This was the first time I consciously set about to produce a coherent photographic series.

In 1975, I spent about three months riding the New York subway lines three to four times a week. I first measured specific distances so that I could pre-focus my camera (a M3 Leica) and not have to always bring the camera to my eye. Of course there were hits and misses. I used either Tri-X, pushed 2 Stops, or Kodak recording Film (ASA1200). Both produced very grainy images.

I never tried to hide photographing, and often spoke to my subjects either before or after I snapped away.

These images are, for me, a kind of love letter to New York, it's people and the subways, which, any chance I get, I still use today.