10 weeks. greatest city. coolest internship.

This summer I had the unique opportunity to intern at Calvin Klein in the buying department on the Accessories Team and live in the East Village in New York City, the best city in the world! I loved exploring all of the different neighborhoods in New York because each one has its own vibe. I especially loved wondering through the city with a purpose: my photography class. I did a photo project of street photography- capturing moments in Washington Square Park, Union Square, Soho, and Central Park. The people I encountered were diverse and yet all had one thing in common: passion. People doing what they love is the theme that strings all of my photos together.

Washington Square Park

One of my first assignments in my photography class was to take photos of the same image from many different angles. Since I lived near and enjoyed Washington Square Park, I chose the arch.

Washington Square Park: Take 2!

After learning a lot of the basics of photography technicalities, my teacher assigned the class to work on our final photo projects. We were told to pick a theme and start taking photos that the class would chose six of the best from at the end of the class to be in a final exhibition. I decided on street photography in different parks in New York. My first week I went back to favorite: Washington Square Park, where I started to recognize the regulars. I was nervous about getting too close to my subjects. I didn't want them to notice me taking their picture, so that I could capture them in the moment. I stayed further away from them, used my zoom, and experimented with depth of field.

Union Sqaure

The next week I ventured to Union Square to try to diversify my photo project. I encountered some rough characters who were not willing to have their photograph taken and weren't too pleased with me. I remembered what my teacher said, "It's perfectly legal to take pictures of strangers," and carried on. I gained the courage to walk up closer to my subjects and got some great shots. As my teacher put it, my photos showcased the "organized pandemonium"of New York and particularly, Union Square.

Washington Square Park: Take 3!

I got a little lazy and left my photo project to the last minute in the third week, so I had to go back to Washington Square Park again since it was so close to home.

Thompson Square Park

I wanted to be adventurous and try a new park. I had seen a sign for Thompson Square Park pretty close to where I lived in the East Village, although the park was in Alphabet City. It was quite possibly one of the sketchiest places I've been in New York. I got some interesting photos to diversify my project, but I was ready to leave after a few quick pictures. The homeless people I was photographing started demanded I pay them for taking their picture. That was my cue to leave.

Soho

One of my favorite neighborhoods in New York is Soho! I couldn't get enough of the shopping there. The clothes were so unique, and I spent hours and hours wandering in and out of one-of-a-kind boutiques and vintage stores trying on and perusing through the clothing. I also met a fellow photographer in Soho and got to see his studio and incredible work, which I found inspiring. I rarely brought my camera with me on my shopping trips, but I did capture this one photo.