Photo by Grace Seow
Born in the Philippines, Joseph Barretto vividly remembers that August morning in 1987 when he and his family landed at JFK and now considers himself a lifelong New Yorker. He has attended workshops and master classes with Catherine Opie, Bruce Gilden, Peter Turnley, Richard Renaldi, Rui Palha, and Phil Penman, among others. Joseph’s work typically focuses on various forms of photography (street with forays into documentary and portraiture) where the human element is paramount.
Exhibitions, Shows, and Awards Highlights
2023
Various works. Salmagundi Club, New York, NY. "New York State of Mind"
"After Cartier-Bresson" Gracie Mansion. New York, NY. "NYC Icons"
"Self-portrait in isolation" Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY. 2024 National Photo Competition. Selection**
"Liberty in flight" 17th Annual iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention (Travel)**
"Rescue me" Envision Kindness 2024 Our World is Kind Photo Contest. Finalist (General and Nonprofit)**
"Hadrien smoking" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Street portrait)**
"In no mood to play" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Street and children)**
"Date night" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Urban love)**
"Family in Venice" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Golden hour)**
2025 **Juried
"Self-portrait in isolation" Photo Artfolio. "Nocturne: Photographs After Dark" Exhibit. Selection**
Envision Kindness Select Photographer, 2025-present.
"Jason in Milan" Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY. 2025 National Photo Competition. Selection**
"Celeste in NOLA" Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Providence, RI. "Resistance: Seen/Unseen" Exhibition. Selection**
"Laveau Aglow" Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild, Cutchogue, NY. "Colorful Times" Competition and Exhibit. Third Place**
"Self-portrait in isolation" Water Mill Museum, Water Mill, NY. "Chasing the Light"
"Celeste in New Orleans" Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR. "Dynamic: Shadow and Light" Exhibit Selection**
"Venetian Light" Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR. "Dynamic: Shadow and Light" On-Line Annex Gallery Selection**
"Laveau Aglow" Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Augusta, GA. 43rd Annual Juried Competition, "A Sense of Place" Exhibit Selection**
"New Orleans Pride Center Portraits" International Photography Awards, Official Selection.**
"In No Mood to Play" "Waiting" "A Family in Venice at Sunset" Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Providence, RI. "On the Street" Exhibition. Selections**