William Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances…” If the world is truly a stage then the people of New York City are at the very center of it. The human story that unfolds here daily is so rife with drama that it fairly swallows you up as soon as you leave your front door to wade into it. As shown here, just by going a few blocks in any direction you can encounter: creativity, romance, sadness, ingenuity, desperation, heroism, despair, and solemn determination. Each New Yorker contributing an equal amount to City’s story. Walt Whitman summed it up best by saying, “The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.”

Jazz Man On 5th.
Street Musician, 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
Endless Love
Couple Crosses 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
An Uncomfortable Sleep
Man Sleeps On Bench, 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
Construction On 55th St.
Construction On 55th St., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
Playing For Coins
Man Plays Flute, 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
Fire On 5th.
FDNY Respond To A Fire, 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
The Invisible Man
Man Sleeps On Box, 5th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013
A Walk Into The Night
Man Walks On A Rainy Night, 6th Ave., NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2013

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38 COMMENTS

  3. Your introduction makes the photos have even more meaning! I love seeing NYC through your “lense.”

  4. As a writer, I love stories. I love to paint a picture with words. But you, my friend, tell a story without any words at all. You have an eye for the unseen–the things others overlook. Thanks for letting the rest of us look through your lens.

  5. LOVE the street musician photo. Just beautiful…. as all your work is 🙂

  7. NYC is such an electric city and it takes talent to capture it’s spirit in photos. stunning!

    • Thank you so so much!

  8. I love how the tone of the black and white sets the mood, to almost quiet the crazy, loud, city.

    • Thank you so much!

  9. Truly touching pictures…

    • Thank you

  10. great pictures…love the quality!

    • Thank you!

    • Thank you Emma!

    • Thanks Rachel!

  13. Such thought provoking photos and captures a scene that needs to be seen.

    • Thank you so much Grace. I really appreciate you taking the time to look.

  14. I agree with Crystal. These photos are full of emotion and a story at just a glance. Beautiful.

    • Beautiful words Tim. Thank you as always.

  15. Outstanding work!! You really need to consider compiling these into a book!!

    • Thank you so much Alexis!

  16. I love these pictures! They bring the city to life!

    • Thank you Karen. Always appreciate it.

  17. Your photos, Mark, are so full of emotion and an amazing portrayal of life in the City. I especially love your monochromes, because they place direct emphasis on the photo’s storyline. Amazing work…amazing words.

    • Linda you are always such a huge support for me. I appreciate it so much.

  19. wonderful work! these are great photos 🙂

  20. Way 2 Good Life

    Those are so perfect and only a little it depressing

  21. I said this before and I will say it again. You see past your lens and capture these amazing moments in life. Thank you for sharing these stories!

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