NY Through the Lens

NY Through the Lens is a good book for New York City residents, those who once were and those who hope to be. It's an across-the-board compilation of excellent photos from both ground and bird's-eye level. (A little too much of the latter for me -- the roofs of most NYC buildings look much alike.) Ms. Gucwa nabs all the usual suspects -- Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, etc. -- but also features not-yet-gentrified neighborhoods (at least not obviously in the hands of the 1%); snowy streets, many at night (my favorite chapter); and street scenes reminiscent of a Scorsese film. She has a very good eye, and obviously spends a lot of time outside with her camera. Being a former harbor worker, I'd like to see more shots from the water, folks on the Staten Island Ferry, and so forth -- maybe she'll include them in her next book.Unlike many photo books, this one has coherent text, too, written in an almost confessional style that tells me more about Ms. Gucwa, a NYC native but from the far side of the East River (Queens). She is a good writer, adding just enough text to make the book more interesting, not so much you read half and move on. Her captions are mostly good, but many are repetitive if the pictures are similar -- in the vein of "Rooftops looking north from Empire State Building," "Rooftops looking south from Empire State Building," etc. But essentially it's a good read as well as a good look.Photographers take note: This isn't a photo how-to book, other than teaching by example. Ms. Gucwa includes info on camera, ISO and lens settings, but doesn't say what lens she used. In some cases it's not an issue -- she took many of the photos on her iPhone -- but when she used a pro level DSLR, I would have like to know what glass she shot through. Not that buying the same lens would make me as good a photographer....Despite its few minor slips, NY Through the Lens is a great book for folks who love the Big Apple. I'm glad I bought it, and I think you will be, too.

As a NYC native, resident, and as a photographer, I really couldn't be more pleased with this book. The images contained throughout have a markedly classic feel to them. The scenes possess an intimate sense of wonder as opposed to an impersonal and caricatured feeling that is all too abundant when it comes to NYC photography. Whether it's a lone figure in the snow, or an empty street, there is an overwhelming sense of humanity on each page--something that may come as a shock to those who (incorrectly) perceive NYC as a cold, thoughtless place.Each visual vignette is immersive. Whether it's an alleyway in Chinatown or a wide open street in Times Square, there's a sense of scale that magnifies both the size and the congestion of the city. The overall palette looks modern, but feels nostalgic.All the lovely imagery on its own makes for a good experience, but Gucwa complements her photos with personal, but relatable statements about her connection to her home, as well as her craft. The content switches between reminiscent stories, tales of wonder, and poetic passages; they come together as a sort of diary, its pages steeped in love and adoration for a city with many suitors. The images pull you in, but the text holds your hand as a personal guide.If you're a photographer (or an aspiring one), flipping through the pages should give you some additional satisfaction, as the camera model and settings have been included alongside each photo. The cameras vary in ability and technical strength, but it's clear that the images-- and their creator--do not.New York is often romanticized, so it's hard to do so in a way that feels unique and genuine. NY Through the Lens manages to accomplish this feat without feeling hokey or contrived. It's a really fantastic collection of photography and a strong collection of writing. Pick it up.

I am a born-and-bred Brooklynite with a tremendous sense of pride for my home. I also haven't lived in NYC since 2002. While I visit home about twice a year, I strongly identify with the big city in a lot ways. It defines who I am and how I act, even if I currently live in the laid back area of Portland, OR. I love reminiscing over my time back home and do often feel that tinge of regret about leaving.And then Vivienne Gucwa released her wonderful book, NY Through the Lens. The reason why this book is so special is not so much about what it is but rather about what it is not. I have a number of photography books dedicated to New York and the one thing that I noticed about them is their homogeneity. The pictures within these books seemed to blend together without conveying a sense of place or time.That's where Vivienne's book shines so brightly. The book is filled with purposeful photos that showcase a clear sense of place. They also exude with personal emotion, as illustrated by her wonderful writing and poetry that accompanies her imagery. I flip through this book not because I want to see what my home looks like but because I want to remember what it feels like. So thank you, Vivienne. You've done this New Yorker proud.Disclaimer: I am lucky to consider Vivienne a personal friend. Despite this, I preordered this book and paid in full just like so many of you. I am writing this review solely because I want to do my part in promoting it, as it deserves to be seen far and wide. I was not compensated in any way for it.

As Manhattan gentrifies itself well into the 21st Century, this charming book presents the old and the new, sometimes in adjacency, with a gently scripted log of the what, where, how and who of the scenes depicted. So much of what is captured in NEW YORK THROUGH THE LENS avoids the usual eye-catching structures filmed by tourists and historians to show the downtown alleys and secretive huddling spots of New York City natives. Entertaining and photographed by film and digital methods, it's a great addition to anyone's New York or History collection.

For anyone who has a love of NYC, do yourself a favour and get this book. Just magical!!

A unsual and kind of romantic focus on New York.Just missing more gardens and park shot.Do not forget to follow Vivienne on YouTube to better understand the way she perceives and love Her city.

Photos magnifiques accompagnées de leurs descriptions, je voyage à chaque fois que je l'ouvre. Vivienne nous fait partager ses pérégrinations sur Periscope et maintenant aussi sur papier photo