Photo ops of a lifetime... I am going to New York! - Page 2

Betty · 20-10-2009, 12:56 **Thread Starter**

Gorillapod, Ill look into that, much better than a tripod, cheers!

bbb · 20-10-2009, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty

Have I touched a nerve?

I just don't like being ignored that's all

People who could offer no advice got a response, I offered up hundreds of photos of New York that I took and got nada.

Makes me wonder why I bother.

Maybe you didn't like the Blurb format? Well here they are in fickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grantgb...7621348658674/

If you look at the index pages I've even grid referenced every location that each photo was taken:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grantgb...7621348658674/

But it's obviously no use to you

Betty · 20-10-2009, 16:18 **Thread Starter**

Oh, sorry

I havent had a look yet, but I will. I dont always reply to every response, its nothing personal

Betty · 20-10-2009, 18:36 **Thread Starter**

bbb, I am sorry I didnt look at your links earlier, but now I am glad I did, they are simply awesome, Ill be doing something similar when I get back, I love the Blurb books.

Thanks for posting, Ill no doubt be having another look closer to the time for ideas

bbb · 20-10-2009, 18:52

Thanks Betty, sorry for being grumpy

If you need to know where anything is just shout, I seriously do recommend the Empire Diner, best breakfast in NYC

Betty · 20-10-2009, 18:53 **Thread Starter**

I actually know NYC better than I know London, weird that

Thanks though, you seem pretty seasoned yourself

Hew Jarse · 20-10-2009, 19:02

2 hours in central park v v early around 5-6 will open your eyes on just about every level of life there can be, from the business guys setting into work early to the homeless and drunks waking up on their benches. At the weekend there is a mass of people using it and so much going on you will be spoilt for choice.

Time square at night, especially a sat night when the cruisers try and go through in their souped up cars.

Time square in the daytime with just about every person in NY trying to seperate yu from your hard earned dollars, excellent for candids.

I spent 10 days there in the summer and came away with almost 2000 photos.

Do not take mono pod or tripod to any buildings as I had to leave mine every time with security, I gave up after the 2nd time.

For an excellent day out, take a bike trip with Bike n Roll (http://bikeandroll.com/) from pier 88 ( I think), this takes you from the west side of manhatten right around the bottom, through the finance centre, past 9/11 site, down by south port area, over the Manhatten bridge into Brooklyn and then back over the Brokklyn Bridge, right through the center of manhatten back to the west side again.
Loads of photo stops, one is right on top of Brooklyn bridge which is great.....
All on a push bike and at your pace.
I had a vid camera that I used for most of the ride and took my D60 with me, got some great shots that most other tourists would not see. def try that.

cannockwolf · 20-10-2009, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ev_

Another vote for dusk from the 'Top of the Rock' at the Rockefeller Center - not to be missed. A mini tripod/Gorillapod/beanbag will be handy for the long exposure, although you can just stand your camera on the top of the wall.

i have done that to but with a P&S there more of NY too in the gallery

http://www.cannockwolf.com/new_york/index_5.html

cant wait to go back, which will be april-ish next year will the D700

one word though the guard at the top of the rockafella center didnt like me using a tripod smaller than a gorillapod! the ESB was ok but perhaps they didnt catch me LOL

Zebedee101 · 21-10-2009, 11:30

I've just moved back to the Uk after 8 years of living over the river to Manhatten in New Jersey. Rather than take your city scape shots with your 10-20mm from liberty or Ellis island get the water taxi or the liberty ferry to Liberty State Park on the NJ side of the river. Its a very safe area that has a couple of miles of brick boardwalk that follows the river. The Railway station there is where the immigrants used to depart from once they had cleared Ellis island. The building is restored and has great wooden features and a great ceiling. The platforms haven't been retored yet and give a great decayed feeling as well as all of teh original signs to destinations etc being intact. The old piers there are great and its ideal for taking city scape pictures, on saturdays the cruise ships often arrive in port so you can get these in the foreground if you so desire. The B & H store is well worth a visit even if you cant afford to buy, the sheer size and the way they move stock around the store is great to see, but they do make you check your equipment in at the door (its closed fri afternoons and saturdays). Enjoy yourself!

twice · 21-10-2009, 12:41

Hi,

I will also recommend dusk at the "Top of the Rock" I was there in May and the views at sunset was brill.
BUT when I got there it seems everyone else had the same idea and it was very crowded

Just something to bear in mind, get there early and claim your spot!
As regards to tripods I spotted a number of people using full sized tripods and the guards did not seem to mind.

