There’s no place in the world that gives “main character” energy quite like New York City. And while you may say I’m a little biased, the truth is that there are few places in the world that have the mystique and draw that this city has. It’s no wonder that Brandon Stanton has authored four New York Times bestsellers by highlighting the stories of the people of this great city; Dear New York is the latest installment of collected stories and photographs of the people that make New York great.
A Peek Inside Dear New York
In his latest book, Dear New York, Stanton produces a body of work that continues the ambitious goal of sharing the often-overlooked stories of the people (humans, one might say) of New York. From tales of overcoming adversity to the mundane, Stanton’s work is a patchwork of the fabric of life in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Unlike other street photography tomes that treat their subjects like paparazzi lying in wait, Stanton approaches his subjects head-on, not just making a compelling image but also collecting his subjects’ stories straight from the source.
Brandon Stanton has a unique gift for revealing the extraordinary in the everyday, connecting us to our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves through his lens. In Dear New York, he takes us on an even deeper journey. The book opens with a prologue that feels like a personal tour through the city, setting the stage for nearly 500 full-color pages of never-before-seen portraits and stories. With over 75% of the content being exclusive to this volume, every turn of the page offers a fresh discovery.
From a New Yorker’s Point of View
I often distrust street photography projects centered around New York. Many street photographers, especially those with little or no connection to the city, view it as an opportunity to take and create a narrative that may or may not be an accurate representation of the lives that are captured in their frames. To me, it feels exploitative, not unlike the transplant that wants to cosplay a hard knock life for a couple of years and then cash out their trust fund when they hit their mid-20s. I think what has endeared me to Stanton’s work is his ability to make human connections with his subjects. To give the space and agency to tell their stories – unfiltered, raw, but always with empathy. This is the kind of street portraiture that goes beyond taking a photograph and making a connection.
As a native New Yorker and a street photographer whose work is largely inspired by the city. I can appreciate that Dear New York embraces all five boroughs, showcasing the city in its highs, lows, and vibrant contradictions. It’s more than just an unprecedented portrait of the world’s greatest city; it’s a deeply personal tribute to the diverse individuals who infuse New York with its unparalleled soul.
