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JohnGuira Photography

NYC Photographer

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Protesters Gather in SoHo for NYC Walkout to Freeze AI

Stop the AI Race

Participants gather in SoHo for the NYC Citywide Walkout to Freeze AI.

Protesters gathered outside OpenAI’s SoHo office for the NYC Citywide Walkout to Freeze AI, raising concerns about AI development, data centers, healthcare, labor and Big Tech.

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tags: Freeze AI AI Protest Irreplaceable OpenAI
categories: Photojournalism, News & Current Events
Thursday 10.22.26
Posted by John Guira
 

No Kings VoteFest Brings Early-Voting Message to Washington Square Park

VoteFest NYC at Washington Square

Crowds gather beneath the Washington Square Arch for the No Kings early-voting event.

Hundreds gathered at Washington Square Park for No Kings: VoteFest NYC, where speakers, performers and organizers encouraged early voting and civic participation ahead of the midterm elections.

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tags: No Kings VoteFest NYC Washington Square Park, Al Sharpton
categories: Photojournalism, News & Current Events
Monday 10.19.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Rise and Resist Holds “Say Their Names” Vigil at 96th Street

Say Their Names at 96th Street

Rise and Resist holds an anti-ICE remembrance vigil on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Rise and Resist gathered at Broadway and West 96th Street for its “Say Their Names” vigil, reading the names of people the group says died during ICE enforcement or in ICE custody.

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tags: ICE, Immigration Enforcement, Immigration Protest
categories: Film Photography, News & Current Events, Photojournalism
Saturday 10.17.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Only the Fare Has Changed

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From fare machines to tap-and-go payments, the way New Yorkers enter the subway keeps changing. Inside the train, however, the quiet and intimate moments between strangers remain.

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tags: NYC Subway, film photography, nyc subway
categories: Photo Essays, Film Photography
Friday 10.16.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Gov. Hochul Arrives for Gubernatorial Debate as Supporters of Both Campaigns Gather Outside

Governor Kathy Hochul

Gov. Hochul Arrives for New York Gubernatorial Debate

Supporters of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman gathered outside NY1’s Chelsea studios as Hochul arrived for the October 13 gubernatorial debate.

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tags: film photography, governor, Kathy Hochul, Gubernatorial Debate
categories: Photojournalism, Film Photography, News & Current Events
Thursday 10.15.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Hundreds Rally at Foley Square Following ICE Shooting in Marble Hill

The People Demand Abolish ICE

Protesters march through Lower Manhattan after the Foley Square rally.

Hundreds gathered at Foley Square in Lower Manhattan for an anti-ICE rally following the October 8 ICE shooting in Marble Hill.

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tags: ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Hands Off NYC, Foley Square, Oscar Belgal, Marble Hill, ICE Shooting, Anti-ICE Protest, Immigration Enforcement, Immigration Protest, Protest, Demonstration, Rally, New York City, Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, Varick Street, Civil Rights, Photojournalism, Documentary Photography, NYC News, October 2026
categories: Photojournalism, Photography Tips, Editing & Post-Production, Film Photography
Monday 10.12.26
Posted by John Guira
 

A Call for Survivor Justice

Our Silence Ends Now

Demonstrators gather at Foley Square for the I Am Jane Doe rally.

Hundreds gathered at Foley Square in Manhattan for the I Am Jane Doe rally, calling for survivor justice, accountability, and stronger protections against sexual violence.

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tags: I Am Jane Doe, Foley Square, Manhattan, New York City, protest, rally, sexual violence, survivor justice, Women’s March, survivor advocacy, institutional accountability, protest signs, Our Silence Ends Now, NYC photojournalism, documentary photography, news photography, October 8 2026
categories: News & Current Events, Photojournalism
Sunday 10.11.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Nigeria Independence Day Celebration Brings Music and Culture to Manhattan

Mamdani Joins Nigeria Independence Day

Thousands gathered in Midtown Manhattan for a day of music, culture and Nigerian pride.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined New York City’s Nigeria Independence Day celebration as thousands gathered in Midtown Manhattan for music, culture, and performances by Runtown, BNXN, and Patoranking.

