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
www.lostinthehaze.com
Posted by: Jo | April 08, 2011 at 06:37 AM
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.
Posted by: Katie | April 08, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Oh gosh, that pink and grey striped shirt dress is fantastic. As are these photos!
Posted by: Cheryl | April 08, 2011 at 10:29 AM
The end of the Kodachrome is a tragedy. :(
Beautiful photos though!
Posted by: nova | April 08, 2011 at 10:55 AM
so beautiful. I love their bathing suits.
Posted by: zelina | April 08, 2011 at 11:58 AM
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!
Posted by: Joy | April 08, 2011 at 12:48 PM
These photographs are so lovely! I only just came across your blog today and it's kind of wonderful (-:
Posted by: Feeona | April 08, 2011 at 04:01 PM
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!
Posted by: jaclyn | April 08, 2011 at 05:05 PM
gosh i need to get a hold of a good vintage bathing suit. such great images. have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: seesaw | April 08, 2011 at 06:18 PM
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!
Posted by: Mallory G | April 08, 2011 at 08:03 PM
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
Posted by: britty | April 11, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Thanks for sharing these photos, they are amazing, true treasures! Love the colorful fabrics!
Kate
illustratekate.wordpress.com
Posted by: Illustrate Kate | April 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Oooooh, I really like this post! Thanks for sharing these!
Posted by: Black and White and Loved All Over | April 12, 2011 at 09:33 PM
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
Posted by: lulu | April 12, 2011 at 11:06 PM
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?????????
Posted by: Jessica Wilson | April 15, 2011 at 01:19 AM
fantastic post...
great photos, the colors are phenomenal...
especially the last...the red and white umbrellas are the best.....!
Posted by: lisa g | May 01, 2011 at 04:45 AM