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Shooting suggestion in NYC

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Andy Kong

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Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from you folks.

I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
 
A few locations I frequent for landscape views of NYC

1. Weehawken NJ, is directly west across Hudson river from midtown area, accesible by ferry from 42nd st in Manhattan. Best time is 2pm until early evening for afterglow effect.

2. Near Brooklyn bridge view of Manhattan looking west, accessible by Ferry from lower Manhattan.

3. Jersey City near ferry exit and also further south is Liberty state park, both are west of lower manhattan, view is where WTC was, the view of Ellis Island and rear of Statue of Liberty is from Liberty Park area. Best time of day is afternoon to early evening for afterglow on buildings.

4. Staten island ferry from lower Manhattan will give view of Lower Manhattan and Statue of liberty, cost is $.50 for round trip. Early afternoon is best!

Of course this all depneds on the weather!

Good luck, let me know if I can help further!

Mike
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.

I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G
storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best
place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the
statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the
Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out
as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to
take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what
time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my
photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's
where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if
there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is
simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a
Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long
exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
Andy,

I forgot to mention the top of Empire State building, which is midtown Manhattan, view from 80th floor outdoors, and inside 101 floor, outdoor view is best, cost about $10 to go up.

Security is very tight many locations will not allow certain baggage at all, or will extensivly search you!

Mike
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.

I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G
storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best
place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the
statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the
Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out
as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to
take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what
time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my
photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's
where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if
there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is
simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a
Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long
exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
Thanks again, willl sure try this one since Empire State building is one of the item I am interested in my list.

I probably have nothing more than one camera bag, hope that don't arose too much surprise.

Andy
mike medici said:
I forgot to mention the top of Empire State building, which is
midtown Manhattan, view from 80th floor outdoors, and inside 101
floor, outdoor view is best, cost about $10 to go up.

Security is very tight many locations will not allow certain
baggage at all, or will extensivly search you!

Mike
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.

I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G
storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best
place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the
statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the
Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out
as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to
take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what
time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my
photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's
where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if
there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is
simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a
Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long
exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
(2), (3) and (4) will be on my schedule, I'll see if I can put (1) into as effectively I only have one early evening for afterglow effect since I'll arrive New York after 6pm and depart at 5pm on Sunday.

For the bridge view, beside the Brooklyn bridge, which are the more famous/interesting bridge that I should consider?

What about Churches on Sunday morning and Night View of NYC on Friday/Sat after 9pm or so? any suggestion?

--
Regards,

Andy
mike medici said:
A few locations I frequent for landscape views of NYC

1. Weehawken NJ, is directly west across Hudson river from midtown
area, accesible by ferry from 42nd st in Manhattan. Best time is
2pm until early evening for afterglow effect.

2. Near Brooklyn bridge view of Manhattan looking west, accessible
by Ferry from lower Manhattan.

3. Jersey City near ferry exit and also further south is Liberty
state park, both are west of lower manhattan, view is where WTC
was, the view of Ellis Island and rear of Statue of Liberty is from
Liberty Park area. Best time of day is afternoon to early evening
for afterglow on buildings.

4. Staten island ferry from lower Manhattan will give view of Lower
Manhattan and Statue of liberty, cost is $.50 for round trip. Early
afternoon is best!

Of course this all depneds on the weather!

Good luck, let me know if I can help further!

Mike
Click to expand...
 
mike medici said:
Andy,

I forgot to mention the top of Empire State building, which is
midtown Manhattan, view from 80th floor outdoors, and inside 101
floor, outdoor view is best, cost about $10 to go up.

Security is very tight many locations will not allow certain
baggage at all, or will extensivly search you!
Click to expand...
I work in the Empire State Building... you can bring in whatever baggage you want as long as you are willing to put it through the X-ray machine.

Just don't put any film through there - I don't trust it. Disks have also been known to erase in those machines so be careful. The security personnel will usually let you carry a camera without passing it through the machine... but not always. You cannot bring any sort of weapon into the building. That includes small pocket knives.

Charles
 
Andy Kong said:
For the bridge view, beside the Brooklyn bridge, which are the more
famous/interesting bridge that I should consider?
Click to expand...
The Verrazano bridge is very nice at night, especially when they have all of the lights on. Unfortunately I have had some hassles with the police there in recent times who tell me that you cannot photograph it any longer due to "security concerns". I have written several letters about it and can't get a real answer... but you should try if you have the chance. It's also quite nice during sunset since the sun sets over the water.

This is in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. You can get there by a number of ways, depending on how far you want to walk and how close to the bridge you want to be. Best way is to take the R train to 95th street (last stop) and then walk down to the water from there (you will see the bridge). It is about 15 minutes to walk down to the water. The best entrance is at the end of 4th avenue once you reach the bridge.

(obligatory picture link)


Andy Kong said:
What about Churches on Sunday morning and Night View of NYC on
Friday/Sat after 9pm or so? any suggestion?
Click to expand...
For night views of the city, it's hard to beat The Promenade (in Brooklyn Heights). This is a must-see place when you visit New York. You will get your best pictures of the city here. Just search on Google for it. You should be able to find directions anywhere.

Charles
 
Thanks for the tips, in that case, I'll remove the MD and CF, and let my DSLR go thorugh the Xray.

Is that a good place for night view? If not, I probably will try to be there as early as possible, trying to avoid direct sun light from 11am to 4pm.

Andy
Charles Scheffold said:
mike medici said:
Andy,

I forgot to mention the top of Empire State building, which is
midtown Manhattan, view from 80th floor outdoors, and inside 101
floor, outdoor view is best, cost about $10 to go up.

Security is very tight many locations will not allow certain
baggage at all, or will extensivly search you!
Click to expand...
I work in the Empire State Building... you can bring in whatever
baggage you want as long as you are willing to put it through the
X-ray machine.

Just don't put any film through there - I don't trust it. Disks
have also been known to erase in those machines so be careful. The
security personnel will usually let you carry a camera without
passing it through the machine... but not always. You cannot bring
any sort of weapon into the building. That includes small pocket
knives.

Charles
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
The Brooklyn area is so attractive. Just hope I can hit a good day like the one you just showed, what a fanciating magic hour that was. Looks like I better plan my first evening at Brooklyn Heights so if I missed something i can made it up in the second night.

Millions thank, Charles.

Andy
Charles Scheffold said:
This is in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. You can get there by a number of
ways, depending on how far you want to walk and how close to the
bridge you want to be. Best way is to take the R train to 95th
street (last stop) and then walk down to the water from there (you
will see the bridge). It is about 15 minutes to walk down to the
water. The best entrance is at the end of 4th avenue once you reach
the bridge.

For night views of the city, it's hard to beat The Promenade (in
Brooklyn Heights). This is a must-see place when you visit New
York. You will get your best pictures of the city here. Just search
on Google for it. You should be able to find directions anywhere.

Charles
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.
Click to expand...
I would include the Times Square area (42nd-47th Streets btwn 7th & Broadway) at twilight or night. There are so many brilliant billboards it is quite a sight.

Also you can find a lab in the photo district that can burn a cd from your microdrives so you can shoot more. I don't have a particular lab in mind but I know I have seen signs between 5th & 6th Aves and 18th -21st streets.
Andy Kong said:
I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G
storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best
place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the
statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the
Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out
as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to
take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what
time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my
photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's
where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if
there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is
simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a
Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long
exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
Andy:

Try Rockefeller Center. There are great art deco motifs near the ice rink and wonderful arcitectual details. Around 3-4pm it's not to crowed and the lighting should be interesting.

Also the back of the Metropolitan Museum of art extends into Central Park and there should be some nice photo-ops contrasting the large glass walls of the exhibits (west-facing) with the naturalist setting of the park. (late afternoon for sunset & night for exterior shots into the lighted space - be careful in the park after dark).

Also with an IS lenses you can get some good shots of the Statue of Liberty on the ferry. Once you are there the interior spiral staircase is an interesting object to shoot.

-Matthew Voorsanger.
 
Thanks Matthew for your tips. Really helpfuil suggestion.

The Rockefeller Center, do they have any photo restruction? Will they allow tripod? I assume no flash, right? Do you think a 100macro F2.8 will be useful for this venus?

As a tourist, I am still very skeptical about "walking around" in NYC, will try to be very careful. I am very intrested in spending some time in Central Park after seeing Bruce Willis drive THROUGH the park in his last Die Hard episode. Thanks for reminding.

