Florence Blossom Fox, an extraordinary photographer renowned for capturing the unique streetscapes of New York City, passed away on March 2 at her Manhattan apartment at the age of 79. Born with blindness in one eye, Fox later lost her remaining vision due to complications from multiple sclerosis, which also led to her paralysis from the neck down. Despite these challenges, she continued to pursue her passion for photography until her last days.

Early Life and Inspirations

Born on September 26, 1945, in Miami Beach, Flo Fox was one of four siblings in a family that relocated to New York after her father’s death. Flo’s mother, a significant influence in her life, supported her artistic aspirations throughout her youth. It was a photograph by Robert Frank that sparked her interest in photography at the age of 13.

After graduating high school, she initially ventured into costume design for theater and television, a career she reconciled with her passion for visual storytelling. However, this came to a halt when her health deteriorated due to multiple sclerosis.

Photographic Journey

Fox acquired her first camera, a Minolta, at the age of 26 after navigating significant life changes including marriage, motherhood, and divorce. As her health declined, she abandoned costume design to focus entirely on photography, eventually producing roughly 180,000 images over five decades.

Her work gained much recognition, including exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. Despite her visual impairments, she employed innovative techniques to capture the essence of urban life, often relying on tactile feedback and the help of friends to press the shutter after framing her shots.

Creative Adaptations

As her left eye’s vision deteriorated, Fox transitioned to a 35-millimeter autofocus camera, developing methods like using a rubber bulb to trigger the shutter. She also adjusted her shooting times to avoid harsh daylight, capturing images during dusk when the glare was minimal.

Publications and Legacy

In 1981, Fox published “Asphalt Gardens,” a collection of her photographs depicting New York City in the 1970s, which was praised for its portrayal of the human spirit. Her images often reflected the struggles and resilience of everyday New Yorkers, contributing to a broader understanding of urban life.

Fox’s images have appeared in notable publications, including Life magazine, and in various photographic books highlighting women’s perspectives in photography. Her works were aimed not only at artistic expression but also at promoting accessibility for people with disabilities.

Advocacy and Impact

Throughout her career, Fox was a vocal advocate for disability rights. An exhibition in 1999 demonstrated the challenges faced by wheelchair users and aimed at encouraging public policies that improve access. Her goal was to ensure that the voices of those with disabilities were represented in the art world and beyond.

Personal Reflections and Final Years

In 2013, her journey was documented in an Op-Doc film by The New York Times, showcasing her unyielding spirit and engagement with the world. In interviews, she often reflected on her unique perspective, stating, “I always felt I had one great advantage being born blind in one eye…All I had to do was frame the image perfectly.”

In her later years, as her health further declined, she maintained her dedication to photography, viewing her city as an ever-evolving canvas. In her self-penned eulogy, she encouraged others to leave their marks—literally and figuratively—on her coffin, a testament to her lifelong dedication to capturing and celebrating the fleeting moments of urban life.

Conclusion

Flo Fox’s legacy is defined not just by her extensive portfolio but also by her resilience as an artist and activist. She leaves behind a remarkable body of work that highlights the ordinary yet profound experiences of urban existence, along with a passionate call for greater inclusion and representation in the photographic community.