For New York Magazine’s September 4–17, 2017 issue cover story, writer Chris Smith talks to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, who defends his first-term record, and talks about Trump, the rich, the New York Post, his relationship with Governor Andrew Cuomo and their battle over the crumbling subway system, and the challenge of getting New York to like him.
When shooting the mayor for the cover, New York Magazine’s photo department wanted to make a picture that felt different from the way he’s typically portrayed. Whereas the last time the mayor appeared on the cover of New York Magazine, he appeared in miniature, this time photography director Jody Quon wanted to use his stature to create an image that would feel iconic. In order to achieve the final image, photo editor Marvin Orellana says photographer Bobby Doherty had de Blasio stand on a ladder while he shot from below.