I am worry that at 135 F5.6, my IS lens is not going to be very useful on the ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty, I'll give it a try, will have that lens mounted camera, thanks.

Andy
Matthew Voorsanger said:
Andy:
Try Rockefeller Center. There are great art deco motifs near the
ice rink and wonderful arcitectual details. Around 3-4pm it's not
to crowed and the lighting should be interesting.

Also the back of the Metropolitan Museum of art extends into
Central Park and there should be some nice photo-ops contrasting
the large glass walls of the exhibits (west-facing) with the
naturalist setting of the park. (late afternoon for sunset & night
for exterior shots into the lighted space - be careful in the park
after dark).

Also with an IS lenses you can get some good shots of the Statue of
Liberty on the ferry. Once you are there the interior spiral
staircase is an interesting object to shoot.

-Matthew Voorsanger.
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Thanks Lisa for your suggestion. Will include Times square but I have no experience on taking sanp shot on these fancy street light, any suggestion for me? What aparture/shutte should I tried out?

The CD-ROM burning is a new thing to me, never come to my mind but it sounds awfully convenient, will check it out when Iarrive NYC.

Andy
Lisa O said:
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.
Click to expand...
I would include the Times Square area (42nd-47th Streets btwn 7th &
Broadway) at twilight or night. There are so many brilliant
billboards it is quite a sight.

Also you can find a lab in the photo district that can burn a cd
from your microdrives so you can shoot more. I don't have a
particular lab in mind but I know I have seen signs between 5th &
6th Aves and 18th -21st streets.
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Andy,

The IS lens is the right tool to have for your NY visit.

The last time I was their I kept the 28-135mm IS on the camera all the time. I am going again in November and will take this lens.

Do try central park and Greenwich village. The city is one of the most beautiful cities at night. New York has the best building architecture ever.

Just be sensible on the underground railway with your gear, the city is very safe otherwise.
Andy Kong said:
Thanks Matthew for your tips. Really helpfuil suggestion.

The Rockefeller Center, do they have any photo restruction? Will
they allow tripod? I assume no flash, right? Do you think a
100macro F2.8 will be useful for this venus?

As a tourist, I am still very skeptical about "walking around" in
NYC, will try to be very careful. I am very intrested in spending
some time in Central Park after seeing Bruce Willis drive THROUGH
the park in his last Die Hard episode. Thanks for reminding.

I am worry that at 135 F5.6, my IS lens is not going to be very
useful on the ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty, I'll give it a
try, will have that lens mounted camera, thanks.

Andy

--
Click to expand...
Frederick

http://www.pbase.com/fredgormer/
 
Glad to hear that. I expect the IS is more significant than the 2.8L, that's why I plan to leave the EF28-70 behind. But my original intension was to use that as a snap lens while walking on city, but after 1.6x, the 28mm become a standard lens, that's the price we need to pay for current crop of DSLR.

Is wide angle a must for the architecture shot? so EF14mm will be usefiul?

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
The IS lens is the right tool to have for your NY visit.
The last time I was their I kept the 28-135mm IS on the camera all
the time. I am going again in November and will take this lens.

Do try central park and Greenwich village. The city is one of the
most beautiful cities at night. New York has the best building
architecture ever.

Just be sensible on the underground railway with your gear, the
city is very safe otherwise.
Andy Kong said:
Thanks Matthew for your tips. Really helpfuil suggestion.

The Rockefeller Center, do they have any photo restruction? Will
they allow tripod? I assume no flash, right? Do you think a
100macro F2.8 will be useful for this venus?

As a tourist, I am still very skeptical about "walking around" in
NYC, will try to be very careful. I am very intrested in spending
some time in Central Park after seeing Bruce Willis drive THROUGH
the park in his last Die Hard episode. Thanks for reminding.

I am worry that at 135 F5.6, my IS lens is not going to be very
useful on the ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty, I'll give it a
try, will have that lens mounted camera, thanks.

Andy

--
Click to expand...
Frederick

http://www.pbase.com/fredgormer/
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Actually I want to check out the general rules in using tripod and flash inside indoor campus such as museum or exhibition hall. In Hong Kong, both are not allowed by default, unless otherwise stated or get special permission in advance. So what is the practise in US? I understand Flash is a sensitive issue but I hope tripod is acceptable.

