New York City: the city that never sleeps. A place many dream of seeing with their own eyes. Where day and night feel like two different worlds, and as the sun sets behind the skyline, the city transforms. New York is a character in its own right—layered with stories, energy, and endless moments waiting to be captured.
I was fortunate to work in this iconic city with the Pratt Institute, one of the world’s leading creative schools for art, design, and fashion. Tasked by its departments, I set out to document the culture and atmosphere of Brooklyn—capturing the heritage of the Pratt and its roots through documentary-style photography. This opportunity allowed me to explore the heart of New York’s creative community and bring its story to life through compelling, visual storytelling.
NEW YORK CITY
With the mission of capturing what makes Brooklyn the iconic place it is today, I was tasked with documenting the raw, unfiltered grit that helped define its reputation over decades. I set out to explore the gritty glamour that makes this borough stand apart from the rest of New York City. With a creative brief centred around an '80s Brooklyn aesthetic, I knew this would align perfectly with how I naturally approach my work—and how I’d always imagined NYC through my own lens.
From the red-brick houses to the stillness of the neighbourhoods, Brooklyn offered a striking contrast to the roaring beast that is Manhattan. The people carried themselves with a certain aura—their style, the way they walked—it all exuded confidence. They moved like the kings and queens of New York, and I wanted to immortalise that.
Brooklyn felt like a time warp—in the best possible way. It held on to the golden elements of the past while seamlessly blending in the best parts of today. Being in New York is one thing, but being there on assignment to capture it for a client—especially for a place like the Pratt Institute—was an honour. Through documentary-style street photography, I was able to preserve fleeting cultural moments. To be the unseen observer, capturing people and places in a way that makes them timeless—that’s what drives my work. Documenting the soul of Brooklyn wasn’t just a job. It was a privilege.
BROOKLYN
With decades of creative legacy, the Pratt Institute has earned its place as one of the most prestigious fashion colleges and creative universities in the world. Known not only for its artistic innovation but also for producing graduates who go on to design for high-end luxury fashion brands, being part of this environment was an incredible experience.
Surrounded by raw talent and genuine passion, I had the honour of capturing the behind-the-scenes creative process. The fashion students exuded confidence in their craft, each working with an intensity and focus I’d rarely witnessed. The studio was a beautiful paradox—chaotic yet perfectly structured. Concept boards and sketches lined the walls, no two alike. Some garments were complete, others just beginning their journey. But one thing was certain: I was witnessing the rise of future masters in the fashion industry.
THE PRATT INSTITUTE
After photographing the students at work, I had the chance to shoot one of their designs during a midterm examination. Sara, an emerging designer, had based her collection around 1980s New York City—bringing bold, unusual patterns to life with bright whites and flowing fabrics. Her design captured both the elegance and eccentricity of the era it was inspired by.
I had just two minutes to photograph the look and shoot a short video, but in that time, I saw the creative vision of the decade reflected in every stitch.
This was an incredibly rewarding opportunity; to collaborate with rising fashion talent at the Pratt Institute, right in the heart of New York City. Directing a shoot like this for an up-and-coming designer in one of the fashion capitals of the world was more than just work—it was a personal milestone. A lifelong dream fulfilled. A true New York state of mind moment.