The Smithsonian Magazine is seeking help identifying a prolific yet unknown photographer who documented San Francisco street life in the 1960s. Thousands of color slides, discovered in a box at a flea market, offer vibrant snapshots of everyday life, fashion, architecture, and cars of the era. The photographer's identity remains a mystery, and the magazine hopes the public can help shed light on who this individual was and the story behind the remarkable collection.
Subway Stories is a crowdsourced collection of short, true anecdotes about everyday life on the New York City subway. These vignettes capture the diverse range of human experiences that unfold underground, from chance encounters and acts of kindness to moments of absurdity and quiet observation. The website serves as a digital tapestry of the city's vibrant and often unpredictable subterranean world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millions who pass through its tunnels each day. It's a testament to the shared humanity and unique character of the NYC subway, presenting a mosaic of moments that are both relatable and distinctly New York.
Hacker News users discuss the "Subway Stories" project, largely praising its nostalgic and artistic value. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of their own subway experiences, echoing the themes of chance encounters and shared humanity found on the site. Others analyze the technical aspects of the project, appreciating its minimalist design and questioning the choice of technology used. A few express skepticism about the authenticity of some submissions, while others lament the decline of similar community art projects in the internet age. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users finding the site to be a refreshing reminder of the unique human tapestry of the New York City subway system.
Summary of Comments ( 31 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43392753
Hacker News users discussed the mystery photographer's skill, noting the compelling composition and subject matter of the photos. Some speculated on the photographer's possible professional background, suggesting they might have been a photojournalist or worked in advertising given the quality and volume of images. Several commenters focused on the technical aspects, discussing the likely camera and film used, and the challenges of street photography in that era. Others shared personal connections to San Francisco in the 1960s, adding context and reminiscing about the city during that time. A few users also suggested strategies for identifying the photographer, such as examining photo metadata or contacting local historical societies. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the discovered photos and a desire to uncover the photographer's identity.
The Hacker News post "Help Identify the Photographer Who Captured Many Images of 1960s San Francisco" has generated a modest number of comments, with a thread of discussion focusing on the potential identity of the photographer and the nature of his work.
One commenter highlights the prevalence of well-dressed individuals in the photographs, contrasting it with the "Summer of Love" stereotype often associated with San Francisco in the 1960s. They propose that the photographer may have been deliberately seeking out these "straights" as subjects, potentially as a form of personal preference or for a specific project. This observation sparks a brief discussion about the changing demographics of San Francisco during this period and the influx of young people seeking alternative lifestyles.
Another commenter focuses on the technical aspects of the photographs, noting the consistent use of a specific camera and lens, possibly a rangefinder. This observation leads to speculation about the photographer's background and the possibility of them being a professional or a serious amateur.
A few commenters share personal anecdotes about their experiences in San Francisco during the 1960s, reflecting on the city's vibrant atmosphere and diverse population. These comments, while not directly related to the photographer's identity, contribute to a broader discussion about the historical context of the images.
A commenter mentions the high quality of the street photography and expresses hope that the photographer's identity will be discovered, allowing for proper attribution and preservation of their work.
One commenter suggests checking local historical societies and archives for clues.
Overall, the comments reflect a genuine interest in the mystery surrounding the photographer and a shared appreciation for the historical value of the photographs. The discussion revolves around speculation about the photographer's motives, technical skills, and background, with some commenters sharing personal experiences that add context to the images. However, no definitive answers regarding the photographer's identity emerge within the comments.