Newsletter Issue 6 (Welcome to Park Slope; My Photography on a Trash Can)
Introduction
I recently moved to a new neighborhood (Park Slope, Brooklyn), and am loving it so far. This neighborhood (which straddles the western portion of Prospect Park) is known for its elaborate brownstones and tree-lined streets. I’ve been spending much time scoping out certain blocks for when Peak Autumn hits in a few weeks.
About Michael
Michael Silverstone is a photographer based in New York City. He specializes in train, landscape, and city photography. Michael currently shoots with a Sony Alpha A7RII, alternating between four lenses. On any given day or night, you can find him capturing one of NYC’s iconic landmarks, or shooting from a subway platform deep in Brooklyn.
A hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies in June 2017 (specifically a starry night over Pyramid and Patricia Lakes in Jasper, Alberta) was the inspiration for Michael’s photography journey. Upon returning to NYC, he purchased his first camera the very next day.
Michael’s work has been shared by the marketing organization NYC & Company, and has been featured on multiple local cable news outlets, including Spectrum News NY1, FOX 5 New York, and ABC7 Eyewitness News. He also serves as a mod for the popular Instagram photography hubs @NYCPrimeshot and @USAPrimeshot. These hubs feature the work of local and national creators, and organize and run photography meet-ups/networking events around NYC in collaboration with other hubs, and with the participation of sponsors.
Michael enjoys playing guitar, attending concerts, and studying New York City’s bizarre and captivating history.
Equipment
Sony Alpha A7RII
Tamron 17–28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Tamron 28–75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
Sony FE 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 G OSS
My Photography is Trash
Back in May, I was approached by the organization Downtown Brooklyn to feature this photo on a trash receptacle in the neighborhood.
A few months went by, and I had totally forgotten about this. On one recent October morning, I was leaving Trader Joe’s and wondered to myself “hmmm, I wonder where that garbage can with my photo is.”
By pure coincidence, it was directly in front of me.
The Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower is one of my favorite buildings in all of NYC, and it was so cool that this shot has been shared for the world to see. If you’re ever in the area, and need to use a trashcan, head to Albee Square, right off of Fulton Street.
Recent Photos
At 87.5 ft above ground level, the iconic Smith-Ninth Streets station towers over the Gowanus Canal. It’s only a 10-minute bike ride from me, and I think it’s safe to say that this station will be my new go-to skyline lookout!
Another vantage point from Smith-Ninth, looking towards an F train approaching from 4th-9th.
FlyNYON Helicopter Tours calls this the “money shot.” I wonder why…
Something about the classics! Has this shot been overdone? Yes. But it was super cool to get it on a weekend morning before the tourists filled into the streets. My question is, where did the two orbs from the top of the bridge go?
We’re not at peak Autumn colors just yet. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that NYC is still at least 1–2 weeks off. Despite my impatience, I’ve been using the time to explore Park Slope block-by-block so that I can figure out which composition will be the best for when the yellow and red leaves fall.
The single highest point in Brooklyn is Sunset Park. I’m not sure why it’s called Sunset Park, but something tells me that it has to do with the views to the west, such as this view of the Statue of Liberty. Something tells me this would be a pretty good sunset spot…
Probably one of my favorite compositions to date — you can find this vantage point at the corner of 24th St and 5th Ave (in Brooklyn), just a block north of the Green-Wood Cemetery main entrance.
And while you’re at Green-Wood Cemetery, be sure to lookout for wild monk parrots. Yes, you heard that correctly. Many decades ago, a group of South American parrots somehow got loose at JFK Airport. They ultimately settled at Green-Wood, and live here year-round. They tend to move very quickly, and like to perch very high up in the trees, so if you plan on shooting, don’t forget to bring your longest telephoto lens.
The ground that this cemetery rests on was integral to the Revolutionary War. Being one of the highest points in the area, it could give you an unobscured view of enemy ships entering New York Harbor. As far as the cemetery itself goes, Green-Wood is home to the likes of Leonard Bernstein, Basquiat, and many New York figures whose last names you’ve probably seen on street signs such as “Meserole” and “Schermerhorn.”
Paris? Nope. That’s Grand Army Plaza.
York Street is the stopping ground for tourists and photographers looking to explore DUMBO, and while it’s an F train station, a D decided to roll through on this particular night.
To see all prints for sale (including many of the images above), check out my shop site!
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!
