The last time I visited New York City, the only camera I brought was a cheap medium-format model with a Bakelite body, plastic lens and one shutter speed (1/60^th sec.). I think I bought it in a fifth-hand shop for a dollar. What it lacked in craftsmanship and technological wizardry was made up for with the ability to make wonderfully abstract images.

I went for a stroll after dinner one evening and ended up at Rockefeller Center. It was dark and both the statue of Atlas and the impressive skyscraper behind it were lit brilliantly from below.

The Statue of Atlas - New York City - Charles Shilliday

Eschewing the need for a tripod (the camera doesn’t have a machined receptacle for one anyway) I had to place the camera against a concrete parapet for support and stability.

This type of instrument really forces you to harness and trust your photographic instincts.

Fortunately, I did have a light meter. It turned out I needed an exposure of at least 1/2 second. That translated into pressing and releasing the shutter 30 times – with as little unnecessary movement as possible – to get the shot.

Needless to say, the camera did shake slightly. But under the circumstances, I think that movement contributed to an appealing, painterly image.

I love my Canon DSLRs, but at that moment, I’m glad I didn’t have it with me.