September 19th, 2020
9:12AM
I opened my eyes. The sunlight from behind me creeped up my pillow and poured into my face. I shut them as quickly as they opened. As they were still closed, my hands reached towards my chair, where I usually place my phone before falling asleep.
9:12AM
It was going to be a long day. 3 photoshoots that day in the city (us New Yorkers usually refer to that as Manhattan). I sent Jane a quick text - “Hey hey still okay with meetin at like 11 today?(:” As soon as I sent it, I put a 15 minute timer on my phone and went right back to sleep…
9:28AM
The all too familiar obnoxious alarm goes off and I commence my usual morning routine.
- Get out of bed with my bed-hair.
- Go to the bathroom for a number 1.
- Look at myself in the mirror
- Crack my neck and stretch my arms.
- Brush my teeth.
- Go back to my room.
- Make my bed.
- Get dressed with the outfit I chose the night before.
- Head downstairs to my kitchen.
- Grab a quick bite (a banana that day).
- Out the house I go.
10:05AM
On Main Street, Flushing.
Shot on iPhone 8.
It was 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Autumn was literally right around the corner and I was all for it. This meant that I was finally able to start layering more clothes on top of one another, and start to wear some of my buys - some thrifts and some brand new pieces. The bus stop is a quick 2 minute walk from my house. Unfortunately, I don’t get the luxury to only have to take the train when commuting around New York City. Since I live in Fresh Meadows, Queens, the bus is a must. The closest train stations which were in Flushing, Jamaica, and Elmhurst all aren’t walkable from where I lived. The bus came rather quick though for a weekend - within the minute!
I was Flushing bound and I was soon there in about 20 minutes. I usually get off the last stop, but since it was a weekend I got off the 2nd to last one and just walked. I feared that the traffic on Main Street might take a little longer than expected. The streets of Flushing were flooded with people. Things seemed to be shifting back to “normal”, but just about everyone was wearing masks out on the streets. There was even some sort of religious organization that set up a prayer station outside of the Flushing library. People were definitely getting a lot more comfortable these days. I maneuvered my way through the sea of fish and made my way down the Flushing 7 line train station.
10:40AM
On 7 train, Manhattan bound.
Shot on iPhone 8.
I got on the train. The train wasn’t packed, but it was definitely an average amount of people present. Everyone also wore masks. As of 2 weeks ago or so, the MTA enforced a rule that if individuals were caught not wearing a mask when taking transportation, they would be fined. Sometimes I would go to sleep when taking the subway into the city since it’d be about 45 minutes, but that day I decided to catch up on some social media and emails on my ride.I’m proud to say I live in Queens, 1 of 5 boroughs in New York City. It’s actually also the most culturally diverse county in the nation. Now the 7 train roughly runs through 60% Queens and 40% Manhattan. Throughout the entire Queens portion of the ride, the train will be above ground, meaning that you’ll have a fantastic scenic view of the borough. It’s a must for tourists - A hidden gem that is really underrated. And along these stops are a terrific line up of cuisines that go from Korean and Chinese to Mexican to Pakistani to Tibetan to Filipinx plus SO many more in between!
11:35AM
At Union Square subway station.
Shot on iPhone 8.
I arrived at Union Square. I had to make one transfer to the downtown 6 train after the 7 to get there. As soon as I walked out the station, I was met with a beautiful Black Lives Matter mural. It was only about 4 months ago since the cruel death of George Floyd sparked hundreds of protests nationwide. I can’t believe so much has changed in 2020 so far. Streets were literally packed with protestors several weeks back. My first time taking the public transit out to the city during COVID was actually due to me wanting to participate in these protests. I was going to meet Jane at Think coffee which was about a block from the post office, our shoot location. As I approached the cafe, I saw Jane walking towards me from the opposite side. Perfect timing. We waved, elbow touched (cause COVID), and proceeded to purchase our dosage of caffeine. I needed a medium size. My immune system was desperate for it. I made sure to give a tip too! Jane mentioned that back in college this used to be the spot she always went to for her cup of morning (or evening) Joe. It brought back memories for her, but she agreed that she didn’t want to be back in college. We both agreed that it was more so the people that we missed being around. Post college life was much more independent, and freer.
We walked over to the post office, but the building was going under renovations, so we weren’t able to utilize it as a nice background. There were still a ton of USPS trucks in the area, so those were something we would still be able to use! They all had a nice vibrant streak of blue and red. Jane also brought some envelopes and stamps. We wanted to use this shoot as a reminder for people to continually support the United States Postal Service, especially after Trump aimed to dismantle the USPS to prevent voting by mail. TLDR, but it’s an attack on fair and equitable voting and the democratic process, as well as on the Constitution, U.S. veterans, and racial equality.
This shoot was actually related to my restaurant campaign that I put together back in March. Individuals would purchase a gift card to any restaurant of their choice, show me the receipt, and then proceed to receive a $20 photoshoot of anything from me. Now that people were slowly becoming more comfortable with meeting, while taking precautions, I was catching up on people’s requests.
Outside Union Square subway station.
Shot on iPhone 8.
Right before the shoot though, we spent about 15 minutes playing catch up on life. The last time we actually saw each other in person was September 8th, 2019 at Elsewhere in Brooklyn. Joe Kay was spinning and you already know we were there to jam to the vibes. It was also to celebrate her birthday! Throwback to when we were actually able to go to live music events… But our conversation took place in front of a very nostalgic spot, especially for NYU students - Webster Hall. IYKYK. We chatted about where we were in regards to the fields of dance and in our individual romantic lives. Both of us haven’t been in a serious relationship in a long time, so we were both in very relatable situations. We also weren’t dancing as much because we missed taking classes with people physically around us. It had so much more of an inviting and warm atmosphere. Things just weren’t the same as they used to be. Advice and support were thrown between us around while mail carriers zipped back and forth.
12:30PM
We stayed right on that street to do a couple of shots. As we moved on to Tompkins Square Park, we found a mailbox where we got a couple “candid” ones. It just screamed “New Yorker”. Then we realized there was a USPS truck right next to it too! Jane had the wonderful idea to pretend as if she was chasing after the truck. That screamed “New Yorker” even more.
1:05PM
When we got to the park, there were a ton of people gathered there. Everyone was taking advantage of the last bit of summer, while staying distanced from one another. Small groups of musicians were spread throughout the park each playing their own tunes. People were reading, dancing, and conversing with one another. I find that being in the concrete jungle, individuals will jump at the chance to be on some grass. It was really pleasant to see individuals trying to enjoy their good weekend amidst such a crazy year.
We found a nice 6 feet distanced spot from other individuals and set up our layout. A bedsheet/picnic blanket sprawled out with Jane laying down on it as she dreamingly writes out a love letter. I used my varsity jacket as a prop to provide her character warmth and comfort. The pink from her lipstick matched spot on with her journal too. It was my first time executing this sort of concept, and we both thought it came out so great! We were going to grab some food after too, but I didn’t have the time and it turns out the restaurant we were going to go to, Sobaya, wasn’t open yet. Some restaurants adjust their times due to COVID. Luckily Jane had a small chocolate granola bar that gave me some energy to help me through my day. Bless.
1:25PM
At 34th Street Herald Square station.
Shot on iPhone 8.
I made my way to the L train station. I had to later transfer to the F, take it to 34th St. Herald Square, and walk over to the Hudson Yards district. As I was walking though, I passed by Boris and Horton, a dog cafe in the East Village. This was a cafe that Jane and I went to get coffee about 2 years ago. I was happy to see them still opened, with many individuals seated outside. You guessed it, they’re dog friendly! However they also have dog adoption events every now and then. It’s truly a great place to get some work done, gulp down some coffee, while supporting their cause. I immediately texted Jane that we had to visit them again soon and that it would be our default spot to go to.
2:10PM
In Kelly’s kitchen ft. her bubble tea.
Shot on iPhone 8.
Shoot two. I walked up 6 flights of stairs to get to Kelly’s place. I haven’t been working out as much these days, so it made sense that I was trying to catch my breath after reaching the top. I rang the doorbell, and out popped Kelly’s head. She had a cup of water waiting for me, since she expected me to need some after that climb. Super nice of her. But she had some boba. I was jealous.
Kelly’s place was really nice, given that it was the usually Manhattan sized pad. It was a one bathroom, one bedroom apartment. It was really tidy, organized, and homey. Definitely my sort of vibe. I could tell that she took the time to put her interior designing touch to it. There was one fish tank on her kitchen sink, which was right next to her living room, and another in the corner of her bedroom. She told me about the different sorts of fish she owned, and that she installed everything herself. I never knew she was a fish lover! I guess you really do learn more about a person when you’re in their home.
Kelly actually agreed to allow me to have a shoot at her place. She sent me a video of her place beforehand, in which I saw the fish tank in her room with a neat light setup. I thought it would be really cool to capture it, as well as any other aspects of her home. As a photographer and appreciator of interior design, I find it to be an adventure brainstorming of concepts to do at people’s places. If it’s my first time at a place, I almost feel like a kid! I let my imagination run free, and if the homeowner allows me to, I’ll be moving things around to get some interesting shots. Of course, I am always on my absolute best behavior, respecting their boundaries. I am a guest after-all!
