Chris Arnade

Chris Arnade is an American photographer, writer, and blogger who documents marginalized communities across the United States. He began this work around 2011, following two decades as a bond trader on Wall Street and earning a PhD in particle physics. This career shift was driven by a desire for deeper societal engagement. His initial efforts documented the lives of individuals struggling with poverty and addiction in the Bronx, leading to his "Faces of Addiction" series. Arnade later expanded his focus, undertaking extensive cross-country journeys that covered over 150,000 miles. These travels explore what he calls "back-row America" – communities often overlooked by mainstream society. Through his photographs and first-person narratives, he reveals the human experience in these areas, highlighting themes of dignity, community, and the profound divisions within American society. His approach involves deep immersion and building trust with his subjects, often using informal community hubs like McDonald's for interaction. While his methods, including paying subjects, are part of his process, Arnade prioritizes respectful representation and providing a platform for often-ignored voices. His work and insights appear in publications such as The Guardian, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. In 2019, he published "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America." He continues to share his dispatches and photography on his Substack, "Chris Arnade Walks the World."