Unfamiliar NYC

Unfamiliar is a study of New York City’s landscape that I believe is as diverse as its citizens. The goal of this photographic series is to explore the ideas of unfamiliar or unpopular-tourist spots of New York City.

 
 

I have been to New York City several times and have visited iconic popular spots. Last year (2019), I moved to the city to pursue my master’s in digital photography in New York’s prestigious School of Visual Arts. Since school started, I have not been to many places due to the school workload. However, I got a chance to see this city in different aspects. I saw a few unpopular areas in terms of tourism, while I was doing a photography project. Seeing those places gave me a different feeling and I see New York City differently. This experience makes me want to discover more of the city, and also makes me realize that not only the people living here are diverse, but the cityscape itself is also very diverse.

New York City is more than just a crowded city with tall buildings and one big Central Park, there are parts that look like countryside, there are beaches, there are houses that look like we were in Europe, and many more.

Some New Yorkers may not find this surprising since they know the city, but to a visitor like me, it is fascinating to see such a different atmosphere.

I want to explore more and share the different aspects of New York City to people who never realize how diverse the cityscape is, and also to keep as my personal treasure of my exploration.

This is the collaboration with Fujifilm North America Corporation @fujifilmx_us for the Students of Storytelling campaign. Fujifilm X-T4 with a 16-55mm lens will be used throughout the project.

My Fujifilm Students of Storytelling Page | Interview with Fujifilm | Interview with Rangefinder

I also hope that this project will inspire you to explore your city as well! And hope you enjoy seeing my photographs.

 
NYC_natchaw.PNG

Before sharing those different aspects of New York City, here are some of the snapshots of the popular New York City that people are familiar with.

Manhattan is like a core of New York City, and some people think of Manhattan as the whole New York City. Many world’s famous sites are there, such as the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, and more.

In fact, New York City consists of 5 boroughs; Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These boroughs are very diverse in both populations and landscape itself. Many places among the 5 boroughs have become popular, however, I believe there are some places that many visitors never realize they exist in NYC as well. Some locals may heard of it but may not have a chance to visit yet. And I am excited to explore and share the images of those places with you.

 

“Can you guess where it is?”

Let’s play with me guessing where my photographs took place at! The answers will be at the end of the page.

[P1] ~25 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the QM2 bus near Times Square.

Cross the East River and keep heading east. As you arrive at this beautiful park full of historic buildings where those that protect our freedoms resided, be sure to look up at the breathtaking view of the magnificent bridge connecting two "other" boroughs of NYC.

[P1] ~25 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the QM2 bus near Times Square.

Cross the East River and keep heading east. As you arrive at this beautiful park full of historic buildings where those that protect our freedoms resided, be sure to look up at the breathtaking view of the magnificent bridge connecting two "other" boroughs of NYC.

[P1] ~25 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the QM2 bus near Times Square.

Cross the East River and keep heading east. As you arrive at this beautiful park full of historic buildings where those that protect our freedoms resided, be sure to look up at the breathtaking view of the magnificent bridge connecting two "other" boroughs of NYC.

[P2] ~ 40 min drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking QM16 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on weekday)

A park by the sea. Would you have ever guessed the iconic structure in the park used to be a bathhouse? Often overlooked by those going to the neighboring beach, it seems to be known only by the locals in the area. Go ahead, grab a basketball and play right by the beach - a scene reminiscent of what you may expect to find in California - not NYC.

[P2] ~ 40 min drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking QM16 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on weekday)

A park by the sea. Would you have ever guessed the iconic structure in the park used to be a bathhouse? Often overlooked by those going to the neighboring beach, it seems to be known only by the locals in the area. Go ahead, grab a basketball and play right by the beach - a scene reminiscent of what you may expect to find in California - not NYC.

[P2] ~ 40 min drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking QM16 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on weekday)

A park by the sea. Would you have ever guessed the iconic structure in the park used to be a bathhouse? Often overlooked by those going to the neighboring beach, it seems to be known only by the locals in the area. Go ahead, grab a basketball and play right by the beach - a scene reminiscent of what you may expect to find in California - not NYC.

[P3] ~ 20 min drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can take 7 train from Midtown, Manhattan to the neighborhood, but may need to hop on a bus to avoid a long walk.

Can you believe this place is in New York City? The incredible architecture of this religious institution has been built over 40 years ago/ Located in the most diverse borough of New York City, you would feel like you were in a different country being inside the building. It is rich in culture and arts. Its popular canteen also serves a popular Asian cuisine.

[P4 ] ~35 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) |or | You can also get there directly by taking A train or the QM17 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on the weekday)

Homes on stilts with personal docks in their backyard? Surely this can't be NYC, right? The land bridge will take you across the bay for a wonderful view on either side. Imagine fishing directly from the comfort of your own backyard.

Which neighborhood/street this could be?

[P4 ] ~35 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) |or | You can also get there directly by taking A train or the QM17 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on the weekday)

Homes on stilts with personal docks in their backyard? Surely this can't be NYC, right? The land bridge will take you across the bay for a wonderful view on either side. Imagine fishing directly from the comfort of your own backyard.

Which neighborhood/street this could be?

[P4 ] ~35 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) |or | You can also get there directly by taking A train or the QM17 bus near Midtown, Manhattan (on the weekday)

Homes on stilts with personal docks in their backyard? Surely this can't be NYC, right? The land bridge will take you across the bay for a wonderful view on either side. Imagine fishing directly from the comfort of your own backyard.

Which neighborhood/street this could be?

