For photographer Navid Baraty, New York City holds special meaning. It was in this place that he decided to leave behind his engineering career and pursue photography full time. Although this has since led him on assignments around the world, New York has continued to be a creative inspiration. And now, in a time when New York City needs help, he's giving back.
Baraty is selling a series of four limited-edition photo prints with a percentage of the profits going to the NYC COVID-19 Relief Fund. This fund, run by the mayor's office, works to support healthcare workers and essential staff, local small businesses, displaced hourly workers, and vulnerable members of New York City's population. Baraty estimates that 40% to 50% of the proceeds, depending on packaging and shipping costs, will go to the fund.
With New York City giving him so much, creatively and personally, it only seemed natural for Baraty to give back. “New York means so many things to me—too many to list here really,” he tells My Modern Met. “When I think of NYC, I think of a city that is so dynamic and vibrant that it both inspires and challenges you to the extreme as an artist. I think of its incredible diversity of ethnicities and cultures that isn't found anywhere else on Earth. I also think of the entirely selfless way that the people of New York come together and support each other in times of difficulty.”
While Baraty is facing his own difficulties during the pandemic as a freelancer—he hasn't had a scheduled shoot since mid-March and the future is unclear—he still wanted to use his talents to do his part. His photography is a reminder of how dynamic and resilient New York City is and that if we come together as a community, we can overcome anything.
Baraty's limited edition prints in support of the NYC COVID-19 Relief Fund are available for purchase on his website.
Photographer Navid Baraty is selling limited edition prints in support of the NYC COVID-19 Relief Fund.
