JUNE 2022: Featured Artist
Eyes on New York
Fine Art Photographer:
Jeffrey Friedkin
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Jeffrey Poses with "Phantom Taxi" at a Salmagundi Club Exhibition
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Jeffrey Friedkin is a fine art and street photographer, specializing in capturing the energy, vibrancy and isolation of New York City. Jeffrey is a juried photography member of the prestigious Salmagundi Art Club in New York City. He served on the Salmagundi board and was chairman of the Public Relations Committee. He assists the chairman of the Photography Committee for the Salmagundi Art Club.
A multiple award-winning photographer, Jeffrey has widely exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the tri-state area in addition to a large international online presence. His work has been featured in various magazines, advertisements and news sites and is held in private collections, corporate businesses and clubs. A series of his photographs have recently been acquired by the Yuko Nii permanent collection at the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Jeffrey Friedkin’s photography employs a synthesis of the artistic eye and technology. His work focuses on New York life: the streets, people, architecture and nature. The lush rural landscapes and sparkling seascapes of the Hudson River Valley region equally inspire him. His images tell these stories. Jeffrey's achievements include: 2022, 2020 and 2018, Best in Show as well as 1st Place for Photography in the Cityscapes Art Exhibition and Competition at The Light Space & Time Art Gallery; 2022 and 2015, Third Prize and First Prize Westchester County Amateur Photo Contest; Selected as one of "10 Photographers to Watch in 2018" by the Light Space & Time Art Gallery. |
Jeffrey discusses his craft and his interest in all things New York City.
How long have you been photographing city life?
I’ve been seriously intrigued with photography for the last ten years or so. I'm an artist member and former board member at the Salmagundi Art Club, one of the oldest and most respected art organizations in New York and the United States. I’m mainly self-taught. I've had various mentors and have taken online and local New York City classes. Living near New York City has provided access to amazing photography resources, including B and H, Adoroma and the International Center of Photography. I started shooting with a Nikon and moved to Sony when their first mirrorless cameras came out. I’m now shooting mainly with a Sony A7 IV Mirrorless camera that is especially helpful with low light street-shooting. My photographs of New York City include a combination of natural light as well as everything imaginable – neon signs, traffic and streetlights.
How long have you been photographing city life?
I’ve been seriously intrigued with photography for the last ten years or so. I'm an artist member and former board member at the Salmagundi Art Club, one of the oldest and most respected art organizations in New York and the United States. I’m mainly self-taught. I've had various mentors and have taken online and local New York City classes. Living near New York City has provided access to amazing photography resources, including B and H, Adoroma and the International Center of Photography. I started shooting with a Nikon and moved to Sony when their first mirrorless cameras came out. I’m now shooting mainly with a Sony A7 IV Mirrorless camera that is especially helpful with low light street-shooting. My photographs of New York City include a combination of natural light as well as everything imaginable – neon signs, traffic and streetlights.
Park Cityscape
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Spring Celebration
© Jeffrey Freidkin |
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Are you a 'people watcher'?
Yes. I’m a people watcher. But since I’ve seriously gotten into photography, I watch everything – people, architecture, light conditions and street activity. I also try to anticipate situations that will lead to a superior shot. New York City has its beauty but is also gritty and can change from one block to the next. When you walk through New York City, the sights and sounds can be overwhelming, and it’s a challenge to get into a mindset with the focus needed to succeed. I was in one of my favorite areas of Greenwich Village while it was raining, a great combination for photographic opportunities. I came across an intersection with steam rising from the street, and before I knew it, someone crossed directly over the steam with a colorful umbrella. It was as if I had staged it - I was able to capture one of my favorite and most successful pictures. Sometimes patience, luck and the elements come together. What is it about New York City that inspires you to capture what you see? I’m very lucky to live in an area of such beauty and interest. I always try to approach and capture something different. While everybody has a shot of the Empire State Building and Times Square, I’m trying to give people a different perspective of the familiar. Other people may take a picture of some crazy event happening on the street; I want to take that a step further and capture people’s reaction to that event. |
4th Street
© Jeffrey Freidkin |
One night I was doing some street shooting near Times Square. This is not a favorite area of mine, but I had an appointment nearby. While fiddling with my camera waiting for the light to change, I felt someone looking at me. When I looked up, Sarah Jessica Parker was staring at me, together with her husband, Matthew Broderick. I’m sure she was wondering, ‘Is this guy a paparazzi?’ I hung back and got a shot of them with a great view of her shoes and the expression on the face of the person walking in the opposite direction. I also have pictures of President Bill Clinton, Alec Baldwin and other celebrities who just happened to cross my lens at various times.
People from different parts of the world are often fascinated with my New York City scenes – it surprises me how much they love to explore and study the minute details! This has led to discussions that have turned into sales and worldwide acquaintances and friendships. I’ve had people from different corners of the world tell me that they scheduled a trip to New York after viewing my work.
