Coney Island has always been a stage for photographic history, a recurring subject in magazines like LIFE and National Geographic, and in the work of photographers like Bruce Davidson, Weegee, Diane Arbus, and others.

| Magnum Photos — Coney Island, New York. USA. 1959. On the boardwalk at West 33rd Street, Coney Island. Left to right: Junior, Bengie, Lefty. Brooklyn Gang. **© Bruce Davidson**. Courtesy of Magnum Photos.

The depth of photographic layers and storytelling that Coney Island holds has set the stage for its place in photography, especially within the street photography genre. It has been obsessively photographed since the 1890s, and to be honest, I am a little obsessed with it too. This month alone I’ve been there three times, even though I live far from it. It’s a 1.5 hour commute.

Coney Island 2026, still on film, more shiny, deep. Communicates well on how humanity evolved. Better looking, worse life. Insta times.

In many of these photographic records I mentioned, I see more of the same: daylight, the beach, crowded spaces, the boardwalk, people dancing, happiness all around, the loudness of the place portrayed in visual form.

When I look at Coney Island, I see the opposite. I see solitude, some sort of depression. I see a ghost version of itself. Somewhat creepy, but equally beautiful.

There ladies wearing a burqa, a kid, and another woman, in front of the empty entrance. Luna Games closed, The word “Scream” on the top right corner. I think that photo expresses the solitude I refer to. To me, this is the strongest shot.

That inspired me to get rolls of CineStill 800T, a tripod, and a shutter release cable, aiming for some long exposure shots. CineStill 800T is a film that brings halation to specular highlights, and it’s a known favorite for neon scenes. I once told the folks at CineStill that they should rename the 800T to 800N, as in Neon, because it’s absolutely the perfect film stock for capturing neon lights.

I think the magic comes from not knowing if this was taken at 7PM or 5AM. It would well be an after party.

Coney Island has an amusement park called Luna Park, and that park adds a dramatic tone to these neon vibes, combined with a mist of mystery. It’s the perfect film stock, at the perfect place, at the perfect time.

I took so many nice shots during that night. And I do thank folks on Substack who helped me choosing the best ones via Notes! Over the time, I posted some of them and asked people to help me electing the better one. If you’re reading this and participated in the Notes feedback, thank you!

Fine Art prints available!

I printed some of those, and you can buy it for $85 each. By buying a print or becoming a Camera Clara paid subscriber, you are giving me support to continue this journey, and your name will be mentioned in the book I’m working! You can also see other prints and products in store.cameraclara.com.

The size is A3+, or 13”x19”. It’s a decent size that would look great in your wall, studio, or office. Not so big, not so small. Shipping to US only, if you live in another country, please DM me and we arrange shipping case by case.

What did you think about them? Leave a comment and let me know! One of the rolls had been shot at ISO 1600, and this was a nice CineStill experience that I plan doing again in the future! I think the pushed roll came out better, the ticket booth photo is pushed 1 stop. The sky becomes more blue with overall better saturated colors.

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The ghost of Coney Island in CineStill 800T…