NATURE IN HARLEM - YOUTH PHOTO EXPO 2025
WHAT?
At this year's Youth Photo Expo, creative 14-15-Year-Olds enrolled in the Photography Cohort of Concrete Safaris' Outdoor Leadership Academy-Summer Youth Employment Program shared their photography reflecting on "Harlem in Nature". This special event united young people and supporters. There was delicious food, music, and conversation.
Nyana: This photo was taken in Marcus Garvey park. I took this photo because the flowers caught my eye and I admire the different colors of the flowers and that the colors blend in well with each other.
Sade: A solitary figure stands quietly beneath the shade of tall trees, gazing out over a sunlit, green-tinted river, wrapped in the peaceful stillness of nature.
Aisha: A field of pink flowers holds the morning light, each stem rises through, green, quiet but certain. Some petals are open, some still undergrown reminding us growth is not rushed, and beauty can be quite. In their gentle sway they keep a promise to return each season holding color against the greens.
Arianna: This is a picture of a small black bird with a red patch on its wing and a long tail feather. This bird is called a Red-winged Blackbird. It's a male bird, males are mostly black with a bright red and yellow patch on their wings, in Central Park.
Kadiatou: This image captures a small dog walking with its owner along a sunny city street. There's something calm and authentic about the everyday moments. This is a peace of daily life, full of companionship, energy, and love.
Lucia: In this photo, there’s a slide, representing the youth of Harlem with the sunlight reflecting on the slide, showing the beauty of nature.
Dana: The photo I took shows how there’s beauty. How beautiful is the simplicity of flowers. The show is even though the world is cool. There’s beauty in the simplest places as in flowers. I brightened up this photo to show how beautiful it actually is and also how vibrant life can be.
Elena Cepeda The sky in this photo feels calm and full of change with light slowly fading behind the trees.
Gyasi: Beauty contained from the outer world. In the fridge’s hum, the flowers sleep, Wrapped in silence, cold and deep. A breath of spring in silver light, Grace suspended in the night.
Aicha: This picture captures a vibrant graffiti piece through the gate. The swings and graffiti reflect the resilience and spirit of a community that finds color and life even within restricted spaces.
Janiyah: The hush is rich with nature’s song, A gentle peace that pulls you along. Away from noise, from rush, from fear, to everything that’s calm and near. And at the curve where shadows fall, Two yellow bins stand firm and small. A touch of man in nature’s keep, Yet still, the forest dreams in sleep. So walk this road with open heart, Let every leaf a blessing start. For in this green and golden lane, The world feels soft, and whole again
Jasiah: I gave in this photo because it shows hues of green and produces the calmness of nature . Which I wanted to present because people do not appreciate the scenery
Jeffrey: I’ve always loved the city and my work shows the innovation and work of our city. But it also shows the beautiful plant life and skyline all interwoven together and brings great depth to it.
Kady: This is a quiet path in a park with trees on both sides. There are empty benches next to a fence. The ground is covered in little yellow bits from the trees.
Kameira: This photo shows flowers growing behind a fence. One flower has a bee on it. The flowers are very pink and pretty, but the fence is hard and dark. I took this picture to show how nature keeps growing, even when it’s blocked. For me, it shows that life is strong and always finds a way. Even with the fence in the way the flowers still bloom and stay beautiful.
Crystal: Beneath fig leaves a koi pond lies Its beauty is dimmed by waste and wires. To keep the wild pure and bright we must protect what we put right.
London: This photo captures a quiet path lined with tall trees , where sunlight filters through the leaves, casting soft shadows and a golden layer of fallen petals or pollen on the ground.The image speaks to the peaceful coexistence of nature and urban life , showing how even in a city park, moments of stillness and simple beauty can be found in everyday places.
Mason: This image shows how some may assume that in New York City there isn't much greenery or agricultural environments, but there are entire parks dedicated to maintaining the greenery in NYC and this photo is one of them.
