Melissa O’Shaughnessy is a late-blooming street photographer based in New York City who captures fleeting, humorous, and human-centered moments with a delicate visual sensibility. Her work brings compassion and poise to the urban chaos of Manhattan and beyond—framing moments with clarity and humanity.
Background & Vision
O’Shaughnessy didn’t pursue photography until her 40s. After building a darkroom in her home and developing black-and-white film landscapes, she discovered street photography under the guidance of Joel Meyerowitz during a workshop in her early 50s. His insights resonated with her, clarifying that street photography was a way to express the essence of photography through real human moments.
Over time, she overcame her shyness and began embracing street shooting—the result: images with a strong current of humanism, narrative, and empathy. Her influences include legends such as Helen Levitt, Garry Winogrand, Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, and Sergio Larrain.
Gear: Simple, Small & Street‑Friendly
She uses several small digital cameras, selecting between a Sony mirrorless body with either a 35 mm or 28 mm lens and a Leica Q3 for street work. Her rule of thumb is playful: use 35 mm when she feels shy, 28 mm when feeling bold. The 35mm delivers a more classic visual feel, while the 28mm gives more context in tight crowds—important for New York’s hustle.
She keeps her gear minimal and portable, editing minimally in Lightroom so she can stay engaged and present in her workflow.
-
Sony A1 – her main digital camera. It's a fast, full‑frame mirrorless body well-suited to the spontaneous nature of street shooting.
 |
| Sony A1 see it on Amazon |
-
35 mm prime lens – her go-to for everyday shooting.
-
28 mm prime lens – carried alongside the 35 mm for different perspectives.
Bonus Insight
That Walkie Talkie video on YouTube showcasing “a day with NYC photographer Melissa O'Shaughnessy” also confirms her use of a Sony A1 with those lenses.
Why This Setup Works for Her
-
Sony A1 offers lightning-fast autofocus and high frame rates—crucial for catching split-second human moments.
-
The 35 mm delivers a classic, natural perspective; the 28 mm adds a wider view, great for capturing environmental context.
TL;DR
-
Camera: Sony A1
-
Lenses: 35 mm and 28 mm primes
This combo gives Melissa that ideal blend of speed, discretion, and versatility—which is exactly what her style of candid street photography requires.