Dumbo, Brooklyn, New York City - Is placemaking all about creating Instagram moments?
What can Instagram influencers and Tik Tok content creators tell us about placemaking?
The view along Water Street in Brooklyn, facing towards the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building in the distance, is undeniably one of the most iconic and picturesque scenes that can be captured and shared on social media platforms like Instagram. Countless posts and videos showcasing this stunning view can be found online, ranging from serious shots of individuals contemplating life amidst the bustling traffic to lighthearted dances and poses that highlight the beauty of the cityscape.
While I appreciate the popularity of this local landmark and the freedom for people to express themselves in public spaces, I am also mindful of the challenges posed by the crowds of tourists and selfie-seekers that flock to this spot. The presence of numerous people in the background of a photograph can detract from its artistic appeal, making it difficult to capture the desired shot without distractions.
To avoid the masses and achieve a pristine, people-free composition, one must venture to the location at sunrise when the neighbourhood is still quiet and undisturbed. This early morning excursion offers the best chance of capturing the iconic view in all its glory, free from the hustle and bustle of the daytime crowds. By embracing the tranquillity of the early hours, one can truly appreciate the beauty of the scene and create a photograph that stands out from the rest.
The photo shoot was meticulously planned in advance, with the strategy of capturing the morning blue hour of the Financial District in Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park. The plan was to slowly walk towards Water Street as the sun rose, capturing anything of interest along the way. Everything fell into place perfectly as I arrived on location just before sunrise. The early morning hours in New York City in May, allowed for sunrise to occur around half past five. This gave me ample time to scout the area for the best location and camera angle before the sun was in the perfect lighting condition.
I was fortunate that this location was not a popular spot for sunrise photos, unlike destinations like Mesa Arch in Utah, which are well-documented and often crowded with photographers vying for the best spot. The tranquillity of an empty street in the early morning, with the soft light before sunrise, the cool fresh air, and the absence of traffic fumes, created a serene atmosphere for capturing the perfect shot.
Despite the occasional interruption of early morning joggers, garbage trucks, and curious tourists, the experience of capturing the beauty of the city awakening was truly rewarding. The contrast between the peaceful early morning scene and the bustling city that would soon come to life added depth to the photos captured.
The composition itself is quite simple, as the shot was taken during the morning golden hour. This is when the sun rises from the horizon, casting a golden glow on the buildings from a low angle. I chose to take a portrait shot to capture this moment. To add variety and options for later, I took versions of the shot from eye level and a lower angle. The lower angle shot minimises the pavement in the frame and may enhance the composition. However, I believe the more traditional shot provides a better balance, with the Manhattan Bridge as the focal point. The combination of the red brick buildings, pavement, and leading lines draw the viewer's eye towards the bridge, creating a cohesive composition.
After completing my shoot, I observed two individuals at the entrance of Brooklyn Bridge Park. They were taking a photo with the Empire State Building framed by the bridge. It was a delightful moment to witness their joy in capturing the scene, adding an unexpected touch to my experience.
As I began to pack up my camera and tripod, I noticed the early riser social media 'influencers' and selfie hunters arriving, eagerly positioning themselves to create their latest online content. It was a clear sign for me to depart as the crowd grew, blocking the street. As I made my way to the nearest Subway station, I reflected on the various issues concerning the future of cities, tourism, and the creation and maintenance of public spaces.
With the advancement of technology and improvements in mobility, more people than ever are able and willing to travel abroad, expanding their cultural horizons by visiting different countries around the world. The rise of technological connectivity, high-speed internet, touch screen mobile phones, and the prevalence of mobile photography and videography on social media platforms have led to a decrease in our attention spans due to the constant influx of information at our fingertips.
In the realm of urban design, there is a growing emphasis on creating spaces that are 'Instagrammable.' While this phrase may seem superficial, it speaks to the reality of today's society where simply being historically or culturally significant is no longer sufficient. Visual appeal and the ability to capture attention and inspire people to pause and take a photo have become essential elements in creating memorable and engaging public spaces.
Moreover, the evolution of photography in the digital age has brought about significant changes. Gone are the days of using physical film to capture precious moments, then developing them into prints to relive memories of past experiences. Now, with the instantaneous nature of digital photography, we are able to record memories instantly. This shift in technology has had a profound impact on human behaviour.
Instead of fully immersing ourselves in the present moment and our surroundings, we often prioritise capturing our presence digitally. The allure of instant gratification through likes and comments on social media has altered our perception of what is truly important. This shift in mentality raises important questions about how we design spaces for the future.
Can we continue to rely on traditional placemaking principles from the past and expect the same results in the present day? The influence of digital technology on our behaviour and perception of space challenges us to rethink how we approach design in the modern world.
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My photographs are published on Instagram and online. Additionally, I am available for private commissions and collaborations with other organisations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further inquiries or opportunities.