Antonio and Ward dive into the vibrant pages of James and Karla Murray's new book "Store Front NYC: Photographs of the City's Independent Shops, Past and Present" on this episode of Street Shots. The Murrays recount their serendipitous journey, starting from documenting the graffiti art scene in the late '90s to capturing the rapid transformations of NYC's iconic mom-and-pop stores. The book, a testament to the city's cultural evolution, captures the spirit of neighborhoods spread across the five boroughs. The duo discusses the challenges of capturing these ever-evolving spaces and the poignant stories of the store owners.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as James and Karla reflect on the emotional ties New Yorkers have with these corner stores, especially the immigrants who found both livelihood and community in them. With many of these shops now only memories, the Murrays hope their work sparks a renewed appreciation for these unique, irreplaceable facets of New York's identity. Their photographs stand as both a celebration and a call to preserve the city's soul.

The book "Store Front" will be available on September 19th and can be preordered now at Amazon.

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JAMES and KARLA MURRAY - Website, YouTube, Instagram, "Store Front" from Prestel

(images courtesy James & Karla Murray)

Store Front NYC: Photographs of the City's Independent Shops, Past and Present

(Richard's Barber Shop, Nostrand Avenue near Park Place, Crown Heights, 2004. ©James and Karla Murray)

(Katy's Candy Store, Tompkins Avenue near Vernon Avenue, Bedford-Stuyvesant, 2004. ©James and Karla Murray)

(CBGB, Bowery at Bleecker Street, East Village, 2005. ©James and Karla Murray)

(D. D'Auria & Sons Pork Store, East 187th St. near Cambreleng Avenue, Belmont, 2004. ©James and Karla Murray)

(James and Karla Murray. © James and Karla Murray)

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Store Front