Brian Edsall Photography, Brooklyn, NY (2026)

08/19/2025

📝 My latest Substack: Ralph - Central Park, New York (📖 read 🎧 or listen here: https://open.substack.com/pub/aspectsoflife/p/ralph-williams-saxophone-central-park-new-york-city-street-photography-brian-edsall?r=285ubt&utm_medium=ios)
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It was an early morning in June. I was in Manhattan—a trip I rarely make from Brooklyn—so I decided to venture into Central Park with my camera and curiosity.
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As I entered into the park, I heard the faint but distinct sound of a saxophone singing in the distance. Like a birdwatcher, I allowed my ears to guide my direction.
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I eventually crossed paths with Ralph who was playing on one of the park’s many benches. During a brief moment of rest, I asked if he was open to having a short conversation to learn more about him and his story. “No thank you,” he gently but firmly declined. “I’m just getting warmed up.”
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I hope to cross paths with Ralph again soon, but our interaction was an important reminder that photographers are not entitled to take from his subjects. I’m sure that he has a treasure trove of stories to tell, but those treasures are his, and he decides when and with whom to share them with.
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Still, he chooses to share his music with the world, and he allowed me to capture a brief glimpse of his spirit. For that, I am grateful.
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Ralph | Central Park, New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a Nikon FG using Kodak Professional T-Mac 400 film
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07/28/2025

📝 My latest Substack: Milan - NYC Pride, 2025 (link in bio—read 📖 or listen 🎧)
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I crossed paths with Milan while photographing NYC Pride. Their bright pink attire caught my attention from afar, notably their bright pink cowboy hat (which you can see in the last photo of this carousel)
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I spoke briefly with Milan, asking them about what Pride meant to them and what they hoped others could understand about the q***r community. Their responses were thoughtful and pointed. I wish we had more time to talk, but our conversation was cut off by the overpowering sound of the approaching parade and accompanying cheers.
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Still, I’m thankful they were open to sharing their experience and perspective with me, and I hope that others can listen to their words as well.
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Q***r people—especially q***r youth—are under constant threat, particularly in today’s political and cultural climate. If you’re looking for ways to support, consider donating to organizations like , , or . Their work, and the work of so many local and national groups across the country, is essential to protecting and saving q***r lives.
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Milan | NYC Pride - New York, New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a Pentax 645NII using Kodak Professional T-Max 400 film
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***rstories ***rpride

07/25/2025

Alfred | Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn - New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a Pentax 645NII using Kodak Professional T-Max 400 film
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07/10/2025

Kathryn, Kalipso, and Chauncey at | New York, New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a 645NII using 400 film
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I spotted these three amongst the crowd watching this year's Pride parade. They drew the immediate attention of myself and others with their extravagant attire. I asked if I could take their photos, which they graciously agreed to. They had a natural electricity in front of the camera, posing and positioning themselves with ease. We didn't speak much as I tried to capture a few photos between people cutting across the frame to watch the parade or return to Washington Square Park. But sometimes, personalities that are larger-than-life speak for themselves.
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📸 Shot by
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07/07/2025

📝 My latest Substack: Jabari - Brooklyn, New York (Read 📖 or listen 🎧 here: https://open.substack.com/pub/aspectsoflife/p/jabari-brooklyn-new-york-brooklyn-museum-street-photography?r=285ubt&utm_medium=ios)
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I crossed paths with Jabari while roaming around Brooklyn. He was sitting outside of the , a spot he frequents as a street vendor.
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A large format camera rested in his lap. Printed photos lined the sidewalk and leaned against the wall he was sitting on. Mos Def was playing on the portable speaker resting by his side. A flat brim Yankees hat shaded his face from the harsh sunlight overhead.
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I always have some anxiety when approaching strangers, but that anxiety dissipates when I come across another photographer. We talked about our cameras and work before he kindly accepted my invitation to take some photos and have a short conversation.
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Jabari Asante | Brooklyn, New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a 645NII using T-Max 400 film
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📸 Shot by
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07/03/2025

Maria | East Williamsburg, Brooklyn - New York | May, 2025 | Shot on a FG using T-Max 400 film
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I crossed paths with Maria while wandering the streets of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She kindly accepted my request to take her photo as she enjoyed some fresh air.
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I handed her my card, which she read allowed slowly. She apologized, telling me that she can read English well, but can’t speak it as fluently. I told her there was no need to apologize, and that I needed to learn Spanish.
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A warm smile stretched across her face. She told me that there are many friendly people in the neighborhood who would be happy to teach me Spanish. I told her I may have to come back to take her up on that offer.
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Thank you, Maria, for showing me kindness and allowing me to capture your spirit.
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06/27/2025

