20 Comments
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Right Twice a Day's avatar

Both parts, great. I love intra-city rail everywhere I've ridden it, but New York's is the best if only by virtue of its scale. And of course there's its clandestine tunnel civilization. Off topic, I assume you don't get your photo subjects to sign release forms. Anyone ever get pissed?

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks for reading and commenting, Jeff.

Last time I checked, you don't need anyone to sign anything if you're photographing them in a public place. I tried to be polite and never photograph anyone who stares directly at me, unless I ask them. I've done that before. And yes, a couple of times people got pissed. I didn't argue. Just deleted the photos they wanted me to delete. I'm easy. And they are too... most of the time. :)

Ibarionex  - The Candid Frame's avatar

Lovely vignettes.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks so much, Ibarionex!

Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

Love the last photograph Alex! There is something about it.

Susanne Helmert's avatar

I like your subway chronicles. Great series!

perfectlight's avatar

great stories!

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks very much, perfectlight!

Richard Schulz's avatar

Loved this. The format is something unique which is a treat to find. Looking forward to more of these 👏👏

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks so much, Richard! Glad to hear it. And thanks for the restack!

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thank you very much, Susanne!

Mark White's avatar

How did you spend the $20?

The Seattle Light Rail is the closest we come to the NY Subway. That's to say, I ride a Single A minor league team compared to the World Champion NY Subway you ride. And most people here are plugged into their own devices, so dialogue is scarce. I've taken to photographing reflections in the train windows, but have stopped direct candid shooting altogether. Reason being, there's too much mental health uncertainty on the train, and a camera triggers some people. It happened once, when I was simply holding the camera. It wasn't a cool situation to deal with. Waiting for the train is another story, fairer game due to the wide open spaces. But within the tight confines of the train, my shooting days are 99% over, but listening to dialogue? It's rare, like I said, but there's treasure to be found for sure, like the gems you found. Keep listening!

Mark White's avatar

Plus, the last pic in the shadows and the first pic on the subway are killer.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

I appreciate that, Mark.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks for your comment, Mark. I didn't take her money. I told her that if I faint, she could help me up. Yes, not everyone is talking, and not all the time, when they do, it's nothing pearls all the way.

Kevin Hansen's avatar

“Why don’t New Yorkers look at each other on the subway?” an exchange student from Moldova once asked me.

“Privacy,” I said. “New Yorkers respect personal boundaries.”

I just saw a video about that, earlier today. Personal space. But that they're there for you if you need help. And I was in the city last weekend. Not sure if I transgressed that personal space.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks for your comment, Kevin.

They would have let you know if you did🤤

Nathaniel Roy's avatar

Love this. I’ve become a little dialogue magpie myself recently. No better place than New York!