For the first time in my life, I walked the streets of the center of the universe for street photography. It was a family vacation, and for four nights, we nestled in at a nice hotel at W 54th and Broadway, just around the corner from the Ed Sullivan Theatre where Stephen Colbert airs The Late Show. We took in the sights, connected with some great friends who had followed their calling to the city and saw a fantastic show on Broadway (Julia’s best bud Hugh Jackman in the revival of The Music Man). And when we were walking, I always had my camera and a wider angle lens.

The summer heat had taken full hold of the city, but it was vibrant nonetheless – almost in opposition to anything trying to quell its energy. I’ve never seen anything like it.

I quickly found that, although there is overlap, the skills required for great street photography are quite different from my own. The learning curve was steep! But with persistence, I felt my mind shift into a quiet calculation of light, texture, movement and personality that changed with every shot.

My dream? I envision a workshop with someone who really knows what they’re doing. Talk technique over breakfast, go out to shoot and grab lunch at the myriad choices of street food trucks, come back in the late afternoon for culling and post-processing and portfolio review over dinner. Repeat that process for five days.

One thing I know: I’m going back. I don’t know when, but this is not my last visit to this amazing place.