Photographing the Fremont riders.
 

PEdro, Bjcojak and others - I hope you are listening.

Joining the SolCycles group at Yahoo the other day has been quite enlightening. This is the group devoted to the Solstice Cyclists, and there are thousands of messages posted by riders and photographers there. So, what have i learned since joining? Well, I've learned this: artistic expression is a big part of what the cyclists do and are concerned with - much more so than the WNBR riders who are more political. But the Fremont Parade is about art, and the expression of that has two elements or components. First, is the art itself or rather in the case of the naked cyclists the paint on the body plus whatever costume is attached. And the second is the documentation of that art i.e. the photographing of it. Now the cyclists it seems consider the second to be almost of equal value to the first which makes sense as all body art is temporary. In otherwords, without photographic documentation, what have you got the next day to show for your all your artistic efforts? So, the jist of all this and the message I would relay to anyone who photographs this event is this: Your work has value NOT only to the pervs out there, but to the riders themselves. But not only that, you are part of the artistic process - the creation AND DOCUMENTATION of a work of art! This is how they see it. Now, I also read that, yes, there is a time and place for everything, and that riders are somewhat divided on just how "friendly" photographers should be allowed to be, but otherwise this is an interesting take on what we do that had not fully occured to me before. Also, there are those that do want to be photographed while in the process of being painted, but also those that dress quickly in Gasworks Park to avoid the "creeps with cameras". So.......but thats about the range of attitudes i expected and none of that surprises me.

Anyway, I was a bit nervous at first diving into these messages because i had been told that the issue of photography does come up. I mean, hearing riders talk about the photographers makes me a bit edgy. But after combing through many conversations going back and forth between riders, there is A LOT more talk of the likes of "have you seen this pic of me, or do you know where I can find a pic of me?" and A LOT less "man, I wish those creeps with the cameras would go away" type talk than I expected. All in all, good news, and a validation of our efforts (with some minor qualifications :)) from the very people whom we photograph!

Klondike

Klondike, your last post supports my opinion that the Fremont Solstice Parade is a unique event. There are other street parties that have their share of nudity, but nothing as well organized, well attended and as family friendly as Fremont.

I completely agree that the event in its entirety should be considered performance art, a living theater presentation. The majority of the participants have obviously invested time and thought into refining the individual parts that they play. This extends throughout the whole parade. The audience plays its part as well. In fact, this thread should probably be included in a "Greek Chorus" role because of the feedback.

As a community event, Fremont seems to be an all-inclusive, well attended family outing. Parents do not seem to be concerned about the kids getting being exposed to nudity. The children along the parade route all seem to be having fun. The celebratory context of the Solstice Parade prevails from start to finish. The "creep" factor is kept to a minimum by vigilant volunteers.

In fact, if one watches the YouTube videos, there are several kids (fully clothed) that are riding among the bikers. Some are masked or in a costume that compliments mommy's paint job. The event has spawned a second generation of participants.

I find myself more and more fascinated by Fremont every year. As I've said before, the excellent quality of the original photos that are posted in this thread really do reveal a story worth telling.

The parade organizers and the Seattle community at large deserve to take a bow.

thanks - for the most part i agree..

If you search Google for "solstice cyclists" you will find a link that gives you a good year by year history of the riders. I forget the source now, but back around 1998-2002 or so, there was quite a bit of resistance to them with some arrests, political involvement etc. Actually, the history of the ride could probably be divided into three phases. Earlier than 1998, there were too few riders (and most were men) for anyone to worry much about. And after 2002 or so, acceptance from everyone involved grew. Then in about 2006-2007, net exposure (thanks to the rise of Flickr) really began to take hold, and the event became known around the world.

As an event celebrating artistic expression, perhaps it is more like the World Bodypainting Festival or Ukrainian Bodyart Festival than anything else! Professional bodypainters have joined up in recent years as it gives them a great vehicle for exposure of their work. And the photographers? All part of the action, with many well known Seattle area photogs taking part.

So, yes - it is unique and more akin to a bodyart festival than a street parade. And compared to the two festivals i mentioned above, this is the only one with full nudity! All that, and in front of the kids too...:)

So....now knock on wood. Keep your fingers crossed. Say your prayers every night. California's naked days aren't what they used to be, and even San Francisco is becoming somewhat conservative according to some. Seattle outside of the Fremont district is not tolerant of nude beaches, etc, and so....all this means I guess is enjoy the moment while you can!

KLondike

Some truly excellent photos were posted in the last couple days. Here's the first of the group.

Continued.

I should point out that these are some huge pics, so if you see a photo that focuses on a male, there's probably something interesting going on in the background, particularly with the pics inside the painting party.

More of these huge, nice pics.

Last of the bunch, closing with a couple unpainted butt shots.

Flanker7 - can you let us know (or me via pm) who took these and where the set is posted? thanks - Klondike

...and me please, my jaw is still on the floor over the quality of these shots!!

Flanker, those pics are jaw-dropping.

Thanks

Fango