Harlem Street Portraits Hardcover – September 28, 2013

I wanted to like this book. I received it and I was not impressed at all. Many of the photos were not even clear. After watching Harvey Stein on a video that B&H aired, he seems like a really nice guy and a talented photographer. The book did not move me, I did not share Mr. Stein's vision. I returned the book to Amazon for a refund.At the same time of this purchase I also bought Stein's Coney Island: 40 Years 1970-2010. I did enjoy the Coney Island book and look forward to taking a photography class taught by Mr. Stein, but this book did not do it for me.

Not as good as I thought. Returned the book to Amazon for a refund. Others may enjoy it even though I didn't..

The pictures speak for themselves — and they speak eloquently. Harvey Stein, a master photographer who has chronicled other parts of New York and other cities with equally fine results, approaches his subjects with humility, sensitivity and a passion to engage.

Harlem Street Portraits represents 12 years of photos that Harvey Stein took on the streets of Harlem starting in 2002. These are stunning portraits in black and white and the subjects are mostly aware they are being photographed. Harvey takes the time to speak with his subjects before he takes their photo and that extra touch lends an extra air of vulnerability to his subjects.The book includes two short essays by Herbert Boyd and Miss Rosen which discuss Harlem and photography. Harvey Stein discusses what his feelings were about Harlem before entering to photograph the people who live there. It's a snapshot of a neighborhood that is changing even as the book has been published. Changes that are possibly forcing some of the residents out.The subjects are young and old. Hopeful and laughing, pensive and slightly suspicious. There is a weight and respect to the subject matter. The black and white lends dignity to it's subject. This is a work that will stand beside Mr. Stein's other work.I was graciously given a review copy by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book.

As he has with the Coney Island book, Harvey has captured slices of life for history. I agree with Herbert Boyd (note also very good pos script by Miss Rosen) that Harvey should be added to the cannon of artists who cared enough to capture a real aspect of NYC - Harlem.Harlem is always and has always been a quintessential NYC experience. Years to come it will not look anything like he has captured. From his photos I get a sense of a people 'prophesizing' their future and seeking an opportunity to immortalise their legacy - the T-shirts, those community experiences. I was amazed at the willingness of the folks to be photographed ...it's as if they know the transience of their time here - of course, it may be the skill of the artist (Harvey Stein) in engaging his subject. He has captured these emotions with loving grace.I am so glad Harvey chooses to continue to capture the New York that NEEDS to be shared for posterity, from Coney Island (my BK) to Harlem, a place with a rich history.Congratulations on this project. I wish you continued success with it.

I recently bought this book in amazon.co.uk. Nearly 200 pages filled with inspiring portraits made in the streets of Harlem during many years. Harvey Stein gets very close to his subjects physically and emotionally, and that shows in the strength and warmth of these images. They are also extremely well composed and finished, which is not a surprise coming from a renowned photographer who has spent more than forty years in the streets. The book itself is first class, with high quality paper and print reproduction. I recommend this book to nearly everybody: To anyone interested in (very good) photography; to all those who can appreciate beauty when they see it; to those who are looking for a lasting gift... I am very glad I bought it and will enjoy it for many years to come.

Yet another amazing photography book by Harvey Stein. Harlem Street Portraits is a beautiful compilation of images that depict in a very graceful and personal way the essence of a neighborhood that has always been an important part of New York's history. Every time I look at the book, I gain new insights into Harvey's working methods and how he puts together a tapestry of images that provides a meaningful document of a place and it's people. The richness of the reproductions echo the strength and inventiveness of the photographs. Bravo.

Harvey Stein's beautiful and evocative book is a must for street photographers, history buffs and those interested in Harlem and NYC. His images capture the essence of the place and its people and are rendered in a warm, loving and respectful way. The result is a stunning book that will appeal to all. Highly recommended!