Sharpness is overrated pt. 2 – Roosevelt Island, The Lower East Side & Manhattan

“New York, just like I pictured it skyscrapers and everything”

Every time I get closer to New York and can see the skyline I hear the lyrics from “Inna City Mamma” by Neneh Cherry playing in my head. The text is actually is a quote from the song “Living For The City” by Stevie Wonder.

I love blurry photos but photography is often associated with precision and sharpness — crisp details that capture moments in vivid clarity. However, there exists a unique and captivating group of photographers whose work intentionally embraces blur and unsharpness. These photographers challenge conventional norms, using imprecision not as a flaw, but as a powerful tool for expression and artistic exploration. A photographer who I admire a lot is Saul Leiter, I consider him to be a master of unfocused photos. When looking closer at Saul Leiters photos you see that they are not unfocused, the most important object of the photo is in focus. It’s just that many other objects in the photo is not in focus. Saul Leiter also has a mastery of color in his photos. Many of his photos depict New York as well, which is where my series of photographs are taken.

The blurry photograph can evoke a sense of mystery, allowing the viewer to fill in the gaps with their imagination. By intentionally blurring their images, these photographers are less interested in technical perfection and more focused on the emotional and atmospheric qualities of their subject. Motion blur, soft focus, and out-of-focus elements are often employed to convey a sense of fleetingness or impermanence, mirroring the transient nature of human experience.

Use your imagination

Unfocused photos that allows the viewer to fill in the gaps is like somebody wrote about Peter Dohertys lyrics, there’s enough room between the words, so you fill out the blanks yourself and start using your imagination. You use your imagination because not everything is said in the lyrics. Stimulation the imagination is one of the most important aspects of art in my opinion. This is also the kind of books I like the best, when the author know that their readers are intelligent and don’t spell out everything. Authors like David Sedaris, who’s an expert at this, and a Swedish author called Birgitta Stenberg use this technique a lot. And, as you don’t have to spell everything out to your readers in lyrics, you don’t have to have crystal clear and sharp photos. It leves the interpretation of the art to the viewers imagination.

Photography communicating feelings

In some cases, blur serves as a form of abstraction, distilling reality into its essential forms and colors. The sharp edges and rigid definitions of the world dissolve into a fluid, dreamlike state where shapes and figures merge into one another, creating an almost surreal ambiance. For example, a portrait with soft focus may not give a clear depiction of all of a subject’s features but can instead emphasize their aura or mood or the focus of their eyes. Similarly, the blurred movement of a city street or a landscape can heighten the sense of dynamism, capturing not just the scene but the very essence of time passing. That’s one of the tings that caught my eye when I looked at my photos of The Williamsburg Bridge, the photos that accidentally became blurry, the blur in the photos sort of illustrates the movement of the ferry on East River and the cold air on this windy January day.

Feeling over form

One of the most significant aspects of blurry photography is its ability to communicate feeling over form. Communicating, and photographing, emotions is one of the main reasons I took up photography. Sharpness can often be associated with clarity and control, but blur invites uncertainty, drawing attention to the emotional resonance of a moment. The unfocused image can reflect the chaos of a busy mind, the warmth of a soft, intimate memory, or the ambiguity of a fleeting encounter. In some ways, these photographs mirror the human condition—our memories are often hazy, our perceptions sometimes unclear, and the moments we cherish are not always sharply defined. In my sports photos there are som many conflicting emotions going on at the same, so much is happening in one photo, so I love when not everything is focused. This gives the viewer a sense of how fast most sports are.

In the digital age, where high-definition images are easily attainable, photographers who embrace blur are often pushing back against the culture of perfectionism that dominates modern photography. They resist the pressure to “sharpen” every image, instead prioritizing mood, atmosphere, and the intangible qualities of their subjects. For these photographers, blur is not a mistake—it’s a deliberate and meaningful choice. When I was in Mexico photographing surfing I intentionally took some photos with the surfer in focus and letting the sea be a bit blurry because I wanted to illustrate the focused movement of the surfer in the constantly moving sea. The surfer has to be focused to move with the waves.