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tags: Nigeria Independence Day, Nigeria at 66, Nigerian Community NYC, Zohran Mamdani, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC Events
categories: News & Current Events, Photojournalism
Tuesday 10.06.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Pink Ribbon Walk Brings Awareness, Support and Community Spirit to Brooklyn

Brooklyn Supporters

Participants support breast cancer awareness in Brooklyn.

Community members gathered in Brooklyn for the Pink Ribbon Walk, raising breast cancer awareness and honoring survivors along Nostrand Avenue.

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tags: Pink Ribbon Walk, Breast Cancer Awareness, Brooklyn Community, Ribbon Walk
categories: News & Current Events, Photojournalism
Monday 10.05.26
Posted by John Guira
 

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators March From Bryant Park Toward United Nations

PROTEST

Scenes from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in NYC — Sept. 24, 2026

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan before marching toward United Nations headquarters on September 24, 2026.

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categories: News & Current Events, Photojournalism
Tuesday 09.29.26
Posted by John Guira
 

A Quiet Day in a Loud Place Thanks to Film

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I spent a day working at Fashion Week, handling both video and stills, and somewhere in between the schedule and the noise of the event, I ended up shooting a few black-and-white frames on 35mm film. There wasn’t any special plan behind it. I just wanted a calmer way to look at the day.

Black and white removes a lot of the extra stuff you normally associate with these events. No loud colors, no distractions, nothing pulling your attention in different directions. It shows the environment the way it actually feels when you’re working there: big open rooms, people moving in and out, short breaks, and equipment scattered around.

Most of the job is simple, repetitive work—setting up, adjusting gear, checking batteries, making sure everything runs. There’s a steady rhythm to it. Things move fast, but you try to stay clear-headed. Taking a few stills on 35mm during those small gaps feels almost like making quick notes. Nothing fancy, just a way to mark the day.

These frames aren’t meant to be dramatic or overly polished. They’re just small pieces of a workday—honest and straightforward. Shooting them on 35mm helped me slow down for a moment, even when everything else around me was moving quickly.

tags: nyfw, nyc, fashion week, runway fashion photography
Tuesday 11.25.25
Posted by John Guira
 

A Different Way to See

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Shooting on film feels different. It’s slower, more intentional. Every frame matters because you don’t get unlimited chances. You trust your eyes, your instincts, and the process. And when you finally see the results, they aren’t just pictures—they hold something deeper, something you can’t quite replicate any other way.

This set of images reflects that experience. The color shots have a natural depth, a richness that makes light feel alive without trying too hard. The single black and white image is there for a reason—I’ve always been drawn to how it strips everything down to shape, shadow, and mood.

One shot that stuck with me was the reflection of an older building on the glass of a modern one. The grid of windows breaks up the reflection, distorting it just enough to remind you that it doesn’t belong there. But even through the lines and the shifting light, the character of the old structure holds—especially with the small flag at its peak, barely noticeable but still standing. It’s a moment where time overlaps, past and present pressed together on the same surface.

The other images—each with their own feel—carry that same energy. A roll of film sitting on a book in the shadows, a colonial-style church holding its presence against the sky, a police car below me, lined up with the avenue markings in a way that feels almost too perfect, and the underground subway, where square patterns and repeating lines create a quiet rhythm. They aren’t connected by subject, but by the way film captures them—not just as images, just moments that feel real with imperfections that make me happier than digital.

That’s why I keep coming back to film. Give it a chance; you will do well if you stick to the basics. Be patient with yourself and be purposeful.

tags: johnguira, photography, 35mm, Shooting Film
Monday 03.03.25
Posted by John Guira
 

Analog Perspectives: The Art of Black and White

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Every city block, every building, and every street corner has a story to tell through its structure. For me, photography is about uncovering those stories and distilling them into images that speak to viewers. My film photography embraces both high key and low key aesthetics, depending on the mood I wish to convey. High key photography emphasizes bright, clean tones with minimal shadows, often giving a sense of openness and positivity. Low key photography leans into darker tones, shadows, and contrast, creating a moodier, more mysterious feel.

