Hair & Now
Four portraits of modern tresses, and one toupee.
Donato DiCamillo
Donato DiCamillo was born the lone son of three siblings from Italian immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York. He suffered behavioral problems as a child, moving in and out of behavioral institutions and jails after being expelled from school at age 16. He taught himself photography after serving a federal prison sentence in Virginia. He first photographed bugs, plants, and anything else within 120 feet of his domicile, as restricted under an order of home confinement. His work currently focuses on people and has since been featured in multiple publications and news sources around the world, including BBC, The Washington Post, CBC, and Huffington Post. His first collection slated for publication in late 2018. He currently resides in Staten Island. DiCamillo’s work may be found on Instagram, and at his website-in-progress at donatodicamillo.com
By Donato DiCamillo
“Chrissy, Manhattan, New York”
I had the strange but wonderful pleasure of meeting Chrissy while taking a stroll on Manhattan’s Lower West Side.
“Michelle, New Jersey”
“I knew I was a girl from the age of 5 or 6. There was no denying it. When the boys were out playing sports I was home trying my mom’s dresses and high-heel shoes. Now I celebrate who I am with entertainment. I’m a drag queen.”
“Mr. Stubbs, Scottsdale, Arizona”
Meet Mr. Stubbs. He was injured while being trafficked by illegal animal smugglers. He was found in a vehicle with roughly 20 other alligators. It would be safe to say Mr. Stubbs was hurt while being held by traffickers says Alex, his handler at the Phoenix Herpetological Society. As…
“Little Russia, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn”
“Creating a narrative based on one photograph can be challenging. In this case, my imagination placed me in the heart of the main subject dreaming of his old country, Mother Russia. Or perhaps he imagines talking to his dearly departed mamma, saying, ’Mama, I love You.’” (Photo by Donato DiCamillo)…
“Havana, Cuba”
“The living conditions may likely seem less desirable for those who have never been to Cuba, but for visitors like me, the beauty lies beneath, in the warmth of its culture and its amazing people.” (photo by Donato DiCamillo)…
“Balloon Platoon, Staten Island, New York”
“One day while preparing for a child’s birthday I had left my girlfriend waiting in the car with the kids for a brief period holding a gift of multi-colored birthday balloons that were meant as a gift. When I made my way back I realized a party had already started.”…
“Boris, Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York”
“I moved here from Russia as a young boy. My dream was to become Mr. Universe. You know, like Arnold Schwarzenegger? One day while training I fell to my knees from a bad dizzy spell. I was 34 years old. Later that week my doctor asked to have a series…
“Gladice, Brooklyn, New York”
“So, we’re gonna be famous, you’re gonna make me a star, right?” (photo Donato DiCamillo)…
“Hidden Gem”
Hellen: “Are you crazy?” she replied when I asked permission to take her photograph. “I haven’t applied my makeup correctly,” she explained while covering her face, giggling! (photo by Donato DiCamillo)…
“Hugh, Cape May, New Jersey”
“When I was 25, I walked in on my grandma’s killer. She was already dead. Her breasts were cut off. He was still on top of her, raping her, when he heard me come in that night. He tried to get away, but I wrestled him to the ground. I…
“Karen, Brooklyn, New York”
“When I was eighteen, my boyfriend figured it would be a good idea for me to start dancing in a strip club. We were both strung out on cocaine, so I said yes. I had no choice, anyway. He beat me half dead when I ran out on him, and…