We had never experienced Coney Island and did not know quite what to expect. Off we headed late in the afternoon on a recent Saturday. What a photographic treat: the colorful umbrellas on the crowded beach, wonderful characters strolling the lengthy boardwalk, music and dancers, the racy side shows and lots of kids loving every ride and screaming all the way.

Whenever possible we ask permission before taking a photograph of an individual. Here, this lovely woman obliged. The background gave the impression of a Statue of Liberty.

The beaches were certainly crowded with people and umbrellas. The many colors make interesting geometric patterns. Here the view of the beach adds to the scene.

It is obvious that many of the folks at Coney Island want to be photographed. This is a perfect example. These two were with a group. We have photos as we approached from behind, but they really reacted when we got close.

What day on the Boardwalk would be complete without an ice cream cone?

We had heard how Coney Island had become rather seedy in recent years. This may be true, but there was not a single unpleasant happening all day. People from all walks of life interacted as if long time friends. We are sure this mother felt totally comfortable watching the nearby break dancer.

This is a rather typical scene on the Boardwalk. A cute young girl expressing himself as young girls do.

The Boardwalk was quite free of debris. It could be these hand painted trash cans which ran down the middle of the Boardwalk.

We remembered the times we spent at carnivals in our youth spending our hard earned allowances to win that stuffed animal. This girl seemed intent on picking up a prize.

Loud music blared in one area of the Boardwalk. Dancers danced, and break dancers did their thing.

We have included several photos of the Coney Island Ferris Wheel. This is a distant view from the Boardwalk.

The games, sideshows and rides are located a short walk from the Boardwalk. Here are two friends receiving strategic advice on how to win at the game.

This sign was on the Boardwalk, but you can see the Ferris Wheel through the cloth.

As darkness approached the lights became the focus of our attention. Here the Ferris Wheel is beginning to shine.

We were fascinated with the rides. Here the kids await being spun into the air. We could get close enough to focus on the riders and capture the excitement.

This is the same ride as the prior photo. The kids are obviously enjoying themselves.

The exposure here was for several seconds. The wavy yellow lines were lights at the edge of an undulating ride while the streak above were caused by camera movement.

This was another hand held shot taking in a ride at the top of a tall tower. The blue streaks are the riders passing by.

This is a photo of the same tower, but the exposure was for much less time.

This shot was a 15 second exposure using a tripod. You can tell from the streaks of red how far the lights on the Ferris Wheel had moved.