Mermaid Parade 2007 - Coney Island

    Explore Interestingness: June 23, 2007

    As usual, my first time is always a mixed experience for me. This was my first time to see the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, NY. Conditions were sunny and clear. I was so used to overcast days that I had trouble finding the right settings on a high contrast scene. I normally use -0.3 exposure compensation on bright days but from my experience today, my EC varied greatly from -0.7 to +1.0!

    I also used a fill flash (SB-600) to brighten up shadows. It worked most of the time but did nothing on some. It was a pain too since flash can only go as high as 1/500th of a second, I had to maintain that or lower. I still don't understand a lot about flashes.

    A great number of my shots today were not tack sharp as I would expect from my 70-200mm VR. Most of my shots are in portrait mode so in order to maintain focus on the face (particularly eyes) I shifted the focus point from the middle towards one of the side focus points. I had to do that because the subjects were moving too fast for me to focus then recompose so I had to do both in one move. The focus was off for some reason. I'll never use those side focus points again!

    My apologies to the ladies. The Mermaid Parade was full of semi-nude female participants. I guess it has always been a part of this parade and self-expression is not a crime.

    Edit: I reflagged it again as safe. Besides, this was shown in a public place with kids as both participants and audience.

    Comments and faves

    1. ★

      Brooklyn Chris, framerleif, Bay Ridge Report, llondt, and 24 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    2. donnat333 (60 months ago | reply)

      so crazy - didn't see these gals either....neat body makeup - but damn it was hot and I can't imagine that was comfortable!

    3. Island Capture Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      She was part of the classic cars at the start of the parade.

    4. Doug NY (60 months ago | reply)

      Great picture Brian, glad you went to Coney Island for some different scenes. Despite your unhappiness with the pics they still came out great and your perspective is shown through the pics you took and posted. There`s a button on the rear panel of that D50 called AE/AF lock, i know it`s too late now but...

    5. Island Capture Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      Thanks Doug! I know about the AE/AF lock button but it wouldn't work in this case. If a subject is moving fast towards you, the focus would change as soon as you push the shutter button. One solution is to use continuous focus but I was also mindful of the composition hence the continuous focus won't work. Yes, I could use the lock but that would put delay and the closing subject would need refocusing.

      But then again, that might not be the problem. Probably the side focus points are not us accurate as the center focus point since it uses only either a horizontal or vertical line which is unlike the center focus point which uses a cross type sensor.

      It's not too late. It's always a learning experience for the next awesome parade! I still think I have reached the limitations of my Nikon D50. I'm dying to get a new body with higher capability (D80 or D200).

    6. donnat333 (60 months ago | reply)

      toplessness is part of the parade bri - and NY state law does not prohibit - honestly women can walk around like this any day of the week. and of course i think that's why the mermaid parade gets lots of male attendees :)

    7. Island Capture Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      Thanks for the info, Donna...

      Oh and, I was at the parade purely for artistic reason. lol!

    8. donnat333 (60 months ago | reply)

      that's what all the guys with cameras say :) just busting your chops!!! looking forward to seeing more pics....

    9. Island Capture Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      Hehehe! Thanks Donna! And I'm looking forward for yours!

    10. mjag2006 [deleted] (60 months ago | reply)

      Great photos

    11. © JD Enarsico | Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      Nice shot! she really has your attention

    12. Island Capture Photography (60 months ago | reply)

      She was just a few feet away and she was actually enthusiastic to have her photo taken so it was easy for me. :)

    13. Further to Fly (59 months ago | reply)

      Man, I always miss the good parades. (Pity you didn't have your extension tubes...)

    14. Island Capture Photography (59 months ago | reply)

      Yup, parades are great! I don't think I need the extension tubes for this... I can see the details just fine. lol!

    15. toshi0104 (51 months ago | reply)

      nice !

      --
      [discovered in the 中途半端な写真好き☆ photophlow room and tumblogged] (?)

    16. Richard Wayne Photography (43 months ago | reply)

      I saw this beautiful photo on Explore ! 06-23-07

      You are invited to add this wonderful photo to
      "Explored Beauty !"

      Explored Beauty !
      Please Invite other Explored Favorites to this Group too !

    17. David Antonio2008 (30 months ago | reply)

      Perfect photo! and very artistic shot! We'd love to have this added to the
      group and we'd like to invite you to join with us "Nudity in Arts and Photography Group". Please consider submitting this photo shot to Nudity In Arts and Photography Group.

    18. Yassir KetchuM (24 months ago | reply)

      the mermaid parade was today hope you went agin unfortunately for me i had to work damm it! lol well your pics looks great!

    19. Island Capture Photography (24 months ago | reply)

      Thanks but unfortunately, I had to go to work the last minute. Sigh. :(

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