Walking through the streets, I’m constantly scanning for lines, curves, and angles that form the architecture around me. Film, with its grainy texture and rich contrast, offers a timeless quality that digital often struggles to replicate. When shooting city streets, it’s about capturing not just a moment, but the essence of a space—whether it's a towering skyscraper or a quiet alleyway. Film forces you to slow down, and be intentional with every frame. I embrace the shadows, allowing them to add depth and mystery. In both cases, contrast plays a key role. Whether it's an abandoned building with stark shadows or a vibrant street scene highlighted by the play of sunlight, contrast creates emotional resonance. Film enhances this by providing a tactile, analog depth to the image that digital cannot easily replicate.

I invite you to experience the city through my eyes—where each frame tells a story of geometry, emotion, and the beauty found in both the light and the dark.

tags: Black and White Photography, johnguiraphoto, NYC Photography, NYC
Tuesday 12.17.24
Posted by John Guira
 

NYC's Subway Struggles in 2024

As per The New York Times and the official MTA alert portal of New York City, another recent disruption has inconvenienced commuters twice in one week. The latest incident involved a train derailment on the F line, occurring on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, near W 8 St-NY Aquarium. This serves as a stark reminder that even in a city renowned for its efficiency, unforeseen events can lead to significant disruptions. Not too long ago, NYC experienced a similar incident on the Upper West Side '1 train,' carrying close to 300 people. Public confidence and passengers are greatly affected by these frequent disruptions, especially considering the two incidents occurred within just six days of each other. As a photographer living in NYC, I rely on public transportation regularly and support increased investment in infrastructure. However, I can't help but feel that NYC's system doesn't compare to the European one, which already boasts cutting-edge technology. NYC seems like an outdated network suffering the consequences of aging components. Let's hope our subway experience improves, and the MTA takes the necessary measures that millions of daily passengers deserve.

Did you know that in 1904 NYC subway system made history as the first underground rapid transit system in the United States, connecting City Hall and Harlem?

tags: NYC Subway, NYC train, Train Emergency, MTA, Photographer
Wednesday 01.10.24
Posted by John Guira
 

On the edge

I was not ready for this one!

Out of nowhere, this striking black bird perched right on the edge of a rocky water fountain. Above it, was the water cascading down, creating a captivating dance of splashes below.

Caught in the frame is my feathered friend, feet dipped into the cool water but not fully committed, adding a touch of mystery to the scene. The rocky texture of the fountain beneath adds a rustic charm, grounding the shot, is this little guy. Perhaps he was assessing the situation? I don’t know exactly the answer, but as I took that shot in the blink of an eye he had flown away.

What really drew me in, was the delicate balance of the moment. I am not a bird expert, but birds particularly of this size, are perpetual movers; they don't stand still. With a bit of a stroke of luck and timing you too can seize a moment like this.

Curious about the spec behind the lens? Are you into bird photography? Comment below if you wish me to post more content like this!

tags: bird photography, birds, wildlife photography, water fountain
Saturday 01.06.24
Posted by John Guira
 

Two eras in one frame

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In the heart of history lies a mezzanine frozen in time—a captivating space where the echoes of the past meet the whispers of the present. On the left, is an amazing image shot with the lens of a bygone era of the late 1940s, and to the right is my perspective within the digital era of today, I unveil two snapshots of the same enchanting place. The fixtures, and pillars adorned with gilded designs, continue to stand witness to the passage of time.

The first frame, a relic of the 1940s, immortalizes the mezzanine with the warm embrace of film. Vintage lights cast a nostalgic glow, capturing an era marked by the elegance and sophistication of its time. Fast forward to the present, and the mezzanine stands resilient, with echoes of the past still resonating.

This isn't a competition between two photographers of different times, nor this isn’t a battle between two technologies. This was not an attempt to outshine the past, instead, it's a celebration of the enduring beauty of a place that has withstood the test of time. I tried to honor the beauty of continuity and the magic that unfolds when the past and present converge in a single frame.

Standing precisely where my predecessor once stood, I navigated similar challenges. In retracing his or her steps, I found not only a connection with the past but also a shared passion that transcended time. At this very moment, I understood, that I bonded with someone I never had the chance to meet, united by a profound love for the craft.