Early morning New York is great for inspiring photos

robhullfury · 21-10-2009, 18:51

I am going in 7 weeks really looking forward to it and cant wait to fill up my 8gb memory cards lol

Betty · 21-10-2009, 18:59 **Thread Starter**

We are going to have to take the laptop to upload all my pics daily

slimboy fat · 21-10-2009, 19:06

Try and see through all the icons, and this was taken from the Top of the Rock.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1098196...7609530596817/

Betty · 21-10-2009, 19:09 **Thread Starter**

Thats gorgeous, I see why people want us to visit at dusk

corky · 22-10-2009, 14:43

My fav place in NY is B&H Photo......spent hours in there!!

photo ops, get to top of rockerfeller or Empire on a clear night- awesome

Betty · 23-10-2009, 07:51 **Thread Starter**

Ill be in any tog related place like a shot this time

MisterE · 26-10-2009, 00:17

I was there 2 weeks ago. Empire SB - no tripods allowed - they take them off you for the duration. You can use the grille for support at night. Rockefeller - no problem with tripods.

Queues at Empire first thing (around 9 - 9.30 ish) weren't too bad - maybe 10-15mins. When I came down a couple of hours later - big - maybe an hour. They have a fast track, but at a hefty price, something like $45 as opposed to $20. You can also pay an extra $15 to go up to a higher level but it's not that much better. It's glassed too, but clean and optically good. Didn't need my passport, but then I always carry it anyway. Everybody seems to be happy with the new photo driving licences we have now as ID.

I must have got lucky with the Rockefeller late afternoon because there was no queue. As I said, no problem with a tripod, and there are walled sections to rest on if you don't take one. I chose the Rockefeller for my sunset/night shots to get the Empire in them. It has both enclosed glassed and open levels.

The Staten Island ferry will give you shots of Lower Manhattan and takes you past the Liberty Statue. Not particularly close - you'll need a medium telephoto at least, but you'll get some shots. There are two types of ferry. One is closed in, fairly crappy glass, and the outside areas front and rear are small and fill up quickly. The second type has open upper levels which will allow you to get better shots of Manhattan. Not totally head on, but better than nothing. They travel every half hour, and it's free.

There's not a lot to see or photograph at the WTC site. It's enclosed but you can see through some gaps. Even so, not a lot to photograph. You'll still probably want to go there anyway. Maybe go in to the nearby church and look at the photos and stuff of people who died there. I had a quick look inside, but couldn't stay long. Churches make my skin burn and blister.

B&H is interesting to look around. Contrary to other info, they only wanted to take my tripod on entering and refused to take my camera bag, which peeved me a bit as I didn't want to hump it around. They said they didn't want the responsibility of caring for it. It's a good place to look around, but a nightmare to buy from. You have to get a ticket from a salesman to pre-order, queue to pre-order. Then queue to pay. Then queue to collect your goods. I was going to get a small bag for my video camera but gave up at the pre-order queue.

I was there for just 2 days, a flying visit, and not long enough. But I'm not a city person and it was enough for me for now.

Betty · 26-10-2009, 12:26 **Thread Starter**

Theres a point, will I have to shoot through glass at the Top of the Rock?

Matt L · 26-10-2009, 14:06

Im going myself for a few days on 15th Dec, Really want to get some christmassy shots

cant wait.

will be taking my 50mm and 17-70 would love to take a 10-20 if i had one

slimboy fat · 26-10-2009, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty

Theres a point, will I have to shoot through glass at the Top of the Rock?

