Upper Esters

Field Notes:

First image: This image captures an Upper East Side toddler and his nanny. It is not rare that children in the wealthier communities are raised by their nannies. In this image you see a high-end modern stroller and a modestly dressed African American baby sitter. Even though it is just a babe, you can see the disparity of class between him and the nanny. The reason I captured this image “Out of site out of mind” is because while waiting for the light, the babysitter is lost in thoughts. Perhaps while taking care of this darling Upper East Sider she thinks of her own children and whether they are being taken care of while she is taking the baby of the affluent for a walk.

Second image: A darling Junior, born into the Upper East Side family is coming back from an expensive, private school. What I love about this image is that he is so young, yet he belongs to this upper class of people. The woman who happens to be captured in the background of this image is amazed by this lifestyle as she is looking around and is walking with astonishment. Meanwhile the junior and his mother walk confidently with a sense of belonging home.

Third image: This image portrays some of the luxuries that come along with living on the Upper East Side. Most of us take trains some try to catch taxies, however living on the Upper East Side doormen do most of the work for you to make your life as comfortable as possible. On this image a doorman found a taxi for a woman, unloaded her bags into the trunk and pampered her in every way he could in return for a couple of dollar tip. Many who belong to the community of the Upper East Side even have their own drivers waiting outside their homes. If you look on the left hand side there is an outsider observing with envy and vicariously living the life of the affluent.

Fourth image: The juxtaposition of a street vendor and a Bergdorf Goodman department store makes this image intriguing. What makes it even more unique is that a business man, who we would typically expect to find in a high end department store, was distracted from his upper class life by a street vendor. Just like some of us would venture to walk in to Berdorf Goodman to catch a glimpse of the Upper class life, he ventures in the opposite direction as he is looking through $5 silk pahminas who anyone can afford.

Fifth image: 5th Avenue has some of the most upscale stores in the world. This image captures a Louis Vuitton Store and a guy who just came out of it. He is dressed like those who live on the Upper East Side and he is holding a Louis Vuitton bag, which costs more than many of us make in a month. Moreover his attire alone costs more than some low middle class families make in a year. What strikes me the most is the red velvet and the red shirt he is wearing. The red velvet rope usually means that this is a VIP area reserved for some and restricted for average persons. Perhaps the attire he is wearing and the color of his shirt subconsciously signifies the same thing.

Last image: Upper East side is a perfect location to step out of your house and walk around in the Central Park getting away from all the hastles of the city. After a relaxing walk, one who lives there can cross the street and be back in the city that never sleeps.