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Photographer Suffering From Terrible Insomnia Captures Haunting Pics Of Central Park When There’s No People
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
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#1
Private Gardens, 2013
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#2
Southeast View, 2012
eco okok 7 years ago
i don't feel them terrible to see i find they demonstrate how beatifull can be the calm and darkness. Congrats for your fotography, you are getting the beauty where the most of us don't see them. P.d: If i have any gramatic or ortographic errors please tell because i'm learning english. thanks!
#3
Gapstow Bridge, 2009
Anne Madag 7 years ago
this one is fine, looks peaceful place, I'm still see those lights in a building.
#4
The Mall, 4 A.m., 2013
#7
Northwest View, 2014
#8
Zoo Entrance, 2012
#9
5 A.m., European Beech Tree, 2017
#10
Airplane Installation, 2012
#11
North Woods Exit, 2012
#12
Path & San Remo, 2016
Judy Buczkowski 7 years ago
WOW..at this angel there is a person standing on top of a branch squatting and so many other thing in th tree......Love your work
#13
South Path, 2009
#14
Westside Sunrise, 2009
#15
South View, 2012
Diane DesAutels 7 years ago
The twisting organic shapes of the trees juxtaposed with the man-made rectangles of the buildings are particularly notable in this shot.
#17
Sheep Meadow Sunrise, 2012
#18
Clock Installation, 2016
#19
Hallet Sanctuary, 2009
#20
January Dawn, 2017
#23
Predawn, London Planetrees
#26
January Dawn, 2017
Gillian Black 7 years ago
well it must be safe there as you lived to show us these beautiful photos
#27
5th Ave. Exit, 2009
#32
Night Fall, The Ramble, 2017
Luciana Parazzi Basile 7 years ago
Beautiful photographs. I don't think they are haunting at all! Thank you for sharing.
#33
Central Park
George Foster 7 years ago
WOW, these are all so fantastic ... I hope and pray you will make a book of them ... so very great !!!!!!!
#38
January Dawn, 2017
Kathryn Sutherland 7 years ago
You see the ghosts of past generations strolling along the paths. Time stands still.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Daria B 7 years ago
To be honest, while I still wouldn't walk these paths alone, I don't find these as scarry. I dunno, there's something soothing and romantic in these lonely park sceneries. Immagine you spent the night here hanging around with your best friend, and, sitting on a bench, together you watch the sunrise....
Ironcat_xox 7 years ago
U definitely don't want to be in Central Park at night...
Load More Replies...
Anne Madag 7 years ago
Imagine, you are walking in all of those places, and you just only one. :'3
Cheryl Birkhimer 7 years ago
I love the peacefulness & serenity. So different from daytime. These are brilliant photos. I don't feel scared or nervous about any. I might add also, I am definitely not into horror movies etc. This is magic.
Lynn Neel 7 years ago
Sad that this is not safe anymore especially for a woman. True in many major cities. Incredible images of a place I will always cherish and I am just a visiting New Yorker. I spent a long career coming to the design markets and to visit friends. Thank you to this photographer.
Dolcelyn Imperio-Smith 7 years ago
Absolutely beautiful and haunting. I've never been to Central Park, just near it to see the ball drop during New Year's Eve 2005. Now I want to go and walk at the times these pictures were taken. I bet these will still be better.
Pamela Grove 7 years ago
I think these are so amazing. Now this work should have its own show. However, I almost think they should have an armed escort with them. I'm afraid sooner or later something will happen and I don't want anything to happen to this photographer. Please be very careful, take security with you. I've always loved black and white photography in this age of colour.
Walkus-Andrew Andrea 7 years ago
I'm most amazed he was able to get pics in New York and not have any people in them at all
Chris Moody 7 years ago
Everyone has some form of disorder at some level. That's the truth. What this photographer does with his is something incredible. It looks like he used a camera with infrared capabilities. If the photographer was inclined, he could sell these images and make some serious money with them.
Deborah R. 7 years ago
These photographs are awesomely beautiful -- also, haunting and mysterious. I love the presence, in almost every picture, of one of those old fashioned looking street lamps, with their lights on. I don't know how you achieved the wonderful textures in your photos, but the results are spectacular. Bravo!
Tariq Bhatti 7 years ago
i don't think but c ur best ever posts ita aweeeesome so keep postings
Sillyjilli49 7 years ago
Look i like the pics, i really do, but i think that it is kinda creepy to be walking by urself alone in central park at night
Daria B 7 years ago
To be honest, while I still wouldn't walk these paths alone, I don't find these as scarry. I dunno, there's something soothing and romantic in these lonely park sceneries. Immagine you spent the night here hanging around with your best friend, and, sitting on a bench, together you watch the sunrise....
Ironcat_xox 7 years ago
U definitely don't want to be in Central Park at night...
Load More Replies... Anne Madag 7 years ago
Imagine, you are walking in all of those places, and you just only one. :'3
Cheryl Birkhimer 7 years ago
I love the peacefulness & serenity. So different from daytime. These are brilliant photos. I don't feel scared or nervous about any. I might add also, I am definitely not into horror movies etc. This is magic.
Lynn Neel 7 years ago
Sad that this is not safe anymore especially for a woman. True in many major cities. Incredible images of a place I will always cherish and I am just a visiting New Yorker. I spent a long career coming to the design markets and to visit friends. Thank you to this photographer.
Dolcelyn Imperio-Smith 7 years ago
Absolutely beautiful and haunting. I've never been to Central Park, just near it to see the ball drop during New Year's Eve 2005. Now I want to go and walk at the times these pictures were taken. I bet these will still be better.
Pamela Grove 7 years ago
I think these are so amazing. Now this work should have its own show. However, I almost think they should have an armed escort with them. I'm afraid sooner or later something will happen and I don't want anything to happen to this photographer. Please be very careful, take security with you. I've always loved black and white photography in this age of colour.
Walkus-Andrew Andrea 7 years ago
I'm most amazed he was able to get pics in New York and not have any people in them at all
Chris Moody 7 years ago
Everyone has some form of disorder at some level. That's the truth. What this photographer does with his is something incredible. It looks like he used a camera with infrared capabilities. If the photographer was inclined, he could sell these images and make some serious money with them.
Deborah R. 7 years ago
These photographs are awesomely beautiful -- also, haunting and mysterious. I love the presence, in almost every picture, of one of those old fashioned looking street lamps, with their lights on. I don't know how you achieved the wonderful textures in your photos, but the results are spectacular. Bravo!
Tariq Bhatti 7 years ago
i don't think but c ur best ever posts ita aweeeesome so keep postings
Sillyjilli49 7 years ago
Look i like the pics, i really do, but i think that it is kinda creepy to be walking by urself alone in central park at night
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