People from different parts of the world are often fascinated with my New York City scenes – it surprises me how much they love to explore and study the minute details! This has led to discussions that have turned into sales and worldwide acquaintances and friendships. I’ve had people from different corners of the world tell me that they scheduled a trip to New York after viewing my work.
Urban Nocturnal
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Village Night Streets
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
When you photograph people in the streets, do you look for circumstance or someone's expression/body language?
In a city with the energy of New York, it is extremely challenging to photograph moving subjects. The key is to stay focused at all times and to be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers (cars, pedestrians, potholes, etc.) while concentrating on your photo opportunities. Timing and anticipation are so important, but for street photography you also have to lose any fear of photographing people in the streets. I find I can almost camouflage myself and blend in with the street; most New Yorkers do not pay attention even if you’re standing on your head. But there’s nothing worse than getting in the way of New Yorkers on their way to work or play; they will certainly let you know about it.
In a city with the energy of New York, it is extremely challenging to photograph moving subjects. The key is to stay focused at all times and to be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers (cars, pedestrians, potholes, etc.) while concentrating on your photo opportunities. Timing and anticipation are so important, but for street photography you also have to lose any fear of photographing people in the streets. I find I can almost camouflage myself and blend in with the street; most New Yorkers do not pay attention even if you’re standing on your head. But there’s nothing worse than getting in the way of New Yorkers on their way to work or play; they will certainly let you know about it.
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There is an authentic, 'neighborhood in big city' feel to "SoHo" and how you've highlighted color and composition to set the mood.
SoHo is a great section of the city to photograph. Known for its elegant, cast-iron facades and cobblestone streets, this neighborhood lends itself to wonderful images. Fanelli’s Café on Prince Street was my inspiration. The adjacent buildings, cobblestone streets and interesting street activity all added to the scene. The black background of the cafe helped the reds really pop. This photograph took first place in an international cityscapes exhibit. Do you instantaneously know when you've gotten an incredible shot? More often, I realize I have the opportunity for an incredible shot. It could be the conditions, action, light or people that make the moment perfect. But it doesn’t always work out the way you want it to. Sometimes, I’ll examine a week’s worth of shots and discover something I really like but didn’t think much of at the time I took the shot. Sometimes everything falls into place and it’s magical. The last time this happened was in Greenwich Village one night when the city felt alive. Everything came together – the light was just right, the amazing interweaving streets, the activity and architecture that is The Village. Sure enough, when I downloaded and processed my work there were many wonderful shots from that session. |
SoHo
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Golden Arch
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Thank You Healthcare Workers
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Your work exudes a feeling of "stream of consciousness" with a keen eye for how color sets up a layered composition. Please explain your approach.
It’s not often that I have a specific subject or focus in mind. When shooting in New York City, the inspiration eventually comes to me. It may be a person, event, some architectural element, or a very specific moment in time – something I had no idea would be happening that day. I’m inspired by the spontaneity of the moment!
I’ve compared a street shooting session to an athletic activity. I actually need to warm up and get into a rhythm. Once I get into a groove, I’ll walk for miles and hours without even realizing it.
It’s not often that I have a specific subject or focus in mind. When shooting in New York City, the inspiration eventually comes to me. It may be a person, event, some architectural element, or a very specific moment in time – something I had no idea would be happening that day. I’m inspired by the spontaneity of the moment!
I’ve compared a street shooting session to an athletic activity. I actually need to warm up and get into a rhythm. Once I get into a groove, I’ll walk for miles and hours without even realizing it.
Downtown
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Good Night NYC
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
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In my business career, creativity was almost a dirty word. It’s probably my exposure to New York City and its cultural scene that has helped bring out my creativity. My wife, Debra Friedkin, has been an artist most of her life and exhibits extensively in the tri-state area. Being exposed to the artist community through her career has certainly influenced me. At Salmagundi, various artists encouraged, critiqued and mentored me. This ultimately led to my applying for membership and becoming an artist member at Salmagundi.
"Which Way is Up" is captivating. A lot of photographers play with reflection, but this one is special - the juxtaposition of smooth and gritty textures, the composition and depth. How did you manage to shoot this one? I hate to give my secret away. Reflections are a wonderful tool for photographers. In this case we were at a traffic light in the Upper West Side when I noticed this reflection on the front hood of our car. The secret weapon was that the car was brand new, and the reflection was sharp and clean. The moral of this story is always be alert and use whatever tools are available to you. |
Which Way Is Up
© Jeffrey Friedkin |
Upcoming & Current Exhibitions:
Salmagundi Club
138th Annual Members Exhibition
New York, NY
Through June 9
Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC )
Wide Open 12 – National Juried Art Show
June 18 - July 17
Solo Show at the Howard and Ruth Jacobs Gallery
(Greenburgh Library)
Coming up in August.
Salmagundi Club
138th Annual Members Exhibition
New York, NY
Through June 9
Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC )
Wide Open 12 – National Juried Art Show
June 18 - July 17
Solo Show at the Howard and Ruth Jacobs Gallery
(Greenburgh Library)
Coming up in August.
