Photographer Captures the Gritty Spirit of New York in Candid, Black and White Photos

New York Street Photography by Luc Kordas

For the past four years, photographer Luc Kordas has roamed New York City, soaking in all it has to offer through his series The New York ChroniclesSeeking to capture a city “so full of life in all its ugliness and glory,” the Brooklyn-based photographer crystallizes life in New York in gritty, black and white photographs.

With his photographs inside the New York subway, Kordas has already proved himself as an adept storyteller. And through The New York Chronicles, the imagery seems to narrate a silent film—one filled with mystery and wonder. Whether a solitary figure trudging through the snow or walking wistfully through the mist, Kordas' photographs paint a memorable picture of life in the city.

Kordas prefers shooting in black and white to give a timeless feel to his work, something he believes fits New York perfectly. Through his lens, anonymous passersby are transformed into the protagonists of his project—each contributing to the mosaic of life that New York offers.

Luc Kordas' candid, black and white photographs of New York City weave an intimate narrative of urban life.
Photos of New York by Luc Kordas

New York Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Luc Kordas - New York Chronicles

Black and White Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Black and White Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Photos of New York by Luc Kordas

Photos of New York by Luc Kordas

Black and White Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Luc Kordas - New York Chronicles

Luc Kordas - New York Chronicles

New York Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Photos of New York by Luc Kordas

New York Street Photography by Luc Kordas

Luc Kordas: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Luc Kordas.

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Street Photographer Captures Candid Photos of New York From 1969 to 2006

Photographer Spends 9 Years on One Street Corner Capturing Same Commuters Every Day

Photographer Spends Years Documenting His Daily Commute on the New York Subway

10 Street Photographers Who Are Immortalizing Our Modern World

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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