This is one of my very first street portraits, taken close to the World Trade Center, on my first visit to New York City in October 1987 (see my related travel diaries article).

Running with Giants • Courir parmi les géants – New York City, World Trade Center street portrait, 1987
Running with Giants in New York City • Courir parmi les géants à New York – 1987

I was playing with the reflection of the twin towers in the flooded street, when I saw the jogger approaching… fast.
Film was expensive for the student I was. I took only one shot, hoping to have captured “the decisive moment”. It turned out quite well…

Obviously, post 9/11 this portrait takes another dimension. For me it captures important aspects of New York’s soul: dynamism, resilience, and… humanity coming on top.

I also like the fact it’s a subtle self-portrait, with my shadow in the lower right corner.

Incidentally, I originally posted a monochrome version of the picture (below), as is typical of street portraits – but I then changed my mind – I think the color is fundamental to this portrait, to guide the eye…

Running with Giants • Courir parmi les géants – New York City, World Trade Center street portrait, 1987
Running with Giants • Courir parmi les géants – New York City – 1987

You enjoyed reading this article Please share it! – And comments are always welcome.
Stay tuned, more to come!
Didier.