Barbara Mensch, a fine art photographer, discusses her experiences photographing the historic Fulton Fish Market in New York City and capturing portraits of real New Yorkers. She also explores the features of the Nikon Z8 camera and promotes the Charcoal Book Club's sponsorship. The podcast delves into the importance of focusing on unseen details, personal perception, and the financial challenges faced by podcasts.
Barbara Mensch's fine art photography of New York's Fulton Market provides a historic record of a neighborhood that no longer exists in the same way.
Barbara Mensch's dedication and resilience as a photographer allowed her to capture the essence of the Fulton Fish Market and develop relationships with the workers.
Deep dives
Photographer Barbara Manche documents the historic Fulton Fish Market in New York's Lower South Side
Barbara Manche captures the neighborhood of the original Fulton Fish Market in stunning detail, showcasing both the physical transformation and the unique character of the area. The market, once a major source of fish in the United States, thrived with bustling activity during the night while the rest of the city slept. Manche's photographs document the location and the people who defined it, providing a historic record of a place that no longer exists in the same way. Through her work, she explores the complexities of the neighborhood, including the influence of the mob and the challenges she faced as a female photographer. Her dedication to capturing the essence of the Fulton Fish Market is evident in the images she has created.
The challenges and rewards of photographing the Fulton Fish Market
Barbara Manche discusses the difficulties she encountered while photographing the Fulton Fish Market in the 1980s. With limited access and strict regulations, she had to navigate her way into the market and gain the trust of the workers. Through determination and patience, she was able to develop relationships with the men and capture their lives and the essence of the market. The photographs reveal the unique character and rhythms of the market, highlighting not only the physical spaces, but also the people and their stories. Manche's work is a testament to her dedication and resilience as a photographer.
The impact of gentrification and the changing landscape of Lower Manhattan
Barbara Manche's work also explores the impact of gentrification on Lower Manhattan, particularly the transformation of the Fulton Fish Market area. As the city sought to redevelop the waterfront and create new attractions, many long-standing businesses and communities were displaced. Manche's photographs capture the uncertainty and neglect that accompanied these changes, as well as the new developments that emerged in their place. Through her lens, she raises questions about the nature of rebuilding, the loss of historical character, and the effects of change on a community.
The significance of work and the dedication to one's craft
Barbara Manche's long-term project documenting the Fulton Fish Market highlights the importance of work and the commitment to one's craft. Through her immersion in the market and relationships with the workers, she captures the essence of their labor and the pride they take in their jobs. Manche's own dedication to her photography is evident in her lifelong pursuit of capturing the spirit of the Fulton Fish Market and the changing landscape of Lower Manhattan. Her work serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and the rewards of pursuing one's passion.
Barbara Mensch is a fine art photographer who probes her subject matter with the curiosity and stamina of a detective. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she began to draw at an early age, attending classes at The Brooklyn Museum Studio School and the Art Students League as a teenager. Mensch has published two books on New York’s legendary Fulton Market, which she photographed under the scrutinizing eyes of federal law enforcement and organized crime. Mensch’s monograph, New York Photographs, was published with an essay by art historian Bonnie Yochelson in 2013. Her book, was published in 2018 by Empire State Editions (an imprint of Fordham University Press). Her latest publication, was published in the fall of 2023 by Empire Editions with a foreword by NY Times Reporter and author, Dan Barry. Resources Barbara Mensch Igmar Bergman Sven Kykvist Websites Sponsors Nikon Z8 Camera Website Charcoal Book Club Frames Magazine Education Resources: Momenta Photographic Workshops Candid Frame Resources Download the free Candid Frame app for your favorite smart device. Click here to download it for . Click here to download Become a Patron! Support the work at The Candid Frame by contributing to our Patreon effort. You can do this by visiting or the website and clicking on the Patreon button. You can also provide a one-time donation via . You can follow Ibarionex on and .
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