There are very few places in the country that create an environment that allows people to thrive with creative expression and exposure to different paths of life.  Growing up in New York City allows children to make their own decisions and create a sense of self in the back drop of a diverse city.  This generation of girls is growing up in a time were the definition of self-expression is changing, and the young women of New York City have an opportunity to be themselves and express their individuality within the canvas of NY.  The photo essay “Teen Queens of the New York scene” highlights the uniqueness and diversity that growing up in the city provides.

The first photo shows a group of young girls sitting and standing around a yellow chair that is an art installation, the use of color and the fashion choices of each girl show their individualism.  The bright yellow chair that the girls surround allows the focus to be on them and while allowing the architect takes a backseat to the girls.  The randomness of the art installation shows how the city itself has its own distinct character.  This picture also shows each girls individualism, even though they are all wearing denim the forms are all unique.  One girl wears black denim skinny jeans, the next baggy blue “mom” jeans, the girl to her right wears a denim jacket, and finally the last girl has light wash boyfriend jeans.  Growing up in Manhattan the cities landscape is constantly changing as well as the environments that all the girls are in. The subtle differences in the style of jean shows how unique each girl’s experience can be and how the city shapes it.

The next photo is a mirror selfie of three girls in a high school locker room. Like the last photo every girl has different styles and looks but the focus is more on the technology.  Each girl is seen looking down at her phone.  This photo, in the series, is the only one that focuses more on technology and fashion, whiling the background to be simplistic to add emphasis to the three girls.  Media has played a large role influencing this generation and its broad reach has certainly been a part of shaping the women of today.  The author of the photo series is not trying to show social media as a detrimental influence on these girls, but it shows that media and fashion are forever connected in this generation.  The mirrored reflection may also suggest a unifying message within the sometimes isolating world of technology.  

Living in the city allows teens to learn about different forms of expression and also allows them to express themselves in many different ways.  In the third photo of the series it shows three girls getting ready for a night out.  The room that they are getting ready in is very small and filled with photos of friends and art.  The third photo is taken as a medium shot; this type of visual incorporates all the girls to be seen in their natural environment. Using the medium shot also displays the room that they are getting ready in.  The background is very busy; there are many Polaroid’s on the walls, art, and tapestries.  The unique type of wall art shows the creativity that these young women possess.  Bedrooms in New York City are quiet small, which can be seen in the photo, so everything that is in the room is important or has some type of meaning.  

The fourth the picture is the first one that’s subject is one person rather than a group.  The picture shows a girl leaning up against a plain white wall.  The scarce back drop and the lighting of the photo allows the girl to be the focal point of the picture.  The line that the shadow makes is parallel to the boarder of the celling, which makes the viewers eyes travel from the top left down to the right to the girl.  Her fashion choices are highlighted in the shot because of the back ground and the bold pattern of the clothes.  The girl is wearing a matching pant and shirt combination and the pattern is African inspired.  Instead of wearing clothes that are typical for teenagers, she embraces her culture and standouts from the backdrop.  The bold pattern can be seen as a metaphor for the girls’ ability to embrace her culture in such an accepting city.  

The final picture is another individual shot of a young girl in a pink sweatshirt.  The focus of the camera is on the young girl while still taking into account the bustling city street behind her.  When one first looks at the photo they are initially drawn to the girl because of the sharp crisp focus on her, but it is impossible not to notice the smiling, vibrant face of the older woman behind her.   Her body language is strong and confident and she looks healthy and happy for her age.  Perhaps the author is trying to show respect and reverence to the generations before that have paved the way for the young girls of today to be who they want to be without boundaries and judgement. 

The authors’ photo series shows the young women of New York City expressing their individuality and creativity amongst what can sometimes be considered an unwelcoming back drop…the streets and architecture of NY.  It has allowed a generation of women to thrive, not only as individuals but as friends.  The author shows the actual embracing nature of the cities landscape and how its backdrop has been a canvas for this generation of young women to thrive and create their own story.          
