Providence Pride Parade on a Gorgeous DRY Saturday!

Saturday is going to be DRY and gorgeous!!! Join me in Providence!

Something completely new for us - The Providence Pride Parade. Because Providence starts its Pride Parade at 8 PM (half of it is after sunset.) It's night photography on steroids - full of photographic challenges and fun.

Two hours (or so) of spectacular colors, fabulous costumes, joyful people. Truly a celebration of life! Consider even coming earlier in the afternoon.

We'll meet at 6:30 to give us time to fan out and choose our locations so we can get to the front of the spectators.

I plan to set up on the same side of the street at the Reviewing Stand at the Providence Performing Arts Center. (I may change my mind to try to get out sooner - read through to the end to see what opportunities might await later.) I set up diagonally opposite the stage last year and found that I hadn't properly anticipated the challenges created by the very bright lights behind the judges.

To see the route and get an idea of where you might like to set up: Providence Pride Map

Once you're in your spot, don't plan on moving much. Two years ago, I shot it in a rainstorm and always had at least 4 people in front of me.

Then again, last year, I had an enlightening conversation with a man who had two adorable little boys with him - the dad had been fostering kids since he was in his teens and maintained a good relationship with his ex-husband. Photography, after all, is not just about pictures.

Leave the tripod in the car - you may be able to get away with a monopod. But you can travel pretty light for this one. Bring your fastest lenses and spare batteries, maybe a water bottle (and your camera.) Wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing a lot. Dress for the weather, which is forecast to be 87 and sunny during the day.

For further Pride info, including parking options: Pride webpage

The parade first turns at City Hall, then from Dorrance onto Weybosset. These are two good photo locations. The final best possibility is the Reviewing Stand, where you'd stay the latest, but get the most night shots.

If you're not interested in the Pride Parade, the Providence Water Lantern Festival is the same night with the lantern launch coinciding roughly with the parade. I think it's actually in Pawtucket, not Providence.
For further Lantern Festival info: Lantern festival

And for the truly committed night photographers in the group (and why I might change my location), the night will feature over 4 hours of dark, moonless sky with an 11% waning crescent moon rising at 2:17 AM. (The Milky Way 80% 3 minutes later.) There may be another meetup added, but that will depend on the clouds, on whether we can get someone else to set it up, and whether I have the energy to do it if nobody else steps up. (Frosty Drew is less than an hour south of Providence.)

Remember to check in with your host. And, as always, no guests for the meetup.