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

There is also a beautiful long and wide beach nearby...about 15-20 mins walking distance.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

There is also a beautiful long and wide beach nearby...about 15-20 mins walking distance.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P5] ~30 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 6 train or the BxM7 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Bx29


A seaside feel town that is full of yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants. The scenery is what you may expect to find in New England. The perfect day trip from the city, it used to be famous for its oysters. Located near the largest park in NYC.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P6] ~15 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking F or E train near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

One of America’s oldest planned communities and NYC’s first garden city. The beautiful Tudor-style architecture creates an “English Village” atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of greenery, peaceful, and beautiful. Need an alternative to the busy NYC parks? Take a walk around this lovely neighborhood and enjoy the serenity.

[P7 ] ~28 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking Q53-SBS bus from Queens.

Unbelievable nature and refuge home to many birds. This is where you can escape from a busy NYC life to the gateway of nature. If you are bird watcher, this is the place! Otherwise, you may enjoy hiking and exploring wild flowers, butterflies, among other gifts of nature.. In the distance, you may notice the silhouette of the familiar tall buildings, reminding you that you are still in NYC.
Can you believe that you could visit this wildlife enclave without ever leaving New York City?

[P7 ] ~28 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking Q53-SBS bus from Queens.

Unbelievable nature and refuge home to many birds. This is where you can escape from a busy NYC life to the gateway of nature. If you are bird watcher, this is the place! Otherwise, you may enjoy hiking and exploring wild flowers, butterflies, among other gifts of nature.. In the distance, you may notice the silhouette of the familiar tall buildings, reminding you that you are still in NYC.
Can you believe that you could visit this wildlife enclave without ever leaving New York City?

[P7 ] ~28 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking Q53-SBS bus from Queens.

Unbelievable nature and refuge home to many birds. This is where you can escape from a busy NYC life to the gateway of nature. If you are bird watcher, this is the place! Otherwise, you may enjoy hiking and exploring wild flowers, butterflies, among other gifts of nature.. In the distance, you may notice the silhouette of the familiar tall buildings, reminding you that you are still in NYC.
Can you believe that you could visit this wildlife enclave without ever leaving New York City?

[P8 ] ~16 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking the 2/3/4/5 train or B99 bus near Midtown, Manhattan


Hidden within another popular place in NYC, many people overlook this gem of a garden. Japanese culture is well known to have brought us some meticulously designed gardens of stunning beauty. Is it a garden or is it art? Spring may be the best time to come if you want to enjoy the blossom! My favorite spot here is by the pond; the beautiful architecture of wooden bridges, a pavilion, stone lanterns, and a small shrine that all make me feel like I am in Japan.

[P8 ] ~16 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking the 2/3/4/5 train or B99 bus near Midtown, Manhattan


Hidden within another popular place in NYC, many people overlook this gem of a garden. Japanese culture is well known to have brought us some meticulously designed gardens of stunning beauty. Is it a garden or is it art? Spring may be the best time to come if you want to enjoy the blossom! My favorite spot here is by the pond; the beautiful architecture of wooden bridges, a pavilion, stone lanterns, and a small shrine that all make me feel like I am in Japan.

[P8 ] ~16 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking the 2/3/4/5 train or B99 bus near Midtown, Manhattan


Hidden within another popular place in NYC, many people overlook this gem of a garden. Japanese culture is well known to have brought us some meticulously designed gardens of stunning beauty. Is it a garden or is it art? Spring may be the best time to come if you want to enjoy the blossom! My favorite spot here is by the pond; the beautiful architecture of wooden bridges, a pavilion, stone lanterns, and a small shrine that all make me feel like I am in Japan.

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

 

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

 

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

[P9] ~38 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there by taking 5 train near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with Q35

An abandoned seaside fortress. Enjoy a peaceful day sightseeing this historical spot and then hop on over to the nearby beach for a fun outing. The area is operated by the National Park Service. There is water as far as the eyes can see in one direction, but can you spot the very famous beach across the bay in the other direction?

[P10 ] ~12 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the F/E/M/7 train or Q32 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with a short walk.

A religious place with striking architecture and beautiful wall art inside. It is easy to be mesmerized by the beautiful Emerald Buddha inside. A great place to appreciate and pay respects to icons in Buddhism practiced in Thailand. Come learn about Thai culture without ever leaving NYC.

[P10 ] ~12 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the F/E/M/7 train or Q32 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with a short walk.

A religious place with striking architecture and beautiful wall art inside. It is easy to be mesmerized by the beautiful Emerald Buddha inside. A great place to appreciate and pay respects to icons in Buddhism practiced in Thailand. Come learn about Thai culture without ever leaving NYC.

[P10 ] ~12 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can also get there directly by taking the F/E/M/7 train or Q32 bus near Midtown, Manhattan and continue with a short walk.

A religious place with striking architecture and beautiful wall art inside. It is easy to be mesmerized by the beautiful Emerald Buddha inside. A great place to appreciate and pay respects to icons in Buddhism practiced in Thailand. Come learn about Thai culture without ever leaving NYC.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk. This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A r…

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

[P11] ~31 mins drive from Midtown Manhattan (without traffic) | or | You can get there directly by taking the QM6/QM5 bus near Midtown, Manhattan, and continue with a short walk.

This is my favorite place of all! Can you believe this is in NYC? A real farm! It is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Enjoy some great family time on the 47 acres farm doing various activities, such as petting the cute farm animals, learning about sustainable agriculture and what it is like to farm in NYC. Don’t forget to buy some freshly grown very local produce before you head out.

 

“Did you make a right guess?”