Deirdre Gartner of The Girl in the Yellow Taxi NYC on 5 Things Anyone Can Do To Take Stunning Photos

As a part of our series about “5 Things Anyone Can Do To Take Stunning Photos” I had the pleasure of interviewing Deirdre Gartner.

Deirdre Gartner was born and raised in the city of New York. She brings a uniquely personal and distinct perspective to the city that she adores.

As a former fashion executive traveling the globe for years, nothing was more affirming and inspiring than when she would return home to Manhattan. Informed by her adventures abroad, this native daughter’s ardor and curiosity for all things New York led her to zealously document both the obvious and hidden that the city has to offer.

Gartner’s extensive collection of lovingly curated photographs, stories, and historical details eventually led to the creation of the “Girl in the Yellow Taxi NYC” website and Instagram. Her work has been featured in Conde Nast India, the New York Board of Tourism, StreetEasy, and others. Her photography book, Dearest New York: A Love Letter to the Big Apple, is available everywhere books are sold.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path as a photographer?

Living in one of the greatest cities in the world I have always loved taking my camera wherever I went and documenting what I thought was, quirky, interesting, beautiful, obvious, hidden or just classic and crazy. The more I explored the city I wanted to share my love for all things New York with family and friends, so I started an Instagram account named Girl in the Yellow Taxi NYC. I would post about a favorite new restaurant or a mural that had just gone up, as my following grew, I started receiving requests from travel and tourism companies, bloggers and enthusiastic international and domestic followers asking me to put together New York itineraries for them, which all lead to me writing my book Dearest New York: A Love Letter to the Big Apple.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started taking photographs?

I think the most interesting thing is that through my Instagram account I can connect with so many people around the world. I love hearing their stories of how one of my photos sparked a memory and have learned so much about New York and New York history through these interactions. It has also reunited me with old friends and connected me with new ones.

What do you think makes the photos on Girl in a Yellow Taxi NYC stand out? Can you share a related story?

In photographing New York, I really try to convey through light, subject and composition the feel and energy of the city. When I take a photo, I try to tell a story whether it’s about a group of friends enjoying brunch at corner café, a wedding taking place on a Brooklyn stoop or a rainy day in Central Park. I also try to engage my audience by telling them more about each photo, sharing a fun fact or a quote to go along with each capture.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in photography to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

I think the biggest thing would be to not have expectations when you go out to photograph that you are going to get the perfect capture. So many times, I have wandered around a neighborhood looking for the perfect shot and just as I have been about to head home something interesting will pop into view, I have my photo for the day.

Are you working on any exciting projects now?

Yes, I just finished writing a book about New York that will be launched in October: Dearest New York: A Love Letter to the Big Apple. Packed with photographs, illustrations and guides to both the classic and off-the-beat architectural wonders, cafes, shops and sundry hidden gems. Dearest New York: A Love Letter to the Big Apple shows off the vibrant spirit and elasticity that is New York.

How have you used your success as a photographer to bring goodness to the world?

I have received so many messages from all over the world letting me know how my photos have sparked a loving memory of life celebrations and milestones. The couple that got engaged in Central Park, the group of friends that meet at an iconic New York restaurant every year to celebrate their joint birthdays, a music store in the West Village where a musician bought his first guitar and on and on. Hearing that my photos can spark so many happy memories and people reach out to relay to me their stories is very rewarding.

Can you share “5 Things Anyone Can Do To Take Stunning Photos”? Please share an example for each.

1. Try to capture the movement and moments. When I am photographing New York, each neighborhood has its own unique character and as I plan my day, I try to think of the story I want to tell in each photograph.
2. Head to off-the-beaten path areas, these are where you can find the most interesting subjects. I love the Flower District in New York, not only for the beautiful, colorful flowers but when I arrive early in the morning the area is abuzz with activity. I dodge nursery trucks pulling up from every direction, maneuver narrow shop isles and step over leaves and stray petals but I know I will leave with a bunch of gorgeous photos.
3. There is no better time to photograph than in “bad weather.” Rain, sleet, snow and fog are your friend. They produce the most color rich; interesting photos and most people don’t want to be out and about in inclement weather so places that are usually busy you will find you have all to yourself.
4. There is always something new to photograph. No matter how many times you may photograph an area the next time you go back you will find some small detail that you missed, a charming new shop, an interesting mural or a group of friends sitting at a café enjoying an afternoon coffee. Keep an eye out for the small details.
5. Look for a defining character that tells the story. If I’m photographing in a busy area such as Times Square, I look for the one person or thing that I can center in the middle of the chaos and make that the focal point. It might be the big red bus filled with tourist or the street vendor selling I Love NY t-shirts. Think of what you want the viewer to look at first in the photo.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference, saying good morning to a perfect stranger, holding the door for the person behind you (no matter how far behind), asking the clerk at the checkout counter how their day is going or simply calling a friend to say you were thinking of them. These days so many people feel alone and disconnected how can we each do something small to make a big difference? I propose The Postcard Project. Anyone can send a quick e-card, text, or post something on social media. But c’mon… is there anything more enchanting than receiving a truly thoughtful unique little missive in the mail?

Enter that coveted piece of stationary called the Postcard. Like a message in a bottle, they can wash up on your home “shore”, eliciting positive thoughts, brightening someone’s day and connecting us all on a personal level. Start with your neighbors and friends and spread the word to pass on the love and make someone feel special.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

My Instagram account is @girlintheyellowtaxinyc. Follow along!

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!