A Love Letter to NYC’s MTA Conductors
This October, Subway Portraits, the debut photo book by East London photographer Sirui Ma, will arrive to celebrate the unsung heroes of New York City’s subway system: the MTA train conductors. In this exquisite 208-page collection, Ma presents 64 hand-printed portraits, capturing the individuality, charm, and quiet elegance of the people behind the uniform.
Through her lens, Ma transforms fleeting subway encounters into moments of human connection. The portraits are accompanied by personal iPhone snapshots taken over 12 years of subway rides, creating an evocative juxtaposition of her journey as a passenger and her admiration for the conductors. The book goes behind the scenes with contact sheets, darkroom test strips, and even an exclusive interview with a veteran train operator, offering rare insight into the city’s lifeblood.
Designed and edited by Eli Rosenbloom, Subway Portraits blends New York’s publishing traditions with a fresh, modern edge. Printed in Belgium by Die Keure, the book features Swiss-binding, an O-band, and an art print by painter Leon Xu. An excerpt by Hua Hsu adds literary flair, making this not just a photo book, but a keepsake.
Whether you’re a subway aficionado, a photography lover, or a New Yorker at heart, this book is a celebration of the humanity humming beneath the streets.
Don’t miss the official launch and book signing on Friday, 6th December, 6–9:30 PM at 12-14 Englefield Road, London N1 4LS
@sirui.ma
@hackneychinese
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