from the UK.  Actually, he’s from somewhere near the UK.. Africa or something?”.

Thought I’d share that dialogue.

In the UK, we have Oreos – just one type.  In the US, you have this. Cool Mint, Strawberry, ‘Creamsicle’ (not nice), Peanut Butter (amazing), Triple Double, Double Stuf, Birthday Cake, Reduced Fat (seriously?), Cakesters, Heads – Tails, Ice Cream, Cremes.. the list goes on.

This graffiti was in a part of town called Wynwood – famous for its murals.

I love these kind of murals – not commonly seen in the UK to this degree.

They asked someone to take a photo of them, so I took one too – very friendly bunch. (Hello Mercedes!)

London could do with a bit of Miami heat right now.

Tokyo by night – 45 floors up.

Used my bag as a tripod – this was the best I could do.

I could fill a book with subway shots

Yodobashi Camera (http://www.yodobashi.com/) – the most extensively stocked camera store I have ever seen.  It sold the kind of things you’d find in specialist shops, except this is a chain store.

Around 100 different camera straps:

Seriously, this place is heaven for anyone with an interest in photography, and technology in general.

It also stocked a wide range of film – I don’t think any single shop in London has this kind of availability.  It’s not the cheapest place in the world, but then this is Japan.  This particular store was just next to Akihabara Station.

Tokyo Subway has phone reception yet you won’t find people talking on the phone.  That’s considered rude.

Meiji Jungu Shrine

Harajuku – the Tokyo equivalent of Camden

There’s one particular Japanese phrase I learned to say – ana tano shashimo totemo ideska, kudasai?

It means ‘Can I take a photo of you please?’ – it got giggles of surprise from everyone I asked including these girls.

If you think Oxford Street is busy, visit Harajuku.

A genius concept – capsule hotels:

This was Tokyo Kiba – one of the few capsule hotels that allows women in (I took this clumsily at around 3am hence the rubbish shot – gutted I didn’t capture anything better!)

The idea is that you can check in if you’re left stranded, for example if you miss the last train home.  You get given pyjamas, slippers and a locker, and Kiba had showers, a jacuzzi and other facilities like vending machines selling underwear and shirts.

Clearly catering for office workers or ‘salarymen’ as they’re known.  The inside of the capsule had a tiny TV, internet connection and was surprisingly large – http://www.tanya-n.com/Japan2012/capsule.jpg

Definitely a unique Japanese experience that I’d recommend to anyone!

At 4am we walked to the  Tsukiji Fish Market – the largest in the world.

Another unique experience – the tuna auction

6am – sushi for breakfast

I’m not normally a sushi fan but this stuff was absolutely amazing.

I wish I had the name of this place so I could mention it – it was across the road from the fish market.

CoCo Curryhouse – loved this place (http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/index.html)

Engrish:

Radiohead’s King of Limbs.. or King of Rimbs! http://www.tanya-n.com/Japan2012/IMG_5118.jpg

Probably the most absurd thing I have come across – Japan’s Cat Cafes.  Stumbled past this one called Neko Cafe – www.nekojalala.com

The idea is that you pay by the half hour to spend time with cats – playing with them, feeding them, generally chilling with them, while having a coffee.

A  surreal concept, and I actually found the experience quite annoying for some reason.  The cats were so pampered they would barely respond to you stroking them.

Definitely something to try in Japan though – just for the experience if nothing else

D=

Took the shinkansen (bullet train – one of the fastest in the world) from Tokyo to Osaka

Osaka

I have to mention this restaurant called Ichiran Ramen – you won’t find better ramen anywhere else.

Another very Japanese thing – plastic food displays in the windows of pretty much every restaurant.

Taito Station – best games arcade ever, with branches all over Japan.

The famous Glico Man in Osaka:

Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka

These were all juniors

The place began to fill up as more of the famous wrestlers came on

It was an amazing experience watching these guys

Asashoryu Akinori – one of the most famous sumo wrestlers – was in the crowd

He signed my ticket : )

The atmosphere was great, and it’s the kind of event you just have to be at to really appreciate.

Tokyo is an amazing place.  How can I describe it?

Clean, stylish, amazing food, respect for others (London is a rude hell-hole in comparison), efficiency on a level unseen to me, vending machines, manga, vending machines, geekiness, vending machines, games arcades, amazing toilets (if you’ve been there you’ll know exactly what I mean), extremely safe, cute stuff everywhere.. just some of the things I associate with Japan.

I took my Nikon F3 with me with the intention of solely shooting film, but after just one day and one roll, it decided to die on me and no-one could fix it immediately.  Major fail.

These are from the first and last roll : (

Camera – Nikon F3 | Lens – 50mm f/1.8 | Film – Ilford XP2 Super 400

Public transport – the most efficient you could possibly experience.

Men reading manga.  Manga is everywhere and there are all kinds of categories – some pretty freaky.

A Tokyo maid in Akihabara (geek heaven).  These girls work in maid cafes where girls dressed as maids serve you.  It’s a Japanese thing.

Another very Japanese thing – Pachinko.  This is a type of game involving lots of small silver balls. These images were taken when it was surprisingly quiet but every other time I walked past these places it was packed full of men in suits and overwhelmingly noisy.

