Allyson Ely’s image, Flying High, is one of thirty images selected for inclusion in Soho Photo Gallery’s Members Pop-Up, Summertime, which brings to mind heat and color, sunshine and steamy city nights, playful activities, light and noir, traffic-stopping street festivals, or city escapes, botanicals and farms, tar beach and toes squishing in the sand — and play for anyone of any age. The exhibition runs from July 15 through September 6 and may be seen online at https://www.sohophoto.com/2026/07/11/summertime-members-show/.
Allyson Ely: Flying High
Here's what Allyson has to say about this image:
Growing up in New Jersey, going to the beach was a popular vacation destination. My family spent part of every summer at Bay Head, a quiet town whose appeal was lost on children. We longed for boardwalks, rides, miniature golf, and the penny arcade, and would badger our parents for trips to the towns where these attractions were commonplace.
Driving past Santa Cruz one afternoon, I stopped on a whim. I had heard that there was a boardwalk and rides, and the idea of reliving favorite childhood memories was too appealing
to pass up. I was drawn to this ornately decorated ride, with its rotating column, tilting canopy, and brightly colored swing seats. I had never seen anything like it before, but as exciting as it looked, I admired and photographed it from the safety of the ground!
Soho Photo Gallery was founded in 1971 by a group of New York Times photographers who believed that there was a need in the photographic community for a cooperative gallery where serious photographers could exhibit their personal work, exchange ideas, and learn and grow as artists.
Details:
Soho Photo Gallery:
https://www.sohophoto.com/
539 W. 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
212-226-8571
Members Pop-Up Exhibition – Summertime:
https://www.sohophoto.com/2026/07/11/summertime-members-show/
July 15 – September 6
Gallery hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
And by appointment.