13 Facts About Alvin Baltrop

Alvin Baltrop was born in 1948 at the old Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx.

Alvin Baltrop discovered his love of photography in junior high school, learning different techniques from older photographers in his neighborhood and teaching himself to develop photos.

Alvin Baltrop built his own developing lab in the sick bay, using medic trays for developing trays.

In 1973, Alvin Baltrop enrolled in the School of Visual Arts, where he studied until 1975.

From 1975 through 1986, Alvin Baltrop took photographs of the West Side piers, where he was a well-known member of the community.

Alvin Baltrop knew every person he photographed, and people often volunteered to be photographed.

Alvin Baltrop captured the gay cruising spots and hookup culture that existed in New York City before the AIDS epidemic.

Alvin Baltrop's life work is a snapshot of gay, African-American, and New York City history.

Alvin Baltrop struggled to make his way in the art world, facing racism from the white gay art world.

Alvin Baltrop had few exhibits in his lifetime; his work gained international fame only after his death.

The most captivating and intimate images in the show were shot while Alvin Baltrop was in the Navy.

Alvin Baltrop had long-term relationships with men and women, but preferred identifying as gay.

Alvin Baltrop died on February 1,2004, at the age of 55.