location-photo
camera
len
Sony Alpha 7R II
Sony Distagon T FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
Shutter Speed
1/250 sec
Aperture
f/1.4
Focal Length
35mm
ISO
400

Underneath Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

avatar
@davekrugman
This cavernous space under an overpass in Brooklyn creates a nice angular light that comes in from either side. The leading lines of the highway above provide endless compositional possibilities and the gritty parking lot underneath is filled with older cars and graffiti details — a perfect backdrop for a quick portrait session.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (35mm)
  • Model

How to get there

N40° 42' 50.7456"W73° 57' 11.8728"
I took this portrait of my friend Liz under the Bronx-Queens Expressway in this Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We were at the corner of Metropolitan Ave and Meeker Ave. By Subway: - Closest Station: Lorimer Street (L Train) - Head south on Lorimer St toward Metropolitan Ave - Turn right onto Metropolitan Ave and the destination will be on your right

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Late afternoon
You can photograph under this expressway any month of year.
In the late-afternoon, the light is lower and more golden. I prefer that softer style of light.

Field tips

We went under the overpass to take advantage of the leading lines and diffuse light.
This is a great place to use leading lines to direct the viewers’ eyes to the subject. Try different methods of using the backdrop to control how someone experiences the image.
I directed my model to face the direction that had more light coming from it. This way, you can see their features and not lose them in the shadows under the bridge.
When photographing models, I like shooting in a burst mode to capture a wider range of emotions. Developing a rapport with your subject will lead you to capture more genuine emotions.

Current weather

Brooklyn, New York
Overcast
45o
F
Thu
45o
38o
Fri
43o
38o
Sat
50o
39o
Sun
57o
50o
Mon
56o
46o

Blue Hour

10:57
45o
Overcast

Sunrise

11:25
45o
Overcast

Golden Hour

22:15
45o
Overcast

Sunset

22:52
45o
Overcast

Do nearby

This is a great area of Williamsburg for bars and restaurants. Check out Rocka Rolla across the street or grab some dumplings at Kings County Imperial!

Locations nearby

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