Luis: Bushwick Brooklyn
I have been watching the circling pigeons from Maria Hernandez Park for sometime, hoping to meet the guys who keep them. Today I talked my way up on to one of the roofs, with three big coops and four guys. Luis, who keeps most of the birds, was a great host, and loved the camera.
Here he is holding a baby. The man knows and loves pigeons. They are beautiful to watch circling overhead, but even more amazing up close.
Here is more of the series: Pigeon Keepers of Bushwick
Comments and faves
chicapoquita, hunter.gatherer, entropymedia, tyfihi, and 22 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Tonya Blowe | Photography (32 months ago | reply)
Fantastic shot, I love to watch them fly the birds when I'm in Brooklyn too.
Fabulous story
Chris Arnade (32 months ago | reply)
Thanks Tonya. Often near dusk I am transfixed by the swirling birds. I was always curious to see them up close, so this was super cool for me. I cant wait to go back.
windupgodzilla (32 months ago | reply)
very cool.
This photo was invited and added to the Portraits & Context (Stories Behind the Photos) group.
RenaGinz (32 months ago | reply)
Wonderful documentary!
Adam Lerner (32 months ago | reply)
access to the inner circle, nice!
Chris Arnade (32 months ago | reply)
Adam: HA! so true. This roofdeck has three inner circles! Like a set from the BIRDS>
Gabriel Zamudio (32 months ago | reply)
fantastic environmental.
jschmitt10 (29 months ago | reply)
I have this wondeful pic a a present..Thanks Chris for sharing....
stevenbley (25 months ago | reply)
I'm glad you made the trip up there.
BlueisCoool (23 months ago | reply)
Very nice capture !
Kombizz (23 months ago | reply)
at least a person like him cares about these lovely birds - I guess he does not have a girlfriend
The hills are alive (back for a bit....) (23 months ago | reply)
This looks cosy for the pigeons, and I love the proud smile on his face, and how tenderly he is cupping the young bird. A great portrait!
Cran Burry (Matthew Nedbalsky) (23 months ago | reply)
Congrats on the Flickr blog. Really beautiful stuff as always
This photo was invited and added to the soulful journey group.
This photo was invited and added to the extreme fall group.
This photo was invited and added to the god creatures group.
This photo was invited and added to the free and proud group.
ravikjolly (23 months ago | reply)
Congrats, Chris! You sure deserve it!
eudæmon (23 months ago | reply)
congrats Chris - well-deserved recognition for this amazing series!
MEMPHIS MASTERPICS (23 months ago | reply)
Great shot ! I once heard that "Iron Mike Tyson" was a pigeon keeper and ,had some he paid crazy money for, I guess we all have a passion for something. Great work !
This photo was invited and added to the A Study in Pigeon group.
Vanitas65 (19 months ago | reply)
I faved this one shot but what I am really trying to say is how much I love the whole series.... A wonderful narrative seems to build in all of your work and your sincere respect for the stories and lives that you photograph really shows in the work....What a truly singular and wonderful vision that you have.
[[Marie-Ancolie R]] (15 months ago | reply)
This is a true gift. Thank you
adria.richards (5 months ago | reply)
It's been a dream of mine to keep pigeons one day. I guess that will make me one of the few women doing it. I love animals and had a cockatiel for several years so i'm excited to explore this photo series starting with Luis!
anneolive (4 months ago | reply)
Spectacular series. Thank you!!