Mia: I picked this picture to represent the beauty of nature that is overlooked either because of the trash or by other people but I wanted to show what you could find if you really look closely. The area where the flowers were was dirty and had litter on the floor. That's why I chose to take pictures of the flowers showing there’s beauty in anything.
Natalie: A gray and white cat moves slowly through the garden, nose low to the ground, surrounded by tall grass and scattered white flowers. It’s a quiet, sunlit moment that feels both curious and completely at ease.
Sakwan: I choose this picture because of the way the sun reflects of the pool and the central park view the trees and buildings in the background
Sundae: This photo shows a big field with lots of yellow flowers. There are many green trees all around. A black fence is at the front, and a walking path is on the left side. In the back, you can see a blue sky with clouds. The picture feels calm and full of nature.
Tia: This photo shows a bright and colorful garden that’s filled with pink , dark pink , red , and white flowers . Even in a busy park the flowers bring peace , beauty , and a sense of calm stuff to the space.
Zaire: I mostly took pictures of the cars and the buildings because it shows how busy the city is and how the buildings all formed to what it is today and it gave a new york vibe so i only took pictures that seemed cool to me
WHAT?
At this year's Transformation Celebration on August 15th, 2024, creative 14-15-Year-Olds enrolled in the Photo Cohort of Concrete Safaris' Outdoor Leadership Academy-Summer Youth Employment Program shared their photography reflecting on a public health theme of their selection. This special evening united young people and supporters. There were delicious food, music, and conversation. Maggi Peyton Gallery is the art gallery on the 19th Floor of the Manhattan Municipal Building within the Manhattan Borough President's Office.
This exhibition is free and open to public from 10AM - 5PM through the end of September 2024.
Alexander, Age 15: The Garden of Eden, July 2024. Verbal flowers, words that bloom and enrapture with their tune. Performed roses fill the space, color mauve, yellow and red filled with rhyme, rhythm and grace. This is a simple but yet graceful photo captured on a warm sunny day. You can see the flowers blooming in color in this photo. It reminds me of a specific nostalgic memory embedded with me. It brings back to my travels in Dominican Republic where I saw a large open field with all types of flowers and plants growing.
Allisson, Age 15: Serenity of Daylight Love, July 2024.Lightning up the pond with a soft golden hue. Over the water, where our hearts find their view. Vibrant whispers of love in the daylight we share. Eternal and serene a bond beyond compare. While taking a leisurely afternoon stroll through Central Park with my camera, aiming to catch the city's essence I encountered a couple sitting by the pond. They were enjoying the beautiful views and more importantly each other's company. They appeared relaxed, as if they were savoring a well deserved break after a busy week. While respectfully observing them it struck me that love doesn’t have to be intense or active. True love can be found in simply spending quiet moments together, like sitting peacefully by a pond.
Yariel, Age 14: Love Towards You, July 2024.Nature has been important to me and to my godmother. She has this love for plants and nature and has always taught me and my siblings about how plants give us oxygen and help us survive.My godmother is like my 2nd mom. When I take these pictures I try to make sure they come out as perfect as possible because nature should have its credit for being here on earth. Both images connect with the rocks and the sky making it seem so relaxing and pretty.
Josh, Age 14: Silver Forest, July 2024. Moonlight’s glow on the grass Silver light paints the trees Silent than dull nights. My inspiration behind this picture was looking for something I could be proud of. We took a walk to Central Park, then came along many green hills and this scene in particular stood out to me. During the week we learned how to edit on Canva, I then had the idea to change up the image. I did this by changing the blue day sky to a dark night sky, I then added a crescent moon to give the image that night look.
Rashidat, Age 14: El Barrio Superette, July 2024.
Alexe, Age 14: Where Love Ends, July 2024. On July 26th 2024, I came across an elderly couple. I spent my time taking pictures of moments that felt inspiring, one of those moments being my time with an elderly couple. This couple gave me a glimpse of my future. They showed me what it looks like to have a person by your side, they showed me where love ends.
