Bay 50th, March 17th 2014, Ismail A.
I snapped this photo of a snowed-in park on the 18th of February. During a stop on 50th street, while riding the D train, I peered out to the open park only to notice the branches obscuring my view. I immediately remembered my photography assignment, and seized this photo. Initially I was disappointed with the raindrops littering my frame, before I had chance to re-shoot, the train had taken off. Upon further inspection, I grew fond of the dew scattered throughout the photo, they create a sense of ‘panic’ while the bright park is in the ‘clutches’ of the dark branches. The stark contrast between the branches and the white-washed backdrop highlight the sharp rigid shape of the branches. Focusing on only the left and right frames, I notice the branches created a ‘mirrored’ effect, almost like ‘hands’ clutching the park, hence my title ‘Cold Clasp’. This photo is a constant reminder that Mother Nature is in ultimate control, and we can’t escape her grip.
