14th street Xmas 1975
I have been photographing the streets of New York ever since taking up roots in lower Manhattan in the early 70’s. Images of our city in economic decline and neglect filled the walls of my darkroom in those days. But a sweeping cultural renaissance soon erupted before my lens, as a revitalized New York emerged to reclaim world-class status. Not only did I witnessed but also participated in this rebirth. My ‘photo-stories’ were published by the Soho Weekly News- a downtown arts publication while my dazzling slide/light shows were projected in downtown clubs and art spaces. I also published the first international street art publication, IGTimes, and book, Style Writing From Underground. These projects contributed to a glowing archive, which the street art element was recently acquired by Cornell University Library’s Hip Hop Collection. Many vintage photos can be found on my website http://lapphoto.com.
My history in New York has given me an unique perceptive on New York ‘s own history something I always yearned more to know. I know its history from pre–colonial days to post 911. I know the city’s streets, its ever-changing cityscape and the current scenes. I took the test and became a licensed tour guide.
I found that my photographic skills and knowledge of the city formed a potent combination and gave me the power to reveal New York’s images, its stories and its soul. Touring the city is an adventure and I would like to guarantee everyone who takes my tours that we will have fun.