I was lucky enough to see the interior of Chrysler Bldg in early 80’s. It epitomizes the Art Deco style so popular in the 1930s. What an architectural treasure!
Beautiful new Website! As with the old one, I was immediately engrossed in photos of old New York and New York architecture. I was born on the Lower East Side in 1962 and never knew who Jacob A. Riis was until today.
It’s a city ahead of its time and if you’re coming in from abroad then take the Queen Mary II and sail under the Verrazano Bridge into NY Harbour and catch sight of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on your way in.
James I love the dialogue on Roebling’s masterpiece and the Chrysler Building, these and Grand Central invoke memories of how far NYC was – and is – (the place to be)
Roger Hodge
Under the Manhattan side roadway are old abandoned warehouses. Between Pearl Street and Cliff Street, there was a company called “BROOKLYN BRIDGE FREEZING AND COLD STORAGE COMPANY”. Are there any photos of this available?
This is a picture of their second location on , not the original one in the Brooklyn Bridge arches. I have an ancestor who managed and designed the murphy quick freezing system there.
Why the light grey typography? Not all of us are 25-30 year olds—this geyser is pushing 70. A darker typeface against the light back ground would be easier on the old eyes.
Great blog, nice written style, interesting & pertinent content.
Thanks. Chris in Toronto.
#2 & #5 (three girls on a bench beneath shoe ads) are particularly striking. I don’t have much of an eye for “composition” but #5 couldn’t have been done better even if it had been planned AS an ‘ad itself. Lovely!!!
I’ve been an admirer of this incredible building since my university days, and I was lucky enough to see it when i went to NYC last year. It’s an amazing sight, and you’ve done brilliantly to capture the sense of awe and respect that it can give you.
Well done, it is really talented work and keep it up.
Wow, well done. This is a well thought article. His role in bringing color photography to the forefront of the photographic art world has been magnified for a few moments by your colorful writing.
Although i am but a lonely real estate/event photographer, I enjoy my craft. He inspires.
I did a street photography photo of a homeless man smoking and smoke around his hair. I focus on the hair and smoke and the background was not clear. Did I crop to close.
Hey James your photography are spot on the subway shots are priceless with the story. Thanks for your time to teach Iam learning to take some good photography and I understand being in that moment for that shot.I need to go out more with my camera. Thank!!
You refer to Grand Central Station. That is a post office. The railroad facility across from the Chrysler Building is a terminal, not a station, and the official name is Grand Central Terminal. Penn Station is indeed a station.
Nice selection of photos. I have a copy of Davidson’s subway book but can’t find it…got lost in the mess. I don’t live in NY, but plan to visit 2 or 3 times a year to shoot. The amount of photo ops for the street photog in Manhattan is just sickening…
I’m doing a book on the subway. (Like the world really needs another one…but we got to shoot something.) I seldom talk to the people on the street or the subway. I’m kinda shy, so I use my candid skills. If light is poor I can use IR flash to stay undercover.
Street photography has always been one of my favorite style. It captures the real beauty of every chosen subject. And I admire how you manage to take all these awesome photographs. Every photo has its own story and I appreciate how you provide the candidness and natural outcome to each of it. I also love the black and white photos. It adds a bit more drama in an interesting way. The colored parts were also very powerful and brilliant. Great job, James.
James,
Photo number 7, the one with the man looking out the window while two men on the street hunched over looking at phones, is my favorite.
I am looking forward to your “The Real New York Soho with James Maher” field trip via the Princeton Photo Workshop. I’m hoping to bring a single lens — 35 mm or 50 mm. I have no experience with street photography so this should be both fun and challenging.
It will be a lot of fun Khurt! We’ll get you up to speed. 35 and 50mm are my two favorite focal lengths so you can’t go wrong with either. Looking forward to meeting you!
Thanks for this. I recently took a class on street photography which started with art history. I selected Bruce Davidson as the artist who spoke most to me. Wrote my piece on him. Love his work and love New York.
Great homage to Frank! Well researched, written and illustrated. I learned a lot about Frank from your article.
As far as Frank’s crooked photos? The critics that complain about this are mostly the anal landscaper or studio photogs. The seasoned street photogs know what it takes to do street work. They know that if they can come back with 75% of what they were after, it can still be a winner. Cartier- Bresson’s Rue Mouffetard Paris 1954 illustrates this…the concept of ‘imperfect perfection.’
Crooked or not, in the end, either the photo works or not. Winogrand was a great devotee of taking crooked photos. (Due to his sloppiness, not due to art.) But if we are working for ourselves, the only one that decides this question or ‘does it work’ is the person that pushes the button. If they are happy with their photo that is all that counts.
I appreciate your photographic work and learn a lot from it and your writing. But … it’s very hard to read what you write because of the light font color. Can you do anything about that?
Obviously, some places like New York will be much easier to do this than others, but that shouldn’t stop you.
Every article I have ever read about street photography focuses on large cities like New York. It seems like anonymity is intrinsic to street photography. If this is untrue then why do I see so no rural or small town or suburban street photography? Even a Google search for Princeton street photography returns link to your Princeton Photo Workshop field trip, “The Real New York Soho”.
So if street photography is truly possible anywhere, I challenge you to do a field trip in Princeton or Hopewell or Lambertville.
Hey Khurt – it totally is possible and fairly prevalent in small towns. It just happens to be much more prevalent in large cities because there is a lot more going on there and a lot more photographers, so it tends to drown out work done in smaller towns and places. Look up William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Lee Friedlander, Todd Hido, Robert Frank, Trent Parke, Alex Webb – there are many out there doing this.
That’s a broad question that I don’t have time to answer here since all the photos are somewhat disparate. Check the project Luxury for Lease in my gallery and read the intro – that will explain a big part of my inspiration.
I’ve started trying to expand into street photography and find it to be extremely satisfying. Your instructions are incredibly helpful although I am still struggling a tad.
It is satisfying Christopher! I’m happy you enjoy my teaching, but keep in mind it takes a long time to feel like you’re not struggling. You can read everything there is out there, but there’s nothing like shooting as often as possible for years to improve. Even then, you will probably feel like you’re struggling to some extent. I still do a lot of the time. The key is to just enjoy the walk and experience and then the images will come to you.
Stupendous, fete incomparable, how could it be managed in those days- the engineering design, construction, the work dedication, quality of work, and not to speak of the enormous patience, insurmountable will power. even after the demise of Sr Roebling, the Jr kept the show going in spite of physical ailments and the lady took the charge, learn t the engineering intricacies and built a monument that still stands weathering many adverse environment during this long spell. – Marvelous-
Nice photos…Good work! Although I’d get rid of the last subway shot. The shadows are too noisy and photo is kinda fuzzy. If it was something important OK, but it is just a so-so shot even if it had less noise and if it was sharp.
Also enjoyed the Friedlander article. You always do a well balanced and thorough job. Never disappointed.
Friedlander gave a talk at NYC Public Library in June. I was sad I could not attend.
Thanks, and thanks for the Friedlander video! I had heard about this but missed the talk. Looking forward to watching this.
The focus is on the man on the left and his expression, so I wasn’t worried much about the background being blurred. He’s tack sharp if you look close, and I don’t usually mind noise. The image itself is not my favorite of the group, but I still like the feel that the man gives off.
An extremely beautiful piece of architecture. My son, who is now 20, was in love with this building since he was a kid. I have a framed black and white photo. His birthday just passed but I would love to have a new photo and or signature. He would really love that. Not as much as I love him.
James, that’s a great article on the deep cellar of GCS. Are those photos all taken by you for that story? How do you gain access to the bowels of Grand Central? Do they offer tours?
You are a master of the history and best photo spots in the city!
Thank You for your well written NYC Travel Guide
Regards,
Happy you enjoyed the guide! They used to give tours of it, which were hard to get on. Unfortunately, they stopped them recently and I don’t believe they’ll be bringing them back. Sorry for the bad news!
My Great Great Uncle Edward Collins was a foreman during construction. He was offered the choice of a new Chrysler car or to be included in the mural in the lobby. He chose the mural. He was asked to wear a suit but said he wanted to wear overalls to represent his men. He is the person in the mural wearing a white cap, blue tie, brown vest and white overalls looking at and holding a white blue print. He is standing next to a man with a brimmed hat.
Some great shots there I’m coming over in early April and trying to pre plan what minimal gear to bring with me.
Your fantastic work is inspiring me I’m thinking going light with my trusted fuji xe1 with 27mm lense it’s great for street I’m just worrying if it’s got the width for the wide angles… but sometimes you just have to work with what you’ve got..
Baden UK
If I wanted to purchase or use one of the photos displayed above, how would I go about doing that? Do you have a purchasing site like istock that you use?
I really enjoyed your photo essay of the Chrysler Building. The ceiling murals were a real feast for the eyes! Your anecdotal touches are especially interesting as I hunger for every piece of info and photo that I can find. I’m always looking for interior details such as door hardware and any other ornamentation. Do you know of any photos? There must be little design gems above the lobby level.
Just a great article!
I’m a german student who is going to hold a presentation about this fasicinating photographer and you help me a lot! Not only with informations also with motivation and ways to interpret and explain the photographies, althought William Eggleston probably would want me to :).
Thank you!!
The photo under “use your eyes”, was that taken in Miami? I have a similar one of a storefront downtown, Miami.
Thank you for articles and sharing your experience. My daughter and I love street photography and venture through Rochester, NY. We are always getting asked, “What are you taking a picture of?” My husband has started to leave me behind, knowing I will catch up eventually. 🙂
Gracias por los consejos, Me sirven, pues estoy haciendo ahora un proyecto de foto callejera. Tengo varias fotos de hace 2 años pero no tenía claro el formal de lo que quería. He leído mucho sobre los autores que recomiendas y me he visto influenciado.
Respecto a las leyes de cada país, con toda razón. Vivo en México y es muy complicado pero no imposible. Tomas fotos de la gente y ya te ganaste una grosería. En fin, Gracias por el artículo.
Espero puedas ver algo de mis fotos y puedas hacerme alguna crítica constructiva en mi Instagram:
I just read about this station tonight. I haven’t lived in N.Y. since the mid to late 90s but I think that your eye on the city is exquisitely sensitive to the world of the different types of universes of stories that exist there which people might not find anywhere else but if you are not approaching it with the attitude of an artist or a student you start to get used to or tune it out. I never got used to or defined and was always curious. At age 20, I found a VERY lifelike baby doll at the Salvation Army and I would take her out on the subway at 2-4 a.m. so I could hide a camera there and I’d film the city of endless possibilities and compose a score the next morning. Your work reminds me of the way it is to be an eye on the same horizon for a few seconds. I have a trip planned for next week and your work is like a commercial for why souls have to create a new thing from what they see and how they feel. You’re a person who is not afraid to see. You’re a truth telling artist. I’m glad to be privy to the details.????????✏
I agree with the “light font” comment. It seams that everything on the internet is heading towards a white screen. It is actually work to read and enjoy an article.
Thank you for this site. Love your photo’s James. I’m learning and am looking forward to trying my own, just have to figure out an interesting place, not too many populated streets where I live in Alaska.
Glad you enjoyed them Beth! I would actually advise you to not worry about interesting or populated areas. Go to the least interesting place you can imagine near where you live and try to figure out how to take interesting photos. I promise they exist if you look hard enough and it’s a wonderful exercise! Take a look at the work of William Eggleston or Stephen Shore for inspiration.
Enjoyed the article, James. You really caught the essence of Moriyama, whose street aesthetic has influenced millions of photographers. BTW, and don’t take this as a nitpick, you may want to correct the misspelling of Tomatsu’s first name. It’s Shomei. And the O there and in his last name take a long accent. I’m very bad at key-cap characters, so I’ll leave that to you to figure out! Cheers!
Thank you very much for all the informations and the beautiful photographs of the Chrysler Building. i am a french student preparing a file about the skyscraper, and I was wondering if I could use your photographs which are really beautiful in my file… Thanks again!
I have several of Saul Leiter’s books hidden somewhere in my collection, which I haven’t looked at lately. This post was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of his work. Thank you. Happy holiday to you and your family.
Wow! How wonderful!
I was thinking, since I am an older less assuming person, that that would help me to blend into the street action while photographing.
What do you think, James.
And by the way, I’ll repeat myself with saying, how wonderful!
Thanks Maureen! I think that definitely can be an advantage, but really it’s all about how you carry yourself out there. Some people certainly standout no matter what they do, but for most if you act right you can blend in fairly easily. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I also have trouble reading the font on your site. Is there any way to make it somewhat darker? I love your site but can barely read anything you write due to the light font you use.
This sort of intricacy is lost in modern architecture. It’s not cost effective. Easier to slap up concrete and glass. But it echoes the cathedrals of the past that were highly detailed; details that can only be seen up close.
Again, thanks for zooming in on the Chrysler Building.
Greetings from Chicago! I am a staff reporter for my school newspaper and am currently writing an article on the meaning of family, especially those with immediate family members who are immigrants. I would love to use this photo and was curious about the copyright status of this picture. Thanks!
Hi James,
My name is Dede Osserman Tanzer. My grandmother, Lucy Goldschmidt Moses, paid to rebuild Bow Bridge when it had fallen to disrepair. She received the first Frederick Law Olmstead award given by New York for her work.
We were raised calling it Grandma’s bridge.
I’ve just been going her things and decided to educate myself about it further and came across your posting. I actually have a few photos of the ribbon cutting. If you ever happen to be around Delray Beach, FL let me know…if you’re interested.
Best regards,
Dede
Dede, I’m the author of The Central Park Lost Mitten Party (which has great notes about the Park, including Bow Bridge). Amazingly, I am often in Delray Beach and would love to be in touch with you. BTW, I am doing a second signing of the book at FAO Schwarz 12-14-2019, 49th & 5th, Rockefeller Center if you are in town!!
Terrific, Dede. The ‘70s were a particularly fraught time for the Park so the contribution was especially valuable. Here’s a quick note on the restoration. Enthusiasts were buoyant about the restored bridge, but mourned the loss of the irreplaceable urns. Someone (I need to ck who!) was rummaging around a Parks Dept storage facility when they spotted an exceptional cast iron flower pot. The urn was identified and funds were raised to have it restored and duplicated seven times!
Wonderful report! You always produce nicely illustrated posts.
I like Soth’s work as well. Very talented photog.
Glad he is not a slave to ego. (Stuck with the 8 x 10 or all film / all digital.) It is like someone trying to use a jeweler’s screwdriver to fix a truck. You need different tools for different jobs. Be true to the subject…not the ego.
“You don’t have to have a million dollars to be able to buy it…”
Yea, always a good question to ask yourself to see where you are in life . I used to do it. What would I do if I had 10 million $$…
I’d be doing the exact same thing I do now…just much more of it. If freezing time is in your blood, that is your life.
Weegee on the subject…
“Sure. I’d like to live regular. Go home to a good looking wife, a hot dinner, and a husky kid. But I got film in my blood.”
Thanks Michael – yeah, it was a difficult decision, but it’s definitely made me uncomfortable shooting in a way that I was looking for. So far it’s been worth it. I’ve been enjoying your new focus on your blog lately.
I love to read about the bridge. I enjoyed this post. I highly recommend David McCullough’s book “The Great Bridge”. It is a wonderful historical account of building the magnificent structure.
James,
I am really happy to see you moving in this direction – sharing your insights into the creative process. Your Street Photography weekends were great, but I think it is a tired and overwrought genre in which most everything that is great has been done.
Your sharing of your creative eye through critique of the work of others is really interesting, and well worth a subscription.
Glad you like it Derek! I would say though that I certainly don’t think most everything has been done in traditional street photography. I think because of how much of this type of photography we see, the standard stuff can feel tired or overwrought, but it does not mean that great new work isn’t being done in this genre. It is and lots of it will come to light eventually as things change. Everything constantly changes and it’s important to capture it!
Great piece on William Klein, James! His photography is very spontaneous and intimate. Thanks for bringing the influence and work of another great photographer into our lives. All the best, Jerry Hallead
Glad you enjoyed it Gareth! In the U.S. you do not need a model release to use it for art or education purposes. You would need one for advertising or commercial purposes but I don’t use it for that. Many countries have similar laws but others are much more strict, so definitely look into local laws.
This looks to be a good antidote for UK Lock-down.
I did actually go out to the pharmacy to get my meds and was seen lying in the middle of the road, of an empty high street, camera in hand!
Hi James.
1. At ‘Copy as DNG’, will you please explain the difference between Copy and Add ?
2. If you shoot in raw and jpg, so you import both file formats? Is there any value to that?
Hey Barbara! Copy as DNG will move and copy the file to a folder of your choice, then turn it into a DNG RAW file. Add will simple add a file from your hard-drive to the Lightroom Database without moving it.
You can import both if you want, for instance if you like the look of the JPG out of the camera, you might want to keep it. It really depends, but having twice the amount of photographs in your archive might get annoying over time.
James you’d mentioned that you like the Fuji colors directly out the camera. I do too, however they look so much better on the back of my screen and when I transfer them onto my phone than they to on LR. I just discovered adding the Fuji film presents to the images in develop mode. Do you have color issues in LR and if so, do you use the presets that I mentioned?
Fuji definitely adds some processing to the photo in the back of the camera. RAW files that go into Lightroom are purposely a little flat and dull to show all the information, and you need to work on the negative to bring that brilliance out of it. But if you use the color presets as you mentioned, that helps to immediately get the file closer to what’s shown in the back of the camera, at least in my opinion. You’ll see in a later video that this is what I do.
I am generally available anytime after 9:30 am (PST), except the week of June 7 when I will be available anytime Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.
Hey Paul – Lightroom classic should look very similar, that’s what I’m using here. Would you be able to email me a screenshot at [email protected]? Thanks!
Great in-depth review! Not sure if I’m convinced on spending that much on a camera though. Do you have any recommendations for cameras at a lower price point?
FUJI X100, rest in peace.
What a pity.
I owned the Fuji X100. Now I own the X100F.
The X100, after I had understood and accepted the way it works helped to improve my photography.
The X100F and the XF10, one or the other, or both, are always in my bag.
