Chinese New Year Parade 2025 San Francisco

I am a native San Franciscan so I grew up my whole like with all the joys of traditions of San Francisco such as the Chinese New Years Parade. I remember watching the parade with my parents in amazement of the colorful costumes and sparkle of the fireworks.  I’ve since watched it off on as years passed.  It was hit or miss given the weather as it typically rains during this time, but it still went on.

The past few years as I started photography again I look forward to colorful events.  It’s why I enjoyed wedding and special event photography, the glamor and passion behind it.  I looked forward to shooting the Chinese New Years Parade this year and it did not fail to provide the life and color that this celebration deserves.  In choosing what camera to shoot I wanted quick focus, fast low light, sharp, and provided images with beautiful right out.  Point, shoot, print which is now post. So I choose to bring my Leica Q. The Leica Q just shines at night. It never fails at its sharpness, quick and fast autofocus in low light, and color.  Straight out of the camera, no flash, no editing… it just knows what to do.

Now about logistics, I looked up the route of the parade as I wanted to stand in a strategic spot to catch the shots.  I also wanted to park where I was able to leave without being blocked by the parade.  I found that the parking lot on O’Farrell by Stockton across from Macy’s was perfect!  It was only one block from the Stockton and Geary intersection, a spot I found to be great as most parade participants stopped and performed a little before heading to the VIP stands which was just down the block by Powell.

Overall it was a beautiful parade! Vibrant colors and all the participants showed their enthusiasm and dedication to its success. I am looking forward to future Chinese New Year parades.

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