NY Street Photography Exploration

(2018)

My love for street photography flourished throughout my week-long trip to New York City. Inspired by the legendary Henri Cartier-Bresson, the Decisive Moment calls for a remarkable eye within photographers—prompting them to search for unique and distinct moments in time. Utilizing this creation mode, I walked around the concrete jungle and captured fleeting moments with my 35mm camera and black and white film inside. 

I never expected to experience so much within that short time frame. The first 12 images were captured on September 9, 2018—two days before the 17th anniversary of 9/11. 

My friends and I were visiting the National September 11 Memorial Pools when a group of firefighters in full gear and equipment came running through the buzzing crowds. They stopped near one name of thousands—Stephen Gerard Siller, a firefighter who lost his life on the day of the attacks. They were paying tribute to Siller because he was a valued member of their station.

Before the commemoration, the firefighters participated in a half-marathon while in full attire. The summer heat remained heavy in the air, so it was no easy feat for these compassionate warriors. They wanted to go through the fatiguing, painful, and draining experience in the name of Siller and the thousands of victims who lost their lives on 9/11. Then, after the long run, they came to the pools to conduct a flag-folding ceremony. 

The remaining images are various moments I valued throughout my time–photographing instances of individuals I have never met and will never see again. This street photography project truly inspired my current creation process and grew my love for capturing the human experience.