Photography Viola RolandoPhotography / LightboxCapturing what makes Coney Island so uniqueItalian photographer Viola Rolando documents the subtle nuances that give the New York City neighbourhood its reputation as absurdShareLink copied ✔️August 25, 2016PhotographyLightboxText Ashleigh Kane Viola Rolando’s Coney Island As summer starts to wind down, we’re reaching out to some of our favourite photographers to share their holiday snaps from around the world. Watch how the series develops here “What can I say, I’m a freak. It feels like home to me.” Italian photographer, Viola Rolando is talking about her favourite place on earth, no matter the season – Coney Island. Visiting for the first time ten years ago after getting married to her husband in New York’s Town Hall, every time Rolando visits the city from her native Rome she spends her whole trip on the island. “Coney is so documented, but the magic is that it changes continuously and at the same time has the same vibe as 50-years ago. Every time I go, it is better than I imagined it to be,” she gushes. Well documented by luminaries such as Harvey Stein and Bruce Gilden, Rolando’s images set themselves apart by grasping more than just the freakish realities of Coney Island. In fact, they make the once thriving tourist spot look almost normal. “I get what you say (but) this is Coney too – regular people who live regular lives. But if you take a closer look, freakiness is still there, it is in the air, it’s magic. In order to understand, you must love Coney.” Photography Viola RolandoEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingIlia Malinin breaks the ice – and his silenceHe does things on a skating rink that were once thought impossible. But the ‘Quad God’s’ setback at this year’s Winter Olympics brought new fire and energy to a skater seen by many as the greatest of all time Life & CultureArt & PhotographyMost loved photo stories of May 2026 Nike FashionNike celebrates the culture of soccer ahead of a summer shaped by the gameLife & Culture5 times ‘Quad God’ Ilia Malinin did the impossible on the iceBeautyThe rise of the intellectual tattooLife & CultureWhy so many young people are training to be death doulasBeautyHoroscopes June 2026: Love deeply, take risks, and embarrass yourselfBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaBeautyThe sexiest flesh-baring Instagram accounts you need to followEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy