The featured image of this blog entry was taken on the eve of Trump’s inauguration during the New York City protest around Columbus Circle. I had gone there to participate and document. I didn’t stay as long as I had intended because in the midst of it, I got a call from my sister telling me that my uncle had passed away. Until I started working on this entry, I had never looked at the photographs from that day.
The individual in the featured photograph had the absolute gall to show up wearing a (made in China) maga hat (someone had asked him to remove it so they could inspect the label). I can’t begin to convey the vitriol he encountered, which was absolutely deserved. I watched him for a while and my favorite exchange was with a woman who conveyed that based solely on his appearance, he would be thrown over Trump’s border wall. She noted that most of his supporters would only ever see him as a terrorist or criminal. She completely shut him down and I managed to capture that moment. Ultimately, I thought he did this as a stunt; a way to garner attention and trend online to get his fifteen minutes. He was recording all of this exchanges on his phone.
It has been a long year and I have done my best to do things that counter the limited mindset of Trump and his supporters. I continue to volunteer, engage in activism and create art. With regards to photography, I largely engage in it during the warm months. I consider myself to be a street photographer and hate working with my camera while wearing gloves. This year, I found myself inspired to try and capture the beautiful diversity of New York City.
It is with great pride that I present to you my favorite pictures of 2017.
- A Human Right. Edwin Roman 2017. As seen at Bronx Community College during the 60th anniversary celebration.
- Devious Smiles. Edwin Roman, 2017. People watching at the Coney Island Art Walls.
- Wepa! Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen at the “Salsa Under The Sun” concert.
- Fuga Aqua. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park.
- Rockland Cliff. Edwin Roman, 2017. This was my first ever visit to Rockland Lake State Park during the fall or any time other than summer.
- Sharing a Laugh. Edwin Roman, 2017. This was the first time I was ever hired to photograph a wedding. This couple was just great and so laid back; they were in sync with my style of photography.
- Boarding Squared. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
- Brooklyn, The Statue. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen outside of the Brooklyn Museum.
- Goose Goose. Edwin Roman, 2017. A rare winter picture in Flushing Meadow Park.
- Kente Color Splash. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen in The Bronx.
- Two Cameras. Edwin Roman, 2017. A fellow photographer at work in Central Park.
- Sépia Fille. Edwin Roman, 2017. This lovely young woman posed for me at Coney Island Beach.
- The View Finder. Edwin Roman, 2017. The George Washington Bridge as seen from Fort Lee Historic Park.
- Picturing Robin Lord Taylor. Edwin Roman, 2017. This was during the actor’s panel at Flame Con. I actually got to ask the first question, which was: “If Gotham City were a real place would you want to live there?”
- Boardwalk Fútbol. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
- Sara the Turtle. Edwin Roman, 2017. One summer weekday at Rockland Lake State Park I actually witnessed this beautiful little turtle burying her eggs.
- Touring The Hall of Fame. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen at Bronx Community College.
- Speed Walking The Boardwalk. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
- Sinewy Skirt and Sloppy Star. Edwin Roman, 2017. Whenever I am in a tediously long workplace meeting, I will go into survival mode and let my imagination take over. I often create made up superheroes and villains. This duo is a pair of superheroes.
- Exuberance. Edwin Roman, 2017. As seen at “Salsa Under the Sun.”
- As seen from the Wonder Wheel. Edwin Roman, 2017. Picturing the world famous Cyclone from the equally famous Wonder Wheel.
- The Batwoman on my Shelf. Edwin Roman, 2017. An action figure of one of my favorite comic book characters, Batwoman.
- Classic Rose. Edwin Roman, 2017.