What kind of camera I use (+ other frequently asked questions)
What kind of camera do you use?
Currently, my main camera is a Sony A55. However, I do post photos that I have taken with a Sony A77 and Sony A99 as well. I try to include what camera/lens combo I use in each post.
I also use my iPhone 4S quite often. In fact, I am very passionate about mobile photography and also work for Camera+ - which is a mobile photography app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Can I purchase prints of your photos?
Yes, you can. You can view New York City prints in my online photography store/portfolio here.
Do you take commercial requests?
Yes. Some of my work is available for commercial usage on Stocksy and the bulk of my work is available for commercial requests for usage in a large variety of media.
If you wish to contact me regarding my work (which can be found mainly here: New York City photography portfolio as well as on my Flickr) whether it be for a commercial request or for a freelance assignment, you can contact me at photos@nythroughthelens.com .
When and how did you start photography? What inspires you?
Photography found me a few years ago and I found, in turn, that photography and writing are two of my biggest passions in this world. There is a tremendous amount of beauty and diversity to be found in the landscapes, cityscapes and the spirits of the inhabitants of New York City and nothing makes me happier than the process of sharing that beauty and diversity with the rest of the world.
Having grown up in New York City, I have always been intrigued with how quickly the city evolves and changes. The transient nature of New York City and the challenge of capturing even the smallest essence of the city’s spirit inspires me on a daily basis.
I hope one day to have the means to be able to explore the rest of this vast world and to capture as much of it as I can with my photography and writing in the same way that I have devoted myself to capturing the essence of New York City with my images and words.
Where else can I find you online?
You can find a listing of where you can find me online here: Where to find Vivienne Gucwa online.
What part of NYC did you grow up in? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in a borough of New York City called Queens. More specifically, I grew up in Flushing, Queens. I have lived in Manhattan for the last decade. I currently live on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Has your work been featured anywhere?
Yes, it has. My photography has been featured in a variety of publications online and in print, as well as on TV. Here are some places my photography has been featured:
The Biography Channel, cover art for the book A Killer’s Essence by Dave Zeltserman, cover art for the “Lucky Now” single by Ryan Adams, the cover for the inaugural issue of the Lo-Down Magazine, Gallery showing - Mars Bar Retrospective - at Plush NYC, The National Endowment for the Humanities Magazine, Io Donna - Corriere Della Sera, NY Times - Local East Village, Travel and Leisure Online, NBC News online, ABC News Online, on a billboard screen in midtown Manhattan during the summer of 2012, on a billboard in Times Square for an arts event in 2012, cover art for the anthology It’s Animal, but Merciful, BoingBoing, Gothamist, Curbed, Eater, Time Out NY, Racked, Yahoo News, Manhattan User Guide, BlackBook Magazine, Kate Spade NY, Newsweek Online, Village Voice Online, Buzzfeed, NabeWise, Neighborhoodr, NearSay, The Lo-Down NY, Bowery Boogie, EV Grieve, The Frisky, and Schmap Guide Sixteenth Edition.
Some of my work is also available via Getty Images and via Stocksy .
Here are a few photo-assignments I did for the NY Times - East Village :
Inside Obscura’s New Location: More Macabre Than the Funeral Home Before It?
Making It - Patti Kelly, Stained-Glass Artist
Photos: Last Night at Holiday Cocktail Lounge
As Fragrance Shop Reopens, Porsena Vies for Its Old Digs
Additionally, I have had composed several photo-essays for the NY Times - East Village Local. You can find links to these photo-essays here:
Viewfinder - The Art of Mars Bar
What’s are some good sources for information about New York City neighborhoods?
I get asked a variation of this sort of question every week via private messages here. Sometimes it is in reference to moving to New York City and sometimes it is in reference to general questions about different areas of New York City.
I always point people in the direction of City Data,Nabewise. City-data sometimes has useful statistical information and spirited discussion on their forums. Nabewise is an addictive site that allows you to explore any neighborhood in several big cities (NYC being one of them) by searching for things that you may prioritize in searching for a neighborhood to live in.
Neighborhoodr is a nice point of reference. It’s a Tumblr based blog that allows you to click on almost any neighborhood in New York City and see what’s going on in those areas on Tumblr.
