Street photographer Ivan Chertkoev stopped in Philadelphia to shoot police officers, firefighters, and EMTs without their uniforms’ labels. He’s known for honoring first responders with simple, honest portraits that show the person behind the job.
Chertkoev says his goal is to give respect to people who serve the community but don’t always get noticed. “Behind every uniform is a regular person, just like us,” he says.
This year he’s been to 35 cities photographing first responders. He often snaps shots from a distance while they’re on duty, then reveals the images to them. He carries a portable printer and hands them a physical copy on the spot. The reactions are real—many are surprised and moved to see themselves in the portraits.
He posts the work on Instagram, where fans have left thousands of likes and comments. The project is simple: show gratitude, spotlight service, and remind us that these heroes are everyday people.
For music fans used to seeing artists on stage, it’s a reminder that heroes outside the spotlight deserve our applause too.
