Festa Italiana 2010

 

The image quality from my Canon 5D Mark 2 tells me I shouldn't have waited this long to upgrade. I love the video and stills.

Despite cooler than normal temperatures this year, Festa Italiana crowds didn’t let temperatures in the mid-60s deter them from having a grand time.

This year’s performers, Gina Iaccovino, Romina Arena, the Riverside Opera and Pietro, kept everyone thoroughly entertained with favorites like Theme from Godfather, New York, New York and other Italian classics.

The area in front of the gazebo of White Park , as with previous years, was filled with eager dancers especially when the beat picked up on medley numbers of Besame Mucho and La Bamba sung by Romina Arena.

Within White Park’s grounds couples could be seen holding hands and smooching as Arena sang a  lovely medley of  “It’s Impossible” and “Somos Novios.” (“We’re Lovers” –Spanish version)

 

When photographing couples in public, you have to make sure you make eye contact with them. If they take exception, they'll let you know. It's best to smile and then gesture that you want to take more pictures. If they object, move on.

 

Having a long lens helps, but the atmosphere and setting of a festival plays a big role making folks feel at ease. Remember, don't act like a stalker. Always make eye contact with your subjects and smile.

Every year the music is what makes this festa special.

This year Joanna Fleming of the Riverside Opera sang with crowd favorite Pietro.

Even though they had to share one microphone, it was still a treat for everyone, even this non-Italian speaking Chinese photographer.

I spent 5 wonderful hours watching how a rich immigrant culture  with a great work ethic work hard and play hard.

festa 2010


8 thoughts on “Festa Italiana 2010”

  1. Hello Jimmy,

    Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not following what you mean on the Sat of Festa. Did you mean Saturday of the festa? If that’s the case, I didn’t know the festa was 2 days. I was there only on Sunday. Look over my pictures and see if you can spot yourself then let me know which is you. Then get back to me here.

  2. Hello Peter,

    My name is Jimmy, i was a guest Chef on the cooking stage on the Sat of Festa. My little girl who is 4yrs old joined me for the most memorible time of my live,I only have one picture that was sent to me on someones phone, I’m praying that maybe you were able to see if you my have than one of the both of us?

  3. Grace,
    Thanks for your kindness. I’m starting to see some familiar faces and they are so much fun to watch through my camera lens.

    God willing, I ‘ll see you next year.

  4. Hello Gabe,
    Thank you for your kindness and making me feel so at home at this year’s Festa.
    I always enjoy seeing the faces who are becoming more and more familiar. 🙂

  5. Peter,
    As usual, your photography is the BEST!!!! You managed to capture the feeling of the “Festa Italiana” and of the Italian people. I’m so glad that you were able to attend. Hope to see you again at next years Festa.

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