Yariel, Age 14: Love Towards You, July 2024.Nature has been important to me and to my godmother. She has this love for plants and nature and has always taught me and my siblings about how plants give us oxygen and help us survive.My godmother is like my 2nd mom. When I take these pictures I try to make sure they come out as perfect as possible because nature should have its credit for being here on earth. Both images connect with the rocks and the sky making it seem so relaxing and pretty.
Alexe, Age 14: Where Love Ends, July 2024.
Josh, Age 14: Silver Forest, July 2024. Moonlight’s glow on the grass Silver light paints the trees Silent than dull nights. My inspiration behind this picture was looking for something I could be proud of. We took a walk to Central Park, then came along many green hills and this scene in particular stood out to me. During the week we learned how to edit on Canva, I then had the idea to change up the image. I did this by changing the blue day sky to a dark night sky, I then added a crescent moon to give the image that night look.
Rashidat, Age 14 El Barrio Superette, July 2024.
Asifa, Age 14: Fisherman, July 2024. Until the fish come calling he waits in silence. But the fisherman's life line depends on what he nets. A fisherman was waiting there, one leg bent, for a very long time hoping to catch a fish. It reminded me of when I used to go fishing with my family. It took a lot of patience and stillness to capture a fish. I took this picture because it reminded me that we can all experience these feelings. I may have been somewhere else but the fisherman was there.
Deonisio, Age 14: Subtle Waters, July 2024
Gianna, Age 15: The Living World, July 2024.
Jalissa, Age 14: The outside through a lens, July 2024. This is our city, Isn’t it pretty? Hidden gems, found through a lens. These pictures were taken throughout Central Park and East Harlem with different techniques.They help show our community and environment hidden beauties in the most obvious places.
Jeremiah, Age 14: Willow, July 2024. I took this picture in early July. I spent most of my time here in Central Park, which is where I took this picture. This picture is of a willow tree. I named my photo meditation because of the vibes it gave me. It was beautiful and fluffy, the leaves and the water below with the ducks and turtles. It's calm and relaxing which is key to meditation.
Jordyn, Age 15: Creation, July 2024. The statue represents human creation. As I was viewing it, it reminded me of the time it took for people to build what we know now. It may have taken blood, sweat, and tears, but it was all worth it because the statue will remain for many years and others will be able to experience it just like how I did.
Joshua, Age 15: The Perfect Shot, July 2024. Basketball is fun, basketball is cool, basketball rules. A ball in flight, a hopeful art. A court alive, the night is stark. Echos of sneakers, heart beats pace. A dance of skill, a test of grace. I was at Jefferson Park with Jerremy. We were taking pictures of the basketball court. I thought it was a good shot because it's not something you would typically take a picture of. It was nice to see the contrast between the basketball hoop and trees.
Kenechukwu, Age 15: Same Sky, July 2024.
Lindsey, Age 15: Towers, July 2024. They make me feel things, They give me the challenge of creating a new vision. It reminds me of concrete safaris, to make a new living. I was at the brooklyn bridge and was surrounded by many buildings. These buildings were massive, but it still reminded me of my own. It had many windows like mine. It made me wonder about the many different lives that gather inside for all sorts of reasons. I used a lower angle to demonstrate just how massive the building is and how much it is capable of holding.
Pharrell, Age 14: Poma nationals, July 2024. Roses are red, the plants are green. The sky is blue, if you litter you're a fool. As you walk around god sees the trash on the ground. I took this picture because basketball means a lot to me, having played since I was five years old. Basketball is something that brings me joy, something that introduces me to other players and people that I can call my brothers to this day. That's what inspired this picture.
Pharrell, Age 14: Poma nationals, July 2024. Roses are red, the plants are green. The sky is blue, if you litter you're a fool. As you walk around god sees the trash on the ground. I took this picture because basketball means a lot to me, having played since I was five years old. Basketball is something that brings me joy, something that introduces me to other players and people that I can call my brothers to this day. That's what inspired this picture.
