David Zwick
Friends and Lovers

Friends and Lovers – New York Street Portraits

Ever since I moved to New York, I have loved the wide range of street fashion. This is expressed not only through clothing, but also through hairstyles, hair color, makeup, tattoos, piercings, gender nonconformity and fluidity, and all the little accents and flourishes in jewelry and other accessories. It can be very creative and artistic, and sometimes quite humorous.

In this series, I want to capture the distinctive style of these individuals, but also to explore how the style of a friend or lover influences one’s own style. Sometimes there is a clear influence, perhaps of a specific subculture of youth fashion, or just convergence of styles. Other times, one friend is the “peacock,” while the other prefers to dress more plainly. In all cases, it seems that everyone is relaxed and accepting of one another’s personal styles, although I imagine some ribbing goes on.

All my portraits are collaborative. I rarely pose my subjects, but I may make some suggestions if they are too stiff or flat. It might take a shot or two for them to relax, but I love it when I can capture their authentic selves.