Hotdogs, nostalgia, and mother nature made this bucket list check-off one to remember.
For years now, I have been telling my wife I need to go to Coney Island on the Fourth of July to experience the hype and the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Being the vegetarian in the relationship, the thought of shoving hot dogs and buns dipped in water down the gullets of the contestants drew a visceral reaction, “That’s gross, all you.” was the reply. For me, it was less about the contest and more about experiencing the Coney Island vibe - a classic Americana feel with an eclectic and rather odd collection of Brooklynites.
At the corner of Surf and Stillwell. The OG.
Fuck it, I’m going this year.
I decided to drive to Coney Island from my home in South Jersey. It was a quick drive, about an hour and 15 mins total, and I arrived at 8:30 am. The sun was out and it appeared I was in for a hot, but clear day at this NYC iconic location. I found free street parking within 2 blocks of the event on Surf Ave. - score! As I approached the event area, the line had already formed about a block and a half from the event entry. The shit got weird real quick. It seemed everyone there was all about it though. I have never seen so many happy people dressed as hotdogs or wearing their most ostentatious USA flag apparel since that time I went to a county fair in Iowa.
Getting the Shots
I grabbed my Leica Q2 Reporter Edition to get things going. It’s the perfect street camera with its killer 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, this thing doesn’t miss. I have a three-step process in my mind when determining exposure - available light, depth-of-field, and speed of the subject. For street photography, my preference is to make sure I can freeze the subject while creating enough separation between the subject and background to give it that pop. For these conditions, I would look for medium depth-of-field (DOF) to bring in those Coney Island views and since I am walking while capturing others walking around, I would want nothing less than 1/250s. F/5.6-8 gives me the right DOF I am looking for, 1/500s-1/1000s freezes the frame, and with the bright conditions and this camera, I don’t think one second about ISO as I set it to auto.
Ladies first.
Miki Sudo, for those not familiar with Major League Eating, is ranked 3rd in the league’s standings, only behind the GOAT Joey Chestnut and Geoffrey Esper. She is a fucking beast! I was just behind the contestant staging area and was able to snag a few pics of Sudo as she was getting prepped to devour 39.5 hotdogs and buns - I’m sick just thinking about it. Have to give it up for all these ladies who have found their niche in this world (still looking for mine).
Getting the Shots
With the Sony A7rV paired with the Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II, thanks to the bright conditions I was able to get tack-sharp images with great bokeh - I love this lens… oof. Again, looking at light, DOF, and speed. I wanted to get the action of the dogs and buns dipped in water and the anguished looks on the contestant’s faces. I went with f/2.8 for shallow DOF and 1/1000s to ensure I got the all the details - for better or for worse.
Taking advantage of the elements.
As the storm clouds moved in a loud crack of lightning shook the area. ESPN and the city had to cancel the men’s main event due to severe weather. The rain came down with fury as we all sought shelter. I ended up in Nathan’s flagship restaurant with several others waiting it out. After the rain gave up a little, I took off looking for puddles.
Getting the Shots
I went back to the Leica for more of a run-and-gun approach, and I knew the 28mm would be perfect for capturing reflections. Since the lighting changed considerably, I stopped down between f/1.7-f/2.8 to compensate for the lower light. I kept the shutter speed at 1/500s and ISO on auto. I am happy with the photos I got and happy I maximized the time I had there.
Joey Chestnut reigns supreme!
The men’s competition took place, without notice. I was able to catch the last few moments as Joey chowed down a lackluster 62 dogs and buns. The break likely had a part in taking Joey off his game. The look on his face says it all.
This place is a street photographer’s dream. You get it all in Coney Island, sometimes in just one afternoon. For me, I think that is all I need. Bucket list item checked off. Who’s hungry?