Trenton, Age 14: Environmental Journey, July 2024. s this a time to be cloudy and sad? When our Mother Nature laughs around. Whenever the deep blue heavens look glad and gladness breathes from the blossoming ground. As I was going on a walk, I was hit with the realization of how beautiful nature can be. I took this picture because of the shadows of the people and trees which were across from each other. It made me feel calm and stable within. Watching everybody do their everyday things within nature made me feel like I was a part of a community.
Abel, Age 15 Complexion, July 2024. During this summer excursion, as we have visited various locations & taken dozens of pictures, I learned that nature is embedded into the city, you just have to know where to look. Often we relate the lonely trees on the sidewalk to nature but nature is how the seeds we plant warp around the landscape we created. I chose this picture because it’s one of the most vibrant in my catalog and I felt it captured the synergy of the urban scenery with the green bushes and vines perfectly. My image, from my perspective, reflects a sense of home locked behind a gate.
Anthony, Age 14: An Entry Into the Urban World, August 2024. The trees are brown everywhere but the center, creating an opening, there you can find a pair of small buildings and clouds passing by. This makes me think about a door between nature and industrialization
Anthony, Age 14: An Entry Into the Urban World, August 2024. The trees are brown everywhere but the center, creating an opening, there you can find a pair of small buildings and clouds passing by. This makes me think about a door between nature and industrialization
Daquane, Age 14: Greens, July 2024. Walking throughout Central Park, I viewed many greens, from the green grass, to the hills, to the tall standing trees. All this greenery, for me to choose, I pick to share the plant who gives us air and life.
Abel, Age 15 Complexion, July 2024. During this summer excursion, as we have visited various locations & taken dozens of pictures, I learned that nature is embedded into the city, you just have to know where to look. Often we relate the lonely trees on the sidewalk to nature but nature is how the seeds we plant warp around the landscape we created. I chose this picture because it’s one of the most vibrant in my catalog and I felt it captured the synergy of the urban scenery with the green bushes and vines perfectly. My image, from my perspective, reflects a sense of home locked behind a gate.
Kamiyah, Age 14: Jefferson Gardens, July 2024. What do you do with a used napkin or an open candy wrapper you brought from the store? Did you toss it on the ground? Or put it in its respective place? I share this image that I took on my way to the park. I wanted to show the state of the parks, and how it affects me. This is proof showing that litter like cigarette butts, soda cans, water bottles, plastic bags, and takeout boxes are all over your child’s ground.
Delilah, Age 15: Nature at Randalls, July 2024. This photo expresses how much I love and believe in nature. This location amplifies how nature is the staple for beauty. My image conveys how nature and the community come together to provide a setting like no other. The grass, trees, wind all live in harmony with our community and the only word to explain this is beauty.
Jenesis, Age 14: Central Park, July 2024. Nurtured by the morning dew, A canvas painted in shades of blue. Trees whisper secrets in the breeze, Underneath, the world finds peace. Rivers dance and mountains stand tall, Eternal beauty, nature's call.
Kamiyah, Age 14: Jefferson Gardens, July 2024. What do you do with a used napkin or an open candy wrapper you brought from the store? Did you toss it on the ground? Or put it in its respective place? I share this image that I took on my way to the park. I wanted to show the state of the parks, and how it affects me. This is proof showing that litter like cigarette butts, soda cans, water bottles, plastic bags, and takeout boxes are all over your child’s ground.
Lariah, Age 14: Black and White, August 9, 2024.
