In conversation with David Goodman
We spoke to the photographer and author of the upcoming High Line Book
David Goodman has been a photographer from the age of 8 when his father gave him his first camera, and at 11 taught him how to develop film and prints. In his early years, David was primarily interested in black and white film photography. But in 2002 he made the switch to digital — and color — and never looked back.
After a hiatus working in fashion, David returned to photography full-time in 2013, taking his camera to the streets of New York City where his visual interests shifted to cityscapes and street life, and which eventually led to his current residency on New York City’s iconic High Line Park. Following his 2016 Manhattan gallery show “On The High Line”, we spoke to David about the inspiration for his next project, The High Line Book.
CH: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and what prompted you to create a book about the New York High Line?
DG: “I am a Native New Yorker and my various careers have included actor, fashion designer and photographer. As a street photographer I am interested in city life, so about 5 years ago I started taking daily early-morning photo walks on the High Line and I realised there is such a wealth of subject matter right across the street from my apartment and two flights up to the “Park in the Sky.” There’s the revolutionary design of the park, the flowers, Piet Oudolf’s exquisitely designed gardens, as well as the classic industrial structure of the High Line itself.”
“Then there’s the people. Endless subject matter there: families, lovers, celebrities, special moments. And I cannot count how many marriage proposals I have seen on the High Line. During these walks I decided to make a study of the High Line which culminated in a Chelsea, Manhattan gallery show and is now the subject of my next book project.”
CH: And for people who don’t know what is The High Line Book?
DG: “The High Line Book is my photographic love letter to the High Line. It will include all the best photos I have taken of the High Line over the past 5 years, as well as real stories from visitors, neighbours, tourists, and celebrities who all enjoy this revolutionary park.”
CH: Do you have a favourite location to photograph?
DG: “It’s so hard to pick a favourite part of the High Line for taking photographs. There are so many unique aspects to each section of the High Line, and each section runs though different neighbourhoods, so the experience of the park is coloured by the part of the structure you are on combined with the neighbourhood you are in. Each section has a unique feel to it and all are highly photogenic.”
“Having said that I would have to say that I really like the part of the High Line where I live the best; right at the West 23rd Street entrance. That is the exact center of the park and the spot where you have the best access. That is also the portion of the High Line where the “Jetsonian Effect” is in full force. That is; the effect of the buildings rising up on either side of the narrow High Line walkway, giving the High Line visitor a feeling of being elevated amongst apartment buildings in the sky, much like on the classic animated television series The Jetsons. “Jetsonian” is a term coined by comedian Mike Myers in an interview for my book and I think it’s the perfect adjective for this futuristic park. Myers is a frequent visitor to the High Line and a big supporter.”
CH: You’ve probably spent more time on the High Line than almost anyone else over the past 5 years, has there been a personal favourite moment?
DG: “I have had so many great experiences on the High Line that it would be impossible to choose one favourite. But all of those great experiences have involved meeting wonderful people from all parts of the world.”
CH: Is that what you think makes it uniquely special?
DG: “Everybody who visits New York City knows they must visit the High Line. It has become the one of the top NYC tourist destinations. You can hear every language spoken there. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world and have kept in touch with many of them. If you want to see the true melting pot of New York City it is up on the High Line!”
You can read follow David on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook and find out more about The High Line Book here.
