and just like that: thanksgiving.
get ready --- ‘tis the season of the hustle. this month, we caught up with some badass nyc street photographers about where they like to work -- and some solid advice for taking your own snaps (just don’t overthink it, okay?!). we roamed to the les for #lovethybodega and grabbed some snacks and a few of our plant-powered cans. as you amp up for the new year (2022, whaaatttt?) we say go full tilt with your hoodie, some rockaway beats and spread the holiday love.
yep, we know bone-chillin’ winter is upon us, but our mantra never changes: endless summer energy, baby!
MATHIAS WASIK
Mathias Wasik is a New York based photographer, who has been published in The Guardian, Interview Magazine, VICE, Slate, Mic, NPR, among others. His street photography offers a glimpse into the modern day life in New York City.
ROCKAWAY: Where are you from?
MW: I was born in Poland, grew up in Germany, and moved to New York City in 2015. I've been living in Brooklyn ever since, and I'm loving it here.
ROCKAWAY: When did you start taking photographs and what caught your eye from an early age?
MW: My Dad showed me how to use a camera when I was a kid (he used to develop his film in our bathroom), so my passion for photography goes way back. Looking back, I've always been more interested in taking photos of people than landscapes or animals. I love capturing those fleeting moments that go unnoticed, especially the ones that make me smile.
ROCKAWAY: Where are your favorite places to point a camera in NYC?
MW: I love shooting in Midtown -- the energy of the city is most intense there, unlike any other city in the world. I also like spending a few weekends every Summer at the beaches, in Coney Island or Rockaway. It's nice to escape the heat of the concrete jungle.
ROCKAWAY: What do you love about photography -- how do you get into the flow?
MW: Street photography is the closest I can get to a meditative state. Walking around the city with my camera relaxes me and keeps me moving. Photography helps me explore the city and its wonderful people. And it gives me a community. It has taught me so many valuable lessons in life.
ROCKAWAY: What's your advice to someone who wants to learn how to take a picture?
MW: Don't overthink it. Get a cheap camera (or just use your phone) and start shooting. Don't worry too much about gear. Buy books by your favorite photographers and study their work. Find like-minded people in your community and shoot together. Last piece of advice: Always have your camera on you and take photos every day.
ROCKAWAY: What is your motto for the end of 2021?
MW: Life is good.
REX KANDHAI
Rex Kandhai is a New York City based photographer trying to find some meaning in the world.
ROCKAWAY: Where are you from?
RK: I'm from Jamaica, Queens. Born and raised.
ROCKAWAY: When did you start taking photographs and what caught your eye from an early age?
RK: I casually got into street photography around 2014, but really went deep in 2017. I've always been interested in the varying behaviors of strangers I'd encounter in the city. The citizens of NYC are its best feature.
ROCKAWAY: Where are your favorite places to point a camera in NYC?
RK: Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights for daily walks and variety of life, Washington Square Park for its concentrated oddities, the Lower East Side on drunk Saturday nights, and Main Street in Flushing for the masses of potential subjects.
ROCKAWAY: What do you love about photography -- how do you get into the flow?
RK: I love that I can take a random candid moment and turn it into a piece of art. No real planning, just pure unfiltered life hitting my lens. Getting into the flow takes time. I walk around my chosen scene for a while, get my eyes adjusted, and take a few photos I know are bad just to get the shutter moving. Eventually I get a good shot, even without getting the film developed yet. The endorphins hit, and I ride that high for the rest of the day.
ROCKAWAY: What's your advice to someone who wants to learn how to take a picture?
RK: Look at a lot of photos (good and bad), then get out and start shooting. Sure, there are classes, tutorials and YouTubers that you can learn from, but nothing will teach you more than walking around with a camera and using your eye. Make the photos you love and accept that you'll probably suck at first, but you'll have more fun than just sitting at home. And never forget to have fun with it.
ROCKAWAY: What is your motto for the end of 2021?
RK: Make do with what you're given, but try to give yourself more.
SEAN FRYXELL
Sean Fryxell is a NY-based photographer and graphic designer.
ROCKAWAY:: Where are you from?
SF: The good ol’ Hudson Valley. Hopewell, NY more specifically.
ROCKAWAY: When did you start taking photographs and what caught your eye from an early age?
