Waking up early became one of my favorite rituals during my first month in New York. I would put on a sweater for the crisp morning air, leave my apartment in Nolita, take the B train uptown and get off at 72nd Street. Walking through Central Park among the morning runners, people grabbing coffee, parents and dog walkers, watching all those dogs running freely, playing and finding each other at that hour, felt incredibly special. I could so easily imagine being there with my dog Ollie.

LET ME PAINT YOU THE PERFECT PICTURE

Admiring the fall colors. Spotting squirrels through the bushes. Sitting near Bethesda Fountain while the terrace is still almost empty. Closing your eyes and listening to the musician playing beneath the arches. Walking through The Mall, sitting on a bench and letting a light breeze swirl the leaves around you. Crossing one beautiful bridge after another, wandering around the lake and all the way to the Reservoir. Looking at the Manhattan skyline from both sides of the park. Following the little paths towards Belvedere Castle before disappearing back into the trees. Saying hello to the turtles. Watching people go by. Listening to the birds. Then seeing the first rays of sunlight finally appear between the buildings.

It felt like my own little peaceful moment, a quiet bubble in the middle of New York. Indescribable. Cinematic. Sometimes almost unreal.

A FALL SUNRISE COUPLE SESSION IN CENTRAL PARK

I knew I had to photograph a couple in the atmosphere that had left such an impression on me. Starting while it was still dark, beneath the glow of the street lamps, and continuing until we could feel the warmth of the sun on our faces.

I wanted to recreate everything I had felt while walking through Central Park and bring my own vision to the places I had loved photographing most. To tell a simple story, while weaving it into some of my favorite memories from New York.

It’s the kind of session I could photograph again and again without ever getting tired of it.