New York Street Photography Project

Wandering Through New York: The Life of a Street Photographer

There’s a unique energy that pulses through New York City, a rhythm of life that few cities can match. For a street photographer armed with only a film camera, that energy becomes the perfect canvas.  As I quietly roam the streets, I capture the soul of the city one candid shot at a time.

I’m a street photographer who has spent much time exploring the nooks and crannies of New York City.  Equipped with a film camera, I make every effort to create visual poetry that reflects the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, but always fascinating life in the city.

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The Timelessness of Film

In an era dominated by digital photography, choosing film is not just a creative decision but a statement.  Film offers a connection to the raw, unfiltered reality of the streets.  Each frame demands patience, and every click of the shutter is intentional.  The grain of the film adds texture and depth to the subjects—capturing fleeting moments with a richness that digital sometimes misses.

Film forces me to slow down.  When I’m out there, wandering through the streets of New York, I’m not just looking for a quick snapshot.  I’m waiting for those perfect, honest moments—when people aren’t aware of the camera, when the light hits just right, when the city reveals something real.

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New York as a Muse

New York City is a dreamscape for street photographers.  With its mix of cultures, constantly shifting weather, and millions of stories playing out on its sidewalks, there’s always something to capture.  The same street offers something new each day.  The way people move and the way shadows change when the sun dips between the buildings is magical.

Whether it’s a musician on the subway, a flower vendor setting up shop, or a quiet moment of reflection in Central Park, my goal is to find beauty in the ordinary.  Through my lens, the mundane transforms into something extraordinary.

The Craft of Street Photography

Unlike studio or portrait photography, street photography is largely spontaneous.  There are no staged moments, no second chances. This unpredictability is what drives me to continue wandering New York, camera always at the ready.  I try to be invisible by blending into the city so people act natural around me.  It’s about capturing humanity in its most authentic form—those in-between moments where the city’s character really shines.

But beyond the technicalities of composition and lighting, I believe the true essence of street photography lies in connection.  Every shot is a little piece of someone’s story and I’m lucky enough to be there to witness it.

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Looking Ahead

As I continues to explore the ever-changing streets of New York, I remain committed to my craft.  With each roll of film, I peel back another layer of the city, revealing its many faces and countless untold stories.

For those who follow my work, it’s more than just a glimpse of New York—it’s an invitation to see the world through my eyes, to wander alongside me through the hustle and quiet, the beauty and grit of this iconic metropolis.

Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a New Yorker, or someone who simply loves the art of storytelling, I hope my work is a reminder that there’s magic in the everyday.  You just have to be willing to see it.

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This New York street photography series began in 2001.

When I was in my final year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Peck School of Arts, I traveled to New York to capture an entire semester's worth of street photography.  After one week of photographing this New York street photography series, anticipation arose and I couldn't wait to return to the darkroom and begin developing the film.

Everything went smoothly as I checked into my flight at LaGuardia, but here is where we insert the dilemma.  The airlines forced me to check my film-loaded backpack due to the lack of overhead bin space.  I say a quick prayer as I say good-bye to the film which took me a week to capture.

After landing safely at Mitchell International, I exit the aircraft and hurry toward baggage claim.  I impatiently watch and wait as the passengers' luggage makes its way onto and around the conveyor belt.  The men and women who surround me identify their bags and quickly grab them before they pass by.  What seems like an eternity passes and eventually I realize I'm the only passenger remaining in baggage claim.  It's me and the empty conveyer belt.  My New York street photography is lost in translation.

Anxious and irritated feelings wash over me as I pace toward the customer service kiosk.  They reassure me that they'll deliver my backpack to my apartment as soon as it's located.  "Your backpack should arrive within several days," they stated.

One day came and went when I noticed my special delivery.  Immediately, I check its contents and dash to the darkroom with hopeful anticipation.

I captured hundreds of photographs that week in New York City.  This project isn't complete and it may never be, but this is what I have so far.

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2 Comments

  1. Barbara Schmidt on August 2, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    I am enjoying every new adventure you share.



    • laura on May 7, 2019 at 8:05 pm

      I’m so glad, Barb! I continue to post at least once a week 🙂