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Bryan Stokely, a passionate street photographer based in New York, has an exceptional eye for capturing the essence of city life through his phone lens. His collection of photographs showcases a series of perfectly timed moments, each telling its own unique story of the bustling city streets.

Stokely often remarks, "Many pictures are bad and some are good. Here are some of the 'good' ones." His dedication to his passion is evident in these peculiar pictures, where the mundane becomes extraordinary. None of his photos are staged, yet they each reveal a glimpse of the photographer's keen observational skills and timing.

More info: Instagram

Bored Panda reached out to Bryan Stokely, a renowned street photographer based in New York, to delve into his approach and experiences in capturing the essence of city life through his lens. Stokely, known for his skill in seizing perfectly timed moments, shared insights into his creative process and challenges.

Bryan emphasized the role of observation and luck in street photography. "I just try to be observant. Sometimes things just fall into place and other times you have to kind of seek that out, but it’s a lot of just luck and observation," he explained.

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Linda Gilliam
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, this could be the 1st time she saw herself in the advertisement. I'd do the same thing.

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On training his eye, Stokely highlighted the vibrancy of New York and the importance of studying human behavior. He mentioned, "New York is always interesting so there’s no shortage of content. But you just have to pay attention and study human behavior."

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I heart Boo-BI-es
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Adorable and pretty cool she decided to read a book over other ways to entertain one's self.

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Discussing the difficulties of using a phone for photography, he said, "I lean into them. I think I am more creative when I have constraints, so I try to work within the limitations of the phone." He also shared his technique for discreet photography, which has been impacted by the shift to wireless headphones.

The photographer looks for moments with amusement or tension. "My favorite photos have some tension or contrast that connects the central figures to someone or something around them," he stated, revealing his focus on narrative elements in his work.

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Over the years, Stokely has incorporated more natural elements into his photography. Residing near Prospect Park, he has discovered that nature offers as many intriguing moments as the city. "It’s been fun trying to capture that," he reflected, indicating a broadening of his photographic perspective.

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Lilianne
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that the photographer may have accidentally caught a perfect photo.

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Bill Swallow
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've heard the term 'D!ckweed' many times, never realized it was literally botanical.

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Maartje
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ok, now this is the first one that I actually think is funny.

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Dane
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The girl in the photo...Nat Geo found her again....older obviously.....I think she is a grandmother now....still has those amazing eyes though.

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Kathy Richardson
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Filthy feet over your head next to the table with food on it; Gross

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Lilianne
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The accidental image I see at first glance is that it looks like there are two different people behind the post. The part of the coat on the right doesn't show any of its vertical stripes and appears shorter than the left. Does anyone else agree?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not a "coincidence" if it's clearly intentional. BP is "written" by idiots.

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Larry Benson
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is normal and perfectly acceptable; its the amount of women I see doing this in their cars on my morning ride into work that is terrifying.

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I heart Boo-BI-es
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The child that may or may not identify as SpongeBob seems to be a little too big for a stroller.

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Regina Holt
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's give the folks something to worry about, bury the maniken in Cental Park!

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I heart Boo-BI-es
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish my pants had pockets big enough to fit my phone into never mind an entire novel.

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Regina Holt
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ah, I like this one. even the arrow is pointing in the right direction, telling us the bigger message.

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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What is "coincidental" about this photo? Please be specific.

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly? That he is sitting in front of a wall, which is an entirely normal and expected thing for someone to do in a train station?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is "coincidental" here? Do you even know what that word means?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?

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Boo-Urns
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10 months ago

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And the coincidence here is... what, exactly?