Inspired by Harlem Artist James Van Der Zee (1886-1983), who captured Black life in New York City, photographing everyday people and icons from Marcus Garvey to Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Photo booth was set up for the Harlem Juneteenth Celebration in 2024 at 116th between 5th Avenue and Malcom X. Client: AKA

From the Photographer:

“Designed in correspondence with the museum’s current Harlem Renaissance exhibit, the portrait station was a modern take on James Van Der Zee’s photographs of everyday Black New Yorkers in Harlem in the 1920s/1930s and beyond. We continued that legacy with a portrait station that was free and open to the public—anyone who wanted to have their photo taken could come through—and what resulted was one of the most moving days of photography I’ve had in my career. I’m a firm believer that the everyday moments of life are just as rich and complex as the extravagant moments, and that everyone deserves to be photographed. This portrait station was a beautiful reminder that photography is more than taking photos—it's about helping people feel seen, affirmed, and celebrated.” - Marc J. Franklin