Inside a Bed-Stuy barbershop
A photographer gets the level on a popular neighborhood hangout
Cam Camarena
(Cam Camarena)
(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.
(Cam Camarena)
(Cam Camarena)
(Cam Camarena)To see more of Cam Camarena's work, check out his website.
