2024 had felt like a major step forward for me professionally. When this year started, I had big hopes that the sort of momentum I was feeling would continue well into 2025. But this year has felt like a bit of a stall and a regression simultaneously. What makes it feel worse, is that it’s not from anything I did; but from forces and influences far larger and out of my control. And yet, despite it all, I produced work that I’m deeply proud of: Documenting many of the various protests in this city throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall as a credentialed member of the press will remain one of the greatest honors of my entire life. And continuing much of my work with JOVM by celebrating and championing diversity has been an extra special joy.
But let me tell y’all, I’m desperate for something positive to happen. Sometimes a small win here or there can keep you going — or give you something to look forward to. Hopefully, 2026 will be kinder for me, and for you and yours.
In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my personal highlights of the year. These moments captured life in my beloved city during 2025.
Caption: This photo of Mayor elect Mamdani has appeared in a couple of publications. This one was a very lucky capture. By this time, he was the most popular elected and popular figure known to man and every photographer at Pride was desperately trying to get a shot of him. Goodness, his smile is easy-going and infectious.
Caption: George Floyd Memorial and Free Palestine March: This brother had been giving every single police officer in the escort the finger when– as she sashayed for 10 blocks or so.
Caption: Latina trans women at Queens Pride.
Caption: Hands Off Protest, April 2025. Protesting in a constant, chilly drizzle at one of the largest gatherings of humans I’ve ever seen or been a part of.
Caption: Fire breather, 43rd Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Caption: Hands Off March, April 2025. I didn’t realize it until I was editing these photos but Susan Sarandon is off to the right of the man with the American flag draped over his shoulders. To the left of the young man is Mark Ruffalo. As I was shooting, there was a Trump supporter who was circling and harassing people. He kept up for about 6 or 7 blocks.
Caption: Good Trouble March, Lower Manhattan.
Caption: Broad Channel, Queens, March 2025/
Caption: This woman’s effortless elegance and sophistication paired with the grittiness of the immediate surroundings was unintentional yet compelling.
Caption: DIa de Muertos at 52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade. I was lucky to get the woman looking over her shoulder and back to me as the sparklers were exploding.
Captions: Immigrants are the bedrock and the soul of New York City. This awful administration doesn’t want to admit it but it’s true.
Caption: I was struck by this dapper couple, dancing cheek-to-cheek during this year’s Charlie Parker Festival in Harlem. Even the most hardened cynic was moved by these two.
Caption: Her name was Bluebelle. And she was absolutely adorable.
Caption: One day, we’ll tell our descendants about when it was chilly in early October and that it was unusual to be out on the beach at that time of year. They won’t believe us, even with the photos and videos. AI will make it impossible to discern what’s real or not. But those who were around will know.
Caption: AOC at Queens Pride.
Caption: The 52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade is a celebration of the creativity and ingenuity of New Yorkers of all stripes.
Caption: Kindess Is Punk, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC
Caption: Sometimes when you’re shooting these events, there’s a small handful of people who truly make a deep impression of you. Mr. Gallagher was one of them. If you were a LGBTIA+ kid, I feel like Mr. Gallagher would be a protector and mentor
Caption: Every time I think of this one, it makes me laugh.
Caption: This young woman made an impression on me. She seemed to radiate a deep kindness and empathy. And her sign is right, protect kids everywhere. All of them.
Caption: Karine Jean-Pierre is arguably one of the more beautiful women i’ve ever been near.
Caption: 43rd Annual Dominican Day Parade. I love a parade. And I love a parade that celebrates the diversity of New York.
Caption: 43rd Annual Dominican Day Parade. I love a parade. And I love a parade that celebrates the diversity of New York.
Caption: That’s quite the outfit. But the boots, y’all! Those are some fucking boots!
Caption: No Kings March
Caption: Priest at No Kings March.
Caption: A father and son in Broad Channel, Queens, NYC.
Caption: May Day March and Rally.
Caption: This sister’s energy and joy were infectious.
Caption: His part-smile, part-smirk caught my attention. There’s a hint of boyish mischievousness, of catching someone who either pulled a quick prank or told a joke when he wasn’t supposed to “because it’s a serious moment and you’re a professional” or something along those lines.
Caption: Police officers in riot gear at Hands Off March, June 2025. The early aggressiveness of the police response at this march was unsettling.
Caption: Firefighters at the 267th St. Patrick’s Day paying tribute to the 346 firefighters who were lost during 9/11.
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