I Dream of the Heights
I Dream of the Heights is a photography and poetry book about what vanishes and what transcends.
The 24 painterly images feel like frames from films you half-remember; the 24 poems whispers from the film scenes—a woman tangles with memories, a couple finds each other through silent walks, the feeling of being alone among friends, and second chances.
The scenes are set in Washington Heights, but the themes are universal: how time edits memory, how memory reconnects with the past, and how home becomes a place that sits outside of time.
“Ethereal photos of Washington Heights”
— Untapped New York
“I Dream of the Heights is a beautiful book! Emon’s exquisite photographs are illuminated glimpses into the magical pre-dawn moments that he so masterfully captures. Emon’s accompanying text adds another level of soulfulness to these gorgeous images.”
— Margaret S.
Journey and Process:
I Dream of the Heights began in the winter of 2014 as a yearlong personal project to capture the essence of Washington Heights, a part of Manhattan I’ve called home since 1999. The period coincided with my own search for meaning around my work as a storyteller. A close friend had passed earlier that year, two years after the death of my best friend from high school. Both were in their 30s. Stories united us.
Walks became refuge. And during those walks, scenes began to emerge as mini stories. Armed with my iPhone and not wanting the burden or expectations of pro gear, I started freezing them. The images, however, failed to capture the feeling I wanted to convey. Stories unfold differently in Washington Heights because of its landscape. The iPhone’s camera was no match for its magic, its best-kept-secret-ness. A bazaar of photography apps promised to mimic paintings and films. I used them all. Every image went through layers of transformation until it matched the dream-like quality I was after.
Two of the images were handpicked to show at the Inwood branch of the New York Public Library.
Eight years later, each photograph paired up with the right partner in the form of a poem to become this book.
About me:
I’m a photographer and filmmaker. A contributor to The New York Times since 2011, my visual and audio work has been published internationally. In addition to my narrative and documentary shorts, I’ve written, directed, and produced radio dramas and one-act stage plays. In earlier chapters of my life, I’ve played in bands, taught guitar, and worked as an interpreter.
I Dream of the Heights is my debut book under my imprint, Handsome Crow.
