So we tend to avoid photographing parades because a)they're always held when the sun is highest in the sky so the photos get washed out, b)dealing with crowds of people, c)composition is tricky because the people are moving so fast. Standing on that asphalt for several hours gives us a wicked tan but there's also the threat of sun stroke (especially when there's long lines at the boba shop).

This year we tried to 'beat the system' by showing up an hour and a half early to Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade. No, we weren't trying to snag premium seats. Instead we were sneaky and took shots of the floats being built on Hill Street and stalked the various groups practicing for their performances. Worked out pretty well... see the rest of the photos after the jump.

Photo by Leilani A. Wertens for LAist