Santacon NYC

Santacon is essentially Saturnalia. I think about the Roman Empire a lot. I am half Roman. As such, it is an indelible part of my process. When I ventured out to photograph the 24 hour bacchanal that is Santacon, I had no idea how truly rowdy it is. It is gluttony. Pure and simple.As a celebration, in the current tradition of Santacon NYC, Saturnalia was the liveliest festival on the Roman Calendar.It was initially celebrated on December 17. It was to hail the Roman god Saturn. Naturally, all work and business were suspended. Even Roman slaves. were given temporary freedom to say and do what they liked. Many moral restrictions were eased. The streets were infected with a madness. A mock king was chosen-in this modern day case, that king is Santa. As a photographer I like to embed and engage. Consent is important to me, even when I’m shooting on the street. After all, one never knows what another person is going through. This is something I feel acutely as a woman. I wouldn’t want someone to photograph me unless they asked. Anyone I ask permission to photograph has the right to say no. I am so fortunate that these people all said yes.