Documenting an endless succession of ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings could wear down even the heartiest of photographers.
Fortunately, civil-service shooters (yes — they do have those) get to cover a lot more.
These lensmen and women document the day-to-day efforts of the people who make New York City run. They also get an up-close look at places that are usually off-limits to others.
Some of the work that Parks Department photographer Danny Avila and Michael Anton, the Sanitation Department photographer, did to chronicle city workers’ efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy is being featured in a bold new exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
“I consider myself the luckiest photographer in New York City,” said Anton, 56, who was born and raised in Manhattan.
Documenting the herculean efforts of sanitation workers after the storm was often an emotional experience, he said, recalling how people would spot his DSNY patch and grab his arm to say thanks.
Avila, a also native New Yorker, said the best part of the job is going places he never even knew existed.
“I’ve learned so much about the city,” the 34-year-old said. “And Parks has a staff that is really dedicated to the city and each other.”
Susan Henshaw Jones, the museum director, said the exhibit transcends the visual history itconveys.
“New Yorkers have short memories, but these images will shock and amaze,” she said. “And this exhibition, I hope, will spark conversations about how to make our city better prepared.”
“Rising Waters: Photographs of Sandy,” through March 2, 2014 at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. (at E. 103rd St.), (212) 534-1672; visit www.mcny.org for tickets and more info.
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