As I looked at these photos and read their captions, I found myself laughing, crying, relating to, and wondering about these people. Some looked like they could be my friends, some made me slightly uncomfortable, some made me intensely curious. They showcased the colorful spectrum of humanity in one of the biggest cities in the world.
Brandon Stanton set out merely to create a photographic census of New York City with Humans of New York (HONY). As he started photographing people though, he started talking to them, and actually taking the time to make connections and get to know them. Now he adds stories and captions to the photos to give us a further glimpse into the lives behind the faces.
I can't get enough of it. Not because it's a form of speculation or entertainment, but because it offers a glimpse into the heart of humanity. I've never been to New York, but I see in these faces the faces of my customers, my co-workers, my family and friends, my self, my God.
Brandon's photographs capture simple moments of beauty that the average pedestrian probably wouldn't notice. They display the beauty of creation and the beauty of man's interpretation of creation. Some photos and stories raise controversial questions, but that's not the point of the project. The point is to present truth and beauty, to present raw humanity in all of its beautiful imperfections.
HONY reminds me of God's unfailing love and incredible imagination, and for that, I am grateful.
I am reminded too that for those of us struggling to figure out life after college in a lousy job market, we can still make a difference simply by doing what we love. It doesn't have to be big or complex. Simple and beautiful is all it takes, and great things can come from that.
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