Just Looking
As the New York summer ends and the last few warm days are made the most of by the majority of the population. Two reluctant swimmers look on from the Coney Island pier. I like the sense of exclusion in this image. A couple on the outside gazing in. Perhaps they feel they are too old, too modest or too uncomfortable with the kind of broad social interaction it would need on their part to join in the fun of the beach below. Perhaps they never did ‘join in’ and have always been happy to view the world from a distance in their own familiar silence. Separated from reality by their elevation and the strong construction of the pier railing, there is a certain safety in their positioning. Well away from the risk of any possibility of criticism or judgement. Not taking part, just looking.
LUST & RUM 
Speaks volumes. You end up with all sorts of stories running through your head.
They could be the happiest people in Coney Island for all I know. But it does pose a few questions.
And yet, I see a beach towel and what appears to be a swimsuit on the one on the right, so maybe they’re just taking a break?
Either way, I like the composition of the shot.
Thanks, you could be right, or maybe the woman on the right is psyching herself up to enter the off the pier diving competition.
Ha!
A really fine picture. All these people we see are taking part – in their own way: They ARE there. Also these two with the grand overview !
People watching? I tend to do a lot of that myself.
Personally I’m not sure I’d want to be in the midst of the mob on the beach….. 😉
Well I certainly know that I wouldn’t. I think they made the right choice.
This is not a scene most Californian’s would envision when thinking of New York, which is one of the reasons I really like it.
I agree, not everyone’s ideal image of NY. Which, I guess, is why I like it too.
I’m with them in their stance. Dig the Betty Boop shirt too. Superb shot.
Thanks Richard, yes, the Betty Boop thing is a great touch and adds a little quirkiness to the image.
Coney Island is such a great place to shoot! This one really works! Unusual to see your work in color:)
It is a great place to shoot. I shot hundreds but this was the only one that didn’t look like a travel promo.
I heard that Shoot the Freak wasn’t there anymore. That was a great place to shoot! I thought that Coney Island was becoming gloriously rundown, but someone said they’ve upgraded and sanitized it. Yours shows real people.
It has, sadly, but here is a link to how it was https://lustandrum.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/img_1019_shoot-the-freak-72dpi.jpg
Great shot Anton and, if you you ask me, they have the best seat in the house!
I agree Patti, I would rather be sitting where they are than battling the crowds on the beach.
jaja! I cant see their faces but I can imagine them…they are so much into it 😀