Ray Yoshida. Detail of a Chicago shop window, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida

Ray Yoshida, Detail of a storefront sign in Chicago, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Sign with bodybuilders in Chicago, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Detail of a sign in Chicago, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Detail of a commercial sign in Chicago, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Storefront sign in Chicago, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Detail of a Chicago shop window, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Detail of a beauty salon sign, between 1972 and 1981.

Ray Yoshida. Detail of a Chicago storefront, between 1972 and 1981.

Something interesting which came across tumblr and caused me to click through to his papers at the Smithsonian. These are too much fun. The signs are great in a vernacular hand-drawn way that we’re not used to seeing anymore. And the polaroids—direct flash and all—are perfect.

Yes, these are hipstagram before hipstagram. But what I love about these is how the camera is placed so as to crop out everything unnecessary and any keystoning or other “issues” are accepted. The only things in these prints are what needs to be there.