When you think of Central Park, the first things that come to your mind are probably massive crowds of people and warm sunshine. New Jersey-based photographer Michael Massaia, however, stays up late at night to make sure he captures views of the iconic park that few ever witness, and his results are positively haunting.
Back in 2007, Massaia developed a serious case of insomnia. “I sometimes go through long periods of time where I can’t sleep… I would go for long walks…” he told ND Magazine. But rather than seeking medication or therapy, he decided to do something productive with his lucid after-hours; he began photographing the vacant landscapes he came across in large format, using the dawn’s faint illumination as his only lighting. Living near the Big Apple, his strolls eventually led him to Central Park, which he shot numerous times between 2008 and 2014.
“The park appears to go through a period of metamorphosis during those late night/early morning hours,” he wrote on his official website. “And I was determined to capture it.” Taken on black and white film, Massaia’s photos truly show Central Park like most of the world has never seen before – empty, isolating, and eerie. Scroll down to see each bone-chilling shot and its location in the park.
More info: Michael Massaia, Facebook, Instagram
#1 Private Gardens, 2013
Image source: Michael Massaia
#2 Southeast View, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#3 Gapstow Bridge, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#4 The Mall, 4 A.m., 2013
Image source: Michael Massaia
#5 South View, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#6 Half Moon, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#7 Northwest View, 2014
Image source: Michael Massaia
#8 Zoo Entrance, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#9 5 A.m., European Beech Tree, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#10 Airplane Installation, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#11 North Woods Exit, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#12 Path & San Remo, 2016
Image source: Michael Massaia
#13 South Path, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#14 Westside Sunrise, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#15 South View, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#16 Bow Bridge Predawn, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#17 Sheep Meadow Sunrise, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#18 Clock Installation, 2016
Image source: Michael Massaia
#19 Hallet Sanctuary, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#20 January Dawn, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#21 Center Path, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#22 Zoo Entrance, 2016
Image source: Michael Massaia
#23 Predawn, London Planetrees
Image source: Michael Massaia
#24 Pre-dawn, The Rambles, 2012
Image source: Michael Massaia
#25 South View, 2010
Image source: Michael Massaia
#26 January Dawn, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#27 5th Ave. Exit, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#28 Summer Solstice, 2016
Image source: Michael Massaia
#29 First Spring, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#30 Second Spring, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#31 Central Park
Image source: Michael Massaia
#32 Night Fall, The Ramble, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#33 Central Park
Image source: Michael Massaia
#34 East Side Exit, 2009
Image source: Michael Massaia
#35 January Dawn, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#36 4 A.m., Path & Eldorado, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#37 January Dawn, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
#38 January Dawn, 2017
Image source: Michael Massaia
Follow Us
