In my recent photo series, “Underground Muses,” I unintentionally deviated from my original plan to explore Coney Island and downtown New York. The subway started as a detour but quickly became my ultimate muse, characterized by its constant movement and an ever-changing cast of characters. I loved the idea of decisive moment photography, and in this case, each photograph serves as a testament to the power of looking, allowing viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the dynamic and eclectic mix of commuters, tourists, and locals on a deeper level.

The subway, typically associated with anonymity and obscurity, became my stage where individual stories came alive. A couple that just got hitched, a chick-fil-a soda that fell on the ground on a busy Monday afternoon, a tired commuter lost in thought, or two people sharing a brief moment of connection—all these scenes compose the symphony of “Underground Muses.” My photo series celebrates the beauty of the unanticipated, the unplanned, and the overlooked.

In my everyday life, I often rush by without a second glance, especially in places like the subway. Ultimately, this series serves as a testament to the power of being in the present, allowing ourselves to be guided by intuition and curiosity. These photographs serve as a reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere.