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The Japanese photographer Hiroyuki Ito spends most nights covering performing-arts events around New York City for the Times. Once his assignment is over, however, Ito begins his own work, photographing the city streets at night with his Leica film camera. “New York City at night is a totally different creature than it is during the day,” he said. “Under the moonlight or generic fluorescent light, people's expressions glow and they look more beautiful.”

Ito counts photographers such as Roy DeCarava and Helen Levitt, both masters of New York street photography, as influences, especially in the manipulation of light and shadow to create graphic, moody images. Like most street photographers, Ito relies on the spontaneity that the city affords. “I prefer wandering around without a plan," he said. "Having a goal ahead of time usually spoils the fun.”