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I shoot in black and white mostly, but not always. I guess that comes from the fact that when I started as a photographer I shot on film and developed prints … mostly good ol’ Tri-X B&W 400 ASA film, chasing the punk rock skateboarders that I hung around with in the ‘80s. It is also a representation of my background as a graphic designer. Black and white images to me are the purest form of that.

We kickstart the New Year with another virtual Motos and Photos : NYC interview, this chapter highlighting local photographer and motorcyclist Seth Grossman.

The 50-year-old New York native, born nine months after Woodstock and the summer of ’69, has seen a world of experience since he first picked up his father’s Pentax ME and a 50 mm prime In the mid-‘80s.

Bikes, cameras, travel and the human condition … all draws for Grossman, who grew up in Merrick on Long Island. Capturing hidden NYC moments is his latest quest.

1) So, tell us a bit about your photography and what strikes your interest in terms of subject matter?

I have always been interested in the human condition as a visual anthropologist.

I have done many, many things in my career as a photographer including almost 10 years working at B&H Photo Video, a stint at Magnum, ads for the US Army, shooting and producing for (Yang Lan) the Oprah of China on her popular talk show, shooting for the 50th anniversary of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a photo story on Chinese food in Cuba, and so much more.

Motorcycles have sparked my interested since I was a little kid.

2) When it comes to photography, how would you describe your shooting style?

My style is firmly rooted in the street. I am indebted to the legends of New York street photography that came before me, from Weegee (Arthur Fellig) to Lisette Model, Diane Arbus, Garry Winogrand, Robert Frank, Elliot Erwitt, and so many others.

3) At least in this grouping of images, you show a preference for black and white over color photography. Is this your go-to medium?

I shoot in black and white mostly, but not always. I guess that comes from the fact that when I started as a photographer I shot on film and developed prints … mostly good ol’ Tri-X B&W 400 ASA film, chasing the punk rock skateboarders that I hung around with in the ‘80s. It is also a representation of my background as a graphic designer. Black and white images to me are the purest form of that.

NYC moto culture in black and white — Seth Grossman

I am attracted to the fringes of society, the real undercurrent that breathes life into this town … communities that are not always at the forefront, hidden in their bubbles.

4) Did you study photography? If so, where, and did you have any specialties?

Over one summer in the mid-1980s I attended a pre-college program at the Philadelphia College of Art and Design. It was an amazing time to begin. My father had given me his old Pentax camera with a 50mm prime lens. It was a tank of a body. I had originally planned to study graphic design, but this was well before computers, so everything was done by hand in ink using a ruler and an Xacto knife. I was not cut out for that.

One of the classes I took was photography with Steven Fiorella. I became addicted to shooting and developing the film, the magic of capturing a fleeting moment, the energy of life, and the expressions on my subjects' faces. I also met one of my best friends there, Auguste Elder, a fellow traveler. I later went on to get my BFA from the photography and film department at The University of the Arts that it became. I also studied at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the ITP program for my Master’s Degree.

5) How long have you been shooting in New York and what are some of your favorite subjects to capture?

I grew up in New York, so I started shooting here with my father’s old Pentax around the time I was a teenager in the 1980s. I am attracted to the fringes of society, the real undercurrent that breathes life into this town … communities that are not always at the forefront, hidden in their bubbles.

My first projects were documenting the newly growing Russian community in Brighton Beach, the high society black tie dinners of the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, and of my friends, who were heavy metal freaks and punk rockers, skateboarders and artists. Later that grew into my love of travel as I shot around the world. Nothing like wandering the streets, hunting moments.

NYC riders in their element — Seth Grossman

I got my first motorized bike as a kid from my aunt, a beat up, old two-stroke moped that spewed smoke and went maybe 10 miles an hour if I was rolling downhill.

6) What do you shoot with – film, digital – and what equipment – body, favorite lenses, lighting setups, etc.

My heart lies in shooting film, almost always B&W, with the various cameras that I have worked with, including Nikon, Contax, Bronica medium format, Hassablad and even a Leica for a bit.

I adapted early to digital even when it wasn't quite there yet; My earliest serious digital was a Fuji S2, which was based on a Nikon body, because I could use all my Nikon lenses. Nikon took its time developing a strong digital system.

I think, however, shooting with a Contax G2 still has to be my favorite, or my old Bronica 645? These days I shoot with whatever I have, from a Nikon D600 to my iPhone. The iPhone allows a sort of discreetness and an ease of editing, even though it really is the device that killed the industry, eliminating the need for professionals and point and shoots.

7) You currently own a 2002 Honda VTX 1800. How long have you been riding? Have you always combined your interests in motorcycles and photography?

I got my first motorized bike as a kid from my aunt, a beat up, old two-stroke moped that spewed smoke and went maybe 10 miles an hour if I was rolling downhill. People used to walk faster than it. A police officer stopped me just after making this long journey riding to the beach for not wearing a helmet. He made me turn around and go home before I even enjoyed the beach.

But the freedom of the wind on my face seeped into my bones. In 2006 I was living in Beijing, China, and for not too much you could acquire a Vespa-like Turtle 125cc, or any number of fine electric scooters. You could get away without having a proper license, a helmet, or insurance. I loved the ones that I owned but they would get beat up and often stolen. I graduated to a Chinese cruiser-type 150cc street bike. It was awesome … I thought I was the king of the road. Half the time it wouldn't even start. I spent weeks getting it to run right with a British friend who was a mechanical engineer for BMW in Beijing. Of course, the moment it started running right it was stolen.

Weekly events such as Two-Wheel Tuesdays bring the community together — Seth Grossman

I am part of an amazing few groups of folks, from the NYC Gotham Riders to the Wreaking Crüe MC. I love the community and friendships, the rides and the meets. Being able to photograph that love is so special to me.

I did however love shooting my fellow motorcycle friends in Beijing. When I returned from China, I decided to get a proper motorcycle license and bike. Many of my friends from B&H Photo were riders, so I asked their advice. I originally thought maybe a 400 to 700cc would be more than enough since I was so used to riding a 150cc. They convinced me that that was not enough, so I thought maybe a 1200cc, which seemed huge to me at the time. I happened to find this Honda VTX 1800C bike for sale way out on Long Island. The bike looked great and I went for it. I still love it, but it is way too big for riding around Brooklyn.

8) What are some of your favorite events to shoot? Favorite riding routes / destinations?

I am part of an amazing few groups of folks, from the NYC Gotham Riders to the Wreaking Crüe MC. I love the community and friendships, the rides and the meets. Being able to photograph that love is so special to me. The problem is when I am riding, I don't shoot enough.

I look forward to going on more rides and building a collection of motorcycle lifestyle images. I really just need to go out and ride more and shoot more motorcycles!

Words from the wise ...

Captain America — Seth Grossman

You can connect with Seth Grossman online at sethmachine.com or on Instagram @sethmachine. He has a small gallery of moto-related work on display at Gotham Depot Moto Storage in Greenpoint: 51 Box St, Brooklyn, NY 11222.