Photos of the Bronxites by Chantal Heijnen

Lens

She has carefully rendered her adopted borough in a series of softly lighted portraits with warm, rich tones. The paint-encrusted walls and plastic-covered furniture are familiar to anyone who has spent time in the area where she began her portrait series, which is known as University Heights, just south of Fordham Road. So, too, are the faces — alternately weary, serene or happy.