Inspired By: Charles Cushman
My mind wandered back in time when I first saw these Kodachrome photographs taken by Charles Cushman in the 1940s. Oh what I wouldn't give for one summer in the mid twentieth century, with adorable swimsuits for my costume, pretty knit blankets for lounging on the rocky Chicago lakeshore, hope in knowing that the war is over and that Fall is still off in the distance somewhere. Indiana University's archives host an impressive collection of Cushman's amateur work spanning a few decades in the twentieth century. Here are some of my favorites.
In addition to the carefree style of the ladies in this series, I was particularly smitten with the era's film of choice: Kodachrome. Too bad they don't produce Kodachrome film any more, because these gorgeous colors are enough to cause me to venture into the territory of film photography. In the meantime, I would really love to experiment with digital photography and see what kind of Kodachrome looks I can conjure up with some Photoshop magic.
Beautiful. Such vintage inspiration! I love the first photograph so much, her head scarf is gorgeous!
x
http://www.lostinthehaze.com
I love vintage photography; I love being able to catch a glimpse of the past. My father recently took the time to digitalize a collection of vintage photography of my grandparents and I’ve really enjoyed looking through them.
Oh gosh, that pink and grey striped shirt dress is fantastic. As are these photos!
The end of the Kodachrome is a tragedy. :(
Beautiful photos though!
so beautiful. I love their bathing suits.
The last picture is just pure love. I wish everybody goes to the beach this classy-ly. It is too sad they don’t make that film anymore. Can you show us how you’ll make the coloring via photoshop? It could be a fun tutorial idea!
These photographs are so lovely! I only just came across your blog today and it’s kind of wonderful (-:
ooo. i love the aqua colors in the last one especially – and her tan lines in the first pic are adorable. all are great fun though. thanks for sharing!
gosh i need to get a hold of a good vintage bathing suit. such great images. have a wonderful weekend.
Kodachrome is beautiful. My dad shot all our family photos with it for years….Slideshows with his commentary are THE BEST.
I love it so much that my sisters and I named our band after it!
The Kodachrome Babies!
i love old fashion swimsuit i think their are more suitable for the beach! thats what i think… but the photos are wonderful and classy haha
Thanks for sharing these photos, they are amazing, true treasures! Love the colorful fabrics!
Kate
illustratekate.wordpress.com
Oooooh, I really like this post! Thanks for sharing these!
I love everything about this post. Cushman was extremely talented and one of my favorites. My favorite from this post was the first photo of Mary Martin. I’m completely obsessed with turbans and I would love to have that suit! So adorable! So glad you posted these!
xo,
lulu
I love the girl w/ the cig – I don’t know why. Just classic. Maybe b/c I have a cig or two and think I would look as lovely?????????
fantastic post…
great photos, the colors are phenomenal…
especially the last…the red and white umbrellas are the best…..!