Brownie by David Katzenstein with Richard Grosbard

Join us for a conversation with acclaimed photographer David Katzenstein to launch his new photography collection that represents the culmination of ten years of experimenting with color photography and celebrating serendipity and artistic vision. He will be in conversation with Richard Grosbard followed by a signing.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Can't attend? (please specify that you would like it signed in the comments box at checkout).

Between 1979 and 1989 the American photographer, David Katzentein used a series of Kodak Duaflex cameras, the first of which he purchased at a yard sale in 1975. Brownie represents the culmination of ten years experimenting with color photography and using the limitations of the camera as a way to expand his creative boundaries.

Paying homage to the Kodak Brownie camera that was originally introduced in 1900 and meant to bring photography to the masses, Katzenstein used the second generation, the Kodak Duaflex which was introduced in 1947. He began shooting with the camera in New York City in 1979 and 1980 before taking it on the road with him to places in Latin America and North Africa throughout the 1980s.

Brownie showcases how the cameraʼs simplicity became Katzensteinʼs greatest asset. The fixed-focus lens and square format gives the images an ethereal quality and nostalgic warmth. The square format forced him to experiment with composition and play with the juxtaposition of foreground and background subject matter. He was also influenced by painters like Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse, for their use of bold color and their unique arrangement of space.

This collection celebrates serendipity and artistic vision, demonstrating how constraints can lead to creative breakthroughs. Katzensteinʼs photographs invite readers to explore the boundaries between documentation and artistic interpretation, revealing how technical limitations became creative possibilities. His work challenges our perceptions of photography, reminding us that true vision lies in embracing constraints.

David Katzenstein is a New York based photographer, who throughout his career has traveled the world to visually chronicle humanity. He was a contributor to Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and Conde Nast Traveler. In 2018, he formed the nonprofit organization, The Human Experience Project, that creates content to support the mission of organizations who work to inspire lifelong learning and strengthen our communities. He is also the managing editor of the Barkley L. Hendricks Photography Archive. His books include Ritual (2022) and Distant Journeys (2024), and his latest release Brownie (Hirmer, 2025).

Photo Credit: Gideon Lewin

Richard Grosbard is a photography collector based in New York City. He is an advisor to the MUUS Foundation, which seeks to bring together American photography archives from the twentieth century. He also serves as an advisor to the Todi Circle and is the Co-Chairman of the Grolier Club Photography Group. He contributed the introduction to Brownie by David Katzenstein (Hirmer, 2025).

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