Red Hook’s Oh So Photogenic

Photographer Denys Trofimchuk, originally from Rivne, Ukraine, moved to New York seven years ago. Though he’s been doing photography full-time since 2015, he first picked up a camera when he lived in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, years ago and learned the craft through trial-and-error during the cold winter months. Now he shoots a lot of film and portraits, including some fashion and weddings, in both color and black and white.

Since he’s not a studio photographer, Trofimchuk enjoys using New York City landscapes for his backdrops. He likes shooting in Manhattan’s Financial District, especially on weekends, because the light’s very good in the mornings there and makes the photos look more majestic. However, he also likes to come to Red Hook for inspiration and unique backgrounds, which he began doing about a year-and-a-half ago after a friend had recommended the neighborhood.

“I like vintage and classic cars, and there are a lot of spots where you can find them, especially in Red Hook,” Trofimchuk explained. “I’ve been trying to incorporate those cars that you can find there with the shoots. It’s like, ‘Let’s do a quest in trying to find cool cars to shoot near.’”

During his explorations, he also discovered Brooklyn Motor Works, a brick and mortar motorcycle shop located at 185 Van Dyke St. that has vintage motorcycles and classic cars.

“It’s a to-go place to eat and to shoot,” he said with a laugh while also referring to Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies, which is adjacent to the shop.

Besides looking for classic cars in the neighborhood, Trofimchuk sometimes goes to Louis Valentino, Jr. Pier to take photos of friends who are models. Plus, he’s previously done photo shoots in front of the older warehouses, which provided a bit of a rough, edgy look.

At the end of the day, Trofimchuk just wants his clients and even strangers to feel something when looking at his photos – not just quickly double-tapping the post on Instagram and continuing to scroll through other types of content.

“I want them to pause for a second and to look at the picture because I would really hope some would – with the photos I do – stop and think about something,” he said.

Trofimchuk’s been giving prints as well to his personal clients, which isn’t as common in today’s digital world.

“Although you have a bunch of pictures on your phone, a print is physical and it has an aura to it that’s better,” he said.

Trofimchuk can be followed on Instagram.

Top photo from Trofimchuk’s Instagram

George Fiala

George Fiala has worked in radio, newspapers and direct marketing his whole life, except for when he was a vendor at Shea Stadium, pizza and cheesesteak maker in Lancaster, PA, and an occasional comic book dealer. He studied English and drinking in college, international relations at the New School, and in his spare time plays drums and fixes pinball machines.