Lucky accidents

Ultimately, blurry and unsharp photographs invite us to slow down and engage with the image in a more contemplative way. By removing some of the clarity, they ask us to focus on what is not immediately visible: the emotions, the subtext, and the nuances that lie beyond the surface. In a world obsessed with sharpness, these photographers remind us that sometimes, the beauty of a photograph lies in its imperfection. This series of photos from a visit to New York, and this blog post, started with me going through the photos and discovering some of them were blurry. I have no idea what was going on with my camera on that cold January day on the ferry on East River. But the photos of Lower East Side and Williamsburg Bridge where blurred, and I love how they look.

Contrary to how landscape, and cityscape, photos usually are done I’ve used a zoom lens for these photos. I took the pictures with my 100-400 mm zoom, I like to get closer to the subject, and the lens works well for the kind of moments I like to capture.

Williamsburg Bridge

New York is one of the world’s greatest cities. I’ve spent almost a year going to MBA courses at a university close to Wall Street who also had facilities in Mid-Town Manhattan. I’ve visited the city numerous times. I was living in Brooklyn and either took the subway to school but sometimes I walked. I usually crossed the East River on Brooklyn Bridge. There is something very special sitting on the subway crossing East River on one of the bridges that connect Manhattan and the five boroughs. When the subway travels on a bridge, or moves from being underground to catching some air, and light, above the ground. You get to see where you are.

The Williamsburg Bridge is a historic suspension bridge in New York City, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Opened in 1903, it offers stunning views of the skyline and is a vital transportation link, with lanes for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. A popular landmark, it blends architectural significance with modern urban life, making it a must-see for visitors and a crucial part of NYC’s infrastructure.

Music and New York

As I said in the opening of this text, I hear music in my head almost all the time. Seeing New York City skyline is almost always accompanied by the voice of Neneh Cherry. The Williamsburg Bridge has made its mark in pop culture in a variety of interesting ways, from its role in music videos to its appearance in films.

The Williamsburg Bridge has been featured in music videos. It’s in The Beastie Boys’ classic song “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” from the 1980s. In a memorable scene with the bridge in the background, it helps cement the bridges status as a symbol of Brooklyn. It’s also in Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” where the bridge is briefly visible in the music video, representing the connection between the boroughs. You can also see the bridge in Lana Del Rey’s “Brooklyn Baby”. The song, steeped in New York nostalgia, features the Williamsburg Bridge as part of its visual storytelling, highlighting its association with Brooklyn’s indie culture.

Most of “my” New York is name checked by The Beastie Boys, especially their album “Paul’s Boutique”, the album has a reference to some part of New York in almost every rhyme. Just a side note, The Beastie Boys “Paul’s Boutique” is according to me one of history’s greatest albums. It would not be able to be made today since it contains so many samples, and there are references in the lyrics to almost everything that had happened in history, and culture, up until the album was recorded and released. Even my favourite burger is name checked, “Order the Quarter Deluxe, why don’tcha wake up?”.

If you look up all the references in the lyrics on “Paul’s Boutique” you’ve get a pretty good general education. Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to that album, almost 3 months non-stop. That’s how I get sometimes with music. So, when I walk around in New York, and the five boroughs, I hear The Beastie Boys in my head. Of course there are other musicians who have written songs about New York and accompany me on my walks. I can’t walk past Chelsea Hotel without hearing the voice of Leonard Cohen, or Lana Del Rey who both have done amazing versions of “Chelsea Hotel #2”.

The Williamsburg Bridge is more than a bridge

The Bridge is more than just a vital transportation link — it’s a cultural touchstone, representing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of New York City itself. It’s a symbol of grit and change. The bridge became an emblem of the gritty, artsy Brooklyn scene, especially as Williamsburg transformed into a hub for hipsters and creatives in the 2000s. It’s featured in countless Instagram shots and travel blogs as a symbol of the area’s cool, evolving vibe.

The Williamsburg Bridge often appears as a backdrop in novels and poems that explore New York’s ever-changing landscape. Writers have used it to symbolize the bridge between past and present, or the merging of the city’s rich history with its modern, multicultural identity.

The Williamsburg Bridge has also played a role in the street art scene. Its location has made it a prime spot for graffiti artists and muralists, with artwork often appearing on its nearby structures and underpasses.

The Lower East Side, LES – Immigration & my family

As a back drop in my photos of the bridge you can see The Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan. It is one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods, rich with history, cultural significance, and pop culture references.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Lower East Side was one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world. It became a major destination for immigrants, especially Jews, Italians, and Eastern Europeans, who settled here to escape poverty and persecution. Tenement housing, which was often cramped and unsanitary, became emblematic of the area during this period.

While in New York you can visit The Tenement Museum, located at 97 Orchard Street, which offers a deep dive into the lives of these immigrants, providing guided tours of restored apartments and exhibits about the challenges they faced. Being in New York also gives me a deeper connection to my family and our history. I try to imagine how the city looked when my grandmother arrived to Ellis Island. How it must have felt coming to the city as an immigrant from the north of Sweden, from a small village called Kuivakangas, arriving in a busy city on the other side of The Atlantic so far away from home. It must have felt strange and scary at times, not even knowing the language of her new country of residence. Not that she knew what was considered to be the language of her native country either. The village she was born in was next to the Torne River and the natural language was Finnish but when Russia and Sweden decided where the border between Sweden and Finland was in 1809 it was decided that her village was in Sweden. So, our family have always experienced some language barriers. Naturally, both in Sweden and in the US my grandparents surrounded themselves with people who spoke the same language as they did. They even brought back a bible in Finnish from The US to Sweden when they came back. This also illustrates how big the Finnish speaking community was in Michigan and Minnesota.

By the early 20th century, the Lower East Side was known as the heart of Jewish New York. The neighborhood boasted a thriving Yiddish-speaking community, with shops, theaters, and synagogues lining the streets. Famous Jewish immigrants who lived here included writers like Leonard Bernstein and Kurt Vonnegut. Of course The Beastie Boys lived there for a while too, on 59 Chrystie Street, and of course I always think of that fact while I’m in the neighbourhood.

In the 19th century, the Lower East Side was mainly industrial, with factories, wharves, and warehouses lining the waterfront. Over time, as the city evolved, the neighborhood became a melting pot of cultures. Gentrification in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has led to a revival of the area, with new bars, restaurants, and shops attracting a younger crowd.

Lower East Side in culture

The LES has been featured in movies, music and literature, as most parts of New York have been. In “The Godfather Part II” The Lower East Side is featured as part of Michael Corleone’s backstory, depicting his early immigrant roots and the neighborhood’s Italian-American community. The area plays a critical role in illustrating the rise of Italian immigrants in the city. You can also see LES in “Kids” by Larry Clark. It’s a gritty film about teenagers in New York City’s skateboarding subculture that features scenes filmed on the Lower East Side, capturing the raw, unpolished nature of the neighborhood at the time. The film marked the debut for actress Chloë Sevigny who since then has come to personify downtown Manhattan coolness. The LES is often mentioned in the works of Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and other beat poets who frequented the neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s, finding it a sanctuary for their countercultural ideals.

Modern-Day Influence of The Lower East Side

Today, the Lower East Side still resonates with its historical roots and modern reinvention. It remains a hub for indie art, avant-garde music, fashion, and culinary innovation. The neighborhood’s combination of old-world charm and contemporary culture continues to make it a focal point for both residents and visitors, embodying the spirit of New York City’s constant evolution.

From its immigrant history to its cultural prominence in music and film, the Lower East Side has shaped not only New York City but also broader American culture. It continues to be a melting pot of creativity, diversity, and energy — where history and pop culture seamlessly intersect.

