There’s a quiet kind of beauty in simplicity. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t beg for attention. It waits for you to notice. That’s exactly what I felt when capturing this black-and-white photograph of the Empire State Building’s spire. It’s a love letter to minimalism, to seeing the extraordinary in the everyday. And what better place to explore this idea than in Brooklyn, a borough steeped in stories, culture, and architectural gems?
This shot wasn’t planned. I was walking through Greenpoint, Brooklyn, scouting locations for a different project when I glanced up. There it was: the spire of the Empire State Building, standing tall, slicing through the sky with unapologetic grace. The symmetry was too perfect to ignore. Without thinking, I reached for my Olympus OMD EM5 MkII paired with the Olympus 75-300mm lens. Moments like this remind me why I fell in love with street photography in the first place—sometimes, the city offers up its secrets when you least expect it.
Let’s talk about black-and-white photography for a second. There’s a certain timelessness to it, don’t you think? Color is beautiful, sure, but black-and-white strips everything down to its core. It’s all about contrast, shadows, and textures. For this image, I wanted to emphasize the sharp, geometric edges of the spire. The way it pierces the sky, almost as if it’s challenging it. There’s something meditative about editing black-and-white photos too. It’s not about making the colors pop—it’s about bringing out the subtle details, the kind you might overlook at first glance. Street photography in Brooklyn offers countless opportunities to play with light and shadow, and this shot felt like the perfect homage to that simplicity.
For those who geek out about photography gear (you’re in good company), here’s a breakdown of the settings I used: Focal length: 300mm (to isolate the spire and cut out distractions). Aperture: f/8. This gave me the sharpness I wanted across the frame without sacrificing depth. Shutter speed: 1/500. The wind was making the spire sway slightly, so I needed a fast shutter to freeze the motion. ISO: 200. A low ISO helped keep the image noise-free, which is especially important in black-and-white. Shooting with the Olympus OMD EM5 MkII and the Olympus 75-300mm lens felt like the perfect choice for this moment. The compact build of the EM5 MkII makes it easy to carry around during long walks through Brooklyn’s streets. And that lens? It’s a powerhouse for street photography, especially when you want to capture distant subjects without compromising on detail.
There’s a reason photographers from all over the world flock to Brooklyn. The streets here are alive—not just with people, but with textures, patterns, and moments waiting to be captured. Greenpoint, where I shot this photo, is a perfect example. It’s a neighborhood that blends old-school charm with modern grit. Think cobblestone streets, graffiti-covered walls, and skylines that sneak up on you when you’re least expecting them. Street photography isn’t just about the streets, though. It’s about the stories those streets hold. Sometimes, it’s a quiet corner of Greenpoint where a mural tells the story of a community. Other times, it’s a fleeting moment—a couple holding hands, a kid chasing pigeons, or a spire rising above it all.
Here’s the thing about street photography: it teaches you to see. Not just to look, but to really see. Walking through Brooklyn with my Olympus OMD EM5 MkII in hand, I’ve learned to slow down and notice the little things. The way light hits a building at golden hour. The reflection of a storefront in a puddle after the rain. The Empire State Building, towering above, reminding you of the city’s history and resilience. But let’s be honest—“seeing” isn’t just about photography. It’s a mindset. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary, about being present in the moment. That’s why I love street photography. It’s not just a creative outlet; it’s a way of life.
If you’re looking to explore street photography in Brooklyn, start with neighborhoods like Greenpoint, DUMBO, and Red Hook. Each one has its own vibe, its own rhythm. And bring a lens that lets you play with perspective. The Olympus 75-300mm is a personal favorite for capturing those distant details while still feeling connected to the scene. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my creative portfolio for more shots like this one. You can also support my work by grabbing some merch here. Want to see more behind-the-scenes moments? Follow me on Instagram or like my Facebook page. For business inquiries, feel free to reach out at ramontrotman@gmail.com.
This photo isn’t just about the Empire State Building. It’s about perspective—literally and figuratively. It’s about zooming in on a detail and giving it the spotlight it deserves. It’s about finding stillness in a city that never stops moving. Brooklyn has a way of doing that to you. It’s chaotic and gritty, but if you slow down, you’ll find moments of quiet beauty. Street photography is my way of capturing those moments, of freezing them in time.
What’s your favorite hidden gem in Brooklyn? Do you have a spot that always inspires you? Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message. Let’s keep the conversation going—because photography, like life, is better when shared.
Keywords Used: Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Street photography, Olympus OMD EM5 MkII, Olympus 75-300mm
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