Other Photographers

Inside Street Photography

The official newsletter of Street Photography Magazine

Friday, 29 May 2026

Reading time:

5 mins

Larry Racioppo

Photographing is primarily a solitary pursuit which often takes place in busy locations. Over the years I’ve photographed at ritual events like First Communions, and in places like the Brooklyn Botanical Garden filled with other photographers. In the 1970’s I began to wonder about them. What did these photographers see that was different from what I saw? Or were our photos similar?

So sometimes when I saw someone photographing, I rushed over to almost the exact same spot and photographed the same subject. Thinking about it now, my doing this must have seemed strange if not obnoxious. But people did not mind, no one ever questioned my behavior.

First Communions

Prospect Park

Indian Point Demonstration

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Because I never saw the other photographers’ finished work, I was unable to compare images and really learn anything concrete from this exercise. But I did make some interesting work.

Coney Island

About the Columnist

Larry’s portrait by Anna Delaney

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.

Readers can respond directly to me – larryracioppo@gmail.com.

Street Photography Magazine

Other Photographers

Inside Street Photography

The official newsletter of Street Photography Magazine