On the Roof: New York in Quarantine

When NYC emerged as a pandemic hotbed, rooftops became our only respite from cramped apartments; our only escape into the outside world. Since the beginning of quarantine, I have spent hundreds of hours photographing the rise of roof culture from my rooftop in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

I've created On the Roof to memorialize the hope, beauty, and eccentricity of New Yorkers persevering through this difficult moment in history. This is a 144-page, 8x10" hardcover photo book with over 100 images and several essays chronicling the unique rooftop microcosm through quarantine. Published by Thames & Hudson. Made possible with Kickstarter.

100% of my profits go to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).

The writing in this book includes detailed, anthropological reflections on rooftop culture, observing and speculating on how my neighbors adapted to an intensive quarantine. I recount the heartwarming stories of socially distanced playdates, cross-rooftop flirtation, makeshift drag show runways, rooftop concerts, and so much more.

This project is a memento to my local community for entrusting me with documenting their lives through the pandemic. It also became the excuse I've always wanted to befriend my neighbors. While this photo series is 95% candid moments, I've gotten to know almost everyone photographed and have received permission to include their images in this book.

Order now on on all the major online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bound, and Bookshop.org. This button will redirect you to my publisher’s site, where you can choose your preferred website to support. Also available in select U.S. bookstores.

Prints available here.