First trip to Big Apple worth every bite

To reflect on the great city of New York is a task not easily achieved. How do I convey my opinion accurately when it feels like I was barely even there? Thinking back, it all seems like a whirlwind of lights, cars, people and Starbucks. All in all, I am still analyzing my trip with Bethany Mueller and what it meant for me as a photojournalist in the Big Apple.

We found ourselves standing on the corner of 108th and First Avenue in Spanish Harlem looking like we were tourists. Little did I know, the whole realization of being in New York was about to be bestowed upon me by an unexpected character. As Bethany and I marched upon the sidewalk towards my friend's apartment, this HUGE rat (which looked like it had just eaten a horse) ran across the pavement right in front of us. In an instant I smiled and told myself, "Hey, welcome to New York." After that it was down to business for us and we started planning our adventure.

We tackled the Betsey Johnson fashion show the next day with much anticipation and found ourselves inside rubbing elbows with the New York elite. I have to say that upon our admission I was quite impressed at the extent of the color and lights and fl ash photography, and people moving around at a frantic pace. In retrospect, I wish I would have done more research before our trip knowing that if I had, I might have gotten a little more out of it. But regardless, I had a blast.

Watching Bethany's excitement was probably the biggest joy for me, to tell you the truth, as my playground lies in the streets with strangers. After we fi nished there and felt we had accomplished our mission, it was my turn to shoot. I know that sounds selfish, but if I am arriving in Gotham City with a camera in hand, I am going to make the most of it. The next three days took us almost everywhere and I shot plenty of film to record it. We saw many sights but I knew right off the bat that I wasn't going to be able to see enough in our short time there.

Overall I was completely impressed and borderline overwhelmed at the extent of the metropolis. I have been to plenty of giant cities but none ever to that scale. I plan to return when it is warmer, hoping there will be even more people to shoot on the street.

The goal is to see what I can for what it really is and nothing more. But I do know this: no matter how many times I go to that great city, I am sure that New York will never stop being new.