It's All About the Passion...Guest Post by Kelly Kopp

Intro by Skip Cohen

Right off the bat, let's set stage for this post. Kelly Kopp is a photo enthusiast. He's absolutely an amateur, but his images got my attention when he posted a couple on Twitter. In fact, I even called him, mostly because I lived in the NY/NJ are for a number of years and loved his images of Central Park.

When I asked him if he wanted to do a guest post, his answer was, "Skip, I don't even own a decent camera! These are all off my cell phone."

Well, that made me even more determined to share his images, because today's post isn't about photography, it's about passion. Here's a guy who simply LOVES Central park. He's only been in NYC a little over a year, but has made it a point to know the area better than most of us who have lived there.

I found a quote that's fun to describe Kelly:

Allow your passion to become your purpose and it will one day become your profession.
Gabrielle Bernstein

Now imagine what Kelly's going to do in the next few years if he decides to pursue a career as a photographer or just raises the bar on his game with some decent gear.

P.S. You'll find Kelly on Twitter (@Kellyrkopp) and on Instagram.

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by Kelly Kopp

I moved to New York City from Orlando, Florida, in August of 2013.  I had visited the city only a few times previously in the past couple years, but knew I this is where I belong.  There is no denying the energy this city radiates.  

I had always had an interest in photography, but it wasn't until I moved here that my passion came to  fruition.  The city is my inspiration and every detail in itself is a work of art.  The stark contrast between the old and new framework of the city, combined with the colors and textures of nature, is mesmerizing.  

What I strive to convey through my photos, each and every time, is the feeling of magic and excitement that I felt when I first arrived New York.  

I find myself often drawn to Central Park.  I find the best time to capture the photos are in the mid to late afternoon, and that is anywhere in the city.  That is when the light is optimal, allowing excellent opportunities to capture amazing reflections and shadows, formed off architecture and lakes.   Nature in Central Park is constantly changing every day, and this creates endless chances for the perfect shot. Regardless of the season, and the elements, I find beauty everywhere I look.  

Autumn in Central park is sublime.  The fall foliage is at its peak the first 2 weeks of November.  The colors are magnificent.  Breathtaking.  I do not think there is any other place on earth like it.  "The Mall" in Central Park is lined with American Elm Trees and they form this amazing canopy yielding hues of soft yellows and oranges.  I usually walk north through the Mall toward Bethesda Fountain, the Boathouse, and Bow Bridge.  

It is almost impossible to not take a great photo (unless a tourist ruins it). 

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And then there's winter - different, but equally beautiful!

Images copyright Kelly Kopp. All rights reserved.