Martin Place is located in the centre of Sydney’s CBD. Although crossed by two of its main thoroughfares, it’s a pedestrian only area, and a key focal point of the city. Some of Sydneys finest old buildings such as banks and main post office are there, and at its western end a War Memorial honouring those who lost their lives serving their country.
Last summer I had been doing some work in the vicinity, sometimes joining the lunchtime crowd that tends to gather in the area. While the people are mostly office workers, there are others such as trades people, shoppers, and the odd ‘hard case’. In addition there is entertainment, musicians, or at other times, people dressed in character who might be collecting on behalf of different charities. Also, there are various product displays and council approved advertising for a range of organizations and on some days, demonstrations, promotional give-aways, and certainly plenty of smiles and good humour.
At first I just took the odd one or two photos as time permitted. On occasions when in the city, I would time it right, and go out of my way to see what might be happening. Regardless of the weather, I would always investigate, camera in hand. The documentation certainly started from small beginnings, and as my interest grew, so to my dedication to the idea that it may make an interesting photo essay.
As can be seen in several of the photographs, there was definitely a positive interaction with many of the subjects. Almost all were extremely accommodating. Most times I would try to acknowledge the subject, or even on occasions, politely thank them having gained the picture.
There is certainly a lot more to the Martin Place story, but I think this small selection will give you some idea of a few of those who frequent the space, and some of what goes on on in this particular part or ‘town’. Here are just a few contrasting frames for your enjoyment.

Advertising her show, a Burlesque dancer poses with firemen from the New South Wales Fire Rescue Dep’t who are seeking monetary support from the lunchtime crowd.
[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Acrobats entertain at a Starlight Foundation awareness drive. The charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.

At demonstration by Coptic Christians against Muslim persecution in Egypt, a woman is overjoyed at meeting one of the churches most important clergy.

You could unpin a charity voucher from where ever you fancied. He didn’t mind. And yes, the front was way more popular than the back. Despite being on the phone, he certainly caught this woman’s eye.

A young boy is enthralled with the ‘larger than life’ fireman on a model of a fire truck on display during NSW Fire Rescue Services week.

The ‘big guy’ poses before the start of the Aimes ‘charity strut’ which supports Indigenous and Torres Strait Island children in furthering their education.