Excellent article James! I first heard of Graciela a few years ago after seeing her on PBS’s Art 21 series. I was suprised I had never heard of her until then.
It’s a nice tour by great photographies and appreciate your tips. They are always valuable as feedback for me as compulsive photographer (because I’m more than a street photographer but compulsive one)
Sometimes I don’t understand Wouter – I go back and like things much better the next time around as well. It really depends if I think there’s a chance I’ll use it in the long run though.
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Yeah yeah, I am lucky to have been there a few times ….. I really recognize the vibe …… but also your quote……. you have to be lucky sometimes, it’s just like fishing …… that may be one of the best quotes to really describe what street photography really is …. even Roman Fox and Sean Tucker may fully agree …..
Thank you so much for mentioning Bruce Davidson. I recall having a photo book of his, but could not remember his name. Thank you for all that you share with us — you are a great teacher! So thankful for everything you post.
Love Alec Soth’s work. Like to read about his journey in photography, how he has always challenged himself to not get stuck in repeating himself. Thanks to you James for broadeing my knowlelge of his work and our community in sharing their own work. Very inspiring to read Alec’s quotes, almost as useful as to see his work, for me.
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The genre has been practiced by many people over the years and is still attracting new practioners. My photography got in a low spot a while ago and, from an artistic perspective, rather than working, I needed inspiration to carry on. So, up popped street photography. Initially, I dug out my old Leica 111 from 1935 and put a 35mm F3.5 lens on it. I perfected a technique of keeping it wound on, but prefocused at 10 feet – 3 metres – and looked for my shot while walking. As soon as I saw it, up to my eye, click and carried on walking having lowered it again. No-one took any notice of me. I used Tri-X with 500 shutter speed to freeze movements. Of course I had to meter first. Now I have a pair of Leica R8 black bodies with 28-35-50-90-135-180 lenses and the 35-70 F3.5 zoom. The 28 is great for zone focus as it’s no focus at all. I use the R8 cameras on Program with Matrix metering. So using the 28 removes the need to focus meaning my bodies are really rather sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras. The 28 and 50 are quite light, however, my 35 is f2 and rather heavy. So I keep this one on a Leicaflex SL body. Film is still Tri- X. I can use colour filters now as the on-board meter reads through them. No more working out filter factors with logarithmic progression. Some folks don’t like the R8. However, I feel that far from being the “hunchback of Solms “ it’s actually the year 2000 Leica. A few Christmases ago, my boyfriend bought me a Leica 1a black camera, 1930. Still in good working condition and the pinnacle of my collection. I’ve photographed it alongside one of my original Leicaflex bodies and an R8 as the main picture for an upcoming article for a photographic magazine.
If you are not familiar, you should check it the work of Marc Cohen, from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His work is a bit on the darker side if this sub-genre, but it is quite compelling!
Gesture and emotion are always important, even in a studio environment. Like when Yosef Karsh grabbed the cigar from Winston Churchill – the expression that evoked became one of the quintessential portraits of Churchill.
I had my law office in the Chrysler Building from 1981 until 2006. Jack Kent Cook was the first owner responsible for restoring the sad wreck to much of its former glory, and it was a pleasure to watch the process, especially the restoration of the almost invisible, damaged ceiling mural in the lobby. It’s a shame that visitors are no longer able to see the elevators. Each cab is lined with gorgeous wood inlays, and every one is unique.
Beautiful photos, informative and evocative text. A quick tidbit.. Olmsted and Vaux didn’t want a bridge to the Ramble, which was (and is!) an oasis within the oasis of Central Park. The Commissioners insisted, Vaux and Mould delivered. Indeed, it was among the first completed in the Park and competed with Marble Arch to be the most exquisite.
I have always wondered how they got fireworks onto the top of the bridge for the opening on 24th May 1883 and how they replace the flags on top nowadays.
Thank you. Keeping this article for reference. I’ve been browsing “street photos” posted in IG but couldn’t quite put my finger on why I’m drawn to some photos while others looked like random snapshots of people. Will be interesting to explore this further and learn the art of street photography. Thanks again.
This was a great read. I am about to embark on a project of trying black and white for the first time with an aesthetic snapshot theme using just an iPhone or compact camera and an iPad to post process photos.
I will look for more on Lee Friedlander for inspiration, thank you.
James, I stumbled on your website and really appreciate your photos! I also live in NYC and take amateur photos from my iPhone (interesting architectural elements of buildings – both residential and commercial, none capture the inside of a building, none are of people, and all are taken from the public sidewalks. I’d love any of your guidance on the rules/laws of publishing and selling a coffee-table book of my photos? Thank you in advance!
A very interesting article and you covered lots of areas. I have the same fear of getting caught while capturing random people/strangers and that restricts me from taking such photos. But thank you for this.
Danish,
I was doing a lot of street photography in 1970″s Montreal. I put the camera on a long strap around my neck and it sat just above my belly. I shot from there with preset settings for the street lighting etc.
I would just snap when walking without looking. nobody ever saw me take the picture.
I thought of it as equivalent th gestural sketching, no thinking no concerns, just movement.
Peter
I’m taking a street photography course at SVU and the professor has introduced us to many street photogs, but Helen Levitt has become one of my favorites. They put me in my happy place. Thanks for publishing these!
Great content James – both words and photos. I’ve experienced the perceptions of others, especially when I moved away for a few years after having grown up through the bad times and then the safer times. It is amazing what people who have never been to NYC think of the city. In my mind I call it the Law & Order Effect because they watch Law & Order twelve times a day and they believe that’s what the city is like.
Hey man, I’ve been using your site for a school project in my photography class and I just wanted to say that you always have really interesting photographers and very eloquent commentary. Really appreciate this site and this post especially.
Very interesting article. Your text gives the photos context and adds dimension to street photos (a genre that often lacks interest for me). Do people actually line up to buy clothes?
James,
I loved looking at this portfolio/series of images. You chose a great title for it! You’ve certainly captured the diversity of this corner in New York. Now, you have me wanting to return to New York and hire you again for a couple of photo walking tours.
Love the photos and captions. Back in the 1970s, my grandfather used to take me as a kid from Ridgewood to Central Park and we would walk down Broadway to Battery Park. He would tell me the history of all those old buildings and point out the incredible architecture and craftsmanship of the buildings. I would take pictures with my Sears 110 Instamatic camera. I fell in love with NYC on those walks. I still take those walks when I’m in NYC but it’s been obvious to me for many years that the city has lost its soul.
We are interested when an B-2 bomber was on display within the Chrysler Building lobby in the 1940’s. My husband is 88 years old and recalls going there with his brothers.
For me, street photography is an art form that captures the essence of everyday life in a unique and captivating way; it’s a testament to the beauty that can be found in the most mundane moments of our daily lives. Thanks for your great pictures!
Fabulous, James. Makes me want to get on the Amtrak and head to the Big City!
We’re looking forward to your presentation at the Schenectady Photographic Society soon.
Wonderful collection, James! Loved the entire set and a few in particular: the B&W of the four guys looking out the store window, the clever self-portrait near the end (a typical New Yorker taking photos), the man conducting either singers or an orchestra, the pink-eared dog having his portrait done, the performer in the subway train…I could go on. Like Linda, makes me want to get on a train and photograph in the big city again. Thanks so much for posting these!
Hi James Maher,1
Only in New York.
Ain’t it grand!
And ain’t it grand to be able to take such great photos that capture and convey the Soul(s) of NYC.
Thanks for your concern and commitment to The City and your eagerness to share it with us.
It is appreciated by many.
Cliff Haymes
Thank you for once again taking me on a photographic trip to NY. I was fascinated by your photos because they made me wonder about the lives of each individual.
I hope all is well with you and your family.
These images, and those in your last post about the “Crossroads of Luxury” are awesome!
Quintessential NYC; you should author a book with your City street work. I’ll be first in line to purchase it!
All the Best,
Hank
Hi: My name is Sharon Sims and I’m a former tenant of the Notorious Martinique in New York City. Is there any way I could get a hold of any pictures you have. I’m writing a book about my time residing there.
Thanks for that write up. Helen Levitt has long been one of my favorite street photographers. The city she documented of course no longer exists. The AC, then the TV, then cable, then the internet and cell phones, has all but eliminated neighborly discourse. Everyone left their stoops and porches. We are victims of our own technology.
Thank you James, I really enjoyed this session. I learned some tricks/tips in LR I didn’t utilize before, so really got a lot out of it. You have given me so much to think about. I love pushing myself, (as a 73 yrs old that can be a figurative or literal term…hahaha) and challenge myself continually to take good advice and work with it.
I like the way you’ve used black and white in your photos. It helps to create a sense of drama and atmosphere. I also like the way you’ve captured the diversity of New York City. Your photos feature people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Good work.
Good article revealing the essence of Moriyama’s journey of photography. Presenting darker side of society is his personal choice . But I am, however ,not impressed by the presentation of sheer negative side of a rich culture. Every society has to say the stories of its struggle, growth and decay, sorrow and happiness. As a street photographer I prefer to chase every kind of fleeting moment which make me stunned or mute.
Thank you James Maher for your beautifully written article and the wonderful pictures. The Chrysler Building has been my favorite building in the world since I first saw pictures of it in the early 70’s. It has always been my dream to see it in person one day. I just turned 63, and it breaks my heart to hear that it’s no longer open to the public. Thank goodness we have articles and pictures like yours so that future generations can see them and learn to appreciate it as much as I do. Being a writer myself, I I appreciate the work that went into your piece. . If I were rating it on a scale of one to ten, I would rate it as a 10 +. Thank you so much for taking me there!
I’m sat here in a coffee shop in South Yorkshire, UK, with my camera on the table, and researching more about street photography as Ive just finished my venture around the town shooting. Im a complete begginer, and I am glad Ive found this article, Ive learned and feel encouraged, thank you so much ❤
Great write-up! I’ve been shooting with a full spectrum converted (infrared and visible spectrums) for two years and you are absolutely right about how it changes your experience on the street.
James, thanks for a great review. I really appreciate your point of view about slowing down and being more deliberate. Since 2019 when this was written, do you still believe the gfx 50R is a good MF camera for street.? There are some great values on used 50Rs so wondering if now’s the time?
I am a new be at this. Just read your page and like the your explanation . I am going to have to read it again to get it through my thick head.I have a lot to learn but this will help a lot. Street pics look nice to me and pics of wild life.
I do have one question Well lots. I bought a sony A6700 and would like to get a prime lens . As u and most of what i have read a 35mm to 50 mm are good lends . With the A6700 what lens should i be looking at.
Thank you looking forward to reading the article again. and working on some pics.
Gary
Glad you enjoyed it Gary! Both 35mm and 50mm are great and are loved. I’d probably recommend a 50mm (full frame equivalent) as your first prime lens, but I could see equal arguments for each.
Excellent column on an important subject. Brilliant insights and worthwhile history of modern urbanism. “Glass City” is a great name for the newsletter, too. Thank you.
James – My friend George just introduced me to your website and described your generosity towards any fellow/aspiring photographers. My first response back to him:
“Just started perusing – the first Robert Frank photo doesn’t have a label, but it’s one of my Absolute Faves – a New Orleans trolley car taken the year I was born, and 27 years before I lived there and rode the trolley…
…OMG
Nothing not to love about this photo! Your eye darts from one window “frame” to another and back again (and again). WTF is in those top windows? Not only riveting, but telling a story. If I ever did a photo this good, I would then throw my camera in the trash!”
I doubt I’ll ever have a need to toss my camera out, but in the meantime, all this gives me a giddy incentive to get out and use it (though perhaps not in a trip across America).
There are clearly massive and many issues that need to be fixed with the criminal justice system and mental health and social service system, but speaking past and disregarding my points does nothing for the overall discourse, and is a major issue with how our society communicates. And the way these news articles are promoted and framed are for the purpose of making people feel like you feel.
When I brought a German friend to New York last year, she was quite wary because of the reputation it has developed on American TV, which Europeans watch a lot. We rented a first-floor Airbnb in Spanish Harlem right near City College. Our five days were eventful in terms of pleasure, and uneventful in terms of dangerous incidents. I have absolutely no qualms about taking cautious tourists to New York in future. Your article further confirms my impression that New York is quite safe, provided you follow the customary precautions when you travel anywhere. I’ll be sending your article, so that she can share it with other friends who may have her preconceived fears.
Thanks,
John
There are many things that NYC and the USA can proudly boast about. Sadly, the crime rate is not one of them. Consider this. The USA accounts for 4.2% of the World’s population and 20% of the World’s prison population. The incarceration rate in the US is 531 per 100,00 which is the 6th highest. For comparison, Australia is 158, Canada 85, England 143, France 107, Norway 55 and so on.
By the way, the 5 locations with a higher incarceration rate than the US are, American Samoa, Turkmenistan, Rwanda, Cuba, El Salvador and I’m definitely not traveling to one of them.
Hey John – these are certainly complex issues but I want to put some of what you say further in context. Yes, certainly Melbourne has a lower crime rate, but at the same time the numbers in New York are very safe and the minute difference in risk to your daily life is probably more than offset by the increase of people in Melbourne who commute by car every day. The way you stated this would make New York sound unsafe, when that is just not true by any metrics.
Now for the incarceration problem, the U.S. has a cottage industry that makes a lot of money off of incarcerating disadvantaged people, so I would completely agree with you on how massive and unfair a problem that is here.
Interesting article and perspective. I grew up in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s.. I lived through Son of Sam (literally right in my neighborhood), blackouts, garbage strikes, transit strikes, the birth of mainstream disco (also in my neighborhood) and a murder rate in the late 1970s that was approximately 5 times higher than the number of murders in 2023. I remember subway cars that were covered in graffitti, so much so that you couldn’t see out the windows. Back in the day 42nd Street and Times Square was so unsafe that we were told to walk in the streets, and stay off the sidewalks, which were filled with X-rated shops and theaters. My last visit to Times Square reminded me of Disneyland. Like any big city with lots of people, crime will happen and will be more noticeable and covered by the media, and in today’s 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week news cycle, false information is often amplified by social media and politicians and pundits looking for attention. Also, like any big city (and small city, for that matter), there are places that are safe and not so safe. It’s probably a good idea to be aware of your surroundings in any area, large city or small town, as mental illness has been criminally ignored in this country for too many years.
What incredible stories Richard. I was talking to a friend about this, and even the 80s were a completely different world. And definitely about mental illness.
Whilst we’re being philosophical, here’s something else to ponder. If you break your leg in the street, strangers will rush to your aid and an ambulance will whisk you to hospital. But what do we do when we come across a man with a broken mind?
The teeth thing is spooky. But I’m of the opinion we have to be skeptical when viewing images, unless we know the individual personally. Corporate images, take with a grain of salt. Gives me another reason to limit or withdraw from most social media sites. But I won’t give up making images. I love the process of creating.
Best, John Jennings
You have some good and valid points to think about.
Some cultures banned painting portraits of people, which in the modern era translated to photos. I had one person come to me during an outdoor social gathering and ask that he or his family not be photographed due to their faith.
Some cultures prohibit identifying graves with who’s inside.
Temples in some cultures prohibit photographing inside, especially the deities and rituals.
Many of those restrictions were meant as protection against something in their times. Over time, like everything else, they lost their meaning and became reasons for shaming, punishment, and other types of enforcement. Proper education on those restrictions, and modification of rules when justified, would be the right course.
Today’s story is the opposite. Photography was always a niche hobby/profession. It was expensive during film era. The rise of affordable digital cameras boosted it to unexpected volumes. The spread of online media also boosted misuse of those photos. The spread of artificial photos and spread of misinformation through them is becoming a pandemic.
Very soon, restrictions will come. That is society’s natural way to react when there’s no better alternative. While bad per se, such restrictions may be necessary for preventing some crimes and mental health issues. On the contrary, others will complain that the restrictions are killing innovation.
Very interesting comment Satya. There is no balance now. And it would be nice if there were rules behind how the algorithms work, especially for kids. I watch the stuff that Youtube serves up to my kid and it concerns me.
It’s funny that people need slight imperfections in their false teeth in order for them to be believable. If you’ve ever done work with computer graphics, you’d probably have figured out a long time ago that you need to add some randomness or jitter to repeatedly generated objects (e.g. trees in a scene) or else they will look unnatural. It takes a good chunk of time to get this right, and a lot of time to make things look organic. Even in drawing, this is why I find a lot of drawing dissatisfying. When the erstwhile artist executes nothing but their agenda, what comes out looks like a bad cartoon. So I don’t think you need a computer to necessarily make something unnaturally “perfect.” Then the role of computers (and AI-assisted editing even more so) is to make it easier to blow your foot off. All the same, I think it helps people learn something about the creative process – at least those who care about such things.
Interesting. My parents were Amish, so I have many relatives who are Amish. On my blog I have many photos of Amish. I try to be discreet. A portion of them are ok, with photos, but are more hesitant to pose for photos.
I like the photo below which evidently is actually there in digital form. Personally, I would have cropped a little of it around the edges, which I find distracting, but hey, to each their own. The photo reminds me of footprints of ancient humans found in solidified mud or sand but with a decidedly modern twist…instead of foot prints and toes we have the design of a modern capitalist corporation’s graphic imprinted on the bottom of one of it shoes. In the distant future it may raise the question “what kind of animal produced this imprint.”
Look, we are thieves us Street photographers. We use film and sensors to steal the impression left by photons reflected off unwitting subjects. But we love those reflections. We caress them in the editing programs. We catalogue and store them carefully. We revisit them and appreciate them. We hope that others will too, so we share them. Surely they wouldn’t rather just be deleted?
Ha, maybe not thieves but I think there’s a mischievous trait to many people attracted to this type of photography. We have to have respect for the people we photograph, but it is all a blurry line between what is right and wrong.
James, I think there is a GREAT and DEEP point here. Same happens for music, if you notice: auto-tune and envelope filters were initially used merely to cover the lack of voice technique by the industry-chosen “artist” of the moment. But, with the help of lacking musical education, the horrible fake sound of auto-tune has become part of the taste and it is now part of the standard mainstream music package.
Something similar would apply to pizza in the US, but I don’t want to strike nerves here!! 😀
Glad you enjoyed it Marco – and very interesting about the auto-tune. It is interesting how similar trends manifest themselves in different art forms. And can’t speak for US pizza, only for NYC pizza which is a separate thing!
