Coney Island Polar Plunge 2013

The fun doesn't stop in Times Square for New Years. On New Years Day we headed on over to Coney Island to check out the madness. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club and friends were plunging into the Atlantic!!! They are the oldest polar bear club in the U.S. About 1000 people took part. 

When we first arrived I happened upon these two packages!

Sweet Bot costume.

Notice this mans hat. A replica of the tower behind him.

Popeye!!!

Chan chillin out...pun intended.

I got my free hug!

Here they are lining up.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I get cold just looking at these pictures.

Brave or Stupid?

I totally dig this outfit.

And they're off.

Captain Duck Face

No costumes needed, just guts. If these old geezers can do it I could totally do it but I'd rather not.

See? He's still alive!

Representing!

OH GRANNY!!!

Nice Tux!

I would love to know this man's story. 

Unfortunately, due to the mobs of overly eager photographers I wasn't able to see peeps jumping in the water.  But I had fun checking everyone out as they came out.

Cheers everyone! Stay warm!

On The Streets of NYC

Since I've moved to the east coast I've been to New York City a handful of times but never have been able to just shoot street pictures. So when I went out for the yearly Photo Plus Expo (this was my first time to attend) I met up with a Chicago friend Pete Tsai and we had the opportunity to walk around when we weren't at the show. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images I was able to capture in the city.

One of the first pics of the night. 

I don't know why but to me there's something sentimental about seeing all
the street vendors out on the streets. It just might be my love for food.
 I love that I captured this just as this guy was starting to cross the frame.
This picture wouldn't be the same without him.

I also have a thing for photographing the homeless because I know there's a story.
I absolutely love the way the light was illuminating her face and body. To me she was
beautiful. 

This definitely depicts NYC to me. Coming and going, the busyness of the city.

This guy was taking a nap in the subway station. It was very warm in there.

This is my friend Pete. Was so great to hang out together and shoot and eat
and shoot and eat and shoot and eat :)

Just a few scenes in and around the subway.

This little girl was watching I think a family member tear down the case for the night.
We were taking a stroll through China town and
dummy me was reminded by my friend that I can shoot using the live view mode
instead of having to put my camera to my eye so I wasn't so obviously taking pictures.
Love it when I learn something new!

China Town

Saw several similar signs. I wonder if this works better than lying?

A typical scene in Times Square

Another shot taken in Times Square

So this "Batmobile" was parked. Had to grab a few shots
and chat with others as we saw some interesting characters.
Why I love it there so much. 

Speaking of interesting characters. How fitting to be lugging around
3 rats on your shoulder. He does this for money so he didn't like it when you took
a picture and didn't pay. Yeah whatever. I'll still get my shot.

Sometimes being in focus is over rated. 

Ah yes, The Naked Cowboy. Luckily for him it was warm out. Will he
still be naked when it's in the 30's?

I love red hair.

Ha, this guy was sleeping standing up. I'm going to guess he
was a little inebriated. 

On our last day we took a stroll through Hell's Kitchen street flea market.
Saw some interesting things and more interesting people. 

Whenever I see pigeons in NY, I think of Sesame Street.

Did a whole photo shoot of this guy and he didn't even know it. I'm pretty sure he
had Tourettes as every few seconds he blurted out something unrecognizable between
talking to himself or.....someone.

They grow strange things in NYC. Ohhhh right, it was Halloween weekend.

Another gentleman taking a rest with what looks to be his belongings.

Shoe Shine!

creativeLIVE & Lara Jade Workshop {fashion 101}

Here is my submission for the creativeLIVE & Lara Jade Workshop in NYC. All I ask is that you don't laugh at me but WITH me!!! :oD Hope to see you in the Big Apple! You can also visit my Facebook Fashion/Beauty  page to see some of my work. Thanks!