Maurice Masdeu

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‘Aria of Nocturn’, 2022 Street Photography Image Breakdown

This image is the first I’ll present in a series done exclusively at nighttime in NYC. I find that my PTSD and ADHD have interesting effects on me. Both of those mental conditions have overlap in insomnia. I have not had a ‘good’ nights sleep in 10 years. In those times I like to go out and explore the city. Aria of Nocturn, and all of the images that will follow, were all captured between 1030pm and 430am, when most are asleep. I hope you enjoy.

There is an interesting disquiet past midnight in certain parts of New York. When one moves away from the ‘busy’ areas off Manhattan, like the Village and Times Square, the sites change drastically. It’s sad, but the homeless population really takes over certain places at night. I think this was in the 20s. I often wonder what things got them to a position such that they are where they are.

For this image, and for the subsequent images in this series, I will be using a Tiffen Pro-mist filter. The filter, especially with the strong lights of the city, blows out the whites. I like this effect, as it really adds to the contrast of the overall final image. I also appreciate the grainy effect that presented itself after processing.

-Maurice