Perfectly Imperfect – A Cinematic Couples Shoot in New York with Bianca & Tom

Written By Klemens Wichmann

Analog love stories aren’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, they unfold quietly—on a subway ride, under rain-soaked neon lights, or in the slow comfort of an old wallpapered room. This shoot with Bianca & Tom in New York was exactly that: personal, imperfect, and deeply cinematic.

 

Day 1 – Retro Walls & Rainy Streets

"Some stories start slow, like a record softly playing in the background of an old apartment."

Bianca & Tom’s story with me in New York began in a stunning retro-style Airbnb—think vintage wallpaper, textured light, and the kind of calm that makes time stretch. No pressure. No posing. Just moments unfolding naturally.

From there, we wandered through their version of everyday magic: subway rides, small talks in the rain, and a visit to a tattoo studio that somehow felt like a quiet commitment to forever. The rain didn’t stop us—it added layers. Reflections, wet streets, blurred lights. It turned the city into its own kind of darkroom.

 
lose-up of Bianca and Tom against floral vintage wallpaper, soft focus and 35mm grain.
Candid mirror selfie of Bianca, Tom, and the photographer in a NYC subway—spontaneous and perfectly imperfect.
NYC rain falling on neon-lit street
NYC rain falling on neon-lit street as the couple embraces under one umbrella.
 

Day 2 – Heights, Reflections & Neon Chaos

“And just like that, New York became the third character in their love story.”

Top of the Rock – New York at our feet, the wind in their hair, eyes soft, smiles real. The city's skyline was the perfect backdrop for their love. But that was just the beginning.

 
Bianca turning into the light on Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building and golden city haze in the background.
Bianca and Tom holding hands on the Top of the Rock with the Empire State Building rising behind them.
Silhouetted selfie of Bianca and Tom on Top of the Rock, captured in soft winter sun with city views behind.
Close-up of Bianca looking through a coin-operated viewer on Top of the Rock, soft afternoon light on her face.
 

Staten Island Ferry – A Golden Ride

As the ferry sliced through the water, the sun dipped behind the horizon, leaving a trail of golden reflections. The city felt calm from the water, its iconic skyline taking on a different form. It was the perfect moment for Bianca & Tom to share a quiet glance, their love stronger than ever.

 
View of Manhattan skyline from the Staten Island Ferry at sunset, city lights starting to glow.
The Statue of Liberty silhouetted against a soft orange sky during golden hour.
Bianca and Tom standing side by side on the ferry deck, ocean and cityscape behind them.

Times Square – Neon Lights and Endless Energy

Later that evening, we ended up in the heart of Times Square. The neon lights reflected in puddles, the streets were buzzing with energy, and in the midst of it all, Bianca & Tom stood like they belonged to this world of light and motion. It was chaotic, loud, and utterly perfect—a fitting end to a love story written in the heart of the city.

Close-up of Bianca and Tom wrapped in scarves at night, neon lights reflecting in their eyes.


What This Shoot Means to Me

"Bianca & Tom are exactly the kind of couple my analog camera loves—raw, fearless, and full of soul."

Their connection reminded me why I photograph the way I do: imperfectly perfect. I don’t chase symmetry. I chase sincerity. And these two brought it all—style, emotion, spontaneity.

This wasn’t about ticking off NYC landmarks. It was about soaking them in together, letting the city become a texture in their story.


Curious what your own analog love story could look like?

Klemens Wichmann