More Photographic Love for Astoria

More love for my NYC stomping grounds, Astoria. When I first moved out here I honestly found it pretty visually uninspiring. But I’m starting to feel like I’m finally finding a photographic groove that fits pretty well with my new surroundings. Sure, it’s not Riverside Park, the Upper West Side, Columbia University, or Washington Heights, but I’m finding that Astoria’s got a charm all its own.

Now for the disclaimer: This shot might give my non-NYC-dwelling-people the wrong impression of NYC and Astoria. It might specifically seem to reinforce several stereotypes about NYC that you might have heard, namely that it’s dirty and dangerous. Well, I do have to admit that it’s not exactly all polish and shine, but it’s also not exactly dirty — just well loved. And as far as it being dangerous, that’s not really true either. Just stay out of dark alleys, don’t flash your cash and valuables around, and generally use your common sense and you’ll be just fine. (words to live by no matter where you live)

And now on to the photo …

I did something a little different with this one. I developed it with a cross processed look. I know that cross processing is sometimes seen as cliche these days, but I just couldn’t resist, the image just seemed to be begging to be cross processed. And besides, I like the cross processed look. I feel it really adds something exciting and interesting to what might usually be seen as slightly bland everyday urban lifestyle images. In fact, I like it so much that I’m working on building a Photoshop action to partially automate the application of the cross processed look. I’m still refining the action, but once I’m happy with it I’ll write up a post and share it, so keep your eyes peeled.