SF: I always had a camera (since my mom is a photographer), but I was 15 when I got serious. I was drawn to documenting things that weren’t going to be there forever - an abandoned building, businesses that were on the cusp of shutting down, and people interacting with the world and the environment.
ROCKAWAY: Where are your favorite places to point a camera in NYC?
SF: Washington Square Park is always an interesting area.
ROCKAWAY: What do you love about photography -- how do you get into the flow?
SF: I like that it gives me a bit more purpose beyond playing Rocket League.Getting into the flow of street photography is tough because I’m pretty awkward and introverted. It’s about knowing how to balance the right amount of rest so you create great work without burning out.
ROCKAWAY: What's your advice to someone who wants to learn how to take a picture?
SF: Bring your camera with you everywhere. Do not be afraid to take a picture of anything that you find remotely interesting. Work the scene and take multiple shots from multiple angles. Worry less about what camera you’re using. Any camera will be sufficient enough to take a good pic - including that iPhone.
ROCKAWAY: What is your motto for the end of 2021?
“I’m already tired of the snow.” At the time of me saying this, I’ll admit that it hasn’t snowed once yet.
CINDY TRINH
Cindy Trinh is a New York based photographer and photojournalist who is passionate about art and social justice.
ROCKAWAY:: Where are you from?
Cindy Trinh: I was born and raised in Orange County, California. I've been living in Brooklyn, NY for the past 13 years.
ROCKAWAY: When did you start taking photographs and what caught your eye from an early age?
CT: At a young age, I always had an eye for visuals and art. My mom loved that I was an artistic person, but she wanted me to have a practical job. I ended up becoming a lawyer, but I hated it from the start. I struggled and then decided that I needed to channel my creative energy into something I cared about. I quit law and have been pursuing photography ever since.
ROCKAWAY: Where are your favorite places to point a camera in NYC?
CT: I've been documenting the streets of Chinatown since 2015. Being Asian American, I gravitated here for the food, culture, people and community I also love photographing in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I'm a big fan of street and graffiti art and I regularly take people out there to take portraits. I also love Prospect Park and Central Park.
ROCKAWAY: What do you love about photography -- how do you get into the flow?
CT: I love the power of images to impact people on an emotional level. I document street protests to show the passion and dedication of people when they fight for what they believe in. I hope one day my photos will be looked at and we’ll remember the struggle to fight for the liberation of our people. Photography is a way for us to document our history.
ROCKAWAY: What's your advice to someone who wants to learn how to take a picture?
CT: Keep practicing! Becoming a better photographer is not about the camera you use, or how many followers you have, it's about telling a story from your perspective. What do you want to share with the world? Find your voice and use photography for sharing that voice. Don't get bogged down in technical stuff too!
ROCKAWAY: What is your motto for the end of 2021?
CT: Purge all the negativity and surround myself with those who support and uplift me. I think focusing on yourself and having a community to support you is so vital for 2022.
NOW SHOWING ON LOOP:
AFTER HOURS,1985
“You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through tonight. You just, wouldn’t believe it” - Paul Hackett
Admittedly, this one is a little trippy. Directed by born-n-bred New Yorker, Martin Scorsese, an uptight uptown man, Paul Hackett meets a zany, downtown girl called Marcy and crazy things happen in the wee hours of SoHo. Part noir, part black comedy and part surrealist dream, we love the gritty cinematic world and the haunting Howard Shore soundtrack.
#lovethybodega :
Stop 1 Gourmet Deli & Grocery
Walking into any New York City bodega always brings us back home again. Just a few blocks from Katz Deli, you’ll find this 24/7 family-owned shop slinging breakfast, burgers, wraps and sammies. We also spotted our Tidal Defense (a good one to boost your immunity) and Endless Summer Energy (cuz’ warm weather is always our jam)
Addy : 172 Allen Street New York, NY 10002
founder freestyle flow :
pictures really are worth a thousand words. mad respect for those talented photographers that are able to capture the energy of such a one-of-a-kind city in their work. true talent.
it’s hard to believe holiday season is upon us already. 2021 was a real blur. as i reflect on the year and get deep into the planning weeds for 2022, im excited about all the potential that lies before us. time to really work towards better-for-you soda domination. we will have it all, so stay tuned.
in the meantime, enjoy thanksgiving - indulge in pleasurable consumption, hug your people tight, and get some well deserved rest. gonna be a sprint into the year end!
rock on. x b
