As an architectural photographer in New York, I love shooting cityscapes when I’m not shooting projects for architects, builders, and interior designers
I’ve been living in and photographing the Bushwick section of Brooklyn for over ten years, and my favorite photographs are the ones shot at night. I love shooting at night in general. I love its mystery and drama, especially in urban landscapes. Most of these photographs were made before Bushwick became a destination, so these cityscapes look very different now.
The history of Bushwick, Brooklyn, is a tale of transformation, resilience, and vibrant cultural diversity. This neighborhood, located in the northern part of Brooklyn, has a rich and complex history that has shaped its identity over the years.
Bushwick was originally settled by the Dutch in the 17th century and was a mostly agricultural community with some farms and a handful of estates.
In the 19th century, Bushwick went industrial, with factories and warehouses being built throughout the neighborhood. Immigrants from Germany and later from Eastern Europe flocked to Bushwick, seeking employment opportunities in the burgeoning industries.
By the end of the 19 century, rows of tenement buildings were constructed to accommodate the influx of working-class immigrants. Bushwick became a melting pot of cultures, with diverse communities forming around various ethnic enclaves and the neighborhood experienced significant growth.
The mid-20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Bushwick. During the war, Bushwick went on a boom but the post-war era brought deindustrialization, and many businesses closed, leading to a decline in the neighborhood’s economy.
In the summer of 1977 Bushwick was ground zero for the blackout. This started a period of social unrest, urban decay, and an increase in crime. The neighborhood became famous for all the fires in the 70’s and 80’s.
Over the past few decades, artists and professionals flocked to Bushwick for it’s low rent and a high number of warehouses to rent. Like other neighborhoods in New York, this started the gentrification process.
Today Bushwick is loaded with trendy bars and restaurants, and the rents have gotten so high it’s no longer a place for artists looking for cheap rent. While the Hispanic community still dominates Bushwick as far as sheer numbers, that community is slowly shrinking as commercial leases end and rent stabilized apartments go market rate.
Bushwick is a destination for people outside the neighborhood to come and party. There are tons of bars all over. Tourists are also flocking to Bushwick for the murals covering most buildings near the Jefferson Street subway stop.
Today Bushwick is loaded with trendy bars and restaurants, and the rents have gotten so high it’s no longer a place for artists looking for cheap rent. While the Hispanic community still dominates Bushwick as far as sheer numbers, that community is slowly shrinking as commercial leases end and rent stabilized apartments go market rate.
Bushwick is a destination for people outside the neighborhood to come and party. There are tons of bars all over. Tourists are also flocking to Bushwick for the murals covering most buildings near the Jefferson Street subway stop.
