I try to pop in on the Coney Island Mermaid Parade each year. It’s getting a bit more hectic — and a bit less convenient for photographers. Organizers have jacked up the price for early access to the staging area, and instituted metal detectors (which bring with them a bit of a line) for the “artsy” (read: Less family-friendly) area, now separated from the rest of the pre-parade crowd in the boardwalk amphitheater.
I understand the need for the changes — lookie-lous (not just this lookie Lou) with cameras were often crowding performers. I’m not sure they “secure” area is all that “secure,” but hey, they’ve got to do what they’ve got to do. It’s still one of the most creative and joyous events around.
Most of these images were shot with a Rokinon 135mm manual focus lens on a Techart autofocus adapter – until it broke down. Manual focus on the move!
