Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Street photographer Jamel Shabazz documented fashion, life and culture in his New York City community for over 40 years. Now young photographer Chris Cook follows in his footsteps, showing a photo album of his portfolio and giving Polaroids to his subjects to give as much as he takes.

Jamel never had the mentor he needed at Chris’s age, so Chris lays his work on the table, hoping for critique, guidance, and a confirmation he’s absorbed the lessons of this legend. Will he impress the GOAT—or be pushed to rethink everything?


CREDITS

Director
Haimy Assefa

Produced by
Blue Black Studio

Executive Producer
Scott Keiner

Senior Producer
Karla Carnewal

Senior Producer
David Friedman

Producer/Development Coordinator
Sarah M. Turner

Director of Photography
Rodrigo Valencia

Cinematographer
Haimy Assefa

Editor
Ernesto Guadalupe

Field Sound Mixer
Akil DuPont
Samuel Perez

Assistant Camera
Rafael Alvarado

Coordinating Producer
Shelby Boamah

Production Assistant
Paige Perez

Production Coordinator
Goto McCagg

Assistant Production Coordinator
Amelia Mylvaganam

Post-Production Coordinator
Adam Enatsky

Thanks

Philip Brookman
Elizabeth Fortune
Mel Harper
Kate Haw
Ivy Jones
Sydni Myers
Nick Sharp
Galerie Bene Taschen
Amber Watts
Eileen Willis

Still haven’t subscribed to our YouTube channels?   
National Gallery of Art ►►youtube.com/NationalGalleryofArtUS  
National Gallery of Art Talks ►►youtube.com/NationalGalleryofArtTalks 
     

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART    

The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.    

More National Gallery of Art Content:

Facebook: facebook.com/nationalgalleryofart
Twitter: twitter.com/ngadc
Instagram: instagram.com/ngadc
Pinterest: pinterest.com/ngadc/_created
E-News: https://mailchi.mp/nga.gov/signup

#NationalGalleryofArt #streetphotography #brooklyn #80s