I don’t know what the thing on the right invading my shot is.

I love the tones of XP2 film (C41 black and white).

Tokyo Metro.  I grew to love the subway even though it seems to be the most complicated system possible.  I thought London Bridge was a big station but you ain’t seen nothing until you’ve been to Tokyo.  The smallest stations there can have around 20 exits.  If you take the wrong exit you could end up in a completely different area.

I go halfway around the world and one station had around 50 pillars with adverts for Great Britain.

Games arcades are everywhere, and they’re awesome.

You will rarely win anything from these machines.  In this one you could win some pasta.  There were all kinds of odd prizes – even sacks of potatoes.  The other ‘normal’ prizes were manga-related.

This image doesn’t do it justice but that’s Shibuya Crossing/Intersection – the busiest in the world. Mental is an understatement.

I was absolutely gutted when the F3 packed up and had no choice but to switch to digital.  I took 1600 pictures.  That’s the thing about shooting digital – you’re more likely to shoot mindlessly without really giving your images much thought.

In a Taito Station in Akihabara – http://www.taito.com/gc/ – I really grew to love these arcades.

Pachinko madness.

A Japanese breakfast at Yoshinoya (http://www.yoshinoya.com/)- salmon, rice, pickled ginger and miso soup. Yum.

Kimchi, which is actually Korean.

I’m not usually a coffee fan but this was one of the nicest hot coffees I had from a vending machine.

Salarymen, as they’re called in Japan (workers – typically in suits).

In London, the Underground doesn’t have toilets and let’s be honest -  public toilets are disgusting.  In Tokyo every Metro station has numerous toilets, and they even have a map of it before you go in. Every one I went to was also spotless.

A typical toilet panel.  This one shows the time, has  a heated seat, has 3 types of showers (with heated water), an arse drier and buttons to bring the toilet seat up and down.  You can even change the pressure of the water.  The Japanese must have the cleanest butts in the world.  I could fall asleep on one of these things.

She won a towel or blanket with that guy’s face on it.  I assume he’s a famous actor or popstar as she went nuts.

Shibuya crossing again.

Just some of the countless vending machines.  There’s no shortage of these in Japan, and you’ll find a huge range of drinks both hot and cold.  Some sell cigarettes and alcohol and even non-food items such as underwear. I really miss being able to buy quality hot drinks from those.

Shibuya at night

Kawaii >_<

More Tokyo to come.. : )

Sultanahmet, Istanbul

This cat sat under my table by my legs and stared up at me, clearly asking to be photographed!

Turkish tea has grown on me.

On the whole people here don’t seem to mind being photographed.  In fact, people who noticed seemed to pose for the camera rather than protest.

He asked to be photographed:

Awesome icecream man playing tricks on people

Yes, it’s a man on a scooter with a dog donning sunglasses

I took a few portraits before they sped off around Istanbul again.

A contrast of childhood..

Land of the evil eye:

Friendly shopkeeper:

Whirling dervishes

They came over to me and my friend and started playing an Indian song!

I bought this baklava from a man who called himself Mr Delicious and insisted on kissing my hand:

Taksim, Istanbul

Funky hotel, with the best lampshades ever – http://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/tulip-city.html

Coffee and condom please.

Istiklal Street – Istanbul’s equivalent of Oxford Street in London

Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest indoor markets

This reminded me of India:

I STILL haven’t figured out how to use one of these successfully without having to remove my underwear – otherwise I get pee all over myself.  A nightmare if you’re desperate to go.. Too much info?

A typical Turkish fast food lunch – kebab!

Turkish coffee is not my cup of tea:

Neither is this.. intestines:

Best shopkeeper ever:

He insisted on playing Bollywood tracks (the Turks really appreciate Indian culture!) and spoke to us about when he lived in India, and how it changed his life.

I love that Dubstep which began in my town in South London has now taken over the world.  Kind of:

Galatasaray Turkish Bath:

There’s an extravagant entrance for the men, while women need to go down an alleyway:

These head things are amazing:

I have to mention it as it became an integral part of this trip! It’s basically some kind of tingly head massage device.  He made us scream with delight (no joke) using one on us.  The best €3 I’ve ever spent.

Ankara

My friend Sel got married on Republic Day : )

Previous Turkey blogs:

Istanbul Through a Leica M6 – http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=747

Kodak, Neopan and (not so) Lucky – http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=751

Some older, some newer – http://www.tanya-n.com/?p=759

Ankara – Turkey

Leica M6, 35mm f/1.4 – Kodak 200 film

Not sure what’s with the softness/haze above.

He looked like a 70s villain from a Bollywood film:

London

APX 100 film:

I love the sand sculptors in Southbank

Something a bit different..

P-Sharan STD 35e pinhole camera – Kodak 400 film

My first pinhole attempt!

Trafalgar Square:

The specks are rain droplets on the window of the bus I was on.

I can’t say it’s really a niche of photography I appreciate much but shows what can be done with a basic cardboard camera.

While we’re on the subject of views, this is the most spectacular I’ve probably ever seen from my office on a foggy day late last year:

A bit of a short post considering some of my previous mammoth entries.  A longer one to come soon.. Digitalised Turkey.