Black Rock

Street and Lifestyle photography for Black Rock building in Midtown, NYC

Photographed in Midtown Manhattan, this series was created as a branding and marketing photography project for 51 West 52, also known as Black Rock. The images were developed to reflect the building’s architectural identity while placing it firmly within the rhythm of its surrounding neighborhood.

Black Rock, so-called because its exterior concrete columns are sheathed in massive slabs of Canadian black granite, is the headquarters of the CBS broadcasting network in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is the only skyscraper designed by Eero Saarinen, constructed in 1965.

Shot primarily in black-and-white, the photography focuses on contrast, structure, and presence — echoing the building’s distinctive granite façade and mid-century modern character. Architectural views are paired with portrait and lifestyle photography, introducing human scale and movement into the visual narrative. The inclusion of models allows the space to be experienced rather than simply observed, reinforcing the idea of the building as an active corporate environment.

Through beautiful black and white photography, the creative agency wanted to showcase the particular architecture of the building and the vibe of the surrounding areas. In a modern, contemporary and stylish style, the photographs capture moments of life as well as forms, shapes, patterns and reflections.

This approach to lifestyle and architectural photography goes beyond documentation. By combining strong graphic compositions with editorial-style portraits, the images position 51 West 52 as a modern workplace rooted in design, culture, and urban energy. The surrounding streets, public spaces, and Midtown landmarks become an extension of the building itself — grounding the campaign in its immediate context.

This project can be seen alongside 63 Mad, another corporate photography series exploring architecture, portraiture, and urban presence in New York City