Matt Weber (Street photography), Old New York, Times Square

“The Deuce” 1985

This is one of the first pictures I took that has some historical significance. Driving across “The Deuce” in my taxi, I was still 26 years old. That’s half a lifetime ago. I would probably have had my doors locked and been fairly alert, as the block was loaded with some pretty scary people. Now a quarter century later, the block is clean and almost safe for the tourists 24 hours a day. I want to lament the changes, but when I remember how bad the place was, I have to admit that nostalgia can even make us miss a cesspool like the old 42d Street. I was threatened several times, not for taking anyone’s picture, but merely for carrying a camera down that block. Fifteen year old prostitutes and their pimps were nothing but sad, and people selling fake drugs didn’t make me think “The Deuce” was where it was at. It’s just now, many years later that the new sterile version has made many of us wish for the days, when not being mugged on “The Deuce” was a major accomplishment…

© Matt Weber

Matt Weber (Street photography), Subway, Women of New York

“Broadway Local” 2005

There is a complaint that “Street Photography” doesn’t ask enough questions and only provides answers. I disagree. I have looked at this picture for several years and all I can conclude is that the beautiful young lady on the right is probably a very dedicated Christian or Catholic. I also know that she was headed either uptown or downtown on the I.R.T. I have no idea about anything else. The woman on her left could be her mom, but could also be her step mother or an aunt. Does her father play a large role in her life? Did he leave the woman on the left? Is the young woman a virgin. (like her homegirl Mary?) Is there a chance she’s already pregnant? Is she happy? Has she found a college yet, or did she drop out of school? Does she have a dog? A cat? A hamster?

Most of the people in my photos are open to a variety of questions and I never know anything for sure, other than what they look like and what they are wearing.  I wonder what answers my pictures provide. I also prefer letting my mind wander and questioning what I see. I have never felt a shortage of curiosity when looking at photos taken “In the real world” Staged photography, on the other hand is extremely easy for me to decipher. I can usually read the artists intent quickly, and find it very boring…Of course with a tenth grade education, my point of view is probably dubious at best, and easy to dismiss. If only I had an MBA in fine arts, I’d be able to see things more clearly…

Matt Weber (Street photography), signs, Women of New York

NYC 2005

I just rescanned this image and it’s better than the last scan. I suppose I shouldn’t sequence my images in such an obvious way, but that’s always been one of my faults. One of “Street Photography’s” biggest assets is that there is usually truth in each picture. I’ve never met a “Street Photographer” who would stage his or her images. Of course some may stoop that low, but that is their business and they have to live with their forgeries. This picture as it had once been suggested, was not staged…

All Photos © Matt Weber