Monday, October 31, 2011

2011 WEEK 43: Happy Halloween!

Every year for a couple of weeks at the end of October, the PNE opens its gates to thousands of thrill seekers, ghoul hunters and those willing to have the crap scared out of them at "Fright Nights".

There are a number of Haunted Houses set up, each with their own spine chilling theme and almost all of the rides are open for business. Bright lights, fast moving objects, smoke in the air and macabre creatures wandering through the crowds... I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for some pictures but for the most part, it ended up being an exercise in disappointment.


I was hoping to get some cool streaking light effects but it was not to be. In hindsight, I should have brought along a tripod or at least a monopod to try some long exposure shots and avoid blur.


The greatest challenge were the extremes of exposure. The light was constantly changing and wherever one looked there was a random, bright, flashing light somewhere. Expose for the bright light and everything else in the frame was banished to a dark, shadowy void - Expose for the less bright subject matter and the bright spots burned out like supernovas. There really was no middle ground of exposure.


With each swing of the ride above there was a loud rising and falling scream! I like the atmosphere of a fair ground but have never been a fan of spinning rides. Add to that the fact that I'm 6'4" and many rides end up crushing my spine and I'm pretty much left with the Ferris Wheel...


If there's one thing I hate, its evil clowns so we stayed away from this doorway to doom.


No scraps for this guy at the Mini-Donut concession...


This is what fate befalls those customers who don't pay...


Nothing says Parental Guidance required like a demon baby eating human organs...


The below pictures were all part of an exhibit titled Hell's Kitchen. The consistency of lighting and the fact that the subjects weren't spinning around at a dizzying speed helped make these my favourites of the night.


Mmm... Fresh meat! Apparently it tastes like chicken...


Love this one. So much going on in this little scene. I especially like the foreground amputated leg hanging from the chain...


Happy Halloween folks!

Until next time...

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