[Johnny Gage]

If you look at the photo very carefully you can see the guys are standing on a level area, the other stuff is then built around them

Actually it does appear to be real.

They are both wearing safety harnesses, and the ropes/pulleys are visible attached to the guy on the right.

Again, it's the angle of the shot the photographer used that gives it an "unreal" appearance.

My vote: Genuine!

(note: Pictures file name is EMPIREA) ((so it must be atop the Empire State Bldg))

[Soaring Feather]

I think we are both right about the picture being from NYC!