Danish photographer, Peter Funch, spent nine years taking photos outside of Grand Central Station in New York. He photographed the same commuters, at the same time of day, walking their same morning route.
Peter released his catalog of photos from this project in a book called ’42nd and Vanderbilt.’ The pictures were taken between the years of 2007 and 2016 between the hour of 8:30 am to 9:30 am. The photographer would capture hundreds of commuters every day, many of them he began to recognize. He would end up capturing the same few people, but years apart.
“You could hardly believe it, that you’d find the same people having the same ritual over 10 years,” Funch told Fast Co Design. “It’s such a New York thing, the idea that people just do the same thing over and over again.”
Keep reading to see how these New York commuters changed over the past nine years — or sometimes, hardly changing at all.
It’s amazing to see what creatures of habit human beings are. Some pictures are years apart, others are just weeks — regardless, the insight into people’s lives is astonishing.
1. Is it possible that this man looks a little younger?
2. He must be capturing her ‘pre-coffee.’
3. All three of them still walk to work together.
4. Another tired New York commuter.
5. Imagine how much money he’d save if he made coffee at home.
6. When you’ve got a look that works — stick with it. This photo was only taken 1 year later.
7. Those are some durable headphones.
8. Even the same bus is driving by.
9. The first picture looks like he’s admiring his purchase. In the second, he’s still wearing the same bracelet.
10. He uses his commute as time for deep reflection.
11. Hasn’t kicked the habit quite yet.
12. She still grabs the morning paper on her way to work.
13. Wherever she’s going, she never looks excited about it.
14. She radiates that happy attitude.
15. It’s amazing to see people in their routine.
16. A full nine years later. Incredible.
17. Judging by the change in uniform, it looks like he’s climbed the ranks.
18. Everyone has their own struggle.
19. Her body language doesn’t look like she’s very excited for work.
20. A good soundtrack always helps with the morning commute.
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