Small Businesses, Big Impact | Greenwich Village | EP 8 Laibel Schwartz
In the 8th episode of "Street Studio," we hit the streets of New York again with Laibel Schwartz. A corporate photographer known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of businesses, Laibel embarks on a mission through Manhattan's Greenwich Village to immortalize the spirit of small business owners who keep the city vibrant and resilient.
Change of Plans: Rolling with It
The original plan for this episode was to visit an inner-city basketball court in Manhattan. Laibel and his team intended to connect with the people there, capturing the grit and energy of street basketball. The idea was to set up a makeshift studio right on the court, using V-Flats and other equipment to create striking portraits of the players in action.
However, the weather had other plans. "We got here and it's freezing cold and it's raining, so no one's playing basketball," Laibel says. With the court deserted due to the rain, Laibel and his team had to quickly rethink their approach. "Switching it up, we thought about what we could do. We came up with a few ideas, but this is the one that stuck."
A Cozy Coffee Shop
Adapting to the situation, Laibel decides to focus on local businesses instead. The first stop is a cozy coffee shop. Despite not being a coffee aficionado himself, Laibel is eager to capture the warmth and activity inside. He sets up his equipment, creating a makeshift studio with a V-Flat and strobe light to simulate soft sunlight streaming through the window. The results are magical, with the steam from the roasting process adding an ethereal quality to the shots.
"People see themselves a certain way, but when you show them the most beautiful side of them, it's handcrafted."
A Store with History
The next stop is a longstanding local store with a rich history dating back to 1958. The owner, who began working there in 1968 and eventually inherited the business, shares his story. Laibel listens intently, capturing not just images but the essence of the owner's journey and dedication.
Laibel emphasizes the importance of light in photography. "The closer you are to the light source, the softer the light is and the more intense it is," he explains, directing the shop owner to position himself perfectly for the portrait.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite the day's unexpected challenges, Laibel and his team turn the situation around, creating stunning visuals and forging new connections. "We started off today thinking we're doing a sports concept in Manhattan, and you know what happened? It rained," Laibel reflects. "But remember, at any point in your life, things can flip. Get creative, work on it, think of a concept."
Photographing Manhattan Businesses
By the end of the episode, Laibel has not only captured beautiful portraits but also highlighted the indomitable spirit of Greenwich Village's small businesses. His journey through the city serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and community can create something truly special.
Gear Used in Video
Camera & Lenses: Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens, Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Lighting & Modifiers: Profoto B10, Profoto 1x3' Off-Camera Flash Softbox, Foldable V-Flat
Get Connected
Photographer: Laibel Schwartz
Amano Cafe: 172 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014 @amano_cafe
Music Inn World Instruments: 169 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014 @the.music.inn
Wanna Learn More?
Check out more episodes of the "Street Studio" series to learn valuable insights from some of today's best photographers.
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