Photo Essays: Early Morning in Central Park

Cherry Hill Central Park

Yesterday was weird – I woke up at 5AM and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I decided to take advantage of this strange occurrence and do something I’ve been wanting to do ever since I got into photography (so, for years) – an early morning photo session at Central Park. Central Park in the morning is an entirely different thing than Central Park during the day or even evening – it was so quiet that at one point I could actually hear birds chirping. I was enjoying that and then quickly came upon thousands of runners gathered at the Mall for the France Run 8k so there ya go – Central Park is never really empty! Either way, it was lovely to take pictures when the Park was so peaceful. It was rather overcast and eventually there was one of those come-out-of-nowhere sudden summer rainstorms, which was actually fine with me because it was so hot and sticky! It was crazy rain (I was literally soaked like I had just stepped into the shower), and then suddenly gone as quickly as it started. It turned into a beautiful day, but I kinda missed the rest of it because a long nap was necessary after my morning adventure!

Bow Bridge Central Park

The Bow Bridge

Bow Bridge Central ParkCentral Park August-4644Central Park Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill

Central Park Bethesda Fountain

Bethesda Fountain

Central Park Bethesda Fountain

Probably my favorite statue in the Park.

The Lake Central Park

The Lake

The Lake Central Park rowboatsCentral Park Sailboat Pond

The Sailboat Pond sans sailboats…with lots of rain!

photography by Jacqueline Clair

Leave a Comment

  1. Monica wrote:

    These are beautiful, Jackie! Talk about a great way to take advantage of waking up early. And eeek–yay for an empty Bow Bridge!

    Published 8.22.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you Monica! Next on my list: empty Bow Bridge in the snow!

      Published 8.22.16 · Reply
  2. Marine wrote:

    That’s gorgeous Jackie, thank you!!!
    You have certainly seen my brother and nephews race yesterday morning, how fun is that! 🙂

    Published 8.22.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Oh my gosh, too funny! Such a small world, hope they enjoyed the race!

      Published 8.22.16 · Reply
  3. Joanne Rodino wrote:

    These pictures are stunning! The second Bow Bridge is my favorite. Sunday morning in the summer is always my favorite time in NYC. It’s as if the city is standing still holding its breath for a moment. I so enjoy your posts.

    Published 8.22.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you so much! There really is nothing like an early summer morning in the Park, I hope I can manage to get up sometime and do it again!

      Published 8.22.16 · Reply
  4. Absolutely beautiful! I love the fountain shot, you captured the movement of the water so perfectly!

    Published 8.22.16 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thank you Will! I tried experimenting with different shutter speeds on the water, it was fun!

      Published 8.22.16 · Reply
  5. These are beautiful shots! I love Central Park, it’s always so gorgeous.

    Published 8.22.16 · Reply