Editorializing

Two photos from Max Hubacher. First, from January 26, 1956, “View of lower Manhattan as seen from Brooklyn Bridge on a dreary winter day”: Second, a year earlier on February 2, 1955, “Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn side) on a cold, dreary winter day”: I’d say that he gives the impression of simply not liking the winter, except that the collection contains a lot of photos that prove he was out with his camera in the winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder was not yet known as such in the 50s, although the concept of the winter blahs certainly was. The thing that strikes me is that both of those photos were taken at place with incredible views. Looking down the length of the Brooklyn Bridge from either side provides an iconic photo, as does looking at lower Manhattan from the bridge walkway. Perhaps the effect of cold, overcast, and fog is worse when you know you should be seeing something great. And I think he really was depressed (by the weather or by something else) because those are good…