No, just go up to the top level.

STARRIDER · 26-10-2009, 14:46

Have a great time Betty..heres a few snaps..you'll love it..
http://starrider.zenfolio.com/p609716035

Betty · 27-10-2009, 13:16 **Thread Starter**

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimboy fat

No, just go up to the top level.

Awesome, thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by STARRIDER

Have a great time Betty..heres a few snaps..you'll love it..
http://starrider.zenfolio.com/p609716035

Very nice! I am getting excited again

Blue Eagle · 27-10-2009, 14:28

Make sure you turn the camera on yourself at some stage.....get some proper memories of you actually being there!

slimboy fat · 27-10-2009, 14:32

Oh yeah, if you go to the Top of the Rock wrap up very warm cos it was *&^%$£ freezing when I went in November!

Betty · 28-10-2009, 13:03 **Thread Starter**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Eagle

Make sure you turn the camera on yourself at some stage.....get some proper memories of you actually being there!

Oh dont worry about that, I am a pro at the arms length pics

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimboy fat

Oh yeah, if you go to the Top of the Rock wrap up very warm cos it was *&^%$£ freezing when I went in November!

January is going to be -6. Eeek.

snp · 30-10-2009, 15:18

As KayJay says, forget 'iconic' photos that have already been taken. The city is so large, you can make it your own. Lots of good suggestions already. I'd recommend you spend $27 on a Metrocard for unlimited travel - the subway system itself is very interesting, and you can have plenty of fun photographing that. Same issues with tripods, although you can get away with it if you're discreet and choose the right times.

Definitely worth a ride is the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which is a cablecar running next to the 59th Street bridge over to the island, which sits in the East River between Queens and Manhattan. This is accessible with your Metrocard, so will cost no extra - an excellent view of the city across the bridge too, really good if the sun's just setting.

If you see an opportunity, visit Liberty Island at night - I managed to get over there on some special even trip. Not sure how often they go, or how to find out (a friend booked it). As has been said, Staten Island Ferry is worth a ride - it's free - you'll get a good view of Manhattan. Be at the front of the queue/mob before returning and walk straight through to the front when the gates open, that way you'll have an unobstructed view.

On the whole in NY I found people weren't bothered about the presence of a camera. Every other tourist has an SLR these days. Security wise it's funny, since some places are more bothered than others. I had no issues, but then didn't go in many of the high profile buildings. Generally though I found New Yorkers helpful and good natured, so you're bound to have a great time.

Oh, and as someone else suggested, if you do one thing, pay a visit to B&H. It's an amazing shop, and they have 95% of the Nikon and Canon ranges available for test/buy, etc. Just the way the shop works is pretty incredible, and your purchases go off via a system of conveyors to meet you downstairs after you've paid.

photostar_1 · 30-10-2009, 16:58

Can't add anything to what has already been said except have a good time. I went once, before into photography and would love to go back. I'm seriously envious!

biggreyhorse · 31-10-2009, 10:28

book liberty helicopter ride around 6.30 pm the last flight of the day this time of year and get some great shots in the air, round liberty and through manhatton.

Well worth $70 :-)
They have a website to pre-book

voodoophone · 31-10-2009, 10:37

I'll be there from the 23rd to the 28th, so this has been a great wee read.
I'll be sure to show and tell when I return

Biggz · 31-10-2009, 10:42

I've been to New York once, at the start of 2001 when I only had a video camera so I'm really jelous that you're going taking an SLR!

At least I got to go up the WTC though.

Have fun and share your pics when you're back!

20-10-2009, 19:02	#37
Hew Jarse Getting Comfy Real name : Rob Location: Gloster my babby!! Posts: 102 Camera: Nikon D60 iTrader: (0)	2 hours in central park v v early around 5-6 will open your eyes on just about every level of life there can be, from the business guys setting into work early to the homeless and drunks waking up on their benches. At the weekend there is a mass of people using it and so much going on you will be spoilt for choice. Time square at night, especially a sat night when the cruisers try and go through in their souped up cars. Time square in the daytime with just about every person in NY trying to seperate yu from your hard earned dollars, excellent for candids. I spent 10 days there in the summer and came away with almost 2000 photos. Do not take mono pod or tripod to any buildings as I had to leave mine every time with security, I gave up after the 2nd time. For an excellent day out, take a bike trip with Bike n Roll (http://bikeandroll.com/) from pier 88 ( I think), this takes you from the west side of manhatten right around the bottom, through the finance centre, past 9/11 site, down by south port area, over the Manhatten bridge into Brooklyn and then back over the Brokklyn Bridge, right through the center of manhatten back to the west side again. Loads of photo stops, one is right on top of Brooklyn bridge which is great..... All on a push bike and at your pace. I had a vid camera that I used for most of the ride and took my D60 with me, got some great shots that most other tourists would not see. def try that. __________________ www.flickr.com/robsavage01

21-10-2009, 11:30	#39
Zebedee101 Quite Chatty Posts: 86 Camera: Sony A550 iTrader: (0)	I've just moved back to the Uk after 8 years of living over the river to Manhatten in New Jersey. Rather than take your city scape shots with your 10-20mm from liberty or Ellis island get the water taxi or the liberty ferry to Liberty State Park on the NJ side of the river. Its a very safe area that has a couple of miles of brick boardwalk that follows the river. The Railway station there is where the immigrants used to depart from once they had cleared Ellis island. The building is restored and has great wooden features and a great ceiling. The platforms haven't been retored yet and give a great decayed feeling as well as all of teh original signs to destinations etc being intact. The old piers there are great and its ideal for taking city scape pictures, on saturdays the cruise ships often arrive in port so you can get these in the foreground if you so desire. The B & H store is well worth a visit even if you cant afford to buy, the sheer size and the way they move stock around the store is great to see, but they do make you check your equipment in at the door (its closed fri afternoons and saturdays). Enjoy yourself! __________________ You either like the photograph or you don't, your opinion shouldn't be based on what brand of camera it was taken on.

22-10-2009, 14:43	#45
corky Forum Regular Location: Cork by birth, Munster by the grace of God Posts: 797 Camera: Nikon D300/Gripped iTrader: (16)	My fav place in NY is B&H Photo......spent hours in there!! photo ops, get to top of rockerfeller or Empire on a clear night- awesome __________________ My flickr My 52 Here Wise men have something to say, Fools have to say something - Cicero Last edited by corky; 22-10-2009 at 14:45.

26-10-2009, 14:06	#49
Matt L Forum Regular Real name : Matt Location: Stoke on Trent Posts: 751 Camera: Canon 50d iTrader: (5)	Im going myself for a few days on 15th Dec, Really want to get some christmassy shots cant wait. will be taking my 50mm and 17-70 would love to take a 10-20 if i had one __________________ http://www.mattlindop-photography.com

26-10-2009, 14:46	#51
STARRIDER My Precious Real name : Dave Location: myownlittleworld in Essex Posts: 1,593 Camera: 1DS3 iTrader: (16)	Have a great time Betty..heres a few snaps..you'll love it.. http://starrider.zenfolio.com/p609716035 __________________ http://starrider.zenfolio.com/p941581165 Thanks for looking

20-10-2009, 12:56 Thread Starter	#31
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	Gorillapod, Ill look into that, much better than a tripod, cheers!

20-10-2009, 16:18 Thread Starter	#33
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	Oh, sorry I havent had a look yet, but I will. I dont always reply to every response, its nothing personal

20-10-2009, 18:36 Thread Starter	#34
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	bbb, I am sorry I didnt look at your links earlier, but now I am glad I did, they are simply awesome, Ill be doing something similar when I get back, I love the Blurb books. Thanks for posting, Ill no doubt be having another look closer to the time for ideas

20-10-2009, 18:52	#35
bbb Been here a while Real name : Nick Grant Location: Croydon, UK Posts: 323 Camera: Canon 5D iTrader: (2)	Thanks Betty, sorry for being grumpy If you need to know where anything is just shout, I seriously do recommend the Empire Diner, best breakfast in NYC

20-10-2009, 18:53 Thread Starter	#36
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	I actually know NYC better than I know London, weird that Thanks though, you seem pretty seasoned yourself

21-10-2009, 12:41	#40
twice New here Real name : Ray Location: London Posts: 9 Camera: Nikon D300s iTrader: (0)	Hi, I will also recommend dusk at the "Top of the Rock" I was there in May and the views at sunset was brill. BUT when I got there it seems everyone else had the same idea and it was very crowded Just something to bear in mind, get there early and claim your spot! As regards to tripods I spotted a number of people using full sized tripods and the guards did not seem to mind. Early morning New York is great for inspiring photos

21-10-2009, 18:51	#41
robhullfury Been here a while Location: Hull, were its never dull Posts: 264 Camera: EOS 1000D iTrader: (0)	I am going in 7 weeks really looking forward to it and cant wait to fill up my 8gb memory cards lol

21-10-2009, 18:59 Thread Starter	#42
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	We are going to have to take the laptop to upload all my pics daily

21-10-2009, 19:06	#43
slimboy fat Forum Regular Real name : Stuart Location: Bournemouth Posts: 585 Camera: Canon EOS 40d iTrader: (23)	Try and see through all the icons, and this was taken from the Top of the Rock. http://www.flickr.com/photos/1098196...7609530596817/

21-10-2009, 19:09 Thread Starter	#44
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	Thats gorgeous, I see why people want us to visit at dusk

23-10-2009, 07:51 Thread Starter	#46
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	Ill be in any tog related place like a shot this time

26-10-2009, 00:17	#47
MisterE Feet under the table Real name : Michael Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 1,723 Camera: Canon 5D iTrader: (0)	I was there 2 weeks ago. Empire SB - no tripods allowed - they take them off you for the duration. You can use the grille for support at night. Rockefeller - no problem with tripods. Queues at Empire first thing (around 9 - 9.30 ish) weren't too bad - maybe 10-15mins. When I came down a couple of hours later - big - maybe an hour. They have a fast track, but at a hefty price, something like $45 as opposed to $20. You can also pay an extra $15 to go up to a higher level but it's not that much better. It's glassed too, but clean and optically good. Didn't need my passport, but then I always carry it anyway. Everybody seems to be happy with the new photo driving licences we have now as ID. I must have got lucky with the Rockefeller late afternoon because there was no queue. As I said, no problem with a tripod, and there are walled sections to rest on if you don't take one. I chose the Rockefeller for my sunset/night shots to get the Empire in them. It has both enclosed glassed and open levels. The Staten Island ferry will give you shots of Lower Manhattan and takes you past the Liberty Statue. Not particularly close - you'll need a medium telephoto at least, but you'll get some shots. There are two types of ferry. One is closed in, fairly crappy glass, and the outside areas front and rear are small and fill up quickly. The second type has open upper levels which will allow you to get better shots of Manhattan. Not totally head on, but better than nothing. They travel every half hour, and it's free. There's not a lot to see or photograph at the WTC site. It's enclosed but you can see through some gaps. Even so, not a lot to photograph. You'll still probably want to go there anyway. Maybe go in to the nearby church and look at the photos and stuff of people who died there. I had a quick look inside, but couldn't stay long. Churches make my skin burn and blister. B&H is interesting to look around. Contrary to other info, they only wanted to take my tripod on entering and refused to take my camera bag, which peeved me a bit as I didn't want to hump it around. They said they didn't want the responsibility of caring for it. It's a good place to look around, but a nightmare to buy from. You have to get a ticket from a salesman to pre-order, queue to pre-order. Then queue to pay. Then queue to collect your goods. I was going to get a small bag for my video camera but gave up at the pre-order queue. I was there for just 2 days, a flying visit, and not long enough. But I'm not a city person and it was enough for me for now.

