October 8, 2025
Blog
Every portrait begins with a return.
Somewhere between cities we remember who we are and who we are becoming.
A return to ourselves, to our city, to the stories that shape us.
Today I’m flying back to New York.
I spent the summer with my daughters in Slovenia, and as autumn begins, I’m heading home to the studio. It’s always bittersweet—saying goodbye to them never gets easier—but returning brings a quiet excitement for the projects ahead.
To create is to stay open. These portraits trace the dialog between us and the city – how it moves through us, and how we move through it.
John Appleseed
Every year, I make a small book of photographs from our summer together. When I return, I bring it with me, and we sit down to look through it—remembering the days we shared and finding our way back to each other after time apart. It sits on a shelf where they can see it every day—a reminder of us as a family, and a record of their growth.
That’s the thing about photographs. They’re meant to be lived with.
There’s a difference between scrolling past an image on a screen and holding a printed photograph in your hands. A piece of cotton paper and color that becomes part of your life—it exists in your space, it lingers.
There’s a difference between scrolling past an image on a screen and holding a printed photograph in your hands. A piece of cotton paper and color that becomes part of your life—it exists in your space, it lingers.
That’s what the 40 Portraits of New Yorkers project is about:
A collection of portraits that capture who we are in this city right now—our thoughts, our rhythms, our place in it all. A reflection of you and of us. And an object to touch and cherish.
A collection of portraits that capture who we are in this city right now—our thoughts, our rhythms, our place in it all. A reflection of you and of us. And an object to touch and cherish.
Each image will live beyond the screen—printed, exhibited, shared—so others can see and feel what connects us. One image can say a thousand words. A collection of portraits can tell the story of who we are becoming.
If you’d like to be part of this story, it’s simple. Contact us now or reach out through the project page button at the end of this page. I’ll send you a short guide that explains everything. We’ll connect, schedule your session, and begin
The participation fee covers the consultation, studio time, direction, and a short interview.
About two weeks after your session, I’ll share a private slideshow of your portraits. You can then select from three artwork collections that include digital images and fine-art print credit.
All prints are made on museum-quality cotton papers, hand-finished and archivally framed by artisans I’ve worked with for years. Each piece is crafted to last a lifetime—art you can live with, not just look at.
There’s space here for different budgets and intentions—whether you’re looking for a single print or a collection to live with for years. What matters most is that the portraits resonate with you, and that the experience feels personal and accessible.
Every portrait is built together.
That’s what makes this project special.
The story continues on the project page, where you can read more about how each portrait comes to life.
Let’s create something meaningful together.
