Makayla White
Charles Cushman was an amateur photographer who loved capturing everyday moments on film. He used a special type of film called Kodachrome. This film made his pictures very colorful and sharp, which was rare at the time. Cushman’s photos of New York City, taken mostly in the 1940s and 1950s, give us a unique look at the city during this period.
Cushman started taking photos of New York City in the early 1940s. His pictures show a city that was very different from what we see today. The buildings, the streets, and the people all tell a story of a past era. His photos include many famous places like Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. But he also captured everyday scenes, like kids playing in the street or people walking to work.
One of the things that makes Cushman’s photos special is the use of Kodachrome film. Before Kodachrome, most photos were black and white. Kodachrome allowed photographers to capture bright and vivid colors. This made the photos more lifelike. Cushman’s use of this film helps us see New York City in a way that feels real and immediate.
Read more
In Times Square, Cushman captured the hustle and bustle of the city. The photos show the bright neon signs and crowded sidewalks. You can see the fashion of the time, with men in hats and women in dresses. The cars and buses look different from those today, giving us a glimpse into the past. These photos show Times Square as a lively and exciting place, just as it is now, but with a vintage charm.
Central Park is another place Cushman loved to photograph. His pictures of the park show people enjoying nature in the middle of the big city. There are families having picnics, children playing, and couples strolling. The park looks beautiful in every season, whether it’s covered in snow or full of green trees. These images remind us that Central Park has always been a peaceful escape from the busy city.
Cushman also took many photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge, which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, is one of New York City’s most famous landmarks. Cushman’s photos show the bridge from different angles, sometimes with the city skyline in the background. These pictures highlight the bridge’s impressive structure and its importance to the city’s landscape.
He was also interested in the everyday life of New Yorkers. His photos show street vendors selling their goods, children playing games, and people going about their daily routines. These images give us a sense of what life was like for ordinary people in New York City at the time. They show us the city’s diversity and energy.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings