August 2023 | Color

Brooklyn New York through the lens of my iPhone

iPhone 13 Pro | 9mm (77mm) | 1/1000sec | f/2.8 | ISO 20

During my recent trip to Brooklyn, New York, I had some time on my hands and decided to go on a long walk. I ended up walking over seven miles. I played the role of a wannabe street photographer, usually not really my thing, to capture some “Brooklyn vibes.” Since I did not bring any of my Fujifilm cameras, I used my beloved iPhone 13 Pro.

I shoot almost all my photos in RAW format, regardless of my camera. Some might think that this is crazy. I prefer to have the option to edit my images, and RAW is so much better for this. Yes, images take up more real estate. So what? Preserving the original view, the photo must be out of the camera. Sound familiar? That’s fine, but why not be adventurous and try something else? After all, the pristine originals are still around to be tampered with again.

Most of the time, my photo editing is on the moderate side of things, but I decided to use the Hipstamatic Classic app to edit my images for this little project. Playing with the different “lens” and “film” combinations is a lot of fun. This camera app was one of the reasons I wanted an iPhone back in the day. The second Hipstamatic app combines a camera app and a social network where you can share your images.

All the post-processing was done on my iPhone. Not because I wanted to be a purist but because that’s where the camera app is installed. Lining up the original and edited image for the comparison slider, which is very cool btw., was done in Affinity Photo 2.

Now, have fun checking out the images below.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an incredible masterpiece of architecture and history that connects the vibrant boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It showcases engineering genius with its majestic towers and impressive suspension cables. Beyond its stunning structure, the bridge has become an iconic symbol of New York City. As you stroll along the pedestrian walkway or simply admire it from a distance, you’ll be treated to mind-blowing views of the city skyline, the Statue of Liberty (though rather small), and the bustling activity on the water below. In my opinion, visiting this bridge is an absolute must. At least once.

Hipstamatic Settings
Camera: John S, Film: AO DLX, Exposure: -0.6

I love the look of the edited image. For some reason, the original was rather overexposed, but I liked this photo’s composition. Hipstamatic Classic to the rescue.

Hipstamatic Settings
Camera: Aretha T65, Film: Big Easy, Flash: Tasty Pop

Once I decided to go with the Hipsta app, I contemplated if I should stick to the same lens/film combo for all the photos or rather use what I like best for any given image. The latter won. This image was properly exposed, but due to the gray sky not very vivid (nothing wrong with that).

Brooklyn Dumbo

Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood is a vibrant and captivating area that showcases the true essence of this iconic borough. Known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Dumbo offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. Take a stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets, explore the countless art galleries and boutiques, or simply soak in the breathtaking waterfront scenery. With an array of trendy cafes and restaurants, Dumbo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate (yes, we had a fantastic lunch).

Hipstamatic Settings
Camera: Lincoln, Film: Shilshole, Clarity: 34, Definition: 20, Vibrancy: +20

The iconic image from this area. Countless tourists, and maybe some locals disguised as tourists, flock to this area to take a photo or selfie of this fantastic view. New York at it’s finest.

Hipstamatic Settings
Camera: Lincoln, Film: Blanko Freedom13, Tone Curves: RGB, Temperature: 6510

Another photo from this area. The low sun made for very interesting light, and also created a rather harsh contrast which can be quite charming.

Miss Liberty

Hipstamatic Settings
Camera: Markus LSW, Film: SPRKT-ULTIMO, Exposure: +0.1

Walking around the waterfront, I eventually arrived at Brooklyn Bridge Park with fantastic views. You can catch a glimpse of the iconic Statue of Liberty standing tall and proud with her torch held high and her steadfast gaze. You cannot see the gaze from this location, but you can imagine it. I’d recommend taking a boat tour to get up and close with this iron lady.

Symbolizing freedom and opportunity, this majestic lady beckons millions of visitors from around the world.

The original image has potential, which I tapped into with my Hipstamatic modifications. I do like the final image very much and might have it printed.