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- The different types of people living together in a small area of NYC is what makes the LES so inviting and compelling.
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- The latino community enjoys one of their classic snacks, shaved ice.
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- These men were leaving the building projects, longtime residents.
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- Parks are used by the public for basketball practice.
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- Jewish boys roll around outside their homes in the afternoon.
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- This pharmacy’s sign in various languages attracts people from the various ethnic groups living in the area.
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- Father and son walk home under the Williamsburg bridge after a game.
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- Children are picked up from school on bicycle.
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- Friends meet to hang out on abandoned buildings stoops.
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- People walk briskly past tenement buildings.
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- Political banners are pasted on building facades.
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- Health food stores cater to the new demographic.
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- The graffiti the shows through this changing neighborhood is proof of the long standing residents presence still.
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- Cigarettes and coffee are enjoyed outside in the street.
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- A destination for young families.
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- This new age skate shop appeals to the new time residents.
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- You can see the evidence of long standing history mixed with the gentrification of today spilling out onto the streets.
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- The Lower East Side is home to a diverse community.
This is the Lower East Side Manhattan.
The LES is a microcosm of all NYC. It was once home to thousands of poor immigrants looking to better their standard of living but instead they were ostracized; subjected to racism, no power, no equal rights. But over time thanks to people like Jacob Riis, who helped spread their story of injustice and expose through photographs the reality of their living situation, things did change in LES. Jewish people started to own and operate their own businesses, and they became successful. Artists started moving into the neighborhood for the low rents and great location. Musicians hung out at the local bars. Now developers are building luxury condos. The Lower East Side has everything, grunge, elitism, fashion, food, and nightlife. This is the LES today.
Dana, You have some strong images which convey the diversity, pulse and texture of the neighborhood. However, there is too much repetition and several images are extraneous. It would greatly profit from a better edit. If you send the pix to me in an email, I can work on the edit. Also what you really need to still shoot are some close-ups.