Henry Parker
The 1960s and 1970s were wild times for New York City street life. People filled the sidewalks, hurrying to work or hanging out in groups. Cars honked, buses rumbled, and music spilled out from shops. The city was loud, gritty, and full of energy. Some areas were bright with neon signs, while others felt worn down and rough. Street vendors sold hot dogs, kids played in the roads, and every corner had something happening. Photographer Paul McDonough arrived in New York in 1967 and started snapping photos of this busy, messy world. His pictures catch the strange and special moments that made the streets come alive.
The streets weren’t always pretty in those decades. Trash piled up sometimes, and graffiti covered walls. McDonough didn’t shy away from the rough parts of the city. His photos show the real mix of people—rich, poor, young, old—all crossing paths. He captured the energy of the sidewalks, where everyone had a story. The city was a jumble of noise and faces, and his camera made sense of it.
Kids were a big part of street life too. Boys played games in the roads, dodging cars and shouting to each other. Grandmas watched from their stoops, keeping an eye on the neighborhood. McDonough snapped these scenes as they happened, letting the action unfold naturally. His pictures feel alive, full of movement and sound, even though they’re still.
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