Bi-weekly blog post #3 Harvey Stein

Harvey Stein is a distinguished New York City-based photographer renowned for his compelling street photography and intimate portraits. Stein's journey into photography began in the late 1960s on the streets of New York City, where, looking to escape his marketing work, he developed a distinctive style characterized by close-up, wide-angle shots that immerse viewers in the scene. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Stein has documented diverse cultures and communities, producing a body of work that resonates with many.

Throughout his career, Stein has been famous for the numerous long-term projects he has undertaken, many of which have culminated in acclaimed photobooks. His first book, Parallels: A Look at Twins (1978), offered an in-depth study of identical twins, showcasing his fascination with human connections and similarities. Another significant work, Coney Island 40 Years (2011), is the result of four decades of documenting the vibrant life of Coney Island, capturing its evolution and enduring charm. 

Beyond photobooks, Stein's photographs have been widely exhibited, with 90 solo exhibitions and participation in over 173 group shows to date. His work is held in more than 60 permanent collections, including the George Eastman Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the International Center of Photography.

What I like about Stein's work is that it serves as a reminder that good things happen slowly. Often, I take pictures and get discouraged when they sit on my hard drive and nobody sees them. Harvey's work shows that just because a photo is taken of a moment that isn't relevant anymore, they can often become more profound and useful. By waiting 30 years to publish a man eating an ice cream cone, the picture isn't just about a man eating ice cream but a reflection of what it would have been like to eat ice cream 30 years ago, letting the time add an extra dimension to his images.