Subway portraits--Early New York City no number c. early 1950s

This is Robert Frank’s 'Subway Portraits--Early New York City no number,' a series of silver gelatin prints. Frank, like a painter, allows chance to play a role in the images he captures. These photographs offer a look into the mundane realities of New York City's subway life. The composition has a raw, unfiltered quality. The contrast between light and shadow creates a moody atmosphere. Look at the way Frank frames the subjects, focusing on their expressions. There is a sense of anonymity, each frame offering a glimpse into their private worlds amidst the crowded train. The use of black and white lends a timeless quality. The surface of the photographic paper is smooth and slightly reflective. The darkroom process reveals the textures and grain of the film. Frank’s images remind me a bit of Walker Evans' documentary style, which also focused on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Ultimately, Frank's 'Subway Portraits' serve as a mirror reflecting our shared humanity.