New York Individuals

"New York Individuals No. 1" 2018

On a recent trip to Manhattan I carved out some time to photograph New Yorkers at the MCC 2nd Avenue Street Festival. There were over 800 local craft artists, merchants and restaurants who set up their stalls the length of 20 blocks. The street festival provided locals with a chance to relax and enjoy a pedestrian stroll down 2nd Avenue.

The Manhattan skyline is not subtle nor organic. The towering buildings made for an interesting backdrop and became a looming presence behind my subjects. Being a Californian, I'm used to open vistas and single storey buildings. I was challenged by the angles of the buildings and their doors and windows. I began to consciously incorporate their imposing elements with my human subjects below.

It was delightful to interact with random New Yorkers. I forgot how talkative and engaging people are here. I suppose I have also become removed from random interactions with people since I drive 90% of the time in Southern California. Most of my subjects were fascinated by my 1965 Rolleiflex and had stories to share about their experiences with photography. All were surpised I could still purchase and process film!

The bounty of interesting people in Manhattan is overwhelming. I couldn't help but delight in knowing that Diane Arbus once captured similar street scenes in this city she called home. I am happy to present to you today and in the next few weeks, a series of images I captured of individuals, pairs and groups on the streets of New York.

Julie Green

May 26, 2018

"New York Individuals No. 2" 2018

"New York Individuals No. 3" 2018

"New York Individuals No. 4" 2018

"New York Individuals No. 5" 2018

"New York Individuals No. 6" 2018