Agree Tim. AI is far from sentient and is currently a regurgitation machine (which it’s incredibly good at, albeit with faults). But the speed of advances has slowed significantly and it needs massive amounts of content to learn, which we can’t create. And as it trains on its own output it is beginning to eat itself.
My fear is there is no limit to how much it can learn. I worry about stuff like genetics more than art, although artists may become like ham radio operators in the age of the internet – stalwart hold-outs after the world loses interest. Interesting, Neal deGrasse Tyson predicts the death of social media and news when all trust has burned off. I haven’t finished processing the notion, but I’m strolling toward a belief that old media and arts could actually float back to the surface – live television, film, books – stuff that cranky old people like me happily lived with. Thanks for replying.
James,
Great article. I know the King of Green well. My morning routine when I’m in NYC is to walk through Soho and I pass it when going out and returning. However, I’m there before any of the stores open, so I wasn’t aware of how active the area is. I’ll change up my routine next time.
Really enjoyed the article, thanks for sharing it. New York is on my bucket list after missing it last February due to illness. This just makes me want to bring a bag full of cameras!
James, your insights into traditional street photography are truly enlightening. The notion of embracing serendipity while remaining vigilant for the decisive moment encapsulates the essence of this genre. Your emphasis on meticulous curation and the use of software tools like Adobe Lightroom for organizing and sequencing speaks to the importance of crafting cohesive visual narratives. Furthermore, your suggestion to explore alternative perspectives, such as integrating portraits alongside candid street scenes, underscores the multifaceted nature of storytelling in photography. In essence, your discourse on traditional street photography is a testament to the intricate interplay between spontaneity and intentionality within the urban milieu.vsccoapk.com
I have been enjoying Glass City–your insights and sense of humor–and have just now started supporting your efforts on a monthly basis. I hope that you and your famiily have been well.
Wonderful essay (and photos) James. In years past, I have struggled with taking compelling or interesting photos of people in an office. Having conversations with them, and breaking down their anxiety, as you noted, always helps them drop their guard a bit and gives us more of a glimpse into their personalities.
I also think it’s great that your mom reads all of your stuff!
An edit of your writing could eliminate many of the “I’s” that you are concerned about.
YOU WRITE: “When I made this change, I asked a handful of people I respect if they wouldn’t mind receiving it. (That’s three I’s in that sentence). Then there are 13,000 of you who found me in so many different ways, some who have been here for over 10 years. Then there’s my mother, her strange friends, my in-laws, and some high school and college friends who all get it. My wife reads occasionally I think.”
EDITED VERSION: When this change was made, I asked a handful of personally respected people if they would mind receiving it. It’s also been sent, and read to some degree, by the 13,000 of you who found me through many different ways, plus my mother, her strange friends, my in-laws, some high school and college friends, and my wife.
Well, I am here after Saul Leiter’s name was suggested to me during an inspiring talk about photography with my penfriend… ChatGPT (really, no joke, reasonable talking to AI may often end up like that). This kind of photography rings a bell in my soul. Good to hear about Mr Leiter actually ‘living his art’ at the same time avoiding being a famous person. In a world of today, where every influencer wants to be a star, that is a rare quality in itself. Also the kind of seeing while not being very seen, looking through gaps and reflections on the glass, I like it very much. Sad thing is some of the world shown on these shots is already gone, and we can see it mostly in the old movies only. All the best from Europe!
A lot of depth with this article. The various links show a lot of research on your part as well as interesting reading. This is much more than your average article.
Epic, thank you.
The Vivien Mair interest isn’t really about photography, but rather about her intriguing story. I’m not saying the photos aren’t good, but they seem secondary.
Glad you enjoyed!! I agree that so much of the appeal and buzz comes from her incredible story, but her work holds up to the hype every time I see it in person. She was an extraordinary photographer.
Thank you for not only sharing but completing this daunting undertaking of the one day journey. There are some of these that I have to check out, and hopefully still showing.
Very interesting concept, James. I always have a camera with me, especially when riding around town with the doggies, and often come across some interesting backs of cars but more so trucks or work vehicles, where company names are often artfully painted on the back. I am not sure if I have any I can easily find now on my computer but I will now keep an eye out for these moving forward.
I think these types of photos also provide a great overall “snapshot” of what a community looks like.
Banal yes! While I found the two week twice-daily 31 minute commutes taking my kid to daycamp to be quite boring, I found the surroundings and cars to be pretty fascinating, and commuting that way in general regularly to be fascinating as well. But that’s probably because it’s not something I’ve ever done.
I think if you’re going to try at boring, the drone-beat of license plates and ugly truck nuts ought to be hammered into the retinas of your viewers. ;o)
Ha while I don’t think this comment is meant a complement, ‘Lol WTF’ and ‘hammered into the retinas’ makes it my favorite. And I mean this kindly and honestly, I really appreciate hearing your perspective and was hoping for one or two like this.
I found it interesting. I have more than a few collections of streets, flowers, dogs on the street and little bits of rubbish on the street. These sorts of actions often lead to a photo worth keeping and displaying.
A profound study on “Twentysix Backs of Cars”.
Indeed an accurate and realistic interpretation of cars, or more specifically, the backs of them.
And further ….
… Your next post will be even better (for sure!)
🙂
Helen Levitt’s ability to capture the everyday moments of life in New York is nothing short of magical. Her photographs not only reflect the essence of the city but also tell poignant stories of its people. I love how you highlighted her unique perspective and the way she brought a sense of intimacy to street photography. Truly inspiring!
James, I for one am bored to death by all things cars. And images of cars. I did grow up in car culture, Sacramento California, in the ‘60’s. I drove across the country 3 times in the early ‘70’s, CA to NY. I moved permanently to downtown Washington, DC. in 1972. I still have a car as an occasional necessity. Train/subway culture is far more interesting and romantic.
I really enjoyed this Glass City column and the way you linked together the work of other artists with your own explorations. Are you going or coming is such a good question. The concept of going seems at first to convey a positive feeling of choice and expectation but of course either direction can be escaping something or leaving something or someone you love. Or your very interesting comment about turning around to confront and deal with something instead of running away. And then, as you note, perceptions about these kinds of photos change over time.
I can understand why you were inspired to do the series about commuting and think about how you reacted. As a city person I shared your conclusion but I did relate to the change in feeling in your series when a car suddenly appeared to be turning or not going in the direction of the road (as in the one with the AGW construction van and others). It makes it interesting but also reminds me of why I hated commuting on the very winding Rock Creek Parkway in DC where everyone drove too fast. Most of my work commutes after that were usually walking or short in city drives thankfully.
Thank you so much Cynthia! Really appreciate these thoughts and interesting to get a sense of how people who have actually commuted by cars for much of their lives feel. In that sense, I am certainly an outsider!
“I probably have a solid book in me of successful business people’s neck fat.” I’m waiting for this book having belonged to the fat neck group for a decade now.
Great presentation James. For myself haven’t been a great Susan Sontag fan. All throw the images, and writing are important to NYC photography history- Just always felt she scratched the surface.
Thanks Leo – I haven’t read or reread On Photography in a long time but have seen similar thoughts floating around. She was a wonderful writer though and I know I enjoyed how she describes things. Her short intro to this book I much enjoyed.
Particularly enjoyed this. How great to focus for a few moments on your thoughts and what you saw, rather than my obsessive worrying about the election. Thank you. Go Kamala.
Thanks James! Your post is a mine Good Day.
Working on some abstract photographs “Metal and Rust” series here in South Dakota. Off to the west Arizona soon. Been to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where my last tour there was the “Fading Mona Lisa Billboards of Eau Claire, Wisconsin project – University of Wisconsin Press. Cold, and wet in South Dakota-er. But, light has been great.
Thank you, James.
I was sitting here at my desk in Western Australia, feeling down because the pictures I took last weekend were disappointing to me. I scrolled through your pictures in this story in the normal desultory fashion; then stopped, went back to the beginning and looked more closely at them, thinking also about the feelings you’re expressing. I’ve now finished my coffee and feel impelled to start work on those disappointing photographs again. Or maybe getting off my skinny backside and making some more.
Once again, thanks James for both this posting of some fascinating pictures and for provoking me into working again.
Stick it to Trump is right. However, your newsletter always enjoyed inspiring – while the Big US University writers, and photographs across the US newspapers, and e-press give it to the ‘woke’ campaign promises from Trump in public education – Here in South Dakota Gov. Kristy Norm and Trump are camped out at Mount Rushmore. Where we plan to steal their horses after dark.
Best-us?
LeoThiner
I loved wandering the streets of NYC with you this morning. The photos drew me in, but it was your comments that made me feel like I was walking alongside you. Thank you for a wonderful start to my day.
Wow, what a terrific piece! I’m truly grateful for all you do and share with the photographic community! BTW, you mention the hardest part of being a guide is making sure your client doesn’t get punched. After getting punched by some DB in soho when I visited at the end of October, I can appreciate your objective that much more.
Oh wow, that is scary! Yeah super important to carry yourself in the right way and be careful. Never had an altercation in any of my workshops thankfully, but it’s something that’s always in the back of my head and I do my best to watch out for and avoid tough situations. It’s complicated.
Such a unique and detailed perspective. You speak of your liberal bubble but don’t have a predetermined stack of bullet points citing MAGA Republicans as the ongoing threat to our democracy.
I love your background on workshops and watching the mood of a city change – the “tics” and people who learned English from watching Friends, as well as the different reactions from the UPS and USPS deliverymen. Your descriptions throughout the essay take me right to the streets you and your tour participants walk.
I also like your paragraph “In retrospect” – all the things you say to yourself cover most of the things I say to myself. I’ve got a shelf full of books on personal growth, efficiency and learning how to learn, only to find out many of the authors wrote articles recently on how they don’t follow their own advice; it’s too difficult to be consistent. Not much of anything lasts; there are no universal answers.
Continue to create you say? Ok, good idea. I will.
John was looking forward to you reading this! Love your feedback. We’ve spoken a bit about the awkwardness of writing about politics and have been thinking a lot about how to do it in this avenue.
I really like the photo of the man drinking a blue soda with a cig in his hands. The beret and the covid mask is dope on this picture. I really like the background too i would give this photo a 10/10 as a former hood beaner myself.
Thanks for this article. Nicely written about a very important topic in many peoples lives. We photographers come with a lot of baggage in our lives. Many have no idea why or what, but it makes for intersting company when you get 8 or more together.
I can’t tell you how much I admire the honesty and verve in this newsletter. I have often felt some of the same emotions growing up, and even today, some reappear. Yes Lexapro helps, but so does courage and perspective. Thank you for great accompanying images too, and truth. John
Thanks so much John, your comment gives me lots of inspiration and energy and I agree. The meds certainly made it much easier and more fun, but it’s been something I’ve been fighting hard against for a long time, and sounds like you have too!
Brother I’m with you! I was recently diagnosed as well (I’m 60) and it has given me so many “aha” moments about why, when I was young, this or that happened or why I reacted the way I did. And yes, the camera was very freeing for me as well, I can be part of the action but also be hiding behind a camera – and come out when I WANT to. Great writing and photography! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, I am Charlene. I read this article and it is very informative. I like the way you explained about the topic. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. It is so appreciated!!!
As a portrait photographer in Cary, NC, I understand the beauty of capturing genuine moments, whether in a street setting or a controlled studio environment. Traditional street photography, with its focus on candid moments, serendipitous scenes, and storytelling, shares many similarities with the work I do in my studio.
### **The Serendipitous Moment**
In both street and portrait photography, the key is to be ready for those unexpected moments. Just like in my studio, where the perfect shot often happens when you least expect it, street photographers capture spontaneous scenes that tell a story.
### **Organizing Your Work**
Editing and curating are crucial in any photography. Like street photographers who sift through hundreds of shots to find the best moments, I carefully select the best portraits to showcase the personality and emotion of my clients.
### **Portraits in Street Photography**
While street photography often focuses on candid moments, portraits can add another layer to the story. In my professional headshots Cary NC , I create portraits that help clients tell their personal story, just like how a portrait can deepen the narrative in street photography.
### **Beyond People**
Street photography isn’t just about people—it’s also about the environment. Whether it’s the background or details, capturing the whole scene adds to the storytelling, much like how I consider the setting when taking portraits in my studio.
Whether you’re looking for a street-style vibe or a professional portrait, I can help you capture meaningful moments that tell your unique story. Feel free to reach out if you’re in Cary, NC!
As the South Dakota winds blow cold here having more time to look deeper at your Photographs. Rugged visual some. Other light to heart. Within a understanding of spaces that move threw motion. Some JUST SAY, STAND STILL. Happiness for myself is knowing from my experience system takes will take of everything. Like looking. What ever you believe it is in looking out.
James
still love and follow your work and having gone back to college in UK this year very pleased (and surprised!) to see your work referenced by our tutor as a street photographer to follow !! keep it up
I really laughed at this post, as it somewhat brought back my experience when visiting my niece in Minnesota. I am from Brooklyn, NY, but have now lived in NJ for a very long time. I guess it’s an elitist perspective, but living so close to NYC and Philly, and in the heart of arts in Bucks County, PA, I barely even think beyond this wonderful culture. But oh boy, it is definitely a different world out there. No matter what spin they put on it, 10 months of hard winter HAS to have some weird effects. And those odd midwest words and that accent…well, they probably think we’re from outerspace. I always think of what do out-of-towners from small places think when they get to Manhattan. I love it, but it too is other-worldly in its own way. It’s all good. How boring if we were all the same.
Thanks for the post.
Ha yeah, I really didn’t mean this to read like a hit piece. Madison is an incredible cultural hub in the world. But wanted to give my perspective as a 19-year-old from the city.
What a fascinating read! I loved how you intertwined the history of the Brooklyn Bridge with stunning photography. It really brought the stories to life for me. Can’t wait to visit and experience it myself!
You Need to Publish a BIG Coffee table book on this building. Who were the Terra Cotta company; Visit to interior of Factory , Old Photos collected by submissions, interiors, parties, family Christmas’s. Construction Photos, Plans, Contractors, fights with the City Building department, etc .
Was it Gladding and McBean in Orchard Park NY ??
Hi James
Just finished this article/lesson. In the Zone Focus section I realised I do this differently. I have changed my focus to Back Button Focus. I do this for 2 reasons. 1 is I can hold the exposure button down pretty low so they dont see you make the exposure. I look to see the shot then take the camera from my eye and shoot. 2 is if I see a shot that is farther away I can instantly focus for that shot then refocus for the closer street shots
I thought i read somewhere that you wanted us to send you 4 images we have taken for your review? I do have a shutterstock account if you wanted to see what I do.
Thanks also for the info. At this point Im shooting tiny ants or flowers up to the skyscrapers. should I focus more on 1 genre or just keep shooting what I see?
I’ll keep reading and learning!
Hi James, I’m glad you’re back. Your column and your guides have been my go-to resource for my frequent visits to NYC. I wish I were local.
I’m very interested in your book! I’ve recently started writing a substack mostly about my own photographic journey and how I’ve discovered where and how my creativity manifests itself. I think a lot of creatives are similar, so it will be fascinating to read about yours.
Thanks so much Denice! And yes, that is the goal, really to shed light on a lot of things people are going through that aren’t spoken about enough. Appreciate the kind note, it’s very energizing.
Hey James, it’s good to see your columns & to hear from you again. I missed your images. To refresh your memory, I have had an acquaintance with your work through your Glass City columns over the past few years. I have followed your columns for the past few years because of the b&W photography that drew me to your site and the fact that my son went to Columbia U for 4 years. Visiting him several times, I became familiar with street scenes. He was happy to finally graduate and leave the streets for FL. I guess if you are raised in NY, you become accustomed to the streets life and events. I am glad that I had to opportunities to walk the streets with him and his wife during our visits because I would not have an association with your work and scenes from the streets. If not for him, otherwise, I would have stayed at 42nd and Broadway—lol. My only regret with his education at Columbia is that the school turned him into a Marxist and we don’t speak any longer–he was raised as a progressive conservative–(Yes, there is such a thing as “progressive conservatism” that doesn’t involve burning cars and throwing bricks at LEOs)
Anyway, I digress from my original intent of welcoming you back to your Glass City column writing and I look forward to seeing the release of your book. I am 77 years old, shoot sports photography for our local parks and rec, and spend many hours at 0100-0200 processing the games–but as you know that wreaks havoc on your body and mind/consciousness. I deeply admire your desire to see this book completed—my contributions to authorship take the form of assistance to other sports photographers on FB sites, which at times is overwhelming in its own way.
Man, am I wordy as crap…gotta end this so you can resume your work
Haha Tom – I am wordy as well so you are in good company. And it’s great to learn about the people to read. I’m sorry to hear about your son as well, it’s a tough time for everyone right now and a lot of tempers are high, as they should be given what’s going on in the world. Stay strong and really appreciate your note.
Hi James, and welcome back! I’ve been working on short stories for past five years and the deep dive it takes to complete one is so mentally emotionally exhausting, it’s hard to climb back into the seat to start another one. Photography gets me recalibrated and balanced and your website, and all you offer is part of that. Thanks for all you put out into the world. Looking forward to seeing your book.
Best to you,
Barb Bausch
Thanks so much Barb! You explained the experience very well. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to write a book again after this, but it has been a really important experience. But I’m looking so forward to getting it finished and behind me.
Great content (and photos)! I remember these days well and had some interactions with Mayor Koch when I worked as a reporter in New York in the mid ’80s. He was quite a character (to say the least). I aklso remember the Wollman Rink saga and the good PR Trump received after completing the project. Good times!
I appreciate your writing this article and sharing it. I worked in an office on Canal Street for a couple of years. There’s an amazing mix of identities in the neighborhood.
A Canal Street Tour Guide? And a house husband? Yes, I guess that elects you to know the difference between right and wrong, legal and illegal, licensed and unlicensed, delusion and illusion, timely and untimely. I’m sure you will want the sales taxes paid on all that ‘treasure’ sold when you stand in line for your free bus ride, free grocery store and free housing.
