Retro Color Images Highlight the Spirit of 1980s New York City
Photographer Jeff Rothstein is celebrated for his enduring black-and-white street photography of New York City, a pursuit he began in the late 1960s. Nevertheless, his endeavors in color photography are just as enchanting, providing an alternative view of the city he calls home. Utilizing color slide film from the 1980s through 1991, Rothstein captures the urban scenery of Manhattan, presenting a fascinating perspective of its intricate details such as signage and architectural elements. These images are primarily taken in well-known downtown areas like the Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village.
Rothstein’s color photographs, together with his black-and-white works, create a holistic representation of New York City’s vibrancy. While Rothstein favors monochrome and is inclined to convert digital images to black and white, he recognizes the special role of color in his creations.
His photography whisks viewers away to a more rugged New York City that predominantly resides only in memories. By encapsulating personal experiences through his art, Rothstein provides a captured instant in time for all to enjoy. “My aim is to evoke the feeling of being on the street with me, right amidst the chaos and drama. The images in this feature depict a city that now only survives in our memories,” Rothstein tells My Modern Met. “Yet they will resonate with every one of us who has experienced the city closely, casually, or even just from afar. The photographs serve as a historical account through a local perspective. All captured on film, they evoke the era and location of a past time, infused with an enduring quality.”
Jeff Rothstein’s vivid color street photography from the 1980s presents a unique look into a more rugged urban landscape. His emphasis on urban elements like signage and architectural features adds a distinctive angle to the narrative of New York City. Rothstein’s work offers a historical account observed through the lens of a local, preserving a timeless spirit.
**Jeff Rothstein: [Website](https://www.jeffrothsteinphotos.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jeffrothsteinphotos/)**
*My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jeff Rothstein.*
**Related Articles:**
– [Stunning Color Street Photography Captures the Spirit of Modern Tokyo](https://mymodernmet.com/rk-tokyo-street-photography/)
– [Street Photographer Shares the Moments When He’s Been “Caught” Taking a Photo](https://mymodernmet.com/benjamin-lee-street-photography-caught/)
– [Global Street Photography Contest Honors Photographers Capturing Slice-of-Life Snapshots](https://mymodernmet.com/independent-photographer-street-photography-contest/)
– [Exquisite Street Photography Celebrates the Different Moods of New York City at Night [Interview]](https://mymodernmet.com/lerone-pieters-street-photography/)