Street Photography: Coney Island

Last Saturday, June 18, I went out to Coney Island for the annual Mermaid Parade. Events such as this one are the perfect opportunities to take photos of strangers.  They're in attention grabbing costumes and are in general, happy to have their photos taken.  I got plenty of photos of costumed people and I'll share some of those a bit later, once I've sorted and edited!

A friend and I were walking along, looking for a friend of hers who had provided Amazing Race quality clues as to his location.  It was kind of like looking for buried treasure which I suppose would have been appropriate since she was dressed as a saucy pirate.  Anyway, as we were walking, I spotted a couple of things that caught my eye and grabbed some shots.  Interestingly enough, it wasn't anyone in a costume!

Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY - June 18, 2011

Of all the photos I took that day, I think the above shot might well be my favorite.  He was perfectly positioned so that it looked like the pointing lady in the painting was referring to him.  I immediately saw the photo as black and white in my head.  Even though that's how I saw the image in my head when I raised the camera to my eye, in editing, I debated over whether to leave it in color.  The colors in the painting are so vivid I wasn't sure I wanted to take them away.  In the end, I decided to go with what my original vision was.

Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY - June 18, 2011

Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY - June 18, 2011

The above two images were also vividly colored.  But I liked the way they felt in black and white.  I've come to realize, that I prefer street photography dark and desaturated or in black and white.

Concert Photography: Kate Young & Chad Taylor

Chad Taylor & Kate Young performing with Adam Taylor
More photos HERE 

Tuesday night, I went down to Mercury Lounge to catch Adam Taylor and his band play.  It was a fun show.  It however was a horrible night of photography for me.  But hey, we all have off days.  As I was processing the images seeing what I could salvage, I realized that a good deal of my issues arose from the overbearing red lighting.  This particular venue is notorious for its red lighting but on Tuesday, it was worse than usual.  It didn't just make things red, it made things a glowing red so at times faces looked iridescent and other times an overblown, pinkish/red radioactive color!  Normally, when things get too red, you can do the common fix of turning it black and white.  That fix didn't work on many of the images!  

Anyway, after walking away thinking everything would be dreadful, I found the fun shot above in the mist of things.  I'm bummed that I didn't get a similar shot of the brothers Taylor though!  I think this happy looking shot reflects how much fun we were all having.

Concert Photography: Terror In A Western Town

Wednesday night, I was down on the LES at Pianos.  One of the bands on the line-up for the evening was Terror In A Western Town.  I'd never heard of them so I hadn't a clue as to what they would sound like.  I learned that they were good!  Leader Matt Witte is tattooed and my camera was drawn to his arm.  Normally, I don't pay much attention to tattoos when I'm photographing concerts.  But for some reason, my eye kept finding my way back to that sleeve.  A part of me wanted to get on the stage and capture it up-close.  So, from my position in front of the stage, I proceeded to attempt to capture his arm, just his arm.  This is my result.

 

Matt Witte of Terror In A Western Town

(more photos HERE)

 

Jewelry: Mickey Lynn Jewelry

Southern Designer Collections Showcase: May 25 @ Openhouse Gallery, New York, NY
 
In this piece, we're featuring Mickey Lynn Jewelry.
 

Since I'm drawn to jewelry, the first table that caught my eye was that of Atlanta based jeweler Mickey Lynn. 
 
I walked in and there at the table to my left was a whole table of sparkly pretties!  The collection on display that day was jewelry mainly made of mineral stones and some adorable charms.  Lynn's pieces were all very feminine and a bit flirty.  The pieces work dressed up (that all important little black dress) or dressed down (jeans and tee-shirt) and are a must for the fashion chic flirty gal.  But, they're also perfect for a bohemian chic sort of gal who likes natural materials.  I love versatility!
 
Not being a wearer of big dangly earrings, I sadly had to pass up most of that side of the collection.  But, I did happen upon a small set of drop earrings made of agate and (if I'm remembering what Lynn's partner Seth Shindeldecker told me correctly) reclaimed gold. They're comfortable, lightweight and very easy to wear.  They're the kind of earring that you put in and forget you're wearing because of their comfort; you forget until someone mentions how pretty your earrings are! 
 
If you're in New York, Mickey Lynn Jewelry can be found at Arcadia and Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan and at Catbird in Brooklyn.  Check their website for locations in other parts of New York and the rest of the country.

Earrings by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (press image)

Necklaces by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (stock image)

Bracelets by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (press image)

 

Though I didn't come home with one of these bracelets, I'd love to add one and the blow ring to my collection!

Ring by Mickey Lynn Jewelry

Bracelets by Mickey Lynn Jewelry