A STROLL THROUGH CONEY ISLAND AMONG FRIENDS Photo Exhibit to Open 2/22

Coney Island has been a photographers haven, from it's heyday to the present. From Weegee's Beach crowd scene, to Annie Leibovitz's boardwalk shot of Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson, Coney has captured the imagination of professional photographers world wide, but how many of these world renowned photographers actually, live, walk and breathe Coney Island year round?

Meet five individuals who capture every nuance, every nook and cranny of the iconic Coney Island and have obtained near rock star status, amongst the amusement zone businesses and locals! These five photographers shoot it all, not just during the hot summer months, but all year long, some weekly, many daily!

Norman Blake
Born and bred in Brooklyn, he started going to Coney Island at a young age with his Grandfather where he went on rides at Steeplechase Park. He received his first camera at the ripe old age of eight. Norman has been a Photojournalist since 1973, mainly in the sport of Drag Racing. He became involved in Coney, in the late 80's, after attending a Mermaid Parade where he met "Bambi The Mermaid" and "The Great Fredini", at Ruby's Bar on the boardwalk. That chance meeting, would eventually start a relationship with Coney Island USA, where he is now one of two House Photographers.Through his steadfast presence at Coney Island USA, he met fellow photographers from this show and together they photograph life in Coney Island, with their own distinct vision.

Kenny Lombardi
For the past thirty plus years, Kenny has been working in the Finance Department of a top NYC law firm. It was approximately nine years ago, when he was introduced to the digital age of photography. Since that time, he developed an interest that has turned into a passion. Today, Kenny shoots with a purpose and looks to keep the scope of his work diverse. A few years ago, he stepped back into his childhood, reintroduced himself to Coney Island and fell in love again. Kenny currently shoots events for Coney Island USA and strolls the boardwalk with a great group of friends. He looks for unique opportunities at Coney Island and presents his work with an artsy spin.

Bruce Handy
Lives in Coney Island and is a member of the Coney Island Polar Bears. His street photography captures emotion in characters in their natural state in the same vein as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. His landscape photos show the natural beauty of a southern beach where the sun shines all day. Both of his passions, street photography and landscape photography, are nourished by the colorful and eternal Coney Island.

Jim McDonnell
Grew up on the folklore of Coney Island from his father, aunts and uncle who all grew up in Brooklyn. It was nothing short of a love affair after his first visit in the late 1970's. After moving to NY in the early 1990's - going to Coney Island became a regular occurrence and photographing it followed soon after. His experience grew as he took a freelance photo and video position with Luna Park, became a member of the Coney Island Polar Bear club, and moved much closer to Coney Island, so that it could play a larger part in his life. His passion, is for capturing the joy and awe that Coney Island brings him and how the People's Playground truly epitomizes the promised melting pot that New York City is renowned for.

Eric Kowalsky
A native Coney Islander, he has photographed his birthplace all his life. He is inspired and encouraged by his Grandfather, Abe Feinstein, a renowned photographer, who has photographed Coney Island for the past 50 years. Eric is well known through the amusement area, everyone knows his name and his photos reflect his insider's view. Eric is the youngest member in this exhibition and the other show photographers, can only imagine Eric's Coney Island, 50 years from now.

An opening reception takes place Saturday, February 22nd from 12pm to 5pm. The five photographers will be in attendance. Wine will be served.