“For me, capturing what I feel with my body is more important than the technicalities of photography. If the image is shaking, it's OK, if it's out of focus, it's OK. Clarity isn't what photography is about. I want to take a lot of Nasty photos.” - Daido Moriyama
I’ve always been a nosy person. Being in the business of strangers and strange moments has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. We are genuinely interested in the lives of others because we learn from their passing moments. Human beings are fickle, impatient, and unaware of themselves most days. But all of that is flipped on its head when we observe other human beings.
From their lives to my camera lens I am fortunate to witness the moments they miss. Honestly, how often do we bypass the lessons of the journey and settle for the predictable lessons of the destination? Especially living in New York City, people only care about the destination. but don't give much attention to how they got there; myself included. My style of street photography centers on learning from my surroundings by focusing on nouns: people, places, or things.
Stay still, stay aware, and observe how the world moves around you as you blend in with the journey. Take your time and watch for the moment that feels right. It won't always be pretty, but it will be real.
If you know how to look, strangers and strange moments will not only surprise you they will teach you.
COVID-19
In early Spring 2020, New York City earned a near-fatal title that nearly brought its population to its knees: “The U.S. Epicenter of COVID-19”
Within six weeks the lives of all New Yorkers came to a startling halt as we battled an unknown, unseen enemy who was ravaging our homes, workplaces, and spaces of community. There was no choice but to fight with the little knowledge we possessed. For me, another title entered my life, and often times I stated it before my own name, allowing the gravity of the situation to completely overtake my identity: Essential Worker.
Oftentimes I became less of Andrea and more of what I needed to become so that I could make it to the next day. Tasks I enjoyed became hard to enact, simply because being awake and alertly took so much of my daily energy. Even though my perspective is one of many who were declared “essential” I feel it’s necessary to share what I saw. What I could capture without completely losing myself to anxiety.
As I follow the timeline COVID-19 created in NYC I remember that these photos were taken to document my home, my favorite city transforming into a surreal place that I wish to never see it again.
Mar. 1, 2020: Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York told people that there would be a “community spread” of an unnamed virus, but do not to be worried.
Mar. 7, 2020: Gov. Cuomo declares a state of emergency for N.Y.
Mar. 12, 2020: Mayor Bill de Blasio declares a state of emergency, bands gatherings of 500+ people and officially closes down Broadway indefinitely.
Mar. 15, 202: Mayor de Blasio orders all schools to close down.
Mar., 20, 2020: Gov. Cuomo declares a lockdown, banning all nonessential gatherings.
Mar. 30, 2020: N.Y. surpasses over
1,000 deaths.
April 14, 2020: N.Y.C. surpasses 10,000 deaths.
10,000 fewer community members stomping the grounds of NYC.
Eventually, the days started to blend together. The best I could do was get to the next day without being stuck to the inevitable loss of time we all experienced. The thought of going day by day was very hard, but it happened. It happened quicker than most of us expected. Every passing moment introduced a new way of living for the foreseeable future. All we could do is adapt and adapt and adapt some more so that we keep ourselves and our communities protected.
The current date is Dec. 19, 2022. Time has started to regulate itself again. People are out and learning to live in this new regular environment. The COVID-19 Pandemic isn’t over and it may never fully leave us, but we wake up every day ready to do what we need to do as New Yorkers to make our homes safer, healthier, and more aware every day. We are tired, and some days we become disillusioned, but we never stop fighting. We are NY strong and that counts for a lot here.
Every person is essential to the success of NYC.
WorldPride 2019
New York Population: 8.343 million
WorldPride 2019 Population: 5 million
WorldPride 2019 attracted five million visitors who attended the event to honor all things love, acceptance, and individuality. The crowds were loud, gay (fitting every definition of the word), and diverse. Every face gave its own energy to the unapologetic memories sweeping through Manhattan.
Taking photographs of this event was not only fun but a privilege. To anyone that gave me permission to share their memories, I thank you wholeheartedly.
I stand beside you as an ally now and forever more.
Every part of the City is seatable if you are brave enough. I am not, which is why I photographed them from ground level. Besides, they were looking forward to the view. To me, they are my view.
In moments of joy, there are those who ensure the celebratory times are shared with everyone: living and passed on. Let’s hold these names close in our hearts so they can live through us, enjoy WorldPride 2019 and live on through everyone's collective happiness.
Love knows no bounds. Break down your restraints and love freely alongside us.
March for Our Lives Rally 2018
The United States is plagued with a contagious yet extremely curable endemic.
Gun violence.
On Saturday, Mar. 24, 2018, an estimated 150,000 protesters came out to support the end of gun violence. This showed that no matter how different Americans are, we can all agree that changing gun policy is an act that unifies all communities.
When an act of violence, so horrific, happens there are no differences present. Loss is a loss no matter who experiences it.
However, a loss due to gun violence has always been and will continue to remain unnecessary.
There are no words I need to say. All you have to do is scroll through and read the signs. Read the people and see that they have had enough.