It’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade Day! I’ll be posting my pictures soon, but today, I’d like to share with you the treasure trove of Mermaid Parade pictures by New York photographer, Luke Ratray. Today’s parade represents the twentieth Ratray has photographed, and his pictures are pretty amazing.

I’ve seen and taken a lot of Mermaid Parade photos over the years, but Ratray’s use of black and white is something I’ve never seen or considered. The parade is so full of colors, it would never occur to me to look at it the way he does. I’m especially fascinated with how his photos resemble those taken in the twenties and thirties. His camera lends his subjects a grittiness and depth you wouldn’t expect from pictures taken in the last two decades.

His website, Tumblr, and Facebook are all full of gorgeous photos you’re sure to enjoy.

All photos property of Luke Ratray Photography.