Reuben Radding's Debut Photobook 'Heavenly Arms' Captures a Decade of New York Street Photography
In 2024, photographer Reuben Radding unveiled his inaugural monograph, 'Heavenly Arms,' through Red Hook Editions. This collection features 63 black-and-white digital images captured over a decade (2014–2024), mainly on the streets of New York City. Radding, who also pursues careers in music, teaching, and writing, likens his artistic approach to jazz improvisation. The editing phase spanned roughly a year, significantly influenced by insights from friends of the late photographer Jeff Jacobson. To evoke a sense of timelessness, Radding chose to exclude captions and dates. The title is inspired by a song from Lou Reed's album 'The Blue Mask.' He teaches at the International Center of Photography in New York and earned his MFA from Goddard College in 2019. His photography has been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.
Key facts
- Reuben Radding published his first photobook 'Heavenly Arms' in 2024 via Red Hook Editions.
- The book contains 63 black-and-white digital photographs made between 2014 and 2024.
- Most photographs were taken in New York City, though some are from Vermont and other locations.
- Radding's editing process took about a year, narrowing from 300–350 images to 63.
- Feedback from friends of the late photographer Jeff Jacobson helped shape the final edit.
- The title 'Heavenly Arms' comes from a Lou Reed song on the album 'The Blue Mask.'
- Radding is a bass player with a background in punk rock, jazz, and experimental music.
- He teaches at the International Center of Photography in New York City.
- Radding earned an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College in 2019.
- His work has been published in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Hamburger Eyes, The Guardian, and the New Republic.
Entities
Artists
- Reuben Radding
- Jeff Jacobson
- Lou Reed
- Tom Waits
- Anders Petersen
- Robert Frank
- Sara Bennett
Institutions
- Red Hook Editions
- International Center of Photography
- Goddard College
- Humans of New York
- Lenscratch
- The New York Times
- Rolling Stone
- Hamburger Eyes
- The Guardian
- New Republic
Locations
- New York City
- Grand Central Station
- Vanderbilt Hall
- Vermont
- United States
- Europe