26-10-2009, 12:26 Thread Starter	#48
Betty BrideZilla!!! Posts: 5,457 Camera: Canon 30D iTrader: (4)	Theres a point, will I have to shoot through glass at the Top of the Rock?

27-10-2009, 14:32	#54
slimboy fat Forum Regular Real name : Stuart Location: Bournemouth Posts: 585 Camera: Canon EOS 40d iTrader: (23)	Oh yeah, if you go to the Top of the Rock wrap up very warm cos it was *&^%$£ freezing when I went in November!

30-10-2009, 15:18	#56
snp New here Posts: 3 iTrader: (0)	As KayJay says, forget 'iconic' photos that have already been taken. The city is so large, you can make it your own. Lots of good suggestions already. I'd recommend you spend $27 on a Metrocard for unlimited travel - the subway system itself is very interesting, and you can have plenty of fun photographing that. Same issues with tripods, although you can get away with it if you're discreet and choose the right times. Definitely worth a ride is the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which is a cablecar running next to the 59th Street bridge over to the island, which sits in the East River between Queens and Manhattan. This is accessible with your Metrocard, so will cost no extra - an excellent view of the city across the bridge too, really good if the sun's just setting. If you see an opportunity, visit Liberty Island at night - I managed to get over there on some special even trip. Not sure how often they go, or how to find out (a friend booked it). As has been said, Staten Island Ferry is worth a ride - it's free - you'll get a good view of Manhattan. Be at the front of the queue/mob before returning and walk straight through to the front when the gates open, that way you'll have an unobstructed view. On the whole in NY I found people weren't bothered about the presence of a camera. Every other tourist has an SLR these days. Security wise it's funny, since some places are more bothered than others. I had no issues, but then didn't go in many of the high profile buildings. Generally though I found New Yorkers helpful and good natured, so you're bound to have a great time. Oh, and as someone else suggested, if you do one thing, pay a visit to B&H. It's an amazing shop, and they have 95% of the Nikon and Canon ranges available for test/buy, etc. Just the way the shop works is pretty incredible, and your purchases go off via a system of conveyors to meet you downstairs after you've paid.

30-10-2009, 16:58	#57
photostar_1 Loves the place Real name : Carole Location: Middle of England Posts: 4,807 Camera: Canon 40D iTrader: (0)	Can't add anything to what has already been said except have a good time. I went once, before into photography and would love to go back. I'm seriously envious! __________________ Aging Rock Chick. My Flickr things:http://www.flickr.com/photos/photostar_1/sets/ My You tube bits:http://www.youtube.com/user/Photostar12?gl=GB&hl=en-GB

31-10-2009, 10:28	#58
biggreyhorse Getting Comfy Real name : paul Location: Peterborough Posts: 160 Camera: 5d MKII iTrader: (0)	book liberty helicopter ride around 6.30 pm the last flight of the day this time of year and get some great shots in the air, round liberty and through manhatton. Well worth $70 :-) They have a website to pre-book __________________ http://www.peterboroughphotography.com Wedding and Event Photography - Peterborough & Stamford

31-10-2009, 10:37	#59
voodoophone New here Real name : Seth Location: Glasgow Posts: 22 Camera: Canon 500D iTrader: (0)	I'll be there from the 23rd to the 28th, so this has been a great wee read. I'll be sure to show and tell when I return

31-10-2009, 10:42	#60
Biggz Getting Comfy Real name : David Location: Middlesbrough Posts: 124 Camera: Canon 500D iTrader: (1)	I've been to New York once, at the start of 2001 when I only had a video camera so I'm really jelous that you're going taking an SLR! At least I got to go up the WTC though. Have fun and share your pics when you're back! __________________ Sony a200 \| Sony Kit lens 18-70mm \| Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DI LD Macro 1:2