MC & Moon

16x20 inch Black & White print on Epson Art Cotton Smooth 250 gram paper. From the NYC Village Halloween Parade, 1982–86.

A dapper master of ceremonies in a tuxedo and top hat leads the way as the Village Halloween Parade gets underway in the early 1980s. Beside him, a figure dressed as a crescent moon stares directly into the lens, their costume adorned with shimmering stars. Following close behind are the Sweepers — iconic puppet creations by parade founder Ralph Lee, whose symbolic purpose was to clear away bad spirits and ensure a safe celebration. Captured on Kodak Tri-X film with a 35mm camera and the powerful burst of a Norman 200B flash, the image freezes these whimsical characters against the dark New York City streets, preserving the magical opening moments of this historic neighborhood tradition.