New York City-based photographer Duane Michals “always finds new ways to understand the human experience through his idiosyncratic combination of philosophy, humor, history, and stark emotion,” says DC Moore Gallery, which is currently showing Michal’s work from New York City in the mid-60’s through May 31, 2014. “Duane Michals: Empty New York,” includes thirty expertly printed, rare gelatin silver prints. Though many are small, around 5″x7″, the prints draw you in.

Michals began his career in the late 1950s as an editorial photographer, shooting for Esquire, Vogue, and Mademoiselle. His first solo show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1970, and he’s since had seven solo shows and published more than 20 books. Michals will be honored with a career retrospective in October 2014 at The Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh.

Michals has influenced many photographers, including Tim Soter, who may be Michal’s biggest fan. Soter carries this inspirational quote from Michals in his wallet:

Do it. You have two choices in life–doing and bullsh*t. I hate photographers who talk about photographs but never take any. And the only way you’re ever going to grow… two things, one you have to take risks, you have to be able to let go of all your preconceived notions of what photography should be, and open yourself to the possibilities. Otherwise you’re going to be spinning your wheels the rest of your life. —Duane Michals