All photos by Alina Patrick
Coney Island babies: Scenes from the last gasps of summer
Photojournalist Alina Patrick took a stroll in the sand to capture the vibes from the southern tip of Brooklyn as the season fades
Replete with carneys, freaks, ne’er do wells and roustabouts, Coney Island’s world famous boardwalk gets its share of attention. But, lest we forget, there is also a beach right there—and no shortage of colorful characters basking upon it. Not as hip as the Rockaways over in that other borough, nor as elite-feeling as Manhattan Beach just down the way, Coney Island Beach is a three-mile democratic stretch of shoreline, rich with history. Maybe the easiest beach in the borough to get to, Coney Island is accessible from anywhere in the city by the D/F/N/Q lines. All are welcome. Many embrace their special truths.
Photojournalist Alina Patrick has made a habit of shooting Coney Island and its denizens every summer. And as this particular summer—as oddball and weirdly lovely as they come–winds down, we join her on a visit to the beach there and meet some of its colorful habitués … as oddball and weirdly lovely as they come.
Here, then, are a few of her recent snaps from Coney Island Beach as we prepare to say “later” for the season.
Nice day for it! (Alina Patrick)
I scream, you scream, this guy screams for ice cream (Alina Patrick)
Kid down, umbrella up (Alina Patrick)
A fisherman who calls himself ‘Mr. Coney Island’ (he might have some competition on that front) on the pier where he comes every day (Alina Patrick)
Bicicleta Boricua (Alina Patrick)
Waiting for a nibble (Alina Patrick)
The traditional Coney Island one-fingered salute (Alina Patrick)
No cap (Alina Patrick)
Come get your mans (Alina Patrick)
Can’t stop, won’t stop (Alina Patrick)
C U next summer (Alina Patrick)
