Midtown Selfies / Escape from NYC
There’s a blister forming on the index toe of my right foot on the 15th day of my summer photography workshop road trip. Being on the road for a couple thousand miles, in and out of New York City on two trips has taken it’s toll.
My shoulder and hips are sore and I’m preparing for my escape from Manhattan and the city at large.
Photos by Sean Rayford / New York City / August 5, 2026
But for now, the camera batteries still have a charge and I’ll play with this window reflection in Midtown.
I can’t see who’s walking by until they do and an element of surprise in in play. As I photograph most passerbys, I tweak where I stand and the composition.
The blue collar workers are friendly and everyone else is in their own world or side eyeing me.
Tips for photographing New York City
Pick out a neighborhood/borough while considering light and pedestrian traffic for that time of day and day of the
If you’re coming into the city from out of state, park at Staten Island and ride the free Ferry into Lower Manhattan. Forget the Jersey PATH the ferry is the way.
Bring two more camera batteries than you think you will need. Seriously.
Pace yourself.
Stand still and let the city do it’s thing.
The line at Joe’s Pizza moves fast.
Do not accept frozen Gatorade from street vendors. The flavored part melts first.
Have fun.
