vintage – Greg Urbano

Coney Island Grill 2011 — *Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, c. 2011*
*Pentax K-x*

Photograph taken inside the iconic Coney Island Grill in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, circa 2011. Captured with the Pentax K-x, this black-and-white image preserves the enduring character of one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood landmarks. Diners seated at the counter, cooks working behind the grill, and the vintage menu boards evoke a timeless atmosphere where generations of patrons gathered over simple meals and familiar conversation.

The monochrome treatment emphasizes the interplay of light, texture, and form, drawing attention to the worn stools, stainless steel fixtures, and quiet rhythms of everyday life. More than a documentary photograph, the image serves as a tribute to a disappearing style of American diner—an intimate space where tradition, community, and history were woven into the fabric of downtown St. Petersburg.

HDR Cars 2013, Lady in a Hat — *Bay Pines VA Veterans Benefit Car Show, Pinellas County, Florida, 2013*
*Nikon D5100*

Created during a pivotal year in the artist’s photographic journey, Lady in a Hat reflects an exploration of HDR imaging and automotive photography that defined much of 2013. Captured at a Veterans Benefit Car Show held at the Bay Pines VA in Pinellas County, Florida, the photograph presents a striking low-angle view of a meticulously restored 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS, its polished chrome and deep black finish rendered with dramatic tonal depth through HDR post-processing.

The composition takes its title from the elegantly dressed woman standing just beyond the car, whose wide-brimmed hat provides a subtle human counterpoint to the gleaming machinery. Her presence transforms the image from a straightforward automotive portrait into a narrative moment, balancing classic American design with the quiet observation of a spectator enjoying the event. Captured with a Nikon D5100, the photograph celebrates both the craftsmanship of vintage automobiles and the vibrant community gatherings that preserve their legacy.