Dumbo
Wrapped in a shroud of mist, the scene before me was almost ethereal. The lights of the bridge in the distance, elusive, struggling to puncture the dense, evening fog, danced along the suspension cables—a string of pearls laid gently across an expansive canvas of grey. I was standing in Dumbo, Brooklyn, a landing transformed into a picturesque urban lookout offering a unique perspective of New York's iconic skyline and the majestic bridges that stitch its boroughs together.
This locale, with its cobblestone streets and towering warehouse buildings converted into high-end boutiques and residences, exudes a charm that's distinctively New York but with a tranquil vibe that's rare in such a non-stop city. And right there, the waterfront of the East River became my stage, the historic Brooklyn Bridge my backdrop.
Shot at 10mm focal length with an aperture of f8, I could capture the vastness of the view before me. The wide expanse of the lens took in the railing leading the eye from the foreground, with its maritime details, to the heart of the frame—the disappearing bridge. The aperture choice helped me keep everything in focus, despite the whimsical dance of the fog blurring the lines between water, bridge, and sky.
As I set up my tripod and camera, the energy was palpable—there's something humbling about capturing such an iconic part of the city. I chose to shoot at this focal length because I wanted to encapsulate not just the bridge, but the feeling of standing at the edge of an unknowable expanse. The name 'Dumbo' referring to "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass" was fitting for the frame, hinting at the playful yet overshadowed nature of this spot, often caught in the grandeur of its more famous neighboring bridge.
It wasn't just about capturing a photograph; it was about capturing a mood—the feeling of being both dwarfed and embraced by the city. From the delicate gleam of light on the water's surface to the soft luminescence cast by the nearby building, every element coalesced into a moment that felt suspended in time.
The foggy veil over the bridge made for a sublime moment, and I felt a connection to the city that only comes with the quiet recognition of its beauty amidst the usual chaos. It's moments like these that remind me why I pursue photography with such vigor—to hold onto fleeting instances when the world reveals its quiet magic.
Behind the lens, there was the deep satisfaction of creating art from what the world so generously offers, and the humble realization that I was merely there to witness and preserve the city’s transient poetry. This image of Dumbo, though still, tells a silent story: of water and metal, light and shadow, and the ceaseless whisper of a city that never truly sleeps.
This article is part of the collection New York City by photographer Dr. Alexander Motzek. Click here to explore more photographs of this trip.
You may also be interested in the next article about photograph 'Santa Fé Reverie' or have a look at all articles written by Alex.
This locale, with its cobblestone streets and towering warehouse buildings converted into high-end boutiques and residences, exudes a charm that's distinctively New York but with a tranquil vibe that's rare in such a non-stop city. And right there, the waterfront of the East River became my stage, the historic Brooklyn Bridge my backdrop.
Shot at 10mm focal length with an aperture of f8, I could capture the vastness of the view before me. The wide expanse of the lens took in the railing leading the eye from the foreground, with its maritime details, to the heart of the frame—the disappearing bridge. The aperture choice helped me keep everything in focus, despite the whimsical dance of the fog blurring the lines between water, bridge, and sky.
As I set up my tripod and camera, the energy was palpable—there's something humbling about capturing such an iconic part of the city. I chose to shoot at this focal length because I wanted to encapsulate not just the bridge, but the feeling of standing at the edge of an unknowable expanse. The name 'Dumbo' referring to "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass" was fitting for the frame, hinting at the playful yet overshadowed nature of this spot, often caught in the grandeur of its more famous neighboring bridge.
It wasn't just about capturing a photograph; it was about capturing a mood—the feeling of being both dwarfed and embraced by the city. From the delicate gleam of light on the water's surface to the soft luminescence cast by the nearby building, every element coalesced into a moment that felt suspended in time.
The foggy veil over the bridge made for a sublime moment, and I felt a connection to the city that only comes with the quiet recognition of its beauty amidst the usual chaos. It's moments like these that remind me why I pursue photography with such vigor—to hold onto fleeting instances when the world reveals its quiet magic.
Behind the lens, there was the deep satisfaction of creating art from what the world so generously offers, and the humble realization that I was merely there to witness and preserve the city’s transient poetry. This image of Dumbo, though still, tells a silent story: of water and metal, light and shadow, and the ceaseless whisper of a city that never truly sleeps.
This article is part of the collection New York City by photographer Dr. Alexander Motzek. Click here to explore more photographs of this trip.
You may also be interested in the next article about photograph 'Santa Fé Reverie' or have a look at all articles written by Alex.