Jason Schmidt’s latest cover story for Instyle magazine's September issue pays homage to New York City, while also serving as a quintessential example of art reflecting the times in which we live. Back in April, he and Lizzy Oppenheimer, Deputy Photo Director at Instyle, began searching for a building to photograph in reference to Ormond Gigli’s famous picture, “Girls in the Windows.” Schmidt was the ideal collaborator, not only because he’s adept at shooting fashion portraits and large groups, but also because he was able to lend his experience, as a documentarian of artists.  They selected The Candy Factory, a building converted into a haven for artists and owned by Ann Balentine. The combination of the unique space and concept provided a vital opportunity to visually capture the enduring sense of community during quarantine. Further, it allowed all involved to abide by the rules of social distancing. Schmidt’s work depicts the Candy Factory as much more than just a building, but instead, a colorful collective full of vibrant ideas and creative individuals.