Solvang, CA

Another photo essay, this one from Solvang, California. The story behind this town is that the Danish settlers that were first in the area decided to maintain their heritage, which is evident in the architecture and the food.

The California Salad Bowl

Another narrative of an organic farm in California's salad bowl. I need a people shot, but like these all the same.

California Central Coast Wineries

At the beginning of June, a friend and I took a road trip around the Central Coast in California. I worked on the narrative angle for my photos, so the next few postings will be from that trip. Here's the "story" of the wineries we went to outside of Santa Barbara.

Governor's Island

Governor's Island got its current name in 1784 when the island was under British control "for the benefit and accommodation of His Majesty's Governors." Its strategic location made it suitable for a military facility for the next 200 years.



The land mass of the island was increased using rocks and dirt excavations from the Lexington Avenue Subway line.



In 1811, the Army completed construction of Castle Williams with 8 foot thick walls to defend against artillery.



After other various uses and occupations throughout history, the island was used for recruitment and as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.



In 1966, the island was turned over to the Coast Guard, who occupied it until 1995.



On January 31, 2003 the island was sold to the people of New York for $1 to be used for public benefit.

Here's an interesting juxtaposition of unrelated objects that placed together certainly make a statement.

Figment Art Festival 2008

The other weekend was the annual art festival, Figment, out on Governor's Island. We braved the heat to check it out.

A big hit was the hula hoops. Every size and color imaginable allowed the crowd to get their hoop on to the DJ's pumpin' music.



An annual tradition...Limbonade.



There were several people covered in one color each who were all over the island coloring in abstract chalk art on the ground. People grabbed chalk and joined in.

Here's on elaborate outline by the water.



Mr. Yellow.



Fun with panning! (and padded clubs)



An interesting shot of obscure art with the Manhattan skyline as the back drop.



My personal favorite was the kiddie pool full of rose petals. Fun and it smelled good!

Coney Island Empty

With the impending changes and it's reputation otherwise, I headed out for some scenes of the more desolate side of Coney Island. I'll let the photos speak for themselves this time.

Coney Island Enjoyed

Here are some shots of Coney Island taken on the same day as the Mermaid Parade, that could however, be almost any day.

A busy day at the famous Nathan's for hot dogs.



On the boardwalk. Nice belly dude.



This big dog was a hit with all sorts of passersby. People's reactions were quite entertaining. I thought it was a nice moment.