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, which is seen especially the clothing of each individual, through in the background compared to the subjects of the photo,

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 randomness of the art installation shows how the city itself has its own distinct character.  The bright yellow chair that the girls surround allows the audiences focus to be directed towards the girls because they are nearby this eye catching installment the audience is quick to see and observe the girls.  This picture shows each girl’s 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.  Clothing is a very personal choice and reveals a lot an individual and their personality.  For example the “mom” jeans can be associated with a more artistic free spirted personality, while the black skinny jeans can show a more reserved personality.  Growing up in Manhattan the cities landscape is constantly changing as well as the environments that all the girls are in which helps shapes their personality. 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, while the background to be simplistic to add emphasis to the three girls.  The picture is taken as a selfie which has the connotation of being narcissistic, rather than showing selfies as being detrimental to girls self-image the photo shows that through this form of media all of these girls are connected and brought together.  The mirrored reflection that the photo is taken in also suggests 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 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; tis shot also displays the room that they are getting ready in.  The photo is taken as a candid shot, from a third party, catching the girls off guard.  The photo being candid shows all the girls in a natural state with no posing.  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 photo also shows female friendship.  Although one of the girls is doing her own make, the other two are shown helping each other with their makeup.  The compassionate act of helping with ones make up breaks down the stereotype of competition through beauty that women are often expected to partake in.   

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 allow the girl to be the focal point of the picture.  The girl being the sole person in the picture allows the viewer to focus in on unique details about her style, like the earring and the bracelet that all coincide with her heritage.  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.  Both the older lady and the young girl are seen wearing mostly monochromatic colors, the girl in light pink and the lady in black.  Having them be monochromatic colors, rather than one being in a bold pattern, shows the similarities between both generations and the unity between women of all ages old and young.

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.          
