To my shame, my trips to New York have focused on visiting Manhattan and the ‘burbs to visit family. It is easy to overlook other areas and surrounding states simply because it is a huge area to cover. However, this year I was determined to break this cycle and explore beyond the usual city haunts and visit Coney Island (If your New York geography needs refreshing, Coney Island is the coastal area situated off the district of Brooklyn).

Completely devastated by Hurricane Sandy ( I’m not an insurance company and so will call it by its true name), the boardwalk has only just been rebuilt, along with the inclusion of new fairground rides and the promise of an all new and improved Coney Island. I have to admit I was a tad worried that its infamous gritty look and atmosphere would be lost to corporate led gentrification.

I needn't have worried. With the imposing backdrop of the high rise 'projects' and an atmosphere of uncertain tension, I knew I was in for a good photographic afternoon. My only regret is I hadn't done this years ago.

Next time...the last from New York - abstracts.

Matt Peers