Gear
SUMMARY
Photographer Baldwin Lee captured the quiet stillness of New York City between 1975 and 1979 using a 4x5 view camera. He set out before sunrise during winter months to photograph empty streets, finding intimacy and architectural forms in the deserted urban landscape. These images, which emphasize stillness over movement, are now being exhibited for the first time in decades. Lee's New York work was made before his more recognized photographs of black communities in the American South.
TAKEAWAYS
Baldwin Lee photographed empty 1970s New York streets with a 4x5 view camera.
The photos were taken before sunrise, primarily in winter, to capture stillness.
This collection is being exhibited for the first time, decades after it was created.
Lee's approach contrasted with typical street photography's focus on crowds and action.