FEATURE #007:
A Reason to Smile
Breathe. Reflect. Smile.
A reason to smile was create to inspire hope through the smiles of New Yorkers during the pandemic and celebrate the resilient spirit of New York City. In these candid snapshots, the book sheds light on the extraordinary strength found in the seemingly ordinary act of smiling through a mask. This photography book serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the power of a smile can break through barriers, transcend physical distancing, and provide a source of comfort and hope.
“A Reason to Smile” is a tribute to the courage and humanity of New Yorkers, reflecting how their smiles, even behind masks, illuminated the path towards healing and unity in a city that never stopped shining. A majority of those smiles coming from Harlem.
I’ve always enjoyed making people smile. Growing up in harlem, all the homies had a sense of humor. It was a great way to greet each other, lighten up an awkward moment, or uplift someone else’s mood. 2020 was the year I picked up a camera and this, what you’re looking at, is my first project being the lens. So while you fill through these pages, I want you to have a therapeutic like experience. I want you to breathe. I want you to reflect. And, most importantly, I want you to smile.