New York Street Photography – Post #1 – Zuccotti Park

New York Street Photography – Post #1 – Zuccotti Park

This is the first of several posts to highlight my street photography weekend in New York City, which took place May 31 through June 2, 2019. I joined five other photographers as we hit the streets and captured thousands of images. The weather was amazing, and I really enjoyed spending time with other photographers that share my passion for learning and adventure.

New York is a special place to me. My father, Julian Arroyo, Jr., was born in Brooklyn in 1913. His father, Julian Arroyo, Sr., a Wall Street attorney, emigrated through Ellis Island from Venezuela in 1903. The image below is my grandfather delivering a blistering speech in Central Park on July 24, 1942 at the dedication of a statue honoring Simon Bolivar. My grandfather lashed out at Adolf Hilter, and he spoke of the need for solidarity in the Americas. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia is sitting directly to the right as you view the picture.

In addition to the above, my mother Marilyn Arroyo worked at the flagship Macy’s store in the late 1940’s, and my youngest son Tony attended New York University, graduating in 2017 from the Stern School of Business. My good friend Joe Ponessa lives on Roosevelt Island. I am fortunate to have historical and personal reasons to return to this great city.

This post is dedicated to my time in Zuccotti Park. This park in lower Manhattan was where I started my weekend adventure on Friday and I returned there on Sunday just before departing for Detroit.

Zuccotti Park, originally named Liberty Plaza, is a place of historical significance in New York. Located near Wall Street, it has been the site of protests dating back to 1773, when the Sons of Liberty staged a demonstration in front of the King’s Arms Coffeehouse to protest the Tea Act. In 2011, it was the site of Occupy Wall Street. Liberty Plaza was heavily damaged during the attacks on September 11, 2001. It was renovated in 2006 and renamed Zuccotti Park. To find out more about the park’s history, go to this link.

I was first led to Zuccotti park by hunger. It was lunch time and I went in search of good local food. I found Sam’s food cart and enjoyed a falafel sandwich; it was amazing. So much flavor and freshness. It was the best falafel sandwich I have ever had.

During this first visit a discovered a woman perched up high singing at the top of her voice – headphones on – and acting like she cared about nothing else. Her voice was not good, but her enthusiasm and joie de vivre was on full display.

On Sunday, I was able to catch a talented group of street performers entertaining a large group comprised of mostly students from Colorado. They mesmerized the enthusiatic crowd, and they were particularly adept at getting people to donate cash to support their art.

While I was watching the street performers, I noticed a skateboarder making some impressive moves just about 60 feet away. I changed my position several times to attempt to capture the essence of his intensity. I was drawn in by his desire to repeat the same move over and over again until he landed it just right.

I wanted to end this post with an image that reflects how most people use this park – as a refuge from the intensity of city life. A place to catch your breath, eat a meal, talk to a friend, catch up on social media or just be together.

These photos were captured with my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II cameras. I used my Olympus M.Zuiko ED Zoom 12-40mm F/2.8 Pro for the Zuccotti Park series. Thanks to Mike Boenig and Megan Crandelmire for setting things up so we could all have a great weekend.

Rod Arroyo, Photographer and Urbanist

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