Kelly is also a photographer. We actually met online, and this was the 2nd time meeting! She currently goes to Parsons School of Design and from what I know she does a ton of music photography. She was telling me how during her freshman year she reached out to Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American rapper, asking if she could come to one of his concerts to shoot it. To her surprise, he actually responded and said that it was fine! Kelly went on to scream in excitement, while her roommate looked over at her all confused. These are the moments in which it really shows that taking the initiative can really make a difference.
Through music she even met one of my good friends from high school too, Naveed. He’s in an urban-alternative band of 2 and is such a good singer too. Check him out as well! She was actually rocking their shirt when I arrived. She said they did a shoot a couple weeks back too. They were in Astoria, and they found a shopping cart where he sat in for some photographs. She specifically told him to use the caption “What’s poppin? Brand new whip, just hopped in.” RIP Pop Smoke.
So we started to shoot by the fish tank in her bedroom. She said that it used to be a flower pot, but she decided to upcycle it. SUPER creative. I tried my best to capture something “cool” but it was pretty difficult with the only source of light being a tiny sort of book lamp just for the tank. I wish I got creative a little earlier then, but alas I didn’t. I ended up doing a couple more shots of her and her fish, Crimson. It was afterwards in which we decided to move towards the window and grab some shots with her plants. We moved some things around to get her to sit on the window sill too, while even holding one of her big green sun lover. The vents outside actually acted as a great reflector that bounced a lot of the sunlight into the room. If you look out the window, there isn’t much of a view. However according to Kelly, it does give great Diagon Alley vibes. (I spotted a Slytherin pillow in her living room, as well as a necktie in her drawer) I then noticed that some of her smaller plant holders were also upscaled from empty sauce containers that were glass. It was THEN that I figured I could shine some light through it as another light source! So I turned on my phone light, steadied it behind the container, and shined it towards Kelly. It gave a nice dreamy jungle vibe. I couldn’t wait to edit the photos! She took a look and loved it as well.
4:00PM
Thank you for the snack, Kelly!
Shot on iPhone 8.
It was time to get to my next shoot! Kelly offered me M&Ms since she had a ton in her fridge after a spontaneous visit to M&M World in Times Square. I didn’t eat lunch, so I eagerly said yes. She was also kind enough to give me a small matcha bread type pastry with a red bean filling inside as a snack too. Another angel, just like Jane. I eagerly said yes as well, thanked her, and was on my way. 6 flights of stairs down I went, and onwards to Tribeca - my old high school stomping grounds…
A family in transit, while en route to Tribeca via 2 train.
Shot on iPhone 8.
Shortly before I got a message from my friend Bradley saying that he was going to arrive a little later than expected. Totally okay with me! That meant a little bit of walking slower to enjoy the flowers, or in this case just to soak in the city life. I took the 2 train downtown to Chambers St. That couple of stops were oh so familiar, as I spent 4 painful years of my life getting used to it. On my train ride there, I saw a beautiful family sitting together in the corner of a cart. What caught my eye mainly was that two of the daughters were matching, which most likely meant TWINS! I took another look, and I was right! After I got off the train, I slowly reminisced of all those mornings when I followed the steps of my peers and together we walked over to school. Up those same stairs, always passing the same homeless man, and walking through the shadows of trees as the sun came up. Many of the local businesses there have changed, and have closed too due to the pandemic. McDonalds had their outdoor seating set up. Classic. Wow, I remember spending many days after school there hanging out or waiting for my team before we had practice at Prospect Park. I walked up the Tribeca Bridge, and just beyond me was my old high school. I took my time and walked across and just when I was about to reach the end, Bradley came up from the other side.
4:30PM
I haven’t seen Bradley since I graduated back in 2013. So it’s been just over 7 years. How time flies. I actually have known him for about 10 years though because we went to the same church. Surprise! I’m Christian! I haven’t been to church in awhile, but I’m still devout and say my prayers almost every night. That might be a blog post for another time. But it was really great to see him again and to reconnect. He went to school in Boston for the pharmaceutical field, and just graduated. That was why he wanted to book me - for the graduation photos. That, and because he wanted to support my cause and get a chance to catch up with me. He actually didn’t even care if I took the photos for him or not. I had to re-coordinate a time with Bradley 3 times before finally finding a date and time that would work for him. I had to make sure to get it done and honor his request!
We walked alongside Rockefeller/Battery Park while asking each other what’s been keeping us busy during these past couple of months. He was hunting for a job, and it wasn’t easy especially because hospitals and companies in the industry didn’t really have a huge budget since most of their expenses went into fighting the virus. He knew he’d have a better chance a couple more months down the line. Other than that he’s been helping out around the house and has been giving his brother a lift to work as much as possible to have him avoid taking public transportation. He said he knew things would get better. He wasn’t alone! Others just like him, who graduated the same year, were in the same situation. He would just have to take things each day at a time.
