Benefit, The Museum of Modern Art, New York City 1977

Larry Fink made this black and white photograph, "Benefit," probably with a handheld camera, capturing a candid moment at what looks like a fancy event. The beauty of Fink's photography lies in its raw, unpolished feel. It's all about the moment, the light, and the way he frames his subjects. Look at the way the light falls on their faces, highlighting every wrinkle and expression. It’s like he's peeling back the layers of social facade to reveal something more human, more real. The composition, slightly off-kilter, adds to this sense of immediacy. The darkness feels intimate, as though we’re eavesdropping on a private conversation. He’s like Diane Arbus, but maybe with a bit more… empathy? It’s a far cry from the staged perfection you often see in portraiture, and that's what makes it so compelling. Fink invites us to really *see* these people, in all their complex humanity.