You are right Janice that maybe I don’t know the correct answer to solve the problems. But I have been learning about this street from all sides of the argument for the last 12 years to know that raid wasn’t it. I have seen close-up what doesn’t work. Personally, I want those guys to be given opportunities for a career path.
Now regarding free things, I would just like the focus to be on affordability and taxing the rich, yes. Starting in the 80s, radical tax policy has been lowering the taxes of the super rich to very extreme levels and it hasn’t trickled down and its significantly slowed and harmed our economy. The resulting lack of services, jobs, and opportunities from these radical tax rates have harmed the lives of most Americans, and their anger has been harnessed to focus on poor people like these Canal sellers, who in the grand scheme of crimes and issues that affect everyday New Yorkers lives, is near the very very bottom. If we taxed the rich correctly, we’d have more money for opportunities to integrate these people in valuable ways into our society. And this opinion is from someone who takes his 7-year-old to this street, so yes in this case I think the tour guiding, documentary photographing, and (trying to be) a good father comes in handy in understanding the situation.
James — Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for fighting the good fight. Thank you for brilliantly documenting the shame of the city (I need to try slowing down my shutter speed for crowd shots!). Thank you for your courage in publishing these images. I know there will be people who will give you backlash and tell you not to mix politics into your website, but ignore them. I photographed a No Kings rally in my small city and posted the images online; while there was a lot of support, the vitriol was nauseating. Keep on doing your thing, James. Our country depends upon actions like yours.
Thanks, James, for your article. Voices like yours are most needed at this time. But I think you’re too kind with the ICE agents needing the money. The ICE agents who are being hired are ideologically behind Trump fascism with hardly any vetting or training. I’m attaching a link to an article that I find illuminates what’s happening with the ICE hiring surge: https://www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/ice-s-hiring-surge-is-already-a-disaster.
This is a great article Raymond, thanks for sharing! Possibly too kind yes, and certainly this scaling is adding a ton of ideological people. But I do believe there is a certain portion, no clue how big, where they have no financial option otherwise. Not that this makes it much better, but I’d rather there be the demoralized than the ideological.
Great coverage and wonderful photos James! The black and white and blurry photos adds to the grittiness of the situation and the emotion you captured, specifically “polka dots woman” is outstanding!
James – those dreams are common and almost always stress related – I get them dating back to my college days studying engineering – and thats 40 years ago – they are still fresh memories.
This is a great pice – keep on writing
Nice piece – I love your work and your honesty – I too, have ADD, having been diagnosed in my 50s was difficult, and I am also a photographer, so there’s a whole lot of AHA moments! Keep up the great work!
so good James…I’ve had a similar dream of not handing in my final PhD dissertation to the correct faculty…i remember being coded in grad school as Code 54 dyslexic…never liking reading text or papers a loud…but i can memorize and then talk my papers…i will look closer at your already intriguing website.
I completely cracked up at your comment about being in your child’s classroom. I mean, yes yes yes.
There’s a LOT of content in this newsletter, so I will have to get thru the clicks one at a time, slowly.
You approach life as a photographer and you are a very skilled photographer. I am an artist, always struggling to find MY voice. Sure, I’ve been at it long enough to be better than people who have never done it, but nowhere near the level one (me) would expect after all this time. Now and then the thought strikes me to just chuck it. But then I realize that I actually DO enjoy it. It challenges me. Every now and then I surprise myself. So I keep going.
Anyway, your musings have resonated with me. Thanks!
Thank you Rita! I like to think of myself these days working at the border of writing and photography. And yeah finding your voice, your inspiration, and the exact way to get that through is so tough to figure out! Never chuck it, although I know how those tough times feel!! Really appreciate this comment.
Thanks Leo—this is of course semantic stuff, but because I teach and write, often to beginners and intermediates, the communication of the words, ideas, and perspectives has been really fascinating to me. And it’s helped me understand where I come from and my biases and beliefs coming from the city as well. It’s a fun conversation, but yeah it’s all just photography.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that lonely women are not dealing well, with the sort of harassment, stalking, catfishing, etc., that I’ve experienced since the onset of the pandemic.
Hey Arthur, so sorry you’ve had to deal with all of that! The world is crazy right now. And I didn’t mean to make it seem like men don’t have their own societal problems that need to be addressed, learned from, and figured out, in a similar way to how we speak about women’s problems. It’s just that for something like this loneliness issue, my belief is that the male perspective has been hijacking the debate in a way that inordinately places their issues on outside forces over self-reflection, and their role in causing their problems. Those outside forces are certainly there, but I don’t think they can heal, improve, and find the correct solutions without understanding this role that they’ve played in their problems.
James:
It took me awhile to read this. It is good that you are bearing witness and protesting. We had a two ICE guys abduct a man in front of the middle school during morning drop off. It upset and angered neighbors so much we formed an ICE watch group. Everyone needs to join ICE watch groups and let them know they can’t work in secret or intimidate us.
Yes it is awful; I am hopeful we are winning but that is not any solace to those in captivity right now. A big focus needs to be placed on the horrible, inhumane, and unlawful conditions people are being held in, in addition to the abductions themselves. The neighborhood watch groups are so heartening.
I will add to the accolades — a particularly excellent piece. I live in “suberbia.” I live close enough to NYC to visit several times a year, and find photography there, well, so much easier. I suppose that, from an intellectual perspective, “easy” isn’t the right word; maybe it seems so easy there because it is just so busy, full, frantic, and different. Thank you for turning me on to Blake Andrew’s work — it gives me hope.
Appreciate that Reed! Yeah, NYC is incredible to photograph, but I hope this pushes you to explore more closer to where you are. It’s a very fun game to try to find photographs that interest you in more traditionally ‘boring’ areas, so I hope you give it a go more often!
I too, have struggled with what exactly is “suburbia”. I am a native of SoCal, and, instead of cars, I think of the sidewalks and if there’s anyone on them as a measure. The more people out and walking the more urban a place is. SoCal is definitely Suburbia. All of it! There’s a tiny downtown in LA, but then the homes and parking lots stretch all the way down to San Diego. Maybe Suburbia is relative? Maybe the population density per square mile is a good indicator? It doesn’t matter really, but when speaking photographically, subjects differ significantly from my subdivision street in Anaheim to any street in Midtown.
As for the state of the world, and men and women, oof. We are living in the upside down. Are there more problems or just more outlets to let the world know about our problems? Are we all just reacting to information overload? I remember a time of much less stress, worry, fear – and it’s pre internet. I was also younger and dumber then. Are people lonely? Probably. Words on a screen are no substitute for genuine human interaction. But on the other hand, isn’t it absolutely remarkable that you can photograph and write from New York, and I can read and interact with you from California? Is that not genuine? Would sitting in Bryant Park and chatting over a cup of coffee be significantly different? I think so.
Add to the mix the current political climate and I’m going to say the root cause of polarization is fear. And you’re right. It’s baked into us. It’s a marketing strategy. A political strategy. We’ve been conditioned to fear everything, because there’s something we can buy to fix it, and there’s someone we can vote for who will fix it Men fear women, women fear men, we fear for our children, red fears blue, blue fears red, and too many of us spend too much time in online echo chambers instead of actually getting to know each other.
Thank you for an excellent and very thoughtful essay.
Appreciate these great thoughts Denice. A lot of insight here to think about, everyone fearing and dehumanizing each other. And regarding the suburia thoughts. On one hand of course this is semantic, but I think the conversation can help us figure out how we want to depict these environments.
Ouch. But it was interesting to see the camera like this. I’m looking forward to seeing that sculpture.
Great post, interesting read and good photos of the iconic building.
Thanks Stefan!
I was lucky enough to see the interior of Chrysler Bldg in early 80’s. It epitomizes the Art Deco style so popular in the 1930s. What an architectural treasure!
James
Hi!!!
We love your e.v grieve column.
My family m I have lived here since 1972
Be well! ( Rainer. Sue m Kim
Thanks Kim! I really appreciate hearing that. It’s the most fun/rewarding thing that I do.
Beautiful new Website! As with the old one, I was immediately engrossed in photos of old New York and New York architecture. I was born on the Lower East Side in 1962 and never knew who Jacob A. Riis was until today.
Thanks! Yes the story of Jacob Riis and the changes that were made because of his camera is pretty incredible.
James, I have enjoyed your city scapes very much especially the quirky like City Hall subway.
Good luck with your future endeavours.
Great new website James – still appreciating the stuff learnt on our trip round NY nearly a year ago !!????????
Thanks Mike!!
that’s amazing James did you get it together again
cheers Ron
Sorry for the loss of your camera, but thanks for sharing this experience.
It’s a city ahead of its time and if you’re coming in from abroad then take the Queen Mary II and sail under the Verrazano Bridge into NY Harbour and catch sight of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on your way in.
James I love the dialogue on Roebling’s masterpiece and the Chrysler Building, these and Grand Central invoke memories of how far NYC was – and is – (the place to be)
Roger Hodge
Under the Manhattan side roadway are old abandoned warehouses. Between Pearl Street and Cliff Street, there was a company called “BROOKLYN BRIDGE FREEZING AND COLD STORAGE COMPANY”. Are there any photos of this available?
Vincent, this is available by Aaron Siskind: http://ccp-emuseum.catnet.arizona.edu/view/objects/asitem/keyword@industrial%20facilities/24/invno-asc
This is a picture of their second location on , not the original one in the Brooklyn Bridge arches. I have an ancestor who managed and designed the murphy quick freezing system there.
My dream is to go there and take pictures 🙂
Why the light grey typography? Not all of us are 25-30 year olds—this geyser is pushing 70. A darker typeface against the light back ground would be easier on the old eyes.
Great blog, nice written style, interesting & pertinent content.
Thanks. Chris in Toronto.
Thanks for the thoughts Chris. It’s good to hear that perspective. I will test out some darker shades.
Would love to salvage the battery holder lid. A part of it on mine just broke off…
The Atlantic subway and Bob Diamond pix/words are amazing. Why did the tunnel have a name change, from Atlantic-Pacific, to Atlantic-Barclays?
The Chrysler Building was not owned by the Corporation. The Chrysler Family owned it until 1947.
#2 & #5 (three girls on a bench beneath shoe ads) are particularly striking. I don’t have much of an eye for “composition” but #5 couldn’t have been done better even if it had been planned AS an ‘ad itself. Lovely!!!
Thanks Herman!!
I’ve been an admirer of this incredible building since my university days, and I was lucky enough to see it when i went to NYC last year. It’s an amazing sight, and you’ve done brilliantly to capture the sense of awe and respect that it can give you.
Well done, it is really talented work and keep it up.
Thanks Survindar!
This is one of the best and most interesting blog posts on photography I’ve read in a very long time. Well done and inspiring. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul! Thanks for commenting.
Wow, well done. This is a well thought article. His role in bringing color photography to the forefront of the photographic art world has been magnified for a few moments by your colorful writing.
Although i am but a lonely real estate/event photographer, I enjoy my craft. He inspires.
Glad you enjoyed it Nicholas! He definitely does.
The gargoyle photo is from Margaret Bourke-White, who rented a penthouse in the 61st floor.
What is the purpose and function of the oval shaped wire mesh nets in between the cables at the approach to the Brooklyn Bridge ?
That’s to keep people from climbing up to the top.
I did a street photography photo of a homeless man smoking and smoke around his hair. I focus on the hair and smoke and the background was not clear. Did I crop to close.
Some really great captures here!
Thank you for sharing those.
Thanks Kobe!
Hey James your photography are spot on the subway shots are priceless with the story. Thanks for your time to teach Iam learning to take some good photography and I understand being in that moment for that shot.I need to go out more with my camera. Thank!!
Glad you enjoyed the article Thomas! We all do!
You refer to Grand Central Station. That is a post office. The railroad facility across from the Chrysler Building is a terminal, not a station, and the official name is Grand Central Terminal. Penn Station is indeed a station.
Nice post!
Nice selection of photos. I have a copy of Davidson’s subway book but can’t find it…got lost in the mess. I don’t live in NY, but plan to visit 2 or 3 times a year to shoot. The amount of photo ops for the street photog in Manhattan is just sickening…
I’m doing a book on the subway. (Like the world really needs another one…but we got to shoot something.) I seldom talk to the people on the street or the subway. I’m kinda shy, so I use my candid skills. If light is poor I can use IR flash to stay undercover.
https://danielteolijr.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/selection-from-wide-open-2016-daniel-d-teoli-jr-m1.jpg
NYC is the yawning capitol of the world!
…but that is another book.
Ha! Yeah I don’t flash people in general. On the subway, that’s a very tough thing to do.
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Thanks for the great list! Definitely going to have to check some of these out, I’ll shoot you a shout out when I post my favorite on Yobored.com 🙂
Enjoy it Gavin! And yes please let me know your favorite – there are a lot of great ones here.
Thanks James! Great hard work.
Thanks!
Street photography has always been one of my favorite style. It captures the real beauty of every chosen subject. And I admire how you manage to take all these awesome photographs. Every photo has its own story and I appreciate how you provide the candidness and natural outcome to each of it. I also love the black and white photos. It adds a bit more drama in an interesting way. The colored parts were also very powerful and brilliant. Great job, James.
Thanks Kate – happy you feel that way 🙂
James,
Photo number 7, the one with the man looking out the window while two men on the street hunched over looking at phones, is my favorite.
I am looking forward to your “The Real New York Soho with James Maher” field trip via the Princeton Photo Workshop. I’m hoping to bring a single lens — 35 mm or 50 mm. I have no experience with street photography so this should be both fun and challenging.
It will be a lot of fun Khurt! We’ll get you up to speed. 35 and 50mm are my two favorite focal lengths so you can’t go wrong with either. Looking forward to meeting you!
Absolutely lovely building one of the most iconic buildings in New York I’ve never been I’m from Plymouth U.K
Thanks for this. I recently took a class on street photography which started with art history. I selected Bruce Davidson as the artist who spoke most to me. Wrote my piece on him. Love his work and love New York.
Happy to hear that Debi! His work is wonderful.
Great homage to Frank! Well researched, written and illustrated. I learned a lot about Frank from your article.
As far as Frank’s crooked photos? The critics that complain about this are mostly the anal landscaper or studio photogs. The seasoned street photogs know what it takes to do street work. They know that if they can come back with 75% of what they were after, it can still be a winner. Cartier- Bresson’s Rue Mouffetard Paris 1954 illustrates this…the concept of ‘imperfect perfection.’
Crooked or not, in the end, either the photo works or not. Winogrand was a great devotee of taking crooked photos. (Due to his sloppiness, not due to art.) But if we are working for ourselves, the only one that decides this question or ‘does it work’ is the person that pushes the button. If they are happy with their photo that is all that counts.
Glad you enjoyed it Daniel! I agree completely about the crooked photos. Half the time, I think they look better anyway 🙂
Nice pictures, real streetphotographie.
Thank you Jean!
the Chrysler building metal work structures gargoyle & spire was done by Benjamin Riesner & son
Thank you for posting this collection of Jacob Riis photographs. First time I’ve seen any of them. Compelling images. Kind regards, John Lantero
Glad you enjoyed them John!
I appreciate your photographic work and learn a lot from it and your writing. But … it’s very hard to read what you write because of the light font color. Can you do anything about that?
Thanks Seagull – I will try to make it a little darker.
Every article I have ever read about street photography focuses on large cities like New York. It seems like anonymity is intrinsic to street photography. If this is untrue then why do I see so no rural or small town or suburban street photography? Even a Google search for Princeton street photography returns link to your Princeton Photo Workshop field trip, “The Real New York Soho”.
So if street photography is truly possible anywhere, I challenge you to do a field trip in Princeton or Hopewell or Lambertville.
Hey Khurt – it totally is possible and fairly prevalent in small towns. It just happens to be much more prevalent in large cities because there is a lot more going on there and a lot more photographers, so it tends to drown out work done in smaller towns and places. Look up William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Lee Friedlander, Todd Hido, Robert Frank, Trent Parke, Alex Webb – there are many out there doing this.
What was your inspiration for these pictures?
That’s a broad question that I don’t have time to answer here since all the photos are somewhat disparate. Check the project Luxury for Lease in my gallery and read the intro – that will explain a big part of my inspiration.
I’ve started trying to expand into street photography and find it to be extremely satisfying. Your instructions are incredibly helpful although I am still struggling a tad.
It is satisfying Christopher! I’m happy you enjoy my teaching, but keep in mind it takes a long time to feel like you’re not struggling. You can read everything there is out there, but there’s nothing like shooting as often as possible for years to improve. Even then, you will probably feel like you’re struggling to some extent. I still do a lot of the time. The key is to just enjoy the walk and experience and then the images will come to you.
Stupendous, fete incomparable, how could it be managed in those days- the engineering design, construction, the work dedication, quality of work, and not to speak of the enormous patience, insurmountable will power. even after the demise of Sr Roebling, the Jr kept the show going in spite of physical ailments and the lady took the charge, learn t the engineering intricacies and built a monument that still stands weathering many adverse environment during this long spell. – Marvelous-
Nice photos…Good work! Although I’d get rid of the last subway shot. The shadows are too noisy and photo is kinda fuzzy. If it was something important OK, but it is just a so-so shot even if it had less noise and if it was sharp.
Also enjoyed the Friedlander article. You always do a well balanced and thorough job. Never disappointed.
Friedlander gave a talk at NYC Public Library in June. I was sad I could not attend.
Here is the video or audio.
https://www.nypl.org/audiovideo/live-nypl-lee-friedlander-giancarlo-t-roma-passion-projects
Your limited edition portfolios look impressive. What kind of prints? Inkjet? Offset? Good luck with your sales!
Thanks, and thanks for the Friedlander video! I had heard about this but missed the talk. Looking forward to watching this.
The focus is on the man on the left and his expression, so I wasn’t worried much about the background being blurred. He’s tack sharp if you look close, and I don’t usually mind noise. The image itself is not my favorite of the group, but I still like the feel that the man gives off.
Your work is amazing I also love to take unusual shots…and at 72 totally enjoying this ..I have all my work in frames on my walls
Thanks Peggy!
Very nice, great shots. Your website was recommended in the book
The Essentials Of Street Photography.
