Prospect Park // Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025

Spanning 45 years of Jamel Shabazzs photography in Prospect Park, this gorgeous and meditative volume captures the heart and soul of Brooklyn through one of its most cherished spaces.

Known for his iconic NYC street photography documenting the citys African American community, Jamel Shabazz first gained widespread acclaim with his books Back in the DaysandA Time Before Crack, renowned for their vivid portrayal of 1980s style and culture.

However, long before his fame as a photographer, Shabazz served in the military and as a corrections officer for twenty years. After long days at work, he often sought refuge in Brooklyns Prospect Park, describing it as a place to find inner peaceand, since 1980, he has continued capturing its vibrant spirit.

This collection features his signature portraits of locals, from Afro-Caribbean percussionists at Drummers Grove to multicultural families enjoying moments of quiet reflection. Complementing these human-centered images are lesser-seen landscapes revealing the serene beauty of the park.

Together, these photographs underscore its dual role as a bustling cultural hub and a tranquil refuge. Perfect for anyone who cherishes Brooklyns cultural history, this volume reveals a new and deeply personal side of Shabazzs work, offering a compelling portrait of community, resilience, and connection within an urban sanctuary.

Jamel Shabazz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of fifteen, he picked up his first camera and started to document his peers. Inspired by photographers Leonard Freed, James Van Der Zee, and Gordon Parks, he was marveled with their documentation of the African American community. In 1980 as a concerned photographer with a clear vision he embarked on a mission to extensively document various aspects of life in New York City, from youth culture to a wide range of social conditions. Due to its spontaneity and uniqueness, the streets and subway system became backdrops for many of his photographs.

• Publisher: Prestel (October 7, 2025)
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 176pages
• ISBN-13: 9783791393773
• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.5 x 2 x 8.5 inches
• BISAC Categories: Arts & Hobbies