[photo-3d] Re: Mermaid Parade in Coney Island

[King3ddd@xxxxxxx]

I photographed the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island last weekend and was 
surprised at the number of people I saw shooting 3D.  There had to be at 
least 20 different  people with everything from Loreo, Nimslo, RBT, 2 1/4, 
and of course Realist. (I   was the only one with View Master)   Some were 
familiar faces, either people I knew from the NYSS or from NSA, but the 
majority were people who had no idea of NSA or any other 3D organization.  I 
didn't have any NSA applications on me but got some addresses and will be 
sending them applications.  I wonder how many people are actually out there 
with their 3D cameras and are just not affiliated, either by choice or by 
lack of knowledge.  Of all the great non scenic tourist 3D subjects to shoot 
in New York City, (Wigstock, Tattoo Convention, Macy's Thanksgiving Day 
Parade, New Years Eve in Times Square, Yankee Ticker Tape Parades, etc. - 
just to scratch the surface) the Mermaid Parade is without question the most 
colorful, exotic, strange, etc.  Basically hundreds of men and women, mostly 
women,  from 2 years old to 60 (most in their high teens and twenties), most 
quite scantily clad, spend 3 hours costuming themselves by the Cyclone area 
and then march down the Boardwalk.  Some alone, others in groups of 2 -10, 
and others with larger numbers of people playing musical instruments, etc.  
The costumes are the most elaborate, humorous, colorful, ( I must have seen 
at least 20 shades of pink I never knew existed - some of which would be 
dangerous to look at without protective eyewear!) costumes you will ever see 
- Guaranteed!!  It is 3D paradise!  You could just point your camera and be 
guaranteed of a great picture, and with the smallest amount of effort you 
could just about be guaranteed a prize winner.  Words cannot explain the 
atmosphere.  Any 3D photographer within driving distance should plan to 
attend next year.  I will even go as far as to say that it would be worth 
your while to plan your vacation in the area next year just to experience 
this New York City Phenomenon.  Press Pass or $10 gets you in to the dressing 
area and during the parade there is full access to the marchers - you can go 
right up to them - unlike other parades where you are behind barricades.  I 
shot Viewmaster, Realist, and flat (you're allowed to shoot flat as long as 
you are also shooting at least two 3D formats in addition).  I don't know 
that I will be able to process and mount prior to leaving to Mesa, but I will 
bring the flat pics with me.  I hope to project the VM and Realist at the 
NYSS in the near future, and since I am planning to buy a SAM, to project at 
an upcoming NSA convention
Sheldon Aronowitz