An extremely beautiful piece of architecture. My son, who is now 20, was in love with this building since he was a kid. I have a framed black and white photo. His birthday just passed but I would love to have a new photo and or signature. He would really love that. Not as much as I love him.
Yes it’s such a gorgeous building Michelle! If you want to purchase a print as a gift for your son at any point, just send me an email.
James, that’s a great article on the deep cellar of GCS. Are those photos all taken by you for that story? How do you gain access to the bowels of Grand Central? Do they offer tours?
You are a master of the history and best photo spots in the city!
Thank You for your well written NYC Travel Guide
Regards,
Happy you enjoyed the guide! They used to give tours of it, which were hard to get on. Unfortunately, they stopped them recently and I don’t believe they’ll be bringing them back. Sorry for the bad news!
My Great Great Uncle Edward Collins was a foreman during construction. He was offered the choice of a new Chrysler car or to be included in the mural in the lobby. He chose the mural. He was asked to wear a suit but said he wanted to wear overalls to represent his men. He is the person in the mural wearing a white cap, blue tie, brown vest and white overalls looking at and holding a white blue print. He is standing next to a man with a brimmed hat.
What an incredible story Kathi! He definitely made the right decision!
I particularly love the pic of the guy with the tattooed head and also the one of the guy in the hat on the fires escape. Lovely work
Thanks Aiden!
Some great shots there I’m coming over in early April and trying to pre plan what minimal gear to bring with me.
Your fantastic work is inspiring me I’m thinking going light with my trusted fuji xe1 with 27mm lense it’s great for street I’m just worrying if it’s got the width for the wide angles… but sometimes you just have to work with what you’ve got..
Baden UK
27mm will be a fine lens for street photography Baden – have fun here!
If I wanted to purchase or use one of the photos displayed above, how would I go about doing that? Do you have a purchasing site like istock that you use?
I really enjoyed your photo essay of the Chrysler Building. The ceiling murals were a real feast for the eyes! Your anecdotal touches are especially interesting as I hunger for every piece of info and photo that I can find. I’m always looking for interior details such as door hardware and any other ornamentation. Do you know of any photos? There must be little design gems above the lobby level.
Thanks Kim – unfortunately, I do not know of a place to find those photos, but they must exist somewhere.
great eye as always. Interesting you shot the dancers from the side which blocked out the folks behind the dancers.
george
Thanks George! Yeah, that was a tough one to capture without showing people behind. It was a bit crowded.
Just a great article!
I’m a german student who is going to hold a presentation about this fasicinating photographer and you help me a lot! Not only with informations also with motivation and ways to interpret and explain the photographies, althought William Eggleston probably would want me to :).
Thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it Amina and that it helped you out! Yes, who knows what Eggleston would want, he’s a mystery.
The photo under “use your eyes”, was that taken in Miami? I have a similar one of a storefront downtown, Miami.
Thank you for articles and sharing your experience. My daughter and I love street photography and venture through Rochester, NY. We are always getting asked, “What are you taking a picture of?” My husband has started to leave me behind, knowing I will catch up eventually. 🙂
It was actually taking in New York, on the LES. Great that you’re both photographing. My wife does the same.
Hey James. Can I buy the bolt that holds the dioptercontrol wheel together if you still have the parts. Contact me at Flickr (norm_p). Many thanks
Very good your post, James… Moriyama’s work is great… since I got in touch with it all my vision about photography has changed… thanks for sharing …
Glad you enjoyed it Antonio!
Gracias por los consejos, Me sirven, pues estoy haciendo ahora un proyecto de foto callejera. Tengo varias fotos de hace 2 años pero no tenía claro el formal de lo que quería. He leído mucho sobre los autores que recomiendas y me he visto influenciado.
Respecto a las leyes de cada país, con toda razón. Vivo en México y es muy complicado pero no imposible. Tomas fotos de la gente y ya te ganaste una grosería. En fin, Gracias por el artículo.
Espero puedas ver algo de mis fotos y puedas hacerme alguna crítica constructiva en mi Instagram:
antonio.cabrera_
Has any work been made to open the back wall of the tunnel yet?
I just read about this station tonight. I haven’t lived in N.Y. since the mid to late 90s but I think that your eye on the city is exquisitely sensitive to the world of the different types of universes of stories that exist there which people might not find anywhere else but if you are not approaching it with the attitude of an artist or a student you start to get used to or tune it out. I never got used to or defined and was always curious. At age 20, I found a VERY lifelike baby doll at the Salvation Army and I would take her out on the subway at 2-4 a.m. so I could hide a camera there and I’d film the city of endless possibilities and compose a score the next morning. Your work reminds me of the way it is to be an eye on the same horizon for a few seconds. I have a trip planned for next week and your work is like a commercial for why souls have to create a new thing from what they see and how they feel. You’re a person who is not afraid to see. You’re a truth telling artist. I’m glad to be privy to the details.????????✏
Thanks for the beautiful comment Pepper. Really appreciate hearing your perspective on the city and my work.
The Best!
Looks like the photos come from another era. The result is magnificent.
I agree with the “light font” comment. It seams that everything on the internet is heading towards a white screen. It is actually work to read and enjoy an article.
I really enjoy your Street Photography !!
Thanks Ken!
Thank you for this site. Love your photo’s James. I’m learning and am looking forward to trying my own, just have to figure out an interesting place, not too many populated streets where I live in Alaska.
Glad you enjoyed them Beth! I would actually advise you to not worry about interesting or populated areas. Go to the least interesting place you can imagine near where you live and try to figure out how to take interesting photos. I promise they exist if you look hard enough and it’s a wonderful exercise! Take a look at the work of William Eggleston or Stephen Shore for inspiration.
Enjoyed the article, James. You really caught the essence of Moriyama, whose street aesthetic has influenced millions of photographers. BTW, and don’t take this as a nitpick, you may want to correct the misspelling of Tomatsu’s first name. It’s Shomei. And the O there and in his last name take a long accent. I’m very bad at key-cap characters, so I’ll leave that to you to figure out! Cheers!
Thanks Harry – will make that change! Glad you enjoyed the article!
I am interested purchasing a photography of Central Park as a gift to a friend who loves Central Park.
Hi Bhagvan – just sent you an email.
Thanks for sharing this type of intresting article
Thank you very much for all the informations and the beautiful photographs of the Chrysler Building. i am a french student preparing a file about the skyscraper, and I was wondering if I could use your photographs which are really beautiful in my file… Thanks again!
Glad you enjoyed it, please feel free!
I have several of Saul Leiter’s books hidden somewhere in my collection, which I haven’t looked at lately. This post was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of his work. Thank you. Happy holiday to you and your family.
Joanne Doyle
So happy you enjoyed it Joanne – happy holidays to you as well!
Thank you for Saul Leiter article, fantastic, introduced me photography I have never seen before! Good to see you back James!
My pleasure Karen – glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! How wonderful!
I was thinking, since I am an older less assuming person, that that would help me to blend into the street action while photographing.
What do you think, James.
And by the way, I’ll repeat myself with saying, how wonderful!
Thanks Maureen! I think that definitely can be an advantage, but really it’s all about how you carry yourself out there. Some people certainly standout no matter what they do, but for most if you act right you can blend in fairly easily. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I also have trouble reading the font on your site. Is there any way to make it somewhat darker? I love your site but can barely read anything you write due to the light font you use.
Thanks for zeroing in on the window detail.
This sort of intricacy is lost in modern architecture. It’s not cost effective. Easier to slap up concrete and glass. But it echoes the cathedrals of the past that were highly detailed; details that can only be seen up close.
Again, thanks for zooming in on the Chrysler Building.
Hi. Thanks for sharing. Could you tell me is it posible to get to the aperture from front of the lens?
Thanks.
A CLASSIC NEW YORK TIME!
Thanks for the in-depth review, however I must tell you that the type density in this article was so light in color it made it very difficult to read.
Do these photos have a copyright?
Greetings from Chicago! I am a staff reporter for my school newspaper and am currently writing an article on the meaning of family, especially those with immediate family members who are immigrants. I would love to use this photo and was curious about the copyright status of this picture. Thanks!
Thank you for creating such an in-depth article. Great work
My pleasure Wesley – glad you enjoyed it!
Hi James,
My name is Dede Osserman Tanzer. My grandmother, Lucy Goldschmidt Moses, paid to rebuild Bow Bridge when it had fallen to disrepair. She received the first Frederick Law Olmstead award given by New York for her work.
We were raised calling it Grandma’s bridge.
I’ve just been going her things and decided to educate myself about it further and came across your posting. I actually have a few photos of the ribbon cutting. If you ever happen to be around Delray Beach, FL let me know…if you’re interested.
Best regards,
Dede
What an amazing story Dede – thanks so much for sharing it. It’s such a wonderful bridge!
Dede, I’m the author of The Central Park Lost Mitten Party (which has great notes about the Park, including Bow Bridge). Amazingly, I am often in Delray Beach and would love to be in touch with you. BTW, I am doing a second signing of the book at FAO Schwarz 12-14-2019, 49th & 5th, Rockefeller Center if you are in town!!
Terrific, Dede. The ‘70s were a particularly fraught time for the Park so the contribution was especially valuable. Here’s a quick note on the restoration. Enthusiasts were buoyant about the restored bridge, but mourned the loss of the irreplaceable urns. Someone (I need to ck who!) was rummaging around a Parks Dept storage facility when they spotted an exceptional cast iron flower pot. The urn was identified and funds were raised to have it restored and duplicated seven times!
Love your vision ! Great art!
My late husband first told me he was in love with me in the Chrysler Building. That was April 6,1976.
Fascinating and inspiring, James. Thanks.
Thanks Jody!
love your work
Wonderful report! You always produce nicely illustrated posts.
I like Soth’s work as well. Very talented photog.
Glad he is not a slave to ego. (Stuck with the 8 x 10 or all film / all digital.) It is like someone trying to use a jeweler’s screwdriver to fix a truck. You need different tools for different jobs. Be true to the subject…not the ego.
“You don’t have to have a million dollars to be able to buy it…”
Yea, always a good question to ask yourself to see where you are in life . I used to do it. What would I do if I had 10 million $$…
I’d be doing the exact same thing I do now…just much more of it. If freezing time is in your blood, that is your life.
Weegee on the subject…
“Sure. I’d like to live regular. Go home to a good looking wife, a hot dinner, and a husky kid. But I got film in my blood.”
Thanks Daniel! – Yeah Soth adapts to the cameras he uses so well.
I see you’ve met Danny!
Ha, yup!
Good review. I’ve been using the x100f over the last year for color and if I could afford it I would give it a chance.
Thanks Michael – yeah, it was a difficult decision, but it’s definitely made me uncomfortable shooting in a way that I was looking for. So far it’s been worth it. I’ve been enjoying your new focus on your blog lately.
What camera did you use to shoot these?
The Fuji X100 line.
I love to read about the bridge. I enjoyed this post. I highly recommend David McCullough’s book “The Great Bridge”. It is a wonderful historical account of building the magnificent structure.
Any idea what street in NY that Saul Leiter took the Through Boards photo?
Sorry no idea Scott!
Nice article…Thanks! I hope you get more time for more posts. They are always very good.
James,
I am really happy to see you moving in this direction – sharing your insights into the creative process. Your Street Photography weekends were great, but I think it is a tired and overwrought genre in which most everything that is great has been done.
Your sharing of your creative eye through critique of the work of others is really interesting, and well worth a subscription.
Glad you like it Derek! I would say though that I certainly don’t think most everything has been done in traditional street photography. I think because of how much of this type of photography we see, the standard stuff can feel tired or overwrought, but it does not mean that great new work isn’t being done in this genre. It is and lots of it will come to light eventually as things change. Everything constantly changes and it’s important to capture it!
Great piece on William Klein, James! His photography is very spontaneous and intimate. Thanks for bringing the influence and work of another great photographer into our lives. All the best, Jerry Hallead
Glad you enjoyed it Jerry!
great story…
Glad you enjoyed it Wolfgang!
An artist with a very interesting work. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Spain.
Yes very!
Brilliant Article James
Curious as to how you address model release .. as different countries has different rules?
Glad you enjoyed it Gareth! In the U.S. you do not need a model release to use it for art or education purposes. You would need one for advertising or commercial purposes but I don’t use it for that. Many countries have similar laws but others are much more strict, so definitely look into local laws.
Interesting to see some similarities here, with the work of Trent Parke that you also showcase. I’m thinking the black and white, grainy imagery
I appreciate the thought Greg! I can only hope there are some similarities 🙂
I woke early this morning in Belfast, N. Ireland. (4.00 am)
and I became alive looking at your site.
So happy to hear that John!
This is super amazing I love street photography.
Happy you enjoyed the article Vincent!
Looking forward to this James. Just what I need during this lockdown. Thank you.
Hey Colin! Yes, hope you enjoy it – I’m here if you have any questions!
Hi James.Can I ask you what LR/Instagram plug in you use ?
It’s https://www.lrinstagram.com/.
I appreciate your use of the ‘savage crop’. I regularly need to do the same but often hesitate and end up with a small or weak crop. Most encouraging.
Ha – yes I don’t hold back with cropping and hope you won’t either after this!
This looks to be a good antidote for UK Lock-down.
I did actually go out to the pharmacy to get my meds and was seen lying in the middle of the road, of an empty high street, camera in hand!
Ha! That’s true dedication during a pandemic Martin.
Hi James.
1. At ‘Copy as DNG’, will you please explain the difference between Copy and Add ?
2. If you shoot in raw and jpg, so you import both file formats? Is there any value to that?
Hey Barbara! Copy as DNG will move and copy the file to a folder of your choice, then turn it into a DNG RAW file. Add will simple add a file from your hard-drive to the Lightroom Database without moving it.
You can import both if you want, for instance if you like the look of the JPG out of the camera, you might want to keep it. It really depends, but having twice the amount of photographs in your archive might get annoying over time.
James you’d mentioned that you like the Fuji colors directly out the camera. I do too, however they look so much better on the back of my screen and when I transfer them onto my phone than they to on LR. I just discovered adding the Fuji film presents to the images in develop mode. Do you have color issues in LR and if so, do you use the presets that I mentioned?
Fuji definitely adds some processing to the photo in the back of the camera. RAW files that go into Lightroom are purposely a little flat and dull to show all the information, and you need to work on the negative to bring that brilliance out of it. But if you use the color presets as you mentioned, that helps to immediately get the file closer to what’s shown in the back of the camera, at least in my opinion. You’ll see in a later video that this is what I do.
I am generally available anytime after 9:30 am (PST), except the week of June 7 when I will be available anytime Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.
Awesome, thank you Freddie!
The window detail is fantastic. I would love to have a copy of those pictures. Is it possible to get copies of the window detail?
Hey Debbie – yes, if you would like copies, send me an email at [email protected] and we can talk more about it.
Hello James, I am using Lightroom Classic and the front screen looks different from yours, any idea why? Many thanks, Paul
Hey Paul – Lightroom classic should look very similar, that’s what I’m using here. Would you be able to email me a screenshot at [email protected]? Thanks!
Great in-depth review! Not sure if I’m convinced on spending that much on a camera though. Do you have any recommendations for cameras at a lower price point?
Thanks Holly! Yeah it’s an investment – I would recommend the Fuji X100 or Fuji X-T line to you the most. Those are incredible cameras.
FUJI X100, rest in peace.
What a pity.
I owned the Fuji X100. Now I own the X100F.
The X100, after I had understood and accepted the way it works helped to improve my photography.
The X100F and the XF10, one or the other, or both, are always in my bag.
Love, love these pictures!!!
So happy to hear that Regina – I do too!
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So many beautiful images. All of them have their own beauty.
Best regards
Bernhard
Completely agree Bernhard – glad you enjoyed them!
nice pictures.
Poetic
I loved it!
Thank you for sharing these pictures
Excellent article James! I first heard of Graciela a few years ago after seeing her on PBS’s Art 21 series. I was suprised I had never heard of her until then.
So glad you liked it Daniel!
Thank you for this article and the pictures
Best regard
Bernhard
It’s a nice tour by great photographies and appreciate your tips. They are always valuable as feedback for me as compulsive photographer (because I’m more than a street photographer but compulsive one)
I do this type of “social” photography all the time especially during this pandemic. It really is fun and challenging.
It is a lot of fun Gene!
impressive! Well done for your work.
Thanks Baris!
EXCELLENT advice! And really great photos in the classic street photography tradition.
Thanks Jay!
I can clearly see why you shot the yellow piping on the wall !!
I don’t understand why you did not give it 3 or better even 5 stars.
I thought it to be a very funny picture that could be processed to become a good image as well.
Sometimes I don’t understand Wouter – I go back and like things much better the next time around as well. It really depends if I think there’s a chance I’ll use it in the long run though.
This is really helpful! Thanks for sharing with us. Photography is the best way to make memories. If you are looking for a professional photographer in New York City then feel free to contact us. We provide a range of photography package at affordable price. You can contact us at [email protected]
Yeah yeah, I am lucky to have been there a few times ….. I really recognize the vibe …… but also your quote……. you have to be lucky sometimes, it’s just like fishing …… that may be one of the best quotes to really describe what street photography really is …. even Roman Fox and Sean Tucker may fully agree …..
Thank you so much for mentioning Bruce Davidson. I recall having a photo book of his, but could not remember his name. Thank you for all that you share with us — you are a great teacher! So thankful for everything you post.
Really appreciate this comment Babsie – so happy you enjoy all the writing!
Love Alec Soth’s work. Like to read about his journey in photography, how he has always challenged himself to not get stuck in repeating himself. Thanks to you James for broadeing my knowlelge of his work and our community in sharing their own work. Very inspiring to read Alec’s quotes, almost as useful as to see his work, for me.
Glad you enjoyed it Ernesto!
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Very interesting, I’m learning a lot from you!
Thanks a lot
Glad you enjoyed it Roberto!
I like your tips around street photogaphy! I miss living in manhattan
Thanks Dave! Yeah it’s a great place, despite the expense 🙂
I am so glad I never heard of Helen levity …..now I have a whole new experience. Any video of her or her photos Beth
Thank you for your great blog .this blog is very much helpful for new photographers.