Saturday 12.30.23
Posted by John Guira
 

Drama in frames

In the heart of a dimly lit theater, a captivating scene unfolds. One figure, exuding authority, commands the stage, while in the shadows, another character appears defeated, embodying vulnerability. It's a clash of power and emotion frozen in time.

As a photographer, the allure of shooting live theater performances lies in the authenticity of emotions. These fleeting instances, where strength and weakness collide, offer a unique opportunity to tell a powerful story in a single frame. For me, it’s an adrenaline rush to chase moments like these where the narrative unfolds this way.

Yet, navigating the theater's intricate lighting poses a challenge. To craft a compelling narrative, one must strategically position themselves, anticipating the highs and lows of the performance. Even if you're not part of the set, the power to shape your photo lies in your hands. Your chosen perspective, the angle at which you capture the actors, and the timing of your shot hold transformative potential. Proficiency in reading the lighting is essential – an intimate comprehension of the interplay between light and shadow empowers you to fashion your distinctive version.

In the end, the silent dialogues between characters, the interplay of light, and the raw, unscripted emotions are so worth it. And when was the last time you checked out a theater play?

tags: theater, drama, photography, Black and White Photography
Thursday 12.28.23
Posted by John Guira
 

Forget your boundaries

My recent endeavor involved breaking away from the confines of pristine sharp high-end images and advocating for a more daring approach. This time I truly wanted to craft by making this image a playground of textures and injecting a variance and densely concentrated details into a composition, allowing me to reach the results I was looking for.

Black and white photography, in particular, serves as a canvas for this creative exploration. The idea is to embrace imperfections, forging a unique narrative within the frame.

For anyone venturing into photography, consider this: innovation often arises from the willingness to create, destroy, and explore.

And here is a fun fact: Did you know that the first photograph ever taken required an exposure time of over 8 hours?

tags: bnw, Black and White Photography, black and white, canvas, johnguira, photography
Tuesday 12.19.23
Posted by John Guira
 

Not Just a Headshot

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In today's fast-paced business world, having a proper corporate professional shot is essential.

A corporate professional shot is a high-quality photograph taken by a professional photographer that represents the individual in a professional and polished manner. First impressions are crucial. A proper corporate professional shot can create a positive first impression and set the tone for future interactions. It conveys professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail, all qualities that are highly valued in the business world.

A high-quality image will help the individual stand out in a crowded market, establish credibility and authority, and create a strong personal brand. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in a professional corporate photo to reap these benefits and stay competitive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Throughout my career, I have shot many clients that form part of different industries and in various sectors of the corporate landscape, I find that some, are a bit more receptive than others, and in recent years I noticed photography has become increasingly undervalued and underutilized, not because is not important, but because it’s misunderstood.

Perhaps this is a segway for part two where I dive deeper into the subject and take you through my journey as a photographer.

For the time being, let’s stay focused on the subject and remember that incorporating photographs, including your profile picture, is a crucial aspect of establishing your professional branding.

tags: Photography, Headshot
Friday 04.21.23
Posted by John Guira
 

Perseverance

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

We often forget to take a step back and appreciate the simple things around us. But, a black and white photograph of an old man pushing two heavy carts with each arm can remind us of the beauty in the mundane.

The photo, taken with a 35mm camera, depicts an elderly man crossing the street on a Monday morning. Despite his age and physical limitations, he is pushing two heavy carts, one with each arm. The carts are piled high with various items, from bags of groceries to old pieces of what seemed to me to be furniture. The contrast of the black and white tones highlights the starkness of the man's surroundings. The street is empty, except for a few parked cars and a store in the background. The simplicity of the setting allows us to focus on the man and his carts. As we look at the photograph, we can imagine the struggle the man is facing. The weight of the carts must be immense, and he is moving slowly, one step at a time. It's evident that he's been doing this for a long time, as his body is accustomed to the weight and the movement.

The photo is a reminder that strength comes in many forms. We often associate strength with physical prowess or material wealth, but the old man's strength lies in his perseverance and determination. In my opinion, pictures like these remind me to slow down and appreciate the journey, no matter how difficult it may be.

tags: Washington Heights, Photography
Thursday 04.20.23
Posted by John Guira
 
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