George Bradford Brainerd, a civil engineer from the 1870s, revolutionized photography with his handheld cameras that captured detailed scenes of everyday life in New York. His work, which includes images of musicians, beggars, and paperboys, is celebrated in a new book by Erik Hesselberg titled 'Candid New York.' This collection not only showcases Brainerd's innovative techniques but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the social fabric of the city during that era, making it a significant contribution to both art and history.