Glad you enjoyed it Sophie!
The genre has been practiced by many people over the years and is still attracting new practioners. My photography got in a low spot a while ago and, from an artistic perspective, rather than working, I needed inspiration to carry on. So, up popped street photography. Initially, I dug out my old Leica 111 from 1935 and put a 35mm F3.5 lens on it. I perfected a technique of keeping it wound on, but prefocused at 10 feet – 3 metres – and looked for my shot while walking. As soon as I saw it, up to my eye, click and carried on walking having lowered it again. No-one took any notice of me. I used Tri-X with 500 shutter speed to freeze movements. Of course I had to meter first. Now I have a pair of Leica R8 black bodies with 28-35-50-90-135-180 lenses and the 35-70 F3.5 zoom. The 28 is great for zone focus as it’s no focus at all. I use the R8 cameras on Program with Matrix metering. So using the 28 removes the need to focus meaning my bodies are really rather sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras. The 28 and 50 are quite light, however, my 35 is f2 and rather heavy. So I keep this one on a Leicaflex SL body. Film is still Tri- X. I can use colour filters now as the on-board meter reads through them. No more working out filter factors with logarithmic progression. Some folks don’t like the R8. However, I feel that far from being the “hunchback of Solms “ it’s actually the year 2000 Leica. A few Christmases ago, my boyfriend bought me a Leica 1a black camera, 1930. Still in good working condition and the pinnacle of my collection. I’ve photographed it alongside one of my original Leicaflex bodies and an R8 as the main picture for an upcoming article for a photographic magazine.
This uniqe building signals the great American nation
If you are not familiar, you should check it the work of Marc Cohen, from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His work is a bit on the darker side if this sub-genre, but it is quite compelling!
Thanks Michael – will looks through his work!
Gesture and emotion are always important, even in a studio environment. Like when Yosef Karsh grabbed the cigar from Winston Churchill – the expression that evoked became one of the quintessential portraits of Churchill.
Thank you, sounds interesting!
Question: What is the name of the book on the photos?
Thanks Mirko – it’s The Local by Nick Meyer.
thanks for everything
I had my law office in the Chrysler Building from 1981 until 2006. Jack Kent Cook was the first owner responsible for restoring the sad wreck to much of its former glory, and it was a pleasure to watch the process, especially the restoration of the almost invisible, damaged ceiling mural in the lobby. It’s a shame that visitors are no longer able to see the elevators. Each cab is lined with gorgeous wood inlays, and every one is unique.
Thanks for the comment Ira – amazing to hear this story. Yes, I so wish this building was open to the public. It’s a shame it’s not.
Great tips! Learned a lot thanks!
Beautiful photos, informative and evocative text. A quick tidbit.. Olmsted and Vaux didn’t want a bridge to the Ramble, which was (and is!) an oasis within the oasis of Central Park. The Commissioners insisted, Vaux and Mould delivered. Indeed, it was among the first completed in the Park and competed with Marble Arch to be the most exquisite.
Loved the article 🙂
I understand that the Towers are hollow.
I have always wondered how they got fireworks onto the top of the bridge for the opening on 24th May 1883 and how they replace the flags on top nowadays.
Good selection on both the images and quotes.
Glad you enjoyed it David!
Thank you
I enjoyed the article and learnt so much. Cheers
So glad to hear that Kate!
Many thanks for this!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
thanks for this…. may his spirit live on through similarly-eyed (and -witted) observers : )
Gone…but not forgotten
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Thank you. Keeping this article for reference. I’ve been browsing “street photos” posted in IG but couldn’t quite put my finger on why I’m drawn to some photos while others looked like random snapshots of people. Will be interesting to explore this further and learn the art of street photography. Thanks again.
Glad it helped you Lily!
This was a great read. I am about to embark on a project of trying black and white for the first time with an aesthetic snapshot theme using just an iPhone or compact camera and an iPad to post process photos.
I will look for more on Lee Friedlander for inspiration, thank you.
Sounds like fun Ricardo!
James, I stumbled on your website and really appreciate your photos! I also live in NYC and take amateur photos from my iPhone (interesting architectural elements of buildings – both residential and commercial, none capture the inside of a building, none are of people, and all are taken from the public sidewalks. I’d love any of your guidance on the rules/laws of publishing and selling a coffee-table book of my photos? Thank you in advance!
A very interesting article and you covered lots of areas. I have the same fear of getting caught while capturing random people/strangers and that restricts me from taking such photos. But thank you for this.
Danish,
I was doing a lot of street photography in 1970″s Montreal. I put the camera on a long strap around my neck and it sat just above my belly. I shot from there with preset settings for the street lighting etc.
I would just snap when walking without looking. nobody ever saw me take the picture.
I thought of it as equivalent th gestural sketching, no thinking no concerns, just movement.
Peter
Excellent article, much food for thought, and a lot of resources. Thank you
I love his work!
I’m taking a street photography course at SVU and the professor has introduced us to many street photogs, but Helen Levitt has become one of my favorites. They put me in my happy place. Thanks for publishing these!
Happy to hear that Kevin!
Great article. Thanks
Great content James – both words and photos. I’ve experienced the perceptions of others, especially when I moved away for a few years after having grown up through the bad times and then the safer times. It is amazing what people who have never been to NYC think of the city. In my mind I call it the Law & Order Effect because they watch Law & Order twelve times a day and they believe that’s what the city is like.
Thank you Paul – yes the Law & Order Effect!
Hey man, I’ve been using your site for a school project in my photography class and I just wanted to say that you always have really interesting photographers and very eloquent commentary. Really appreciate this site and this post especially.
Really appreciate hearing that James – glad you’ve found it inspirational!
Just an incredible story. Thank you for telling it.
Thanks James!
Hi James, I really enjoyed reading this and loved the photos!
Thanks so much Gary!
I love this series. Such a great eye. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Mark!
Very interesting article. Your text gives the photos context and adds dimension to street photos (a genre that often lacks interest for me). Do people actually line up to buy clothes?
Thanks Gary! And yes they do, I have a whole subset of photos of people waiting in line for clothes. Although some wait in line to resell them online.
James,
I loved looking at this portfolio/series of images. You chose a great title for it! You’ve certainly captured the diversity of this corner in New York. Now, you have me wanting to return to New York and hire you again for a couple of photo walking tours.
Thanks so much Mark, yes would love to take you around again!
Love the photos and captions. Back in the 1970s, my grandfather used to take me as a kid from Ridgewood to Central Park and we would walk down Broadway to Battery Park. He would tell me the history of all those old buildings and point out the incredible architecture and craftsmanship of the buildings. I would take pictures with my Sears 110 Instamatic camera. I fell in love with NYC on those walks. I still take those walks when I’m in NYC but it’s been obvious to me for many years that the city has lost its soul.
Thanks Gregory, those are amazing memories!
We are interested when an B-2 bomber was on display within the Chrysler Building lobby in the 1940’s. My husband is 88 years old and recalls going there with his brothers.
For me, street photography is an art form that captures the essence of everyday life in a unique and captivating way; it’s a testament to the beauty that can be found in the most mundane moments of our daily lives. Thanks for your great pictures!
Great tips.
Anticipate and wait is always the hardest. Especially the waiting part.
Fabulous, James. Makes me want to get on the Amtrak and head to the Big City!
We’re looking forward to your presentation at the Schenectady Photographic Society soon.
Thanks Linda, me too!
Absolutely love these photos. They tell a true story of the people of New York. Love all of your work.
Thanks Rosemarie!
#3. Lol. Nice touch, Jimmy. 🙂
#4 actually (Bruce G)
Ha thanks, he whooshed by me one day in Times Square!
Amazing slice of NY life James. Even a self portrait!
Thanks Bob!
Impressive! You are so talented
Thank you Elena!
Wonderful collection, James! Loved the entire set and a few in particular: the B&W of the four guys looking out the store window, the clever self-portrait near the end (a typical New Yorker taking photos), the man conducting either singers or an orchestra, the pink-eared dog having his portrait done, the performer in the subway train…I could go on. Like Linda, makes me want to get on a train and photograph in the big city again. Thanks so much for posting these!
Thank you Steve – enjoy hearing your favorites!
Never been to the U/S but these pics make want to jump on a jet a see The Real People.
Come on over!
Unfortunately, you missed one of the biggest stereotypes of the city… 🙂 https://www.instagram.com/midtownuniform/
Joking aside, though – love how each of the photos gets you thinking about the story behind the subject. Amazing work!
Ha I will keep an eye out!
Hi James Maher,1
Only in New York.
Ain’t it grand!
And ain’t it grand to be able to take such great photos that capture and convey the Soul(s) of NYC.
Thanks for your concern and commitment to The City and your eagerness to share it with us.
It is appreciated by many.
Cliff Haymes
Thanks so much Cliff!
I loved scrolling through all the photos. Can’t wait to get back home to see everyone in person.
Thank you for once again taking me on a photographic trip to NY. I was fascinated by your photos because they made me wonder about the lives of each individual.
Thanks Sharlotte – happy to hear you enjoyed them!
These are priceless.
Hi again James,
Like Leo above I just loved to go through your fabulous photos. My smile is still all over my face!
Cheers
Niels
Thanks Niels! Hope you’ve been well!
Hi James:
I hope all is well with you and your family.
These images, and those in your last post about the “Crossroads of Luxury” are awesome!
Quintessential NYC; you should author a book with your City street work. I’ll be first in line to purchase it!
All the Best,
Hank
Thanks so much Hank – working on something as we speak! Although we’ll see what form it’ll take, experimenting!
Great photos! Feel like I’m there again.
Thanks Carlo! Hope you’re well.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing these.
Glad you enjoyed Craig!
Hi: My name is Sharon Sims and I’m a former tenant of the Notorious Martinique in New York City. Is there any way I could get a hold of any pictures you have. I’m writing a book about my time residing there.
great!! thanks for sharing the content.
Thanks for that write up. Helen Levitt has long been one of my favorite street photographers. The city she documented of course no longer exists. The AC, then the TV, then cable, then the internet and cell phones, has all but eliminated neighborly discourse. Everyone left their stoops and porches. We are victims of our own technology.
Yes, it was such a vital part of New York!
wow super photography skills you have.
Thanks!!
Thanks. I enjoyed that….interesting read and photos.
Happy to hear that Steve!
Huge Thanks !!!
Interesting article and linked to many resources. It may help me a lot. I am keeping this article for reference. Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it Rahizam!
Thank you James, I really enjoyed this session. I learned some tricks/tips in LR I didn’t utilize before, so really got a lot out of it. You have given me so much to think about. I love pushing myself, (as a 73 yrs old that can be a figurative or literal term…hahaha) and challenge myself continually to take good advice and work with it.
So happy to hear that Cecily!
I like the way you’ve used black and white in your photos. It helps to create a sense of drama and atmosphere. I also like the way you’ve captured the diversity of New York City. Your photos feature people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Good work.
Good article revealing the essence of Moriyama’s journey of photography. Presenting darker side of society is his personal choice . But I am, however ,not impressed by the presentation of sheer negative side of a rich culture. Every society has to say the stories of its struggle, growth and decay, sorrow and happiness. As a street photographer I prefer to chase every kind of fleeting moment which make me stunned or mute.
Thank you James for your knowledge and experiences that you shared with us.
Best Wishes
Glad you enjoyed!
Superb photography
Incredibly moving. A wonderful collection of work
These images are full of feeling. Life as is lived. Thank You.
Yes, they are great photographs. Thanks for sending them on to us all.
Wonderfu work, impressive intensity and mood
FANTASTIC! Just fantastic.
nice work
These are all incredible images! It makes me want to grab my camera and photograph people! Thank you for introducing me to this fabulous photographer!
So happy you enjoyed Paula!
Thank you James Maher for your beautifully written article and the wonderful pictures. The Chrysler Building has been my favorite building in the world since I first saw pictures of it in the early 70’s. It has always been my dream to see it in person one day. I just turned 63, and it breaks my heart to hear that it’s no longer open to the public. Thank goodness we have articles and pictures like yours so that future generations can see them and learn to appreciate it as much as I do. Being a writer myself, I I appreciate the work that went into your piece. . If I were rating it on a scale of one to ten, I would rate it as a 10 +. Thank you so much for taking me there!
So happy you enjoyed Karen!!
I’m sat here in a coffee shop in South Yorkshire, UK, with my camera on the table, and researching more about street photography as Ive just finished my venture around the town shooting. Im a complete begginer, and I am glad Ive found this article, Ive learned and feel encouraged, thank you so much ❤
Glad you enjoyed it Rosita!
I love it (:
Glad to hear that!
Thanks James. 🤙
Thanks for reading Dan!
Lately i’ve been exploring Wabi Sabi in both my photography and in the remodel I’m doing in my home office, so this resonates with me.
Great to hear Joseph!!
Hi James, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful experiences with us. Please take care. How’s your son doing?
Golnaz
Thanks so much Golnaz, and thanks for asking he is happy as a clam!!
James, yes you are a very good writer indeed.
That, along with your excellent inherent photography skills will bring you great pleasure and confidence.
Get well, conquer, focus and go forward.
The Kardashians be damned.
Thanks so much Ronald, really appreciate the thoughts and support!
Incredible work! These shots are truly breathtaking.
Thanks so much!
I’m happy we crossed paths James…I learn more along the way from you and that makes me grateful…wonderful post.
Same here Hedy, thanks so much!!
I’m in for a monthly donation.
May you be well,
Ave
Thanks so much Ave, really appreciate the support! Means a lot!
Great write-up! I’ve been shooting with a full spectrum converted (infrared and visible spectrums) for two years and you are absolutely right about how it changes your experience on the street.
Thanks so much Aaron! Yes, love shooting with that camera!
James, thanks for a great review. I really appreciate your point of view about slowing down and being more deliberate. Since 2019 when this was written, do you still believe the gfx 50R is a good MF camera for street.? There are some great values on used 50Rs so wondering if now’s the time?
I love the camera, still use it all the time. There being newer versions doesn’t change the fact that this camera is incredible.
I am a new be at this. Just read your page and like the your explanation . I am going to have to read it again to get it through my thick head.I have a lot to learn but this will help a lot. Street pics look nice to me and pics of wild life.
I do have one question Well lots. I bought a sony A6700 and would like to get a prime lens . As u and most of what i have read a 35mm to 50 mm are good lends . With the A6700 what lens should i be looking at.
Thank you looking forward to reading the article again. and working on some pics.
Gary
Glad you enjoyed it Gary! Both 35mm and 50mm are great and are loved. I’d probably recommend a 50mm (full frame equivalent) as your first prime lens, but I could see equal arguments for each.
This is very cool, James. Would love to hear you talk about it in a CtHS Hangout sometime!
Thanks Vicki! Will think about it!
Excellent column on an important subject. Brilliant insights and worthwhile history of modern urbanism. “Glass City” is a great name for the newsletter, too. Thank you.
Really appreciate these thoughts John! It’s a topic I’m very excited to delve deeper into these year.
James – My friend George just introduced me to your website and described your generosity towards any fellow/aspiring photographers. My first response back to him:
“Just started perusing – the first Robert Frank photo doesn’t have a label, but it’s one of my Absolute Faves – a New Orleans trolley car taken the year I was born, and 27 years before I lived there and rode the trolley…
…OMG
Nothing not to love about this photo! Your eye darts from one window “frame” to another and back again (and again). WTF is in those top windows? Not only riveting, but telling a story. If I ever did a photo this good, I would then throw my camera in the trash!”
I doubt I’ll ever have a need to toss my camera out, but in the meantime, all this gives me a giddy incentive to get out and use it (though perhaps not in a trip across America).
Hey Mike, so happy you’re enjoying the site. I feel the same way about Frank’s work, and happy to hear you found it so inspiring!
When the NYC government lets a person, who has 23 prior arrests, back on the street I will not visit NYC.
There are clearly massive and many issues that need to be fixed with the criminal justice system and mental health and social service system, but speaking past and disregarding my points does nothing for the overall discourse, and is a major issue with how our society communicates. And the way these news articles are promoted and framed are for the purpose of making people feel like you feel.
Amazingly insightful. I get info here I cannot get elsewhere. $1, $5, or $7 a month is not enough for your deep and truthful writing.
Thank you J, really appreciate that.
When I brought a German friend to New York last year, she was quite wary because of the reputation it has developed on American TV, which Europeans watch a lot. We rented a first-floor Airbnb in Spanish Harlem right near City College. Our five days were eventful in terms of pleasure, and uneventful in terms of dangerous incidents. I have absolutely no qualms about taking cautious tourists to New York in future. Your article further confirms my impression that New York is quite safe, provided you follow the customary precautions when you travel anywhere. I’ll be sending your article, so that she can share it with other friends who may have her preconceived fears.
Thanks,
John
Thank you and appreciate those thoughts John. Especially as images of crimes are shoved down our throat this year.
There are many things that NYC and the USA can proudly boast about. Sadly, the crime rate is not one of them. Consider this. The USA accounts for 4.2% of the World’s population and 20% of the World’s prison population. The incarceration rate in the US is 531 per 100,00 which is the 6th highest. For comparison, Australia is 158, Canada 85, England 143, France 107, Norway 55 and so on.
By the way, the 5 locations with a higher incarceration rate than the US are, American Samoa, Turkmenistan, Rwanda, Cuba, El Salvador and I’m definitely not traveling to one of them.
Hey John – these are certainly complex issues but I want to put some of what you say further in context. Yes, certainly Melbourne has a lower crime rate, but at the same time the numbers in New York are very safe and the minute difference in risk to your daily life is probably more than offset by the increase of people in Melbourne who commute by car every day. The way you stated this would make New York sound unsafe, when that is just not true by any metrics.
Now for the incarceration problem, the U.S. has a cottage industry that makes a lot of money off of incarcerating disadvantaged people, so I would completely agree with you on how massive and unfair a problem that is here.
