your neighborhood might be the most underrated photo subject

this was home 1: sunset on train station

📺 YouTube, the Pandemic, and a Photographer’s Eye

During the pandemic, I found myself immersed in travel-related YouTube channels—particularly those that documented life in Japan. I was drawn to creators like Abroad in Japan (Chris Broad) and Jason, who shared not just tourist highlights but the everyday quirks of living abroad. Their unique perspectives resonated with me.

Then, a creator from Hong Kong started documenting his temporary stay in my Jersey City neighborhood. Seeing familiar places—the same parks, shops, and streets—through someone else’s lens sparked a realization: there’s something special about how outsiders interpret a place, and maybe… I could do that as a local too.

🏙️ Discovering Beauty in the Familiar

As it happened, I’ve already explored this idea with my project, This Was Home, which centered around Harrison, New Jersey. I lived there for over a decade, and while it’s no tourist hub, Harrison held a quiet charm. The old train station, abandoned factories, aging bridges—ordinary places became extraordinary with the right composition and weather conditions. Sometimes, I’d stumble upon a moment—a sunset over train tracks after work—and rush to capture it.

Living there made those shots possible. I wasn’t visiting; I was part of the rhythm of the town.

🌆 From Harrison to Jersey City

At first, I thought Jersey City lacked the photogenic grit of Harrison—aside from its iconic view of Lower Manhattan. But slowly, I began discovering urban beauty in new corners: the sleek lines of the light rail tracks and stations, the architecture of the Hoboken transit center. Every place has layers—if you’re patient enough to see them.

📸 Why Local Photography Matters More Than You Think

You don’t need a passport or trendy destination to make compelling photos. Your neighborhood might be your richest canvas. As a photographer, learning to make the ordinary captivating is crucial. The deeper you live in a space, the more you’ll see—and photograph—the fleeting beauty others overlook.

🔗 Final Thoughts & CTA

Your best photo subject might be right outside your door.

What’s the most overlooked corner of your neighborhood you’ve photographed—or want to?