(Cam Camarena)Camarena longed to capture this tight-knit group, but wasn't sure how to make an introduction. He loitered outside, hung out on their bench, and eventually struck up conversations with the barbers on break, who welcomed him in, camera and all. "[They] accepted me in so quickly," Camarena said, "and actually encouraged me to keep coming as much as possible." And so, he did.Camarena photographed Levels for more than two years, taking a mix of black-and-white portraits and documentary-style photographs that had a vintage feel the owners really liked. As the business expanded, Camarena was hired to photograph all of the Levels locations throughout New York City. Today, Camarena's shots pepper the Levels website and social media channels. "A lot happens in these classic old barbershops," Camarena said, "and as intimidated as I was in the beginning, this group allowed me into their lives and made me feel like a real part of their circle very quickly." Below, step into Levels Barbershop.
-
Bluetoothing: the phenomenon driving HIV spike in FijiUnder the Radar ‘Blood-swapping’ between drug users fuelling growing health crisis on Pacific island
-
Marisa Silver’s 6 favorite books that capture a lifetimeFeature The author recommends works by John Williams, Ian McEwan, and more
-
Book reviews: ‘We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution’ and ‘Will There Ever Be Another You’Feature The many attempts to amend the U.S. Constitution and Patricia Lockwood’s struggle with long Covid
