new york times features chris arnade

February 21st, 2012 | Posted by Jill in portraits - (2 Comments)

Yesterday I was thrilled to see that the New York Times ran an article about Chris Arnade, whose work I’ve been following for the last several years. Arnade is one of the most dynamic and talented street photographers in NYC, and the bonds he forms with his subjects are so powerful and evident in his images.

While the NYT article focuses on his portraits of prostitutes in Hunts Point up in the Bronx (which is link bait, if you ask me), he’s actually been doing a much larger series on addiction within that community. You can see the broader selection from this series here. Marie Viljoen from 66 Square Feet has also written a moving account of a recent trip she took with Arnade up to the Bronx that’s well worth the read.

For more of his work, please see his excellent series on The Pigeon Keepers of Bushwick, Barbershop Brooklyn, and lots more over on Flickr. So gratifying to see Arnade get recognition for the consistently thought-provoking and moving work he does.

Jackie: Hunts Point, Bronx

After whining about my creative rut last night, I decided I needed to feel a little less sorry for myself and go forth and be inspired. So I fired up the good ol’ Flickr pool and started digging. It’s been too long.

Boy was it a kick in the pants. Seeing all the good work folks are doing around Brooklyn was unbelievably inspirational. From images of late night taco trucks, to Mermaid Parade revelers, to portraits of those living fleeting, everyday moments, I was really overwhelmed by many of the works I’m seeing these days.

Check out a few of my recent favorites below and be sure to pause a beat and let the mood of each wash over you!

Untitled, by Barry Yanowitz:

“Tacos!” by Jonathan Percy:
Tacos!

Untitled, by Christine Renee Miller (via David Pexton):

“Helvis at the Mermaid,” by Leanne Staples:
Helvis at the Mermaid

“DAY 707: BAGS OF CANS,” by Bill Sweeney:
DAY 707: BAGS OF CANS B&W

“2011 Coney Island Mermaid Parade,” by Sean Hopkins:
2011 Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Untitled, by Claire Voelkel:

Tonys Barber Shop:  Sunset Park BrooklynI’ve been a fan of Chris Arnade’s work for quite some time now, and his NYC portrait series are great testaments to the diverse cultural institutions you find all over the city in spades.

Recently, he’s been adding more fantastic photographs to his barbershop series, which features shops all over the city from Sunset Park to Greenpoint. I reached out to him this week to find out more about his inspiration for shooting this series and his thoughts. Chris elaborates:

“I spend lots of time in the more Latino neighborhoods where the barbershops and hairdressers are a big part of the culture. It’s often where people go to hang out, gossip, catch up on news. Besides being a hub of activity, I find many places are amazingly designed, with a lot of work put into the decoration.

Rarer, but my favorite, are the older places that often are time capsules. I also love people who put a lot of work into looking good, exhibiting their own fashion sense. Mirrors, I love mirrors. It’s rare that I get turned down shooting them; the owners are rightfully proud of both the stores, the design, and the job that they do.”

Check out some of his great barbershop portraits from around Brooklyn below, and click here to see more! Be sure to click on the photos to read more about the shops in Chris’ own words!

Tony the Barber: Sunset Park Brooklyn

Quikuts: Bushwick Brooklyn

Dragos with customer: Williamsburg Brooklyn

Brooklyn's Finest Barber Shop: Bushwick Brooklyn

Barber of Barber's: Sunset Park Brooklyn

Zulfikar and Nasar again

for the love of brooklynites

February 15th, 2011 | Posted by Matt in flickr faves | portraits - (1 Comments)

I for one am worn out by this winter. I look forward to the sweet thaw of springtime. I have a tendency to hibernate during the winter and have very little contact with the human race–outside of work. Fortunately there are other photographers who are willing to brave the weather to take photos of their fellow Brooklynites.

Thanks to all the great photographers contributing to the FTLOB Flickr pool. Here is a collection of photos of Brooklynites to get you through your day.

“Singing Man on F Train,” by Eloy Anzola:
singing man on F train, brooklyn, ny

“Vanessa the Hairdresser: Cobble Hill,” by Chris Arnade:
Vanessa the hairdresser: Cobble Hill

“Andy,” by Adam Lerner and “Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Swim,” by Leanne Staples:
AndyAnnual Coney Island Polar Bear Swim 12

“Boa,” by currañ:
boa

“Benad,” by Alec McClure:
DSC_4900

“Can Do,” by Yeshvir Daamineni:
Can do

“Islam in New York: Samira of Waterfalls Cafe,” by Chris Arnade:
Islam in New York: Samira of Waterfalls Cafe