Interesting article and perspective. I grew up in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s.. I lived through Son of Sam (literally right in my neighborhood), blackouts, garbage strikes, transit strikes, the birth of mainstream disco (also in my neighborhood) and a murder rate in the late 1970s that was approximately 5 times higher than the number of murders in 2023. I remember subway cars that were covered in graffitti, so much so that you couldn’t see out the windows. Back in the day 42nd Street and Times Square was so unsafe that we were told to walk in the streets, and stay off the sidewalks, which were filled with X-rated shops and theaters. My last visit to Times Square reminded me of Disneyland. Like any big city with lots of people, crime will happen and will be more noticeable and covered by the media, and in today’s 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week news cycle, false information is often amplified by social media and politicians and pundits looking for attention. Also, like any big city (and small city, for that matter), there are places that are safe and not so safe. It’s probably a good idea to be aware of your surroundings in any area, large city or small town, as mental illness has been criminally ignored in this country for too many years.
What incredible stories Richard. I was talking to a friend about this, and even the 80s were a completely different world. And definitely about mental illness.
Whilst we’re being philosophical, here’s something else to ponder. If you break your leg in the street, strangers will rush to your aid and an ambulance will whisk you to hospital. But what do we do when we come across a man with a broken mind?
Totally agree John – a focus on mental health, and access to therapy and social services is not something our society is good at or built for.
The teeth thing is spooky. But I’m of the opinion we have to be skeptical when viewing images, unless we know the individual personally. Corporate images, take with a grain of salt. Gives me another reason to limit or withdraw from most social media sites. But I won’t give up making images. I love the process of creating.
Best, John Jennings
Yeah, and even with taking with a grain of salt, those photos still seep into our brain subconsciously since they’re everywhere!
You have some good and valid points to think about.
Some cultures banned painting portraits of people, which in the modern era translated to photos. I had one person come to me during an outdoor social gathering and ask that he or his family not be photographed due to their faith.
Some cultures prohibit identifying graves with who’s inside.
Temples in some cultures prohibit photographing inside, especially the deities and rituals.
Many of those restrictions were meant as protection against something in their times. Over time, like everything else, they lost their meaning and became reasons for shaming, punishment, and other types of enforcement. Proper education on those restrictions, and modification of rules when justified, would be the right course.
Today’s story is the opposite. Photography was always a niche hobby/profession. It was expensive during film era. The rise of affordable digital cameras boosted it to unexpected volumes. The spread of online media also boosted misuse of those photos. The spread of artificial photos and spread of misinformation through them is becoming a pandemic.
Very soon, restrictions will come. That is society’s natural way to react when there’s no better alternative. While bad per se, such restrictions may be necessary for preventing some crimes and mental health issues. On the contrary, others will complain that the restrictions are killing innovation.
Very interesting comment Satya. There is no balance now. And it would be nice if there were rules behind how the algorithms work, especially for kids. I watch the stuff that Youtube serves up to my kid and it concerns me.
It’s funny that people need slight imperfections in their false teeth in order for them to be believable. If you’ve ever done work with computer graphics, you’d probably have figured out a long time ago that you need to add some randomness or jitter to repeatedly generated objects (e.g. trees in a scene) or else they will look unnatural. It takes a good chunk of time to get this right, and a lot of time to make things look organic. Even in drawing, this is why I find a lot of drawing dissatisfying. When the erstwhile artist executes nothing but their agenda, what comes out looks like a bad cartoon. So I don’t think you need a computer to necessarily make something unnaturally “perfect.” Then the role of computers (and AI-assisted editing even more so) is to make it easier to blow your foot off. All the same, I think it helps people learn something about the creative process – at least those who care about such things.
This is fascinating Arthur, did not know about this at all!
Interesting. My parents were Amish, so I have many relatives who are Amish. On my blog I have many photos of Amish. I try to be discreet. A portion of them are ok, with photos, but are more hesitant to pose for photos.
Wow, that is very interesting Marland! Much have been fascinating growing up around that.
I like the photo below which evidently is actually there in digital form. Personally, I would have cropped a little of it around the edges, which I find distracting, but hey, to each their own. The photo reminds me of footprints of ancient humans found in solidified mud or sand but with a decidedly modern twist…instead of foot prints and toes we have the design of a modern capitalist corporation’s graphic imprinted on the bottom of one of it shoes. In the distant future it may raise the question “what kind of animal produced this imprint.”
Interesting about the imprint of footprints Lou. I was thinking they remind me of the designs of crop circles in wheat fields.
Look, we are thieves us Street photographers. We use film and sensors to steal the impression left by photons reflected off unwitting subjects. But we love those reflections. We caress them in the editing programs. We catalogue and store them carefully. We revisit them and appreciate them. We hope that others will too, so we share them. Surely they wouldn’t rather just be deleted?
Ha, maybe not thieves but I think there’s a mischievous trait to many people attracted to this type of photography. We have to have respect for the people we photograph, but it is all a blurry line between what is right and wrong.
James, I think there is a GREAT and DEEP point here. Same happens for music, if you notice: auto-tune and envelope filters were initially used merely to cover the lack of voice technique by the industry-chosen “artist” of the moment. But, with the help of lacking musical education, the horrible fake sound of auto-tune has become part of the taste and it is now part of the standard mainstream music package.
Something similar would apply to pizza in the US, but I don’t want to strike nerves here!! 😀
Glad you enjoyed it Marco – and very interesting about the auto-tune. It is interesting how similar trends manifest themselves in different art forms. And can’t speak for US pizza, only for NYC pizza which is a separate thing!
It’s not AI sucks at art, it’s that art is the product of a deliberate, creative sentience attempting to communicate.
Agree Tim. AI is far from sentient and is currently a regurgitation machine (which it’s incredibly good at, albeit with faults). But the speed of advances has slowed significantly and it needs massive amounts of content to learn, which we can’t create. And as it trains on its own output it is beginning to eat itself.
My fear is there is no limit to how much it can learn. I worry about stuff like genetics more than art, although artists may become like ham radio operators in the age of the internet – stalwart hold-outs after the world loses interest. Interesting, Neal deGrasse Tyson predicts the death of social media and news when all trust has burned off. I haven’t finished processing the notion, but I’m strolling toward a belief that old media and arts could actually float back to the surface – live television, film, books – stuff that cranky old people like me happily lived with. Thanks for replying.
Great article. Covers all the bases. Easy to read. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed Martin!
Wonderful article James! Engaging hook for a title. great narrative story.
Your took us where we would fear to go!
Best,
John.
Thanks John!!
James,
Great article. I know the King of Green well. My morning routine when I’m in NYC is to walk through Soho and I pass it when going out and returning. However, I’m there before any of the stores open, so I wasn’t aware of how active the area is. I’ll change up my routine next time.
Thanks Ken! Yeah some strange stuff can happen there no matter what time.
Really enjoyed the article, thanks for sharing it. New York is on my bucket list after missing it last February due to illness. This just makes me want to bring a bag full of cameras!
Glad you enjoy it Colin – hope you get here soon!
James, your insights into traditional street photography are truly enlightening. The notion of embracing serendipity while remaining vigilant for the decisive moment encapsulates the essence of this genre. Your emphasis on meticulous curation and the use of software tools like Adobe Lightroom for organizing and sequencing speaks to the importance of crafting cohesive visual narratives. Furthermore, your suggestion to explore alternative perspectives, such as integrating portraits alongside candid street scenes, underscores the multifaceted nature of storytelling in photography. In essence, your discourse on traditional street photography is a testament to the intricate interplay between spontaneity and intentionality within the urban milieu.vsccoapk.com
Thank you Adi, really appreciate this comment. You are right that there is such a fascinating mix of aspects to work with in this art form.
I have a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’m so ashamed.
Omg the horror!
Great post!
Thanks!!
Hi James,
This is a really informative article–thank you!
John
Thanks John!
Great column! Was a counselor, now a hobbyist photographer of people. Yes, making people comfortable is most important in both.
Thanks Howard!!
Greetings, James!
I have been enjoying Glass City–your insights and sense of humor–and have just now started supporting your efforts on a monthly basis. I hope that you and your famiily have been well.
Best wishes,
Ray
You are the best, thank you Ray!! So glad you’ve been reading!
An insightful look at photography along with some hilarious one-liners James. I look forward to your next posting.
JG
Thank you John!!
helpful open insightful writing and guidance.
Thanks Ted!!
Wonderful essay (and photos) James. In years past, I have struggled with taking compelling or interesting photos of people in an office. Having conversations with them, and breaking down their anxiety, as you noted, always helps them drop their guard a bit and gives us more of a glimpse into their personalities.
I also think it’s great that your mom reads all of your stuff!
Thank you Richard!! Yeah, it’s so much to process all at once sometimes.
An edit of your writing could eliminate many of the “I’s” that you are concerned about.
YOU WRITE: “When I made this change, I asked a handful of people I respect if they wouldn’t mind receiving it. (That’s three I’s in that sentence). Then there are 13,000 of you who found me in so many different ways, some who have been here for over 10 years. Then there’s my mother, her strange friends, my in-laws, and some high school and college friends who all get it. My wife reads occasionally I think.”
EDITED VERSION: When this change was made, I asked a handful of personally respected people if they would mind receiving it. It’s also been sent, and read to some degree, by the 13,000 of you who found me through many different ways, plus my mother, her strange friends, my in-laws, some high school and college friends, and my wife.
Appreciate the edit Danielle! That is a great, concise way to redo it.
Well, I am here after Saul Leiter’s name was suggested to me during an inspiring talk about photography with my penfriend… ChatGPT (really, no joke, reasonable talking to AI may often end up like that). This kind of photography rings a bell in my soul. Good to hear about Mr Leiter actually ‘living his art’ at the same time avoiding being a famous person. In a world of today, where every influencer wants to be a star, that is a rare quality in itself. Also the kind of seeing while not being very seen, looking through gaps and reflections on the glass, I like it very much. Sad thing is some of the world shown on these shots is already gone, and we can see it mostly in the old movies only. All the best from Europe!
A lot of depth with this article. The various links show a lot of research on your part as well as interesting reading. This is much more than your average article.
Thank you so much John! This was a joy to write.
Epic, thank you.
The Vivien Mair interest isn’t really about photography, but rather about her intriguing story. I’m not saying the photos aren’t good, but they seem secondary.
Glad you enjoyed!! I agree that so much of the appeal and buzz comes from her incredible story, but her work holds up to the hype every time I see it in person. She was an extraordinary photographer.
This may be of some interest.
Very commercial with some credible images of the Vietnamese.
Don’t see a link here Ron, which show are you mentioning?
This is a great idea. I’m going to put a wall like this together on my next trip to the city
That’s great to hear Susan, that’s was the goal behind writing this!
Wow. You are outdoing yourself. This was a really great read. Thanks so much for that.
All the best
Doug
So happy you enjoyed it Doug! I’m having a blast experimenting with the writing.
Thank you for not only sharing but completing this daunting undertaking of the one day journey. There are some of these that I have to check out, and hopefully still showing.
Glad you enjoyed Judy! Hope you get to see some of the exhibits!
Raising the bar on what you consider good … that’s the gem here, for me.
A lifetime of constantly raising the bar and the bar gets pretty high. 🙂
Very interesting concept, James. I always have a camera with me, especially when riding around town with the doggies, and often come across some interesting backs of cars but more so trucks or work vehicles, where company names are often artfully painted on the back. I am not sure if I have any I can easily find now on my computer but I will now keep an eye out for these moving forward.
I think these types of photos also provide a great overall “snapshot” of what a community looks like.
Appreciate that Richard, yeah I found the surroundings here to be very interesting.
Your posting reminded me of this photo I snapped at the Boulder City, NV train museum. Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nTn4mCIdb2XfIP7X6sh4R-aPRbKwJiDt/view?usp=sharing
Ha! Great car butt as my six year old referred to them.
BORING & BANAL!! You are much better than this!
Banal yes! While I found the two week twice-daily 31 minute commutes taking my kid to daycamp to be quite boring, I found the surroundings and cars to be pretty fascinating, and commuting that way in general regularly to be fascinating as well. But that’s probably because it’s not something I’ve ever done.
LoL WTF.
I think if you’re going to try at boring, the drone-beat of license plates and ugly truck nuts ought to be hammered into the retinas of your viewers. ;o)
Ha while I don’t think this comment is meant a complement, ‘Lol WTF’ and ‘hammered into the retinas’ makes it my favorite. And I mean this kindly and honestly, I really appreciate hearing your perspective and was hoping for one or two like this.
I found it interesting. I have more than a few collections of streets, flowers, dogs on the street and little bits of rubbish on the street. These sorts of actions often lead to a photo worth keeping and displaying.
Appreciate that Rob!
A profound study on “Twentysix Backs of Cars”.
Indeed an accurate and realistic interpretation of cars, or more specifically, the backs of them.
And further ….
… Your next post will be even better (for sure!)
🙂
Thanks Spike! Appreciate it.
Helen Levitt’s ability to capture the everyday moments of life in New York is nothing short of magical. Her photographs not only reflect the essence of the city but also tell poignant stories of its people. I love how you highlighted her unique perspective and the way she brought a sense of intimacy to street photography. Truly inspiring!
Hello James –
Like the open road. Good to get out of the city. As long as there’s no road kill. 😁✌👍 LeoThiner
Thanks Leo!
James, I for one am bored to death by all things cars. And images of cars. I did grow up in car culture, Sacramento California, in the ‘60’s. I drove across the country 3 times in the early ‘70’s, CA to NY. I moved permanently to downtown Washington, DC. in 1972. I still have a car as an occasional necessity. Train/subway culture is far more interesting and romantic.
That’s how I feel as well! But I’m hardly an unbiased sample.
I really enjoyed this Glass City column and the way you linked together the work of other artists with your own explorations. Are you going or coming is such a good question. The concept of going seems at first to convey a positive feeling of choice and expectation but of course either direction can be escaping something or leaving something or someone you love. Or your very interesting comment about turning around to confront and deal with something instead of running away. And then, as you note, perceptions about these kinds of photos change over time.
I can understand why you were inspired to do the series about commuting and think about how you reacted. As a city person I shared your conclusion but I did relate to the change in feeling in your series when a car suddenly appeared to be turning or not going in the direction of the road (as in the one with the AGW construction van and others). It makes it interesting but also reminds me of why I hated commuting on the very winding Rock Creek Parkway in DC where everyone drove too fast. Most of my work commutes after that were usually walking or short in city drives thankfully.
Thank you so much Cynthia! Really appreciate these thoughts and interesting to get a sense of how people who have actually commuted by cars for much of their lives feel. In that sense, I am certainly an outsider!
“I probably have a solid book in me of successful business people’s neck fat.” I’m waiting for this book having belonged to the fat neck group for a decade now.
Ha! To this day I still have to remind myself to keep my head up when people take photos of me.
Great presentation James. For myself haven’t been a great Susan Sontag fan. All throw the images, and writing are important to NYC photography history- Just always felt she scratched the surface.
Thanks Leo – I haven’t read or reread On Photography in a long time but have seen similar thoughts floating around. She was a wonderful writer though and I know I enjoyed how she describes things. Her short intro to this book I much enjoyed.
Particularly enjoyed this. How great to focus for a few moments on your thoughts and what you saw, rather than my obsessive worrying about the election. Thank you. Go Kamala.
Thank you Jeanne!! Really appreciate this. Hang in well today.
Thanks James! Your post is a mine Good Day.
Working on some abstract photographs “Metal and Rust” series here in South Dakota. Off to the west Arizona soon. Been to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where my last tour there was the “Fading Mona Lisa Billboards of Eau Claire, Wisconsin project – University of Wisconsin Press. Cold, and wet in South Dakota-er. But, light has been great.
Best-us!
-ljt
Been to Eau Claire a few times when I was at Madison. Really enjoyed it there. Unfortunately, yesterday was not a good day.
Thank you, James.
I was sitting here at my desk in Western Australia, feeling down because the pictures I took last weekend were disappointing to me. I scrolled through your pictures in this story in the normal desultory fashion; then stopped, went back to the beginning and looked more closely at them, thinking also about the feelings you’re expressing. I’ve now finished my coffee and feel impelled to start work on those disappointing photographs again. Or maybe getting off my skinny backside and making some more.
Once again, thanks James for both this posting of some fascinating pictures and for provoking me into working again.
Really appreciate this note John!
Damn, that was a fine issue of Glass City. Thanks.
A fun one to write, glad you enjoyed!
Hello James –
Stick it to Trump is right. However, your newsletter always enjoyed inspiring – while the Big US University writers, and photographs across the US newspapers, and e-press give it to the ‘woke’ campaign promises from Trump in public education – Here in South Dakota Gov. Kristy Norm and Trump are camped out at Mount Rushmore. Where we plan to steal their horses after dark.
Best-us?
LeoThiner
Thanks Leo, strange times!
I loved wandering the streets of NYC with you this morning. The photos drew me in, but it was your comments that made me feel like I was walking alongside you. Thank you for a wonderful start to my day.
Thanks so much Gregory, glad you enjoyed the walk as well!
Wow, what a terrific piece! I’m truly grateful for all you do and share with the photographic community! BTW, you mention the hardest part of being a guide is making sure your client doesn’t get punched. After getting punched by some DB in soho when I visited at the end of October, I can appreciate your objective that much more.
Oh wow, that is scary! Yeah super important to carry yourself in the right way and be careful. Never had an altercation in any of my workshops thankfully, but it’s something that’s always in the back of my head and I do my best to watch out for and avoid tough situations. It’s complicated.
Such a unique and detailed perspective. You speak of your liberal bubble but don’t have a predetermined stack of bullet points citing MAGA Republicans as the ongoing threat to our democracy.
I love your background on workshops and watching the mood of a city change – the “tics” and people who learned English from watching Friends, as well as the different reactions from the UPS and USPS deliverymen. Your descriptions throughout the essay take me right to the streets you and your tour participants walk.
I also like your paragraph “In retrospect” – all the things you say to yourself cover most of the things I say to myself. I’ve got a shelf full of books on personal growth, efficiency and learning how to learn, only to find out many of the authors wrote articles recently on how they don’t follow their own advice; it’s too difficult to be consistent. Not much of anything lasts; there are no universal answers.
Continue to create you say? Ok, good idea. I will.
John was looking forward to you reading this! Love your feedback. We’ve spoken a bit about the awkwardness of writing about politics and have been thinking a lot about how to do it in this avenue.
hi James.