Melanie and her niece, Gianni, taking a moment to relax in the shade while Gianni cools off with a snow cone ☀️
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Prospect Heights, Brooklyn - New York | June, 2025 | Shot on a Pentax () 645NII using T-Max 400 film 🎞️
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05/29/2025

Hector | Williamsburg, Brooklyn - New York | May, 2025 | Shot on a Nikon FG using Kodak T-Max 400 film
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05/22/2025

📝 My latest Substack: If at First You Don’t Succeed (link in bio—read 📖 or listen 🎙️)
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I’ve been in a bit of a creative lull lately, experiencing some self-doubt and self-defeating attitudes. I notice that about myself at times, especially when trying new things. My mind tends to get caught up in the destination and I lose focus on the journey.
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I was thinking about what my next piece would be after I got some film developed. In looking at the shots, I rediscovered photos I took of a father and his son skateboarding.
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My only intention at the time was capturing some good action shots. But upon reflection, the collection of frames told a greater story. I remembered how persistent the teenage boy was in his attempt at a new trick. I knew he and his father had been there for a while, and would be there long after.
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I realized that mistakes or feelings of uncertainty need to be embraced as part of the process. We will never get where we want to be if we don’t fall down and get some scrapes sometimes. Eventually, you’ll land that trick you’ve been working so hard on, and things will all fall into place.
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📸 Shot by
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05/09/2025

My latest Substack piece is live: https://open.substack.com/pub/aspectsoflife/p/isaiah-ramzy-stories-from-strangers-brooklyn-new-york-street-photography-film-skateboard-asl-sign-language-teenagers?r=285ubt&utm_medium=ios
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I met Isaiah (left) and Ramzy (right) while walking near Brooklyn Borough Hall, a regular spot for skaters.
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I approached them and asked if I could take their photo. Ramzy looked at Isaiah, who began signing to him. Isaiah told me that Ramzy is deaf.
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I took a few photos, handed them my business card, and went on my way. I was in a rush, so I unfortunately didn’t have time to talk with them.
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Isaiah and Ramzy both followed me on IG later that day, so I asked them to share a little bit about their friendship.
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Isaiah told me that Ramzy was giving him an ASL lesson at the time, something he’s trying to learn so that he and Ramzy can communicate better. Ramzy shared that, to Isaiah’s credit, he’s picking up sign language very quickly.
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I think the world would be a better place if we all had friends like Isaiah and Ramzy.
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Subjects: Isaiah & Ramzy
Shot by with a Nikon FG using Kodak Portra 800 film (desaturated)
Downtown Brooklyn - New York | April, 2025
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05/06/2025

My latest Substack piece is live: https://open.substack.com/pub/aspectsoflife/p/frank-goderre-peekskill-bear-mountain-bridge-hudson-valley-new-york-history?r=285ubt&utm_medium=ios
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It was late in March when my girlfriend, Michelle, and I planned a day trip to Peekskill, NY—a historic town about an hour drive from NYC—for hiking and thrifting. The hike proved to be more treacherous than we anticipated, so we quickly abandoned our plan and moved on to our search for used photo books.
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Before departing, however, we ran into Frank. He noticed the camera around my neck, and when I told him I was a photographer, a light appeared to shine in his eyes.
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What followed through a shared love of photography was an unexpected journey into the deep history of Peekskill and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
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Meeting Frank was a reminder that the most meaningful journeys often begin where we least expect them, and that sometimes, the places and people we overlook can hold the richest stories.
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Subject: Frank Goderre
Shot by with a Nikon FG using Kodak T-Max 400 film
Peekskill, New York | March, 2025
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04/17/2025

My latest Substack piece is live - Holliday—With Two Ls! https://open.substack.com/pub/aspectsoflife/p/holliday-street-film-photography-bed-stuy-brooklyn-new-york-brian-edsall?r=285ubt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
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In the first of my Stories from Strangers series, I talk about the brief but wonderful interaction I had with Holliday, a man I crossed paths with in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. I was immediately drawn to him because of his attire, and our short interaction led me to reflect about the affirming power of photography.
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I’ve become more drawn to street photography. I’m by no means abandoning in-studio work, but in a world that is becoming increasingly artificial and disconnected, I’ve been craving authenticity and a connection to the people and world around me. More to come…
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Subject: Holliday
Shot by: with a Nikon FG using T-Max 400 film
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Brian Edsall Photography

08/19/2025

07/28/2025

07/25/2025

07/10/2025

07/07/2025

07/03/2025

06/27/2025

05/29/2025

05/22/2025

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