As a blogger I thought I’d share one of my favourite blogs with you - Humans of New York, a photoblog that features street portraits and interviews of New Yorkers in a honest, tremendous way. If like me, one of your hobbies include people-watching and making up back stories for them, then this blog is for you.

Brandon Stanton, the guy behind the lens, manages to capture an intimate moment in every portrait he takes, whether it’s joyful and funny or heartbreakingly sad, each portrait is beautifully intimate nonetheless. Ever since I discovered Humans of New York, I am hooked on it. Every time it pops up on my social media, it makes me grin like a Cheshire cat or cry like a baby. Stanton does an amazing job at capturing people’s hopes, fears and aspirations. The blog is great for those who might need reminding of the silver lining now and then, to always look on the bright side of life.

Stanton started HONY in November 2010, after he moved to New York from Atlanta. He decided to pursue his passion in photography after losing his job. HONY has over 6000 portraits and counting, as well as a #1 best-selling book and huge followers on both Facebook and Instagram.

Humans of New York is probably the most meaningful photoblog you’ll come across, an all-round wonderful piece of work that not only address’s people’s voice but also makes a real difference. Like this one story - 

"We have located the woman from yesterday's post, and are in contact with her. We also have someone in Lahore who is going to help connect her with those who wish to help. In order to streamline that process, we created a new email account for all such offers. She is hoping for someone who can help connect her with services, as opposed to cash donations. If you believe you can help this woman with accommodation and/or medical treatment, please email: honypakassist@gmail.com. Thanks everyone. Based on the outpouring of offers and support from yesterday, hopefully we can help her heal and get back on her feet. -------------------------------“I left an abusive relationship and I have nowhere to go. I have Hepatitis C, so no one is willing to take me in. I don’t know how long I will live. I tried to give her up for adoption so that she’d have a good home. The wife of a minister told me about a place where I could drop her off. But when I got there, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.” (Lahore, Pakistan)"

Here are 5 reasons why you should follow Humans of New York!

“We met three years ago in Grand Central Station. I got stuck working late so I missed my train and was in a terrible mood. I went to get some food at the bar, and the only stool open was next to him. I asked if anyone was sitting there, and he told me ‘no,’ and helped me take off my coat. A few minutes later, his son came back from a cigarette break, and I was in his seat. All of us spent the next two hours talking. When I left, his son chased me down, handed me his business card, and said: ‘I think my dad really likes you. If you think you might like him too, please send me an email.’”

“This used to be my store. I put everything I had into it. I dropped out of school when I was 16, and by working two jobs, I managed to save about $90,000. I spent it all on this store. I was the bookkeeper, the buyer, and the sales guy. We even made a profit our first year. I think it was $213, but it was a profit. The happiest moment for me was when we were signing the papers and giving the landlord our deposit. Everything felt so real. The saddest moment was three years later, when that same man was standing over us while we packed our stuff, and he was telling us that we only had an hour to get out.”

“I was just telling her about how her mother and I used to come to these games in the early 80’s. We lost her to a drunk driver five years ago. She really held the household together, so we’re still struggling without her. I think I’m still in shock from that day. She was the one that got the call. I was in the kitchen getting ready for work at 5 AM, and I suddenly I hear her screaming from her room: ‘Mommy’s dead! Mommy’s dead! Mommy’s dead!’”

“He’s a very respectful husband. He’s different from a lot of the men in this region. He never stops me from voicing my opinions. And if he ever notices me walking down the road, there’s always hot tea and apricot cake waiting when I arrive. (Passu, Pakistan)

“I was 16 when my girlfriend got pregnant. We went to the abortion clinic on 59th Street. We filled out the papers and everything. Then right before we were called back, we looked at each other, and said: ‘Let’s get out of here.’”

Check out https://instagram.com/humansofny/ + https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork?fref=ts for the real deal! Expect to fall deeply in love folks!

Have a good week!