During my second summer living in New York, I was captivated by the vibrant characters of Coney Island and its iconic annual Mermaid Parade. This was one of my first projects shot on the Contax 645 camera, using an external flash and staged along the lively boardwalk. I worked with an eclectic mix of film stocks, including Kodak E6 and NC200, gifted to me from various photo shoots as a photo assistant. The result is a dynamic series that captures the colorful spirit and charm of this unique celebration.