21 Comments
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James Prochnik's avatar

Fantastic and moving essay from a wonderful photographer and writer. So pleased you’ve brought this work to your audience.

Andy Adams's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, James. Please share this link with your photography friends. https://www.flakphoto.news/p/benjamin-swett-coney-island-1971

Jane Hammons's avatar

Beautiful essay that frames :) a particular time and place with such detail and care. I come from a family of people with cameras in hands and very much relate. The fact that all three children are carrying cameras is a story in itself!

Jessica Bard's avatar

This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for posting and all the links!

Andy Adams's avatar

Thanks for reading, Jessica!

Philippe Castelneau's avatar

A beautiful and very moving essay. Thanks for sharing.

Andy Adams's avatar

My pleasure, Philippe. Thank YOU for reading! I would love more photographers to see this. Please share this link. Cheers! https://www.flakphoto.news/p/benjamin-swett-coney-island-1971

Debra Burrell's avatar

SO meaniangful to see my chilhood locations (Brighton Beach) captured! beautiful- just ordered the book

Andy Adams's avatar

Wonderful. Enjoy it!

Nora Thompson's avatar

Thanks Andy for giving me this introduction to this photographer. I just read his lovely essay on a snowy morning here in Ottawa, I was especially amazed at the winter dolphin show! Beautiful words about family, his father, Brooklyn, I loved all the details!

Andy Adams's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Nora. Thanks for reading!

Scott Symes's avatar

Thank you for sharing, this book is going on my list to purchase.

BellaVendetta's avatar

This was very cool to read. When I was about 19 and living in upstate NY on an organic farm, Benajmin Swett stopped by to eat at my family's restaurant and buy some tomatoes from our farm stand. he took pictures of lil punk rock Bella selling zines and art and produce on the side of the road and it ended up in his book Route 22. It was also probably one of the first photo books I owned (still have it)

Lin Gregory's avatar

Beautifully written essay accompanied by wonderful photographic memories - I'd not heard of his work before so thank you Andy for introducing him to me and I'm sure many more. I'm off to look at his book now!

Mohika Mudgal's avatar

A beautiful essay with so much insight into you and your family 💞

Andrew Glickman's avatar

Great essay. Thanks for sharing it!

Jeff's avatar

Terrific! going to buy the book.

Connie Grosch's avatar

Love the book-I’m 73 and have been taking pictures for 40 years and still going strong.

Danny Lewis's avatar

Photo Journalism is an excellent way to tell a story or share an experience. I still have my Minolta SLR 102.

Mark Clark's avatar

Looking forward to a late night read. I remember going out to Coney Island as a kid. Pretty sure it was freezing too…