Celebrating the street photography of Joe Wigfall
Photos by Joe Wigfall, courtesy of WNYC; click on images to enlarge. A photo gallery here.
The ballet of the street has long fascinated New Yorkers, including generations of street shooters from Robert Frank and Lee Friedlander to Bruce Davidson and Joel Meyerowitz.
New York’s latest inductee into that art form is Joe Wigfall, winner of “The Street Shots Challenge,” a contest co-sponsored by WNYC Radio and The Camera Club of New York.
Author and historian Luc Sante evaluated more than 9,000 images submitted by nearly 1,000 photographers before selecting Wigfall’s winning images.
Wigfall, 51, has been shooting for more than 20 years, but turned his lens to the street only three years ago.
The Harlem native now lives in Westchester County and commutes to a law-firm job in midtown. When does he have time to shoot? During his lunch hour when pedestrian traffic offers a variety of tableaux.
“I love that interaction and immediate feedback with the street,” he says.
The challenges that cause many photographers to shy away from street shooting are what stimulate Wigfall.
“I can’t get comfortable. I have to think all the time how I have to make this work. It’s a challenge walking in shadowy buildings, and no one is staying in one place,” he says. “And I’m always looking for a moment while all these variables are going on.”
His personal favorite from the winning selections is “Going Home,” a picture of an elderly woman about to descend the stairs at Grand Central Terminal.
“When I saw her and I saw the light, I thought it looks like a painting,” he said. “It was a touching moment.”
The Street Shots Challenge exhibit of all winners opened at The Camera Club of New York (336 W. 37th St.) on July 10 and will be on display until Aug. 8.
-- Lana Bortolot
Photo gallery here
Comments (1)
I feel Joe Wigfall's photography is a blessing from God. Joe has enlightened the world with the most extradinary master pieces that only God can capture through his eyes. I am extremely proud of Joe and the work he is doing. Through his works, I feel I know him personally and I admire his strength and his scope of vision through the eyes of the Lord.
Blessing to Joe Wigfall and Family
Sincerely,
Margaret Pleasant-Myers