Andy
Matthew Voorsanger said:
Andy:
Try Rockefeller Center. There are great art deco motifs near the
ice rink and wonderful arcitectual details. Around 3-4pm it's not
to crowed and the lighting should be interesting.

Also the back of the Metropolitan Museum of art extends into
Central Park and there should be some nice photo-ops contrasting
the large glass walls of the exhibits (west-facing) with the
naturalist setting of the park. (late afternoon for sunset & night
for exterior shots into the lighted space - be careful in the park
after dark).

Also with an IS lenses you can get some good shots of the Statue of
Liberty on the ferry. Once you are there the interior spiral
staircase is an interesting object to shoot.

-Matthew Voorsanger.
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Andy,

The 14mm will be a help BUT be very careful of converging verticals.
Andy Kong said:
Is wide angle a must for the architecture shot? so EF14mm will be
usefiul?

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
Andy,

The IS lens is the right tool to have for your NY visit.
The last time I was their I kept the 28-135mm IS on the camera all
the time. I am going again in November and will take this lens.

Do try central park and Greenwich village. The city is one of the
most beautiful cities at night. New York has the best building
architecture ever.

Just be sensible on the underground railway with your gear, the
city is very safe otherwise.

--
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Frederick

http://www.pbase.com/fredgormer/
 
Yeap, only TS will solve that, too bad, ....

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
The 14mm will be a help BUT be very careful of converging verticals.
Andy Kong said:
Is wide angle a must for the architecture shot? so EF14mm will be
usefiul?

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
Andy,

The IS lens is the right tool to have for your NY visit.
The last time I was their I kept the 28-135mm IS on the camera all
the time. I am going again in November and will take this lens.

Do try central park and Greenwich village. The city is one of the
most beautiful cities at night. New York has the best building
architecture ever.

Just be sensible on the underground railway with your gear, the
city is very safe otherwise.

--
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Frederick

http://www.pbase.com/fredgormer/
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
yeap, only TS lens can solve that, too bad.

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
The 14mm will be a help BUT be very careful of converging verticals.
Andy Kong said:
Is wide angle a must for the architecture shot? so EF14mm will be
usefiul?

Andy
Frederick Gormer said:
Andy,

The IS lens is the right tool to have for your NY visit.
The last time I was their I kept the 28-135mm IS on the camera all
the time. I am going again in November and will take this lens.

Do try central park and Greenwich village. The city is one of the
most beautiful cities at night. New York has the best building
architecture ever.

Just be sensible on the underground railway with your gear, the
city is very safe otherwise.

--
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Frederick

http://www.pbase.com/fredgormer/
Click to expand...
--
Regards,

Andy
 
Where is the best place to shoot a beautiful woman........
Andy Kong said:
Dear friends,

I shall visit US for business a week later, I'll spend the weekend
in New York City, arriving NYC on 20th evening, and leave for my
next stop on 22nd around 5pm. I would like some suggestion from
you folks.

I shall have the following gears with me:

Kodak DCS520 (1.6x)
EF16-35, EF50/F1.4, EF70-200 F2.8, EF28-135IS
550EX, 1x1G MD, 2x256 CF, Kenko Pro300 2X

I won't bring my notebook with me, so I have to settle with 1.5G
storage only, which means about 700 shots in total.

Which are the popular photo location in NYC? Where is the best
place to take the Statue of Liberty? Can I go up to the head of the
statue now? which is the best time of date to do that? Beside the
Empire state building, where are the building that I should try out
as well? where are the better locations to do these? If I want to
take a birdeye view of New York, where should I go to? and at what
time should I be there?

Is there any online resource that can provide some idea/plan for my
photo trip? I'll stay close to Grand Central Station as that's
where I start my next stop.

I have the following lens that I didn't plan to bring along, but if
there is any good suggestion, I'll try to squeeze them in:
EF14 F2.8, EF85 F1.8, EF100 macro F2.8, EF28-70 F2.8L

I am looking for a compact tripod for this trip as my Gitzo 2220 is
simply too bulky to carry on flight. I probably will try out a
Compact Velbon this time, so I won't be able to take really long
exposure, I suppose something like 2-3 sec should be fine.

--
Regards,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
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