Easter Parade on 5th Ave
I went with my photography teacher, Michael S., to photograph the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City, right in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
There's no marching band, no floats, no official route — the Easter Parade is really a slow, joyful stroll up and down Fifth Avenue, where people come dressed in their spring best just to be seen and to see everyone else. The block around the cathedral, between roughly 49th and 57th Streets, turns into a river of pastel dresses, sharp suits, and the most incredible hats you've ever laid eyes on. My job for the day was simple to say and hard to do: catch all of that color and personality before it walked past.
The bonnets are the real stars of this parade. Some people wear elegant, flower-covered hats that look like little spring gardens balanced on their heads. Others go completely over the top — towering creations covered in feathers, ribbons, butterflies, tiny Easter eggs, and things I couldn't even name. The best part is that everyone wants their picture taken. People would catch me raising my camera and strike a pose, or just smile and keep walking like they were on a runway. It's probably the friendliest crowd I've ever photographed.
I shot the whole day on a Nikon Zf with a small 28mm lens, and I quickly learned why photographers like that setup for street photography. The 28mm is wide, so it doesn't let you hide far away and zoom in — it makes you walk right up to people and be part of the moment. That felt scary at first, but it's also what makes the photos feel close and alive. Standing that near, you catch the little things: the way sunlight lit up someone's veil, the pattern of petals on a bonnet, a real laugh instead of a stiff pose. And having St. Patrick's Cathedral behind so many of these shots gave everything this grand, storybook backdrop that only Fifth Avenue can offer.
What I love about days like this is that everyone shows up ready to celebrate and be a little bold — and my camera gets to keep a piece of that. Thank you to Mr. S. for pushing me to step closer and trust the moment.