During this summer, I learned the importance of not taking the ordinary for granted. Living in NYC for almost my entire life has made the city feel less compelling, and photographing it seemed dull. However, throughout the various photography trips, I realized that there are still lots of hidden gems in NYC!" -Sheng
"During the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to grow as a creative person in Concrete Safaris. My teacher, Mr. Julian, expanded my understanding of photography and how it's not about the timing of the photo, but the beautiful moment it captures." - Arisbeth
"My experience at Concrete Safaris has honestly been amazing. I met new people, and I learned how to take photos and edit them. A lesson that really helped me produce high quality photos was editing, like highlights, shadows, exposure, etc." - Yahir
"Going out this summer to take pictures has encouraged me to learn more about traveling and the different parts of New York City. This summer, I got to meet a new friend and got to make cool memories with them." - Hev
"Concrete Safaris is a cool place where you make friends and also find new places around the city." - Yarili
"My experience this summer has been great. I’ve learned a lot about photography and I’ve had so much fun exploring new neighborhoods. I feel like I have definitely grown as a photographer and I’ve definitely had a great time learning, and hopefully will continue to learn." -Heaven
"This summer I learned how to be a tourist in my own city." - Anushka
"As a beginner photographer I’ve learned the process of first taking nice photos and then editing them well." -Brad
"This program was an experience that I think had a positive impact on everyone. Learning different types of photography was a good thing to learn." - Michael
"I came into this program with limited photographic expertise, but I've since learned more about taking photos, editing photos, and new sites in NYC." - Kadean
"Photography was fun because we got to learn about all the different components there are in order to take a good photo. We also learned how to edit our photos to make the image more vibrant." - Max
"This summer has been great so far. I’ve been to many places I haven’t been to before and got the chance to explore the outdoors more." -Thedral
"This summer, I got the chance to explore New York and learn about the beauty of photography. Even though the summer days were very hot and sometimes unbearable, I enjoyed my time with Concrete Safaris and the new friends I made. -Jayra
"Photography is the story I fail to put into words. Throughout the summer I have grown and learned a lot about taking photos. We learned about everything from shadows and highlights to sharpness and black point. In photography, beauty can be seen in all things." - Deanndra
"I’ve experienced a lot this summer and made friends along the way. It was an amazing time to challenge my inner photographer." - Nalani
"I have learned so much in Concrete Safaris photography. I learned about lights and shadows and editing. I had so much fun shooting plants and buildings." -Jordin
"Throughout this program, we had a lot of freedom and went to some places that I had never been. We had to meet in a variety of locations, which gave me a lot of independence. My teacher, Mr. Julian, also taught us a lot of other things. For instance, he taught us how to take portrait photos and to make sure when taking a picture, it has a purpose. I was able to improve on taking photos and making sure I got good lighting. It was a lot of fun visiting places that I had never explored." - Mirian
"As a beginner photographer I’ve learned the process of first taking nice photos and then editing them well." -Brad
"I’ve experienced a lot this summer and made friends along the way. It was an amazing time to challenge my inner photographer." - Nalani
"This program was an experience that I think had a positive impact on everyone. Learning different types of photography was a good thing to learn." - Michael
"My experience at Concrete Safaris has honestly been amazing. I met new people, and I learned how to take photos and edit them. A lesson that really helped me produce high quality photos was editing, like highlights, shadows, exposure, etc." - Yahir
"This summer has been very adventurous, going around the city and taking photos of places I’ve never been for all 14 years of my life in New York City. Summer at Concrete Safaris has been pure enjoyment and a refreshing experience to me." -Reysi
