#brooklyngang

Bruce Davidson NYC Brooklyn Gang

Whilst looking for inspiration, I remembered about this black and white project that we were shown in a lecture with Neal. It particularly appealed to me as I have always had the desire to shoot my friends and the people who surround me, in a way that represents our culture and our livelihood. This series of photographs were taken by Davidson of a gang in New York. His images contain a narrative of a way of life, completely unique to the subjects. They tell a story of love, friendship and playfulness, separate from the stereotype of a gang. He makes their life seem lustful, instead of full of violence and hatred. For me, this was particularly interesting as I have always wanted to document my life in this way, a main ambition I have with photography. 

In relation to the absence and presence project, the way these photographs are shot and the contrast within them are incredible. With everything from the distance from the subjects, to the framing and the background elements. Sometimes, I feel that shooting in black and white can take a sense of reality away from the photographs, however in this particular project, I feel it just adds to the vibe and draws you in more. In the photograph on the top right, the reflections of the light on the building and the car roofs helps draw you in to gang playing on the street and the depth in the photograph. Even the lampposts help frame the individuals, guiding your eyes to the subjects. 

Each photograph in the series represents a different side to the gang, and gives you a strong glimpse into their life in New York at the time, telling a story of what it is to be young.