'The Coney Island Mermaid Parade' by Jay Tanen and Martin Ingber
Like the festivals of Carnevale in Venice or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Mermaid Parade is a lively celebration of summer held annually on Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Famously known as the world's largest art parade, this high-spirited pageant features thousands of creative participants in colorful, hand-crafted costumes, with many thousands more joining the party as spectators.
Founded in 1983, the Mermaid Parade pays tribute to a century of Coney Island ingenuity, revelry, and pageantry by celebrating the extraordinary artistic vision of the people. With everything from an honorary King Neptune and Queen Mermaid and fantastical sea creatures and mermen, to marching bands, dancing groups and mechanized floats, it showcases the creativity of individuals from throughout the New York City area and beyond. The Mermaid Parade opens a season of summer festivities with a celebration of incredible art, high spirits, and community pride.
And, of course, this festival of do-it-yourself artistry, outrageousness, and fun is also an irresistible inspiration for a creative community of street photographers from near and far.
Martin Ingber
Jay Tanen
Martin Ingber
Beach Princess
Blue Umbrella
Olive with lobster & biscuits at Mermaid
I am 77 years old and have been involved with photography for over 50 years. I have shot editorial, commercial, sports, and fashion work over the years and also worked as a gallery director. In addition, I have worked for several leading commercial and fine art photo labs. I've been retired for 10 years and now concentrate on my personal work. The transition to the digital world has opened up many opportunities. In recent years, my photography has been travel-related, encompassing landscapes, wildlife, and people. I also photograph tennis at the U.S. Open every year and have developed an interest in capturing fireworks.
One experience that will always stand out to me is my involvement with Joel Meyerowitz in making prints of the Twin Towers. These were amazing images shot on 8x10 film over a 20-year period. A week after finishing these works, 9/11 occurred. Joel managed to photograph the destruction and aftermath, and the State Department wanted to have traveling exhibitions of his work to show the world what had happened. It has always felt special to me knowing I played a part in this project.
Art and creativity have always defined me, starting from the moment I picked up a crayon. As a young man, I pursued an academic education in Fine Art and Art History. I later taught Life Drawing, Painting, and related subjects for many years. I've also worked as an Art Director, Creative Director, and Curator. My artwork has been showcased in museum and gallery exhibitions in the New York area, and my commercial illustrations have appeared in numerous publications. Despite my extensive experience, photography has been a major medium missing from my artistic journey. However, inspired by my wife, I've recently developed an interest in street photography.
The world is full of magic: a wide array of people, amazing environments, and those 'decisive moments' that disappear in an instant, only to be replaced by an ever-changing flow of new and different ones. Most of these moments will go unnoticed, but some may be captured by a keen street photographer who happens to be in the right place at the right time. The feeling of discovery and creation that comes with it is truly remarkable.
