Street photographer Billy Dinh explores New York’s vibrant chess culture, documenting the people who bring the game to life. Through authentic encounters and candid storytelling, the project explores the parallels between photography and chess.
Looking beyond the board, it reveals how a shared passion can bring strangers together and turn everyday encounters into lasting stories.
Billy relies on the Leica Q, using the Q3 and Q3 43 as tools that never interrupt the connection between photographer and subject. Fast, intuitive and discreet, they allow him to react instinctively as moments unfold, capturing a split-second expression across the chessboard or the energy that fills Washington Square.
Director - Dumé
Cinematographer - Neivy Hilario
2nd Cam Op - Josh Negron
Executive Producer - Maxwell Schiano
Associate Producer - Claudia Mulet
Sound Operator - Carlton Lester
Sound Mix & Engineering - Ryan Woodhall (Public Sound)
Photography - Maxwell Schiano
Production Assistant - Liz Deippa
Production Agency - City Pictures
Special Thanks the WSP and Bryant Park chess communities for their embrace and participation.