We all know that the finest cities in the world – New York, London, Paris – are full of the finest people. And when I say “finest” I mean weirdest, of course. The strangest, quirkiest and most odd individuals who bring the city colour at night, sunshine in winter and keep the world turning.

The Humans of New York is a website – nay, a movement – dedicated to identifying these individuals and capturing a moment with them. The result is a collection of inspirational and highly enjoyable personal stories told through the talented photographer Brendan Stanton.

After his first book deal in 2013 with stories based on the blog, Brandon is releasing his second book Humans of New York: Stories in October 2015. Prepare for even more interview, beautiful images and stories of New York. (PS: You can pre-order the book already!)

Here are some of his recent and my all time favourite portraits including the thought provoking captions that accompany them. They make me want to go to New York as much as any picture postcard.

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“My girlfriend’s blind in one eye too, so together we’re 20/20.”

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“I don’t got no struggles, man. I got divorced six years ago. Then one day I looked up my first love on Facebook, and she was still single. Now I’m marrying the girl I lost my virginity to, and hopefully we’ll grow old together.”

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“One of my highest pleasures is when I make something that people like.”

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“I like your hat.” “Take my fucking photo.”

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“I’m trying to get back into porn.”

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After I took her photo, she stuck her cheek out for a kiss. After I gave her one, she said: “Isn’t love great?”“Yes it is,” I replied. Then she leaned in and said: “But sex is better.”

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“She’s my wife.”

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“Do you mind if I take your photo?” “Can I have a kiss?”

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“I’m setting up a micro-finance organization to help women in Malawi get interest free loans.”“How old are you?”“Eighteen.”

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If this guy doesn’t make you smile, I can’t help you. 

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“When my husband was dying, I said: ‘Moe, how am I supposed to live without you?’ He told me: ‘Take the love you have for me and spread it around.’”

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I took a standing portrait of her, and as we were saying goodbye, she oh-so-casually mentioned that she used to be a contortionist at Coney Island.

It’s also worth heading over there to see the recent collection of photos he took recently when he headed up to Boston immediately after the recent bombings. The photos from Boston and surrounding areas very specifically don’t focus on the dramatic events that were unfolding but stayed centred on the individuals and their stories.

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This post was written by Frankie Thompson who was a Travelette from 2012 – 2015. Originally from London, UK, Frankie was nomadic for several years before settling in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where she lives with her Australian partner and baby boy. She spends her time buying vintage dresses, riding a rusty old bike around the canals and writing books inspired by her travels. Frankie blogs about travel, writing and motherhood at As the Bird flies blog.

Tags inspiration, links, photography, photos