Hey Stranger: Approaching People on the Street

A forward-looking celebration of New York street photography in 2026, exploring how today's creators are documenting the city differently while honoring its cultural memory. The conversation covers the influence of 90s film aesthetics, street photography as a cultural archive, building a recognizable voice, and translating personal work into sustainable opportunities.

For most photographers, walking up to a stranger and asking to take their portrait is one of the hardest parts of the job. Nico has made it his signature. In this photowalk through Minneapolis, he leads participants through his approach in real time, covering how to read a situation, build rapport quickly, and make images that feel genuine rather than grabbed. Equal parts workshop and walk, this session is for anyone who has ever wanted to photograph people but held back.