Wonderful newsletter in general. Particularly good edition. Thank you.
Fletcher
Thank so much Fletcher!
A great read — and photos. Thanks for the effort! I hope to join you in NY early in 2025.
Thanks Rick!
I really like the photo of the man drinking a blue soda with a cig in his hands. The beret and the covid mask is dope on this picture. I really like the background too i would give this photo a 10/10 as a former hood beaner myself.
Good morning;
Thanks for this article. Nicely written about a very important topic in many peoples lives. We photographers come with a lot of baggage in our lives. Many have no idea why or what, but it makes for intersting company when you get 8 or more together.
Thank you David!
I can’t tell you how much I admire the honesty and verve in this newsletter. I have often felt some of the same emotions growing up, and even today, some reappear. Yes Lexapro helps, but so does courage and perspective. Thank you for great accompanying images too, and truth. John
Thanks so much John, your comment gives me lots of inspiration and energy and I agree. The meds certainly made it much easier and more fun, but it’s been something I’ve been fighting hard against for a long time, and sounds like you have too!
Brother I’m with you! I was recently diagnosed as well (I’m 60) and it has given me so many “aha” moments about why, when I was young, this or that happened or why I reacted the way I did. And yes, the camera was very freeing for me as well, I can be part of the action but also be hiding behind a camera – and come out when I WANT to. Great writing and photography! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Liz, it’s great to hear your story as well!
Fantastic article. I truly enjoyed it. And very helpful for a learning and understanding aspect.
Thanks so much Jim!
Hi, I am Charlene. I read this article and it is very informative. I like the way you explained about the topic. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. It is so appreciated!!!
As a portrait photographer in Cary, NC, I understand the beauty of capturing genuine moments, whether in a street setting or a controlled studio environment. Traditional street photography, with its focus on candid moments, serendipitous scenes, and storytelling, shares many similarities with the work I do in my studio.
### **The Serendipitous Moment**
In both street and portrait photography, the key is to be ready for those unexpected moments. Just like in my studio, where the perfect shot often happens when you least expect it, street photographers capture spontaneous scenes that tell a story.
### **Organizing Your Work**
Editing and curating are crucial in any photography. Like street photographers who sift through hundreds of shots to find the best moments, I carefully select the best portraits to showcase the personality and emotion of my clients.
### **Portraits in Street Photography**
While street photography often focuses on candid moments, portraits can add another layer to the story. In my professional headshots Cary NC , I create portraits that help clients tell their personal story, just like how a portrait can deepen the narrative in street photography.
### **Beyond People**
Street photography isn’t just about people—it’s also about the environment. Whether it’s the background or details, capturing the whole scene adds to the storytelling, much like how I consider the setting when taking portraits in my studio.
Whether you’re looking for a street-style vibe or a professional portrait, I can help you capture meaningful moments that tell your unique story. Feel free to reach out if you’re in Cary, NC!
Dear, James ~
As the South Dakota winds blow cold here having more time to look deeper at your Photographs. Rugged visual some. Other light to heart. Within a understanding of spaces that move threw motion. Some JUST SAY, STAND STILL. Happiness for myself is knowing from my experience system takes will take of everything. Like looking. What ever you believe it is in looking out.
LeoThiner
SFSD
Innundation! In a good way. I’m looking forward to updates.
Great article. Lots of good information, and amazing “Street Photographers Research” recommendations!
Thank you James
Thanks Wendy!!
James
still love and follow your work and having gone back to college in UK this year very pleased (and surprised!) to see your work referenced by our tutor as a street photographer to follow !! keep it up
Thanks Mike – happy to hear that!!
I really laughed at this post, as it somewhat brought back my experience when visiting my niece in Minnesota. I am from Brooklyn, NY, but have now lived in NJ for a very long time. I guess it’s an elitist perspective, but living so close to NYC and Philly, and in the heart of arts in Bucks County, PA, I barely even think beyond this wonderful culture. But oh boy, it is definitely a different world out there. No matter what spin they put on it, 10 months of hard winter HAS to have some weird effects. And those odd midwest words and that accent…well, they probably think we’re from outerspace. I always think of what do out-of-towners from small places think when they get to Manhattan. I love it, but it too is other-worldly in its own way. It’s all good. How boring if we were all the same.
Thanks for the post.
Ha yeah, I really didn’t mean this to read like a hit piece. Madison is an incredible cultural hub in the world. But wanted to give my perspective as a 19-year-old from the city.
Love your insights. I’ve been working on a couple of long term projects and this has given me a little more clarity
What a fascinating read! I loved how you intertwined the history of the Brooklyn Bridge with stunning photography. It really brought the stories to life for me. Can’t wait to visit and experience it myself!
Pingback: Exploring Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport Through Street Photography – Scott Fillmer
This was a really great thing to read, it helped me tons!
You Need to Publish a BIG Coffee table book on this building. Who were the Terra Cotta company; Visit to interior of Factory , Old Photos collected by submissions, interiors, parties, family Christmas’s. Construction Photos, Plans, Contractors, fights with the City Building department, etc .
Was it Gladding and McBean in Orchard Park NY ??
Truly Fascinating.
I’m excited to be here and start this journey
Glad to have you Clay!
Hi James
Just finished this article/lesson. In the Zone Focus section I realised I do this differently. I have changed my focus to Back Button Focus. I do this for 2 reasons. 1 is I can hold the exposure button down pretty low so they dont see you make the exposure. I look to see the shot then take the camera from my eye and shoot. 2 is if I see a shot that is farther away I can instantly focus for that shot then refocus for the closer street shots
Lots of people like back button. I just never learned that way so it never stuck, but seems great for a lot of others!
I thought i read somewhere that you wanted us to send you 4 images we have taken for your review? I do have a shutterstock account if you wanted to see what I do.
Thanks also for the info. At this point Im shooting tiny ants or flowers up to the skyscrapers. should I focus more on 1 genre or just keep shooting what I see?
I’ll keep reading and learning!
Feel free to send them to me by email!
Hi James, I’m glad you’re back. Your column and your guides have been my go-to resource for my frequent visits to NYC. I wish I were local.
I’m very interested in your book! I’ve recently started writing a substack mostly about my own photographic journey and how I’ve discovered where and how my creativity manifests itself. I think a lot of creatives are similar, so it will be fascinating to read about yours.
Thanks so much Denice! And yes, that is the goal, really to shed light on a lot of things people are going through that aren’t spoken about enough. Appreciate the kind note, it’s very energizing.
Hey James, it’s good to see your columns & to hear from you again. I missed your images. To refresh your memory, I have had an acquaintance with your work through your Glass City columns over the past few years. I have followed your columns for the past few years because of the b&W photography that drew me to your site and the fact that my son went to Columbia U for 4 years. Visiting him several times, I became familiar with street scenes. He was happy to finally graduate and leave the streets for FL. I guess if you are raised in NY, you become accustomed to the streets life and events. I am glad that I had to opportunities to walk the streets with him and his wife during our visits because I would not have an association with your work and scenes from the streets. If not for him, otherwise, I would have stayed at 42nd and Broadway—lol. My only regret with his education at Columbia is that the school turned him into a Marxist and we don’t speak any longer–he was raised as a progressive conservative–(Yes, there is such a thing as “progressive conservatism” that doesn’t involve burning cars and throwing bricks at LEOs)
Anyway, I digress from my original intent of welcoming you back to your Glass City column writing and I look forward to seeing the release of your book. I am 77 years old, shoot sports photography for our local parks and rec, and spend many hours at 0100-0200 processing the games–but as you know that wreaks havoc on your body and mind/consciousness. I deeply admire your desire to see this book completed—my contributions to authorship take the form of assistance to other sports photographers on FB sites, which at times is overwhelming in its own way.
Man, am I wordy as crap…gotta end this so you can resume your work
Regards, Tom Rains
Haha Tom – I am wordy as well so you are in good company. And it’s great to learn about the people to read. I’m sorry to hear about your son as well, it’s a tough time for everyone right now and a lot of tempers are high, as they should be given what’s going on in the world. Stay strong and really appreciate your note.
So glad you are back again, I have missed your column.
Ingrid
Thank you Ingrid! Really appreciate the comment, the encouragement helps a lot as I recenter myself.
Hi James,
As an ADHD sufferer, I can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for writing it!
Thanks Liz!! You are who the book is intended for!
Hi James
Nice piece once again. I’ll be watching for details of the book – I’ll be buying a copy.
Cheers
Chris
Thanks Chris, really appreciate the comment and support!!
Hi James, and welcome back! I’ve been working on short stories for past five years and the deep dive it takes to complete one is so mentally emotionally exhausting, it’s hard to climb back into the seat to start another one. Photography gets me recalibrated and balanced and your website, and all you offer is part of that. Thanks for all you put out into the world. Looking forward to seeing your book.
Best to you,
Barb Bausch
Thanks so much Barb! You explained the experience very well. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to write a book again after this, but it has been a really important experience. But I’m looking so forward to getting it finished and behind me.
Great content (and photos)! I remember these days well and had some interactions with Mayor Koch when I worked as a reporter in New York in the mid ’80s. He was quite a character (to say the least). I aklso remember the Wollman Rink saga and the good PR Trump received after completing the project. Good times!
Oh wow, Richard I had no idea you worked as a reporter in NYC! I’ll have to ask you about this the next time we speak, that’s amazing.
Nice piece. Gritty photography, which works here.
Thanks Kaare!
I appreciate your writing this article and sharing it. I worked in an office on Canal Street for a couple of years. There’s an amazing mix of identities in the neighborhood.
I’m glad you came to no harm.
Such a great street. The news photographers and some of the protestors were in much riskier positions than me.
Nice work, thank you.
Thanks!
A Canal Street Tour Guide? And a house husband? Yes, I guess that elects you to know the difference between right and wrong, legal and illegal, licensed and unlicensed, delusion and illusion, timely and untimely. I’m sure you will want the sales taxes paid on all that ‘treasure’ sold when you stand in line for your free bus ride, free grocery store and free housing.
You are right Janice that maybe I don’t know the correct answer to solve the problems. But I have been learning about this street from all sides of the argument for the last 12 years to know that raid wasn’t it. I have seen close-up what doesn’t work. Personally, I want those guys to be given opportunities for a career path.
Now regarding free things, I would just like the focus to be on affordability and taxing the rich, yes. Starting in the 80s, radical tax policy has been lowering the taxes of the super rich to very extreme levels and it hasn’t trickled down and its significantly slowed and harmed our economy. The resulting lack of services, jobs, and opportunities from these radical tax rates have harmed the lives of most Americans, and their anger has been harnessed to focus on poor people like these Canal sellers, who in the grand scheme of crimes and issues that affect everyday New Yorkers lives, is near the very very bottom. If we taxed the rich correctly, we’d have more money for opportunities to integrate these people in valuable ways into our society. And this opinion is from someone who takes his 7-year-old to this street, so yes in this case I think the tour guiding, documentary photographing, and (trying to be) a good father comes in handy in understanding the situation.
James — Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for fighting the good fight. Thank you for brilliantly documenting the shame of the city (I need to try slowing down my shutter speed for crowd shots!). Thank you for your courage in publishing these images. I know there will be people who will give you backlash and tell you not to mix politics into your website, but ignore them. I photographed a No Kings rally in my small city and posted the images online; while there was a lot of support, the vitriol was nauseating. Keep on doing your thing, James. Our country depends upon actions like yours.
Really appreciate that Kevin! I think it’s much easier to post these in NYC than living in a small town tbh.
Great report.
Thanks much for your emails.
Thank you Fletcher!
Thanks, James, for your article. Voices like yours are most needed at this time. But I think you’re too kind with the ICE agents needing the money. The ICE agents who are being hired are ideologically behind Trump fascism with hardly any vetting or training. I’m attaching a link to an article that I find illuminates what’s happening with the ICE hiring surge: https://www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/ice-s-hiring-surge-is-already-a-disaster.
This is a great article Raymond, thanks for sharing! Possibly too kind yes, and certainly this scaling is adding a ton of ideological people. But I do believe there is a certain portion, no clue how big, where they have no financial option otherwise. Not that this makes it much better, but I’d rather there be the demoralized than the ideological.
Thanks James for your article!
Appreciate it Francisco!
Sincerely glad I signed up to the mailing list. Moving photos, great writing, and as an ex New Yorker, utterly relateable.
Thanks so much VD! Glad to have you here.
Great coverage and wonderful photos James! The black and white and blurry photos adds to the grittiness of the situation and the emotion you captured, specifically “polka dots woman” is outstanding!
Thank you Richard!!
James – those dreams are common and almost always stress related – I get them dating back to my college days studying engineering – and thats 40 years ago – they are still fresh memories.
This is a great pice – keep on writing
That makes sense! And I have no clue what these dreams are like for someone without ADD, but they take me right back to childhood.
Nice piece – I love your work and your honesty – I too, have ADD, having been diagnosed in my 50s was difficult, and I am also a photographer, so there’s a whole lot of AHA moments! Keep up the great work!
Liz
Thanks Liz! My dad similarly got diagnosed in his 50s, around the time I did.
so good James…I’ve had a similar dream of not handing in my final PhD dissertation to the correct faculty…i remember being coded in grad school as Code 54 dyslexic…never liking reading text or papers a loud…but i can memorize and then talk my papers…i will look closer at your already intriguing website.
I’ll be curious to know what you did your PHD in next time I see you. And it’s interesting knowing all this with respect to your photography Hedy!
I completely cracked up at your comment about being in your child’s classroom. I mean, yes yes yes.
There’s a LOT of content in this newsletter, so I will have to get thru the clicks one at a time, slowly.
You approach life as a photographer and you are a very skilled photographer. I am an artist, always struggling to find MY voice. Sure, I’ve been at it long enough to be better than people who have never done it, but nowhere near the level one (me) would expect after all this time. Now and then the thought strikes me to just chuck it. But then I realize that I actually DO enjoy it. It challenges me. Every now and then I surprise myself. So I keep going.
Anyway, your musings have resonated with me. Thanks!
Thank you Rita! I like to think of myself these days working at the border of writing and photography. And yeah finding your voice, your inspiration, and the exact way to get that through is so tough to figure out! Never chuck it, although I know how those tough times feel!! Really appreciate this comment.
Suberia, for some James is a plant. Don’t spin off in word usage. Great that it’s considered.
Thanks Leo—this is of course semantic stuff, but because I teach and write, often to beginners and intermediates, the communication of the words, ideas, and perspectives has been really fascinating to me. And it’s helped me understand where I come from and my biases and beliefs coming from the city as well. It’s a fun conversation, but yeah it’s all just photography.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that lonely women are not dealing well, with the sort of harassment, stalking, catfishing, etc., that I’ve experienced since the onset of the pandemic.
Hey Arthur, so sorry you’ve had to deal with all of that! The world is crazy right now. And I didn’t mean to make it seem like men don’t have their own societal problems that need to be addressed, learned from, and figured out, in a similar way to how we speak about women’s problems. It’s just that for something like this loneliness issue, my belief is that the male perspective has been hijacking the debate in a way that inordinately places their issues on outside forces over self-reflection, and their role in causing their problems. Those outside forces are certainly there, but I don’t think they can heal, improve, and find the correct solutions without understanding this role that they’ve played in their problems.
James:
It took me awhile to read this. It is good that you are bearing witness and protesting. We had a two ICE guys abduct a man in front of the middle school during morning drop off. It upset and angered neighbors so much we formed an ICE watch group. Everyone needs to join ICE watch groups and let them know they can’t work in secret or intimidate us.
Yes it is awful; I am hopeful we are winning but that is not any solace to those in captivity right now. A big focus needs to be placed on the horrible, inhumane, and unlawful conditions people are being held in, in addition to the abductions themselves. The neighborhood watch groups are so heartening.
An absolutey superb piece once again – read it twice and checked the links
Many thanks James
Thanks so much Chris!
I will add to the accolades — a particularly excellent piece. I live in “suberbia.” I live close enough to NYC to visit several times a year, and find photography there, well, so much easier. I suppose that, from an intellectual perspective, “easy” isn’t the right word; maybe it seems so easy there because it is just so busy, full, frantic, and different. Thank you for turning me on to Blake Andrew’s work — it gives me hope.
Appreciate that Reed! Yeah, NYC is incredible to photograph, but I hope this pushes you to explore more closer to where you are. It’s a very fun game to try to find photographs that interest you in more traditionally ‘boring’ areas, so I hope you give it a go more often!
I too, have struggled with what exactly is “suburbia”. I am a native of SoCal, and, instead of cars, I think of the sidewalks and if there’s anyone on them as a measure. The more people out and walking the more urban a place is. SoCal is definitely Suburbia. All of it! There’s a tiny downtown in LA, but then the homes and parking lots stretch all the way down to San Diego. Maybe Suburbia is relative? Maybe the population density per square mile is a good indicator? It doesn’t matter really, but when speaking photographically, subjects differ significantly from my subdivision street in Anaheim to any street in Midtown.
As for the state of the world, and men and women, oof. We are living in the upside down. Are there more problems or just more outlets to let the world know about our problems? Are we all just reacting to information overload? I remember a time of much less stress, worry, fear – and it’s pre internet. I was also younger and dumber then. Are people lonely? Probably. Words on a screen are no substitute for genuine human interaction. But on the other hand, isn’t it absolutely remarkable that you can photograph and write from New York, and I can read and interact with you from California? Is that not genuine? Would sitting in Bryant Park and chatting over a cup of coffee be significantly different? I think so.
Add to the mix the current political climate and I’m going to say the root cause of polarization is fear. And you’re right. It’s baked into us. It’s a marketing strategy. A political strategy. We’ve been conditioned to fear everything, because there’s something we can buy to fix it, and there’s someone we can vote for who will fix it Men fear women, women fear men, we fear for our children, red fears blue, blue fears red, and too many of us spend too much time in online echo chambers instead of actually getting to know each other.
Thank you for an excellent and very thoughtful essay.
Appreciate these great thoughts Denice. A lot of insight here to think about, everyone fearing and dehumanizing each other. And regarding the suburia thoughts. On one hand of course this is semantic, but I think the conversation can help us figure out how we want to depict these environments.