Naked Times Square Cowboy

Robert John Burke, aka Naked Cowboy, has been a living attraction in New York's Times Square for many years. Since 1998, in any weather, 365 days a year, he has been playing the guitar, singing and taking pictures with tourists in his signature outfit: cowboy boots, a Stenson hat and white shorts. The street performer claims to earn up to $150,000 a year from tips alone. Photographer Daren Ornitz spent some time with this eccentric man to tell the world about his unusual profession.

(Total 18 photos)

1. Robert Burke in the garage during a break between performances in Times Square. Burke has turned his success into a franchise, and charges $500 a month if other artists want to perform in his image. In 2010, Burke announced that he would run for President of the United States, launched an advertising campaign, started his own record label, and became one of Time Square's most popular artists. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

2. Robert Burke in the garage with his assistants Patricia Cruz (left) and Alejandra Velandia. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

3. Another member of the Burke troupe is Titus Gandhi. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

4. Robert Burke communicates with parking workers before the performance in Times Square. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

5. Robert Burke and his wife Patricia Cruz in the toilet. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

6. Robert Burke prays before the performance. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

7. Wife and part-time colleague of Robert Patricia Cruz. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

8. Robert, Patricia and Alejandra are about to take to the streets of New York. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

9. The Naked Cowboy team, which, in addition to Burke, includes the Naked Cowgirls and the rest. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

10. "Naked cowgirl" Alejandra Velandia poses for a photo on the streets of New York. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

11. Titus Gandhi speaks right on the roadway while cars and buses are at the traffic lights. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

12. Alejandra poses for a photographer. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

13. Robert Burke poses for everyone. Everyone's favorite, for many years he wanders around the famous New York Square, singing his songs and taking pictures with tourists. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

14. Robert and his wife in a taxi on their way to a performance on a private boat, where they were invited. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

15. Robert watches as a man poses for a photo with his wife Patricia. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

16. Robert poses for a photograph with the girls during a party on a yacht. In addition, the Naked Cowboy has an official license to register marriages, so for just some $ 499 he can also marry everyone. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

17. Naked cowgirl hat. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)

18. Romantic moment of four naked cowboys. (REUTERS/Darren Ornitz)