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Illuminating the Past: Larry Racioppo’s Reflections on his Extensive Archive of Photographs

56 min • 4 augusti 2023

Editor’s Note: The woman in the photo above next to Larry is Melissa, his cousin Camille’s daughter. They are at a 2018 book signing fo his book “BROOKLYN BEFORE.” Melissa’s 1983 First Communion Photo is in the book and on the wall behind them. It’s another example of his family work coming full circle.

Larry Racioppo is a New York photographer who has been capturing captivating images for over half a century. Hailing from a simple Italian-American, Catholic family in Brooklyn, art wasn’t a frequent part of his upbringing. Nevertheless, Larry fell in love with photography accidentally while volunteering for an anti-poverty program in California. Ever since 1969, Larry discovered his passion and developed a unique photographic style that reflects his roots and personal evolution.

His diverse body of work, which examines the vibrant religious cultures of different ethnic groups in the city and showcases intimate portraits of loved ones, exhibits a fascinating continuity. Despite a lack of formal training, this self-taught artist has published five books and is currently working on his next five.

Don’t forget to check out Larry’s Street Photography Magazine article “Return Visit to NYC.”