Dawoud Bey: Street Portraits

Street Portraits marked a significant shift in Dawoud Bey's photographic practice, as he moved from using a 35mm small-format camera to the more conspicuous 4×5 inch view camera. This change not only altered the aesthetic of his work but also deepened his engagement with his subjects. Using Type 55 Polaroid film, Bey created a collaborative and reciprocal process: after sitting for a portrait, each subject received an instant 4×5 inch print, while Bey kept the large-format negative for making enlarged prints in the darkroom. These enlargements captured the fine details of his sitters, their expressions, style, and presence, offering a vivid and dignified portrayal that serves as a cultural and historical record. Street Portraits thus captures genuine, intimate moments between photographer and subject, grounded in the specific time, place, and social atmosphere in which they were made.

6 products
  • A black and white photograph of a young boy standing on a porch, holding a rolled-up newspaper against a metal railing. He is wearing a striped polo shirt and shorts.
    $10,000.00 USD
  • A black and white street photograph showing a woman standing on a sidewalk in front of a brick building, with a young child sitting on a concrete ledge in the background.
    $10,000.00 USD
  • Black and white photograph of a woman and a young child sitting outdoors on white plastic chairs, with trees and patio furniture blurred in the background.
    $10,000.00 USD
  • A black and white portrait of a young man standing outdoors in front of a tent, wearing a light plaid button-up shirt, a dark tie, and dark trousers.
    $12,000.00 USD
  • A black and white portrait photograph of a young girl standing outdoors against a graffiti-tagged brick wall, wearing a white blouse and a dark skirt.
    $12,000.00 USD
  • A black and white portrait of a young person with curly hair leaning against a chain-link fence and brick wall, wearing a cropped white T-shirt and light shorts.
    $10,000.00 USD