"This summer for me began with not having much experience in photography. As this experience is ending I’ve been able to grow my skills, view my surroundings differently, and find potential for good photos all around me." - Angie
"This summer for me began with not having much experience in photography. As this experience is ending I’ve been able to grow my skills, view my surroundings differently, and find potential for good photos all around me." - Angie
"This summer at Concrete Safaris, I learned new things about photography. For instance, I learned about the different types of photography and how to edit my pictures. Not only did I learn more about photography, I was able to explore new neighborhoods and make new friends. I am so thankful for the experience I have gained from this internship." - Emely
"This summer opened my eyes to just how beautiful New York City is. I loved traveling and seeing parts of the city I’ve never seen before!" -Kim
"Photography was fun because we got to learn about all the different components there are in order to take a good photo. We also learned how to edit our photos to make the image more vibrant." - Max
"This summer has been cool. I usually like taking pictures of myself, but this job has opened my eyes to something greater in terms of photography. As shown above you’ll see some pictures I feel like are dope while I was on the job. Hope you enjoy!" -My'Aire
"My experience this summer has been very inspiring and informative to me. This summer I got to learn how to take better photos and how to express what they mean to me." -Ryan
"This summer, I not only gained job experience, but I also had the opportunity to travel to different neighborhoods around New York City, all while being educated on a variety of photography techniques and methods. I think what I learned will carry on with me for a very long time." - Diem
"This summer, I learned that in photography you must take the time to get something right." -Chazz
"Clouds being Clouds" by Aaron
"Mountains, Trees, Hills" Aaron
"Withered"by Angela,
"View Through the Hole"
by Anna
"Beginning of Spring" by Anna
"Bridge" by Angela,
"Blooming Flowers" by Elizabeth
"Sunset Shimmer" by Elizabeth
"City perspective" by Fariha
"Tip Of A Castle" by Fariha
Taken by Flora, The Comic Book Strip
"Pink Flower" by Janice
"Sunset Behind Buildings" by Janice
"Nature" by Lemoya
"Rainy Day" by Lemoya
"Golden Sunshine" by Samir
"Hidden Treasure" by Samir
"Beautiful Tourist View" by Roselin
"The Light of New York" by Roselin
"The Foggy City" by Leo
"Red Sun" by Leo
"Warm Sunlight" by Shi-En
"Leaves" by Shi-En
"Belonging" by Ulani
"Beauty In The Crowd" by Ulani
Tyleak
Tyleak
Taken by Alan, Age 8: Tunnel Vision
Taken by Allen, Age 11: Springtime Rain
Taken by Alondra, Age 8: Sky-view
Taken by Brenda, Age 11: Under The Blue Lenses
Taken by Dariel, Age 8: Capturing the Garden
Taken by Dariel, Age 8: Grass Beneath the Twigs
Taken By Esther, Age 9: Fun On The Swings
Taken by Gidalys, Age 10: Puerto Rican Flag
Taken by Granville, Age 11: Raindrops
Taken by Hailey, Age 12: The Bark Of A Tree
Taken by Irvin, Age 8: Playground Vision
Taken by Jamie, Age 8: Playground Fun
Taken by Jandely, Age 8: Sky and Swings
Taken by Jandely Age 8: Red Boots On A Rainy Day
Taken by Jandely, Age 8: Wispy Clouds
Taken by Janelle, Age 9: Reflection Of The Trees
Taken by Jayden, Age 9: Playground Views
Taken by Kaliyah, Age 13: Direction
Taken by Kaydy, Age 9: Grass and Twigs
Taken by King, Age 7: 112 and 3 Ave
Taken by King, Age 7: A Cloudy Day
Taken by Melody, Age 10: Light Between The Buildings
Taken by Paola 2, Age 13: The Road
Taken by Payton 2, Age 15: The Weeping Willow
Taken by Rafael, Age 12: Planting Seeds
Taken by Redat, Age 15: Holiday Leaves
Taken by Redat, Age 15: Purple Pop Of Fun
Taken by Redat, Age 16: Pink Carnations
Taken by Shalimar, Age 10: Friends In The Garden
Taken by Yostin, Age 11: Reflection of the Building
Taken by Alissa, Age 15: Pops of Pink
Taken by Anaisa, Age 15: The FDR
Taken by Bianca, Age 15: Between The Stems
Taken by Hadiatou, Age 15: Flowers Amongst Twigs
Taken by Hailey, Age 15: A Summer Day
Taken by Payton, Age 15 : Purple and Green
Taken by Robert, Age 15: The Ruby Tulip
Taken by Taria, Age 15: Lilac Flowers
Taken by Robert, Age 15: Duck by the Pond
Taken by Allen, Age 11: Wilting Leaves