Roosevelt Island

It was on the subway I discovered Roosevelt Island. Of course it had been discovered my many people before me. I saw the small island from the window of the subway and got curious. On this visit I finally had time to head over to the island and explore it.

Roosevelt Island is a unique, small island located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the NYC skyline, it’s a hidden gem with a rich history. Accessible by the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram and the ferry from Wall Street, the island features parks, the historic Smallpox Hospital, and modern residential buildings. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities, with paths for biking and walking, making it a perfect escape from the hustle of the city. Whether you’re visiting for its scenic beauty or its historical sites, Roosevelt Island offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of New York City.

I enjoyed my visit a lot, the island is so different from the rest of the city. Seeing the Franklin D. Roosevelt statue and monument reminded me of the history of The US which today is more relevant than ever considering the recent election results.

Ferry from south Manhattan to Roosevelt Island

You can take a ferry from Wall Street on the southern tip of Manhattan with The East River Ferry that runs between Wall Street and Roosevelt Island which I did. The ferry ride is a scenic and convenient way to travel between Manhattan and the island especially traffic in Manhattan being as it is, crowded. Even if it was a windy January day I enjoyed the ride a lot. It gives you a chance to connect the different parts of New York and you get an overview of the city. I’ve taken cruises on hot summer days, and nice autumn evenings, and it’s just nice to get on a boat on the Hudson River, or East River.

The Wall Street to Roosevelt Island ferry is part of the larger NYC Ferry network, a public transportation system that connects several waterfront neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The ferry departs from Pier 11/Wall Street in Lower Manhattan and heads directly to Roosevelt Island with some stops along the way.

The service provides both commuter and tourist options, offering a pleasant alternative to the subway or tram for travel between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. A one-way fare on the NYC Ferry is the same as a subway ride.

The ferry is ideal for tourists

For tourists visiting Roosevelt Island or exploring the East River waterfront, the ferry provides a pleasant ride with spectacular views. It’s a less crowded and more relaxing experience compared to other tourist boats like the Staten Island Ferry.

The ferry operates year-round but may have limited services or changes to its schedule during bad weather or in the winter months, so it’s a good idea to check the ferry schedule ahead of time, especially if traveling during the colder seasons.

Overall, the ferry ride is an affordable, scenic, and offers a unique way to get from Wall Street to Roosevelt Island.

Cable car from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan

After exploring Roosevelt Island I took the tramway over to Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway is one of the most iconic and scenic ways to travel between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. This aerial cable car system offers breathtaking views of the East River, the skyline of Manhattan, and the surrounding areas. It’s a unique and memorable part of New York City’s transportation system.

The tramway opened in 1976, and was initially designed to provide a direct and efficient way for residents of Roosevelt Island to travel to Manhattan. The tram runs from Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, with its Manhattan station located at 2nd Avenue and 59th Street. The journey takes around 4-5 minutes, and is incredibly scenic. It gives you a unique bird’s-eye view of landmarks like the Queensboro Bridge, Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. The tram operates year-round, and it’s particularly popular in the fall when the foliage along the river is at its peak.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is one of the only aerial cable cars in the U.S. that functions as a public transportation system. So, it’s a unique experience in many ways.

I’m so happy I got to visit Roosevelt Island after wanting to for many years. Before I started planning my visit I had no idea how to get to the island, and off the island, so I hope this helps anyone who wants to visit. If your planning a visit to New York, I hope this post gives you an idea of some unusual parts of New York well worth a visit. It was a great idea to first take the ferry and then take the tram, to unique ways to travel in New York.

An advice is regarding photography is don’t follow the rules. You can do cityscape photography with a zoom lens and not everything in your photographs has to be sharp.

I’ve put up some prints from this blog post on my web shop. They’re available here!

There’s a New York inspired drawstring back-pack and a laptop sleeve, on my web shop, to accompany you on your adventures in New York. Head over here to get them!

Of course this blog post was written with the soundtrack of rap, originating from New York, from all the decades since rap entered the scene. Which of course happened in New York.