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South Brooklyn diner tour

A photography assignment for Brokelyn took me to southern Brooklyn to check out a few of the borough’s top diners. My task was to photograph the burger and fries at The Bridgeview (in Bay Ridge) and the decor at The Vegas (in Bensonhurst). Lauren and I found the fries to be pretty mediocre at the former, and the cheesecake TO DIE FOR at the latter. Seriously, it even tops Junior’s cheesecake; PLUS, each booth has its own jukebox! I found it amusing that there were several men in suits at these diners to greet you and open the doors for you (hello Italian neighborhoods!).

Aside from a fantastic diner experience, we also quite enjoyed our walk along the water by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. It was my first time experiencing the bridge from the Brooklyn side, and boy was it gorgeous! The sky was particularly beautiful, with the faint glow of the sun over the horizon just after sunset. We walked all along the path south of the bridge and along the parkway until we were able to cross into Bath Beach / Bensonhurst. Talk about swanky living! The houses there were something else, that’s for sure – unlike any architecture I’ve seen before!

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nyc wedding photographers

All shots taken with the 5d2 & 17-40, 35/2, or 85/1.8.

Smith Street happy hours

My first photo assignment for Brokelyn.com was to check out the happy hours at some bars on Smith Street (in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn). Lauren eagerly accompanied me as we sampled the margaritas and took in the atmosphere at Pacifico, Camp, and Zombie Hut.

Pacifico (98 Smith St) was more of a Mexican Restaurant with classy decor and ample outdoor seating. Unfortunately it was pouring rain, so we didn’t get to sit outside. The $4 margaritas sure were strong though!

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nyc wedding

Camp (179 Smith St) is a small bar that feels like a cozy log cabin. The walls are decorated with boats, deer heads, and other wildernessy items. The seating resembles logs and stumps from the woods. Plus, they have games on hand and $3 well drinks on Thursdays. But best of all is their smore platter: a big tray with hershey bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows ready to roast over a flame in the center.

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nyc wedding photographers

nyc wedding

Zombie Hut (273 Smith St) was perhaps the best find of the evening. All over the bar were small groups of 20-somethings playing board games over drinks. Lauren and I played some Jenga while others partook in some intense Connect Four games. Not to mention the fact that it’s a tiki bar, complete with a giant fish tank, tropical drinks with those little paper umbrellas, and beaded strings at the bathroom entryway.

nyc photographers

nyc wedding photographers

All shots taken with the 5d2 & 35/2 or 85/1.8; some with the 430EX flash.