Meryl Meisler

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Meryl Meisler, a New York-based photographer whose work spans several decades, capturing the vibrant life of New York City from the 1970s to the present day. Meryl shared her journey into photography, which was inspired by her father's passion for capturing family moments and a transformative experience at a Diane Arbus retrospective.We discussed her early work, including photographing Times Square during its gritty days and her experiences with street photography on the subway. Meryl's unique perspective on documenting joy and confidence in her subjects stood out, especially during a time when many photographers focused on deprivation and struggle. She emphasised the importance of community in photography, encouraging young photographers, particularly women, to find supportive groups and share their work.Meryl also reflected on her time documenting the disco era, sharing stories of her experiences in clubs like Studio 54 and the Copacabana. She highlighted the innocence and liberation of that time, contrasting it with the impact of the AIDS epidemic that followed.As we wrapped up, Meryl expressed her excitement for her current projects, including a solo show and a forthcoming book that will explore the evolution of queer-friendly nightlife from the 70s to today. Her passion for photography remains as vibrant as ever, and it was a true privilege to have her on the podcast to share her insights and experiences.Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of photography to document life, community and joy.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!