Love Wins

Two days after the historic US supreme court rules in favor of gay marriage (#LoveWins), pride was marching on the streets of New York. Unlike other events in the city, like the Mermaid Parade, Dance Parade or Sakura Matsuri, at this parade most participants didn't put too much effort in their costumes. Nonetheless, it was a very colorful parade, especially because of the rainbow flag.

I missed most of the acts at the parade as I was marching with the Facebook team but I still found a few gems around me.

As usual, the preparation site was the most exciting part of the parade. I found some very cooperative characters that were happy to pose for the camera. A proud mom insisted that I'll capture her heels. She was holding a sign stating that: "My Son Wears Heels Too!". 
Finally, it was our turn to walk. It was the first time for me marching in a parade (as apposed to walk in a parade as a photographer). 

For this parade I used only the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. The weather was crazy. During the first few hours of the parade it was raining and cold and later it was sunny and hot. Surprisingly, I couldn't find Ms. Colombia but I did found this ballerina who reminded me of her.

I noticed that the main interaction between the participants and  the crowed involves both parties screaming in excitement towards one another. 

During the parade, capturing the flatiron building was a must for me, as this is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The only problem was that the parade was facing the wrong direction...

Mermaid Parade

Yes! The Mermaid Parade! I missed it last year, so this year, I was very excited to finally see it in my own eyes. Each time I am surprised that the number of people at these type of events don't stop me of showing up. I found that the attending people; participants as well as staff and observers, create a very welcoming environment, and this is true to all the city events I have been to. 

The Mermaid Parade actually started during the subway ride to Coney Island as some of the characters set next to me. It is about an hour ride from Midtown to Coney Island but it felt a lot shorter, funny how time flies when you're having fun.  

After getting off the subway I went directly to the preparation zone. This was a true gem as the bricks on the walls were a perfect background for some of the sea creatures. People of all ages showed up in sophisticated outfits that were designed carefully for this event.    

Given the overcast sky and the rain that came from time to time I tried, as much as possible, to prevent the sky from entering my frame. I saw a photographer carrying a real, physical, frame which he used as a prop when taking the pictures. I think it helps a little with the white clear sky but I still think the walls were a better option to avoid the boring background.  

During the parade preparation I used the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens and when the parade started I switched to the Canon EF 300mm f/4L.  The zoom lens is also an elegant way to avoid the overcast sky. 

By now I already know some of the regular parade attendees, like Jack Sparrow's long lost twin and Ms. Colombia, who was, as usual, carrying her African grey parrot on top of her head. It is always nice to see familiar faces in the crowd.

When the parade was over I headed to the subway station. The street was packed with people but there was no shouting or pushing. In the middle of the street there was a group of people offering free hugs. I didn't hesitate and I found myself in the arms of a total strangers. It was the perfect ending for the parade. I hope you can feel the joy of the parade through my photos. See you all at the next parade.   

Dance Parade

This year the Dance Parade was awesome! Especially since I got a press pass and I could walk alongside the dancers. Once again, I had a hard time choosing between two lenses: the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 and the Canon EF 300mm f/4L. It was a lot easier to take the photos with the Sigma but soon after the parade started I switched to Canon.  

Before the parade started I had some great opportunities to photograph the preparations: practicing, assembling gear and resting. The huge frog vehicle was a must for me. It came inside a yellow truck and they needed almost ten men to carry it out from there. The place was surrounded with some more interesting looking vehicles: a wolf like bike, two giants ponies, a purple bus and a furry little green car.

The scene was very colorful and festive, As soon as the ribbon cutting ceremony was over, the parade started marching on Broadway and 21st. I caught this cute girl popping her head out from the bus's window and went to look for my favorite act.

During the preparations I saw a Japanese act of two girls covered with the cherry blossom, hanging out with a golden man. They were fantastic and I immediately declared them as my favorites. Although I have been twice to the Sakura Matsuri festival I have never seen anything like it before.

Another one of my favorites was a pink-haired girl riding on a gigantic "My Little Pony". The pony was so big that I had a hard time capturing all of it. Finally, I snapped a photo with my cellphone.

As for real animals, at the beginning of the parade, I saw Oswaldo Gomez, also known as Ms. Colombia, with her African grey parrot named Rosita. Also, I saw two dogs walking in the parade, one of them was a Chihuahua named "Little One". I was told that Little One never missed a dance parade in the city.

The parade was fun as well as exhausting. By the end of it I could barely walk let alone carry my 300mm lens. I packed everything, took the city bike and headed to recharge myself at Shake Shack. See you all at the next Dance Parade :) 

Sakura Matsuri

The first day of spring was snowy and the cold weather refused to go away. However, today we were out to celebrate spring in all its glory! Alex and I went to the cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This is my second time at the blossom festival, so I was not surprised to also see the celebration of the Japanese culture.  

To me, the main attraction of this festival, other than the flowers, is the cosplay-clad attendees. Whenever I think no one can surprise me, I get blown away by people commitment to dressing up. 

From a women with horns, red eyes, vampire teeth and a dragon on her shoulder to a man riding on a smiling unicorn. All the colors and the people, it was almost epileptic.

For photographing people this is one of the best event in the city, as most of the attendees will cooperate and pose for the camera. For flowers however, this is not the best time for a photo-shoot as the place is packed with people. 

The best time to photograph the flowers is in the middle of the week, when the gardens are almost completely empty.