First published 2013
Brandon Stanton walks the streets of New York City with his camera, documenting the lives of strangers. In 2010, he launched an ambitious photographic census of the city, covering thousands of miles on foot to capture portraits and collect stories. His subjects range from Wall Street workers to street vendors, each sharing personal anecdotes that reveal their dreams, struggles, and perspectives. What began as individual encounters evolved into a popular blog called "Humans of New York," where Stanton paired his photographs with quotes from the people he met. This book compiles four hundred color portraits from his project, including exclusive images and previously unpublished stories. Stanton's approach strips away the anonymity of urban life, showing how each person carries unique experiences and wisdom. The collection reveals the diversity of personalities that make up America's largest city, from recent immigrants to lifelong residents. Through simple conversations and candid photography, Stanton creates an intimate portrait of metropolitan life that celebrates individual stories within the larger urban narrative.
Genres: biography, american, non-fiction, 21st-century, photography, social
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: New York City
Period: 2010
304 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press