Johnny Cirillo
Johnny Cirillo is the photographer behind Watching New York, sharing candid street style and conversations with the people who make the city their own.
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Johnny’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus their backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Abrams Image
Watching New York
AirbnbOverview
- Based
- Brooklyn, New York
- Work
- Street photographer, interviewer and author
- Started
- Began Watching New York in 2016; started posting the photographs on Instagram in 2017
- Breakout
- Wider attention followed local Greenpointers recaps, a Rachel Martino repost and NBC coverage in 2020
Mini bio
How it started.
Cirillo grew interested in photography as a teenager on Long Island after their mother gave them a 35mm camera and showed them her black-and-white photographs. They rolled film, built a darkroom and practiced by photographing friends.
Finding a way.
After losing a studio desk job in 2011, Cirillo built a freelance portfolio with support from their wife. On June 25, 2016, the day Bill Cunningham died, they photographed street fashion as a tribute.
The city becomes the subject.
Cirillo started posting on Instagram in 2017. Greenpointers recaps, a Rachel Martino repost and NBC coverage helped bring attention in 2020. A Pandora partnership that year helped turn Watching New York into a full-time job.
Beyond the feed.
The project now includes street interviews, a book and an Airbnb photography experience. Cirillo’s approach keeps everyday dressers at the center, asking what catches the eye and letting people explain the choices behind their clothes.
Creditschronological, newest first
Film and conversations
- 2026The Art Career: Johnny Cirillo, Watching New YorkGuest, season 8 episode 1
- 2025Ray-Ban Meta: Conversation FocusOn-screen talent
- 2025Desvestida: La cultura no está de modaFeatured street-style photographer
Books
- 2024Watching New York: Street Style A to ZAuthor and photographer; foreword by Gigi Hadid
Quotes
I never intended for this to be a full-time gig; I was just having fun.Johnny Cirillo, NoMad Magazine
Reflecting on the project’s growth in an August 2024 interview.
Trivia
- Before street fashion, Cirillo made freelance photographs and videos for clients including Shake Shack and BLACKBARN.
- Cirillo and their wife used to recap the day’s outfit photographs together at home.
- For the Airbnb experience, guests visit Awoke Vintage and Amarcord, practice photography and step in front of Cirillo’s camera.
Find Johnny
Follow Watching New York for street photographs and the stories behind the outfits.
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