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View Full Version : Photo tips for NYC/D.C. trip (also a few lens questions)


jai
07-21-2008, 12:37 PM
Hi all,

I'm going to NYC soon (also doing a short trip to D.C.). :p

Anyway, I plan on buying both the 18-55is and 55-250is to use on this trip (good choices?) and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the following:


- I've read that the best place to go for NYC skyline photos is Top of the Rock. I plan on going both at dusk (magic light) and at night (for the lights). Now apparently, tripods are a big no-no, so I was wondering if I could maybe use something like the Quikpod (which I'd also buy) as a monopod. Will that keep the camera stable enough (the lenses have IS too)?

- How is the Quikpod for actual "self-portraits"? Would it not be too heavy with my camera (in sig) to hold?

- I keep reading about filters and gather that some people swear by them and some hate them. Would it therefore be worthwhile for me to buy a polarisation filter (recommendations please)? At what times should/shouldn't I use it? Could I just achieve the same in Photoshop?

- Does anyone have any NYC photo tips, such as great places to take photos and stuff that I may not have thought of?

- Now say I'm in Battery Park one foggy morning and want to take a shot of the Statue of Liberty, would it really matter what aperture I use, as she's so far out anyway? Could I use f/4 like I could use f/11?
I ask the question above as I don't really get why lenses with lower apertures are so much more expensive, if the only advantage is for out of focus backgrounds. I know I'm probably missing something...:rolleyes:

- I'm going to see a game at Yankee Stadium too (sat in the tiers). I've read that it's hard to get bags in? Will an SLR "pouch" or Lowepro bag be OK though?
- What settings would you recommend in order to capture the action?

That's all I can think of for now, and I look forward to your answers, which will probably generate more questions!
I just really want to take some amazing photos on this trip so look forward to your advice/tips!

JTL
07-21-2008, 12:54 PM
Does anyone have any NYC photo tips, such as great places to take photos and stuff that I may not have thought of?There's a homeless guy always sprawled out on the sidewalk on my block. He's very photogenic...I could arrange an introduction if you'd like...:D

Seriously...here's some tips you won't get from anyone else...take the ferry from Midtown East over to Water Taxi Beach in Queens for excellent shots of the skyline looking West.

http://www.watertaxibeach.com/

A great place to shoot the skyline looking East is from Arthurs Landing in NJ. Take a ferry there as well. Catch the sunset reflecting off the buildings...makes for some memorable shots. The resturant there is pretty good...stay for dinner or a drink and you'll have a terrific evening. Info (including ferry info) here:

http://www.arthurslanding.com/

I'm going to see a game at Yankee Stadium too (sat in the tiers). I've read that it's hard to get bags in? Will an SLR "pouch" or Lowepro bag be OK though?A small camera bag is o.k. No large bags or backpacks. Me and a friend usually each take a DSLR and two lenses in without any hassle. If you get the games on TV over there, I'll wave to to the camera tonight for you. I'll be by the third base dugout. I'm there like every day... :D

Xoote
07-21-2008, 01:28 PM
great tips thanks

jai
07-22-2008, 12:49 PM
Hi,

Thanks for the tips. :)

Hope you enjoyed the game last night! I'm going to see them vs the Red Sox next month! I'll be in the tier and hope I can get some good photos (what settings would you use?).

I'd also appreciate advice on my other questions. :p

Thanks,