These intimate color photos were taken by American photographer Harold Gee that show portraits of his young friends in San Diego from 1971 to 1975.
“Late Sixties, and I was timid about carrying a camera because there were a lot of folks that were suspicious of anyone carrying a camera…probably with good reason. It was a period of social upheaval, drugs that were fun but illegal, mass protests and political activism, and all this combined with police that used infiltration and snitches to bust people (and they also had cops with cameras).
But I started snapping a few photos of my friends, and as time went on people got sorta used to me having a camera. The general paranoia about cameras dissipated as the years went on.
These scans are from the negatives, which have been stored in a non-climate-controlled environment (mostly in hot & humid New Orleans) for approximately four decades. Most of them show some degree of degradation upon close inspection.”
The 42 photos provide a glimpse into the lives of San Diego youth during the early 1970s.
The black-and-white intimate portraits capture the characteristic hairstyles and fashion of the era’s young generation.
Some relaxed poses reflect the laidback southern California lifestyle at that time.
The candid shots reveal the summer fun as groups of friends hang out at the beach against the beautiful Pacific sunset.
There is a nostalgic feeling of youth conveyed through the intimate yet innocent interactions between teenage boys and girls.
A few intimate portraits focus on solitary individuals, reflecting the soul-searching journey of young adults.
The genuine expressions of carefree joy and laughter transport viewers back to a simpler time.
Some photos capture young students walking across university campuses, full of hopes and dreams.
The signature hippie styles like floral prints, fringe vests, bell bottoms and long hair embody the counterculture.
Young people’s fashion reflects influences from the nonconformist movements sweeping America’s youth.
Viewers get glimpses into the youth culture through photos of local concerts and music festivals.
Images of young couples strolling hand in hand along the seaside exude youthful romance.
The collection displays diverse ethnicities, reflecting southern California’s vibrant multicultural landscape in the 1970s.
A few photos showcase popular sports and outdoor recreational activities like surfing, rollerblading and beach volleyball.
Pictures of groups of friends hanging out provide insights into the intimate social circles of San Diego youth.
The genuine smiles and emotional expressions remind viewers of the intensity and carefreeness inherent to youth.
Candid photos capture young people’s interactions, reflecting the intimate friendships forged through formative years.
Images showcase young individuals against iconic southern California backdrops like surfboards, convertibles and skateboards.
Several artistic portrait shots experiment with light, shade contrasts and unusual angles.
The black-and-white film photography adds timeless, nostalgic qualities to this intimate time capsule.
A few fun photos show young people letting loose as they dance freely without inhibitions at parties.
The relaxed body language and candid interactions display the casual intimacy of the 1970’s youth culture.
Images provide glimpses into the characteristic home decor, furniture and appliances of southern California at that time.
Portraits of pensive individuals reflect contemplates self-exploration and introspection.
Photos capture the textural details like curly locks, corduroy jackets, braided bracelets and wire-rimmed glasses.
The intimate portraits reveal vulnerable yet beautiful nuances of searching self-discovery unique to youth.
Unposed shots of creative spaces provide insights into hobbies like painting, pottery and glass crafts.
Images showcase the diversity of ethnicities that defined the cultural fabric of southern California’s population.
A unifying spirit of optimistic rebellion shines through the relaxed and unguarded interactions.
Overall there is a heartwarming sense of freedom, emotive intensity and intimate camaraderie captured.
Some candid photos reveal intimate scenes of young couples affectionately cuddling at the drive-in theater.
Images of colorful psychedelic concert posters on bedroom walls reflect the vibrant music culture.
Portraits showcase the diversity of individual styles from button-up shirts to vibrant patterned sundresses.
Backdrop images of majestic palm trees, beach sunsets and ocean waves evoke the scenic landscapes of southern California.
Fun candids capture groups of friends with radiant smiles that reflect the joy and emotional intensity of youth.
A few photos showcase young students on university campuses, brimming with hope about future dreams.
Images of homemade jewelry, creative leatherwork and artisan crafts provide glimpses into the funky, non-mainstream styles.
Young individuals experimenting with face paint and extravagant costumes reveal the free self-expression emblematic of the era.
Candid photos of young musicians passionately playing instruments reflect the vibrant local music scene.
Textured, grainy black-and-white film adds depth and enduring, fine art qualities to the intimate portraits.
Younger teenagers hangout innocently at burger joints and miniature golf courses, unguarded in their carefree friendships.
A unifying thread of intimate yet innocent free-spiritedness shines through the 42 portraits of San Diego youth.