Shoot three. We essentially went for a big loop around our school’s “playground”. Past the huge lawn, the basketball courts, and the handball courts. We stopped around there to take some photos. He brought his gown, cap, and diploma too! He joked that it was pretty ironic that he’s getting his graduation photos now even though school for everyone just started. We took some of him with his mask on, as well as with it off. Then we went near the secret slide not too far away and took some shots nearby there and finally around Brookfield place a little further down. Little bit more simple than the other 2 shoots I’d say.
3 shoots for the day - FINISHED.
My highschool backyard.
Shot on iPhone 8.
5:45PM
Touchdown at Curry-Ya !
Shot on iPhone 8.
It was time to head to dinner! Bradley had gotten a gift card to Curry-Ya in support of the restaurant campaign I put together, so it was time to get our curry game on! Luckily he was able to get hold of the car today. We drove back to the East Village, where I had my first shoot and found a parking spot a couple of blocks away. The whole time there, I was asking him questions about driving. I wanted to pick his brain, as a fellow resident from Queens. I don’t know if I’m overthinking things, but I just really wanted to make sure I get this whole driving thing down. I sound like a TOTAL novice, which I am. However, I think that asking a lot of questions is the key to truly mastering something. These past 2 months, I’ve been trying to take every opportunity I can to practice my driving. I’m still really uncomfortable driving on the highway and have never made my way out to the city yet being behind the steering wheel. And so my questions were all surrounding that. When was the first time you drove into the city? How did you feel? What made you feel like that was going to be your first time? Was anyone in the car with you? Why should you merge now instead of later? Etc. Etc. But he was super eager to share with me his answers, and of course I was just as appreciative.
Order with your anime character!
Shot on iPhone 8.
6:24PM
We arrived at Curry-Ya and had to wait for a table. We were next in line though, so it wasn’t going to be long. The server said that we’d probably have to wait 10-15 minutes which was absolutely fine with us.
10 minutes passed.
“Must be soon!”
15 minutes passed.
“Almost!!!”
20 minutes passed.
”Please, we’re starving.”
25 minutes passed.
6:50PM
We got seated and were ready to order! We took a look at their contactless menu as we were waiting and knew exactly what we wanted. It was totally understandable that there was a wait. We actually also beat a huge wave of hungry customers too. The server also apologized around the 20 minute mark saying that the customers were taking longer than expected, which was thoughtful of him to do. Curry-Ya has a tablet, as well as hand sanitizer, on every table in which customers can place their order in. They would have to also put in their name and which anime character’s paper was stationed at their table to determine who to serve to. Cute, and completely contactless! Payment could also be done on the tablet. It was really safe to eat at and delicious to say the least. We also had options because Curry-Ya shared the same order of operations as their sister restaurant next door, Rai Rai Ken. So if you wanted to, you could order some of their ramen too. We stuck to Curry-Ya though, since we wanted to commit. Here’s what we ordered:
I think restaurant bathrooms tell a lot about them.
Shot on iPhone 8.
Takoyaki
Pork Buns
Kara-age
Regular Berkshire Pork Katsu Curry
Baked Berkshire Pork Katsu Curry
Coke
Calpico
Talk about a meal! It filled us up real good, just enough that we considered ourselves full. As we were waiting for our food, Bradley was even contemplating getting a ramen to go. Post meal though, he said that there was no need for that anymore. Good move.
8:20PM
I was going to cap my night off by going to my friend’s place in Ktown where we would drink and dance on her rooftop. I changed my mind though. Since Bradley drove to the city and was still living near me, he offered to drive me back. I immediately accepted! As much as I was still down to chill, I was just too tired. My body was requesting PTO post meal. Plus I think I was falling into a food coma. If I were to drink too, that would be an absolute night night. And so we jumped into his car and back to Queens we went. Of course my questions on driving continued to fire off as we got on the Williamsburg Bridge, drove along the I-278 and then the I-495. He was again such a pal, answered my questions and went through his thought process the best he could.
9:15PM
Finally, back home.
I took a nice hot shower and spent the rest of my evening on my computer and phone. Then I went to bed around midnight. I actually had another shoot the next day. Lucky for me, just 1 instead of 3. You grind a ton some day, and just a bit for others. No big deal.
Nonetheless, I’m grateful that I can spend everyday pursuing things that I love. I’m grateful that I live with two loving amazing parents that have raised me into the man I am today, one that’s diligent and hardworking. I use my traits to make money and invest in things that I can help other people with. My photography allows me to connect with strangers, create stories, capture time, and inspire others. Not all my days are like this one, but I always try my best to make the most of my time. Today’s was dedicated to Jane, Kelly, and Bradley. Much love to each one of you and I hope to see you again soon.
12:00AM
Good night.
Shoot 1 - with Jane Sun!
Shoot 2 - with Kelly Liu!
Shoot 3 - with Bradley Situ!