Working the Street

A few weeks ago, I had my camera with me and a bit of free time, so I decided to go down to Times Square and take some pictures. I wandered around for a while, taking pictures of people, of people taking pictures, and of the general atmosphere.

I got some good pictures, but I felt that I lacked purpose, that I needed to find something to focus on. It took a little while, but I finally saw something interesting, something I'd never consciously observed before: there are many, many people who work on the streets of Times Square. People sell paintings and pictures, they sell umbrellas and namecards. They make the Manhattan skyline with spray paint. They peddle bags and clothes and cell phone cases and silk ties. They take pictures of you and sell them to you. They play music. They dress up as the Statue of Liberty.

I never realized the sheer quantity of people who make their living out of a couple of milk crates and a folding table. There are hundreds, if not thousands, who all spend their evenings and weekends hoping to sell enough trinkets to pay the rent. After shooting for a couple hours, I was tired, and had work the next day, so I went home. But, having no plans, I returned the next night with my camera. I don't know why it surprised me, but I found it odd that I saw the same people working as I'd seen the night before. In particular, I kept seeing the girl below on the right. I saw her several times the first night, running around, trying to get her table set up, talking with other people who were setting their tables up. I saw her the next night too, all set up this time. I'm not quite sure what it was, but recognizing a person in Times Square made it feel much more human.

I stopped at one particularly busy stretch, where a number of people had set up shop. They all knew each other. They asked about each others' families, how was this or that. They joked and razzed each other. This was their regular spot, and these were their coworkers. It was no different than the interactions I have when I'm at work. I had always thought that people in this situation would be competitive to the point of being hostile, but it was exactly the opposite.

Before, I walked past these people, intentionally ignoring them, removing them from my memory. But after spending time focusing on them, I have to admit that I am impressed with them. They have made an interesting choice, which has put them in one of the most trafficked areas in the country, with no guarantees of making enough money. But they've formed a community, they work together and help each other, and for them, it works. And while I'll still ignore their sales pitches, observing them has reminded me that paying attention to other people is important, even if you think you'll never interact with them any more than passing each other on the street.

Posted August 19, 2007 - One Comment