Open Theme nominee

I have always loved the dynamism of New York City. So in March, when COVID-19 forced the city that never sleeps to a grinding, juddering halt, I was in disbelief. Still is my attempt as a photographer to document what I saw on the NYC streets for 60 straight days this spring. I went out every morning at sunrise and spent the day taking pictures. Although the unfolding disaster in our hospitals, elderly homes, shelters, and apartments was hidden from my camera, the deserted highways and streets once full of snarling traffic were in plain sight. The empty streets became my visual language to describe death, loss, and emptiness, and how scary it all was. With so many of the people inside, New York City transitioned into a dystopian, brutalist film set.

John got his first taste of photography when he modeled for Sarah Moon as a child growing up in Paris. He later studied photography at art school in England. His first big break came when he shot Martin Margiela’s debut collection for Hermes. From there he worked consistently, shooting for magazines, clothing companies, and cosmetics brands. For the last 15 years, he has lived with his family in Brooklyn.
Awards: The AOP(UK). Silver, Bronze and Judges choice awards. PANL (NL). Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.