Hungarian Debutante Ball, New York City 1978

Larry Fink made this gelatin silver print, titled 'Hungarian Debutante Ball, New York City', sometime during his career. It's got that grainy, contrasty feel that makes you think of Weegee, you know, that gritty, on-the-street kind of photography. I imagine Fink lurking at the edge of the party, almost like a fly on the wall. I wonder if he felt like an outsider looking in? I mean, there’s a whole story being told here about class, power, and privilege. Just look at the cadet sitting in that chair, with his uniform all buttoned up tight, and those white gloves. What's he thinking? Fink’s photos are a bit like snapshots, capturing a moment, but also a whole world. It reminds me a bit of Nan Goldin, the way he gets up close and personal, but with a different kind of edge. And that's what photography does, right? It freezes a moment and lets you think about it later.