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The street is always trying to tell you something. Larry Racioppo knows how to listen.
Inside Street Photography |
The official newsletter of Street Photography Magazine |
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| Friday, 20 Mar 2026 | Reading time: 3 mins | Read online
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When thinking of street photography, most people think of – People.
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But there is another rich vein of subject matter in this genre – the street itself, or more accurately street signs.
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| Southern Blvd, 1989 |
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but personal and religious messages written on walls, painted or taped to lampposts. Some are simply beautiful.
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| Harlem |
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| Harlem |
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| Northern Boulevard, Queens |
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Others are incredibly sad.
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| Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn |
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| The South Bronx |
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| Brooklyn |
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| Coney Island, Brooklyn |
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| East New York, Brooklyn |
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| Coney Island, Brooklyn |
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| East New York, Brooklyn |
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| Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn |
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Some make you wonder about people.
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| 23rd Street subway station |
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And some just make you wonder
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| Canal Street subway station |
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Best of all, some are meant for us photographers.
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| Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn |
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| 18th Street, Brooklyn |
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| Larry’s portrait by Anna Delaney |
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When I returned to South Brooklyn in 1970 after two years in California as a VISTA Volunteer, I was 22 years old with no plans and a $30 camera I barely knew how to use. I took a course at the School of Visual Arts, a job with the telephone company and began to photograph my family and friends. Things worked out better than I could have expected. I’ve been making photographs for over 50 years, and have some things I’d like to share.
Check out my book, Here Down on Dark Earth, here.
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Readers can respond directly to me – larryracioppo@gmail.com.
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Stories like this are what Street Photography Magazine is all about—real photographers, real perspectives, and the moments that stay with you.
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If you’re not already a subscriber, you can join us and get new issues delivered every week, plus access to our full archive going back to 2013.
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We also share conversations like this on the Street Photography Magazine Podcast, photographers talking about their work, process, and what keeps them going. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by clicking the button below.
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