New Pics from my NYC and Niagara Trip!!

07/18/2006 12:49:33 AM · #1

Hey Everyone. I just got finished uploading some of the pictures I took while on my trip to NYC and Niagara Falls. Take a look! Any comments and suggestions are welcome. There will be many more to follow (I took 1200 pictures...resulting in a few hundred nice images).

07/18/2006 09:12:35 AM · #2

bump for the day crowd

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/18/2006 09:25:14 AM · #3

very cool stuff. I'm in the NYC area and just starting out with photography. mind if i ask a few questions about some of your shots (curious about setup and shot settings). Let me know if you prefer on-line or off-line.

Thx!
mike

jpeters

Nikon D200

07/18/2006 10:29:28 AM · #4

I left you some comments. I'm looking forward to what's coming!

Message edited by author 2006-07-18 10:29:36.

07/18/2006 11:09:58 AM · #5

PSUlion01 - I would be happy to answer your questions. I don't think I did anything spectacular, so I should be able to help you out. I don't care if you want to ask on-line or off-line...which ever you prefer.

07/18/2006 11:21:36 AM · #6

Originally posted by jwillerton:

I'm just curious about what filters (if any) were used for the shots e.g. the niagra falls shot -- love how the sky and clouds pop. Also wondering about exposure settings (no EXIF posted on these). I'm trying to learn and these are the types of shots I enjoy.

Was there a lot of post-processing on any of the pics posted above? That's the other thing I'm still trying to learn and understand... A lot of my shots would probably take on new life if I knew how to handle them afterwards.

I guess I don't have many specific questions... I think my problem is that I'm still in snapshot mode, i.e. no tripod, not much setup other than looking for something to take a picture of, setting my camera until the exposure is even, and then shooting. How many takes are usually required before you come up with the shots that you posted?

Thanks again...
-mike

07/18/2006 12:20:16 PM · #7

mike -

I will be adding the EXIF data hopefully later tonight (I am at work), so that should help you. I don't remember exactly what filters I had on, but I am failry sure I was using a Circular Polarizer for the Niagara Falls shot. I also briefly used my COKIN graduated ND filters on some of my shots...but I don't think it was any of these shots.

I will also add what processing I used when I add the EXIF data. I think the only picture that used any unique processing was of

and this was contrast masking to help balance out the exposure between the bridge rockface and the greenery behind it (I will also be taking another stab at this b/c of the blown rock). The remaining pictures were just processed with the standard LEVELS, CURVES, BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST, SATURATION adjustment layers in Photoshop.

Take a look at my descriptions after tonight and let me know if you have anymore questions.

07/18/2006 09:00:21 PM · #8

I have posted my EXIF data and processing details for anyone interested. I also would appreciate more comments if possible. I am intending on selling these photos at art shows and to whoever will buy them...so I would like to address any short commings that people can see here!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/19/2006 01:52:06 AM · #9

Here is three more!

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

07/19/2006 01:56:08 AM · #10

Originally posted by jwillerton:

Left a comment, great shot :)

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

07/19/2006 02:07:31 AM · #11

Last year in NY I tried catching Times Square at night. I knew a lot less than I know now (my problem was not knowing enough about ISO). My problem was with all the jumping lights, you can't use to slow of a shutter, but since I didn't have a fast lens, I couldnt use a fast shutter speed.
Could you add EXIF to this one?

On my way to leave some comments.

P.S. I'll be in NYC from Aug 27 - Sept 5 if anyone else wants to hook up sometime. Day/night...weekday/weekend (except Sunday)...doesnt matter.

07/19/2006 10:46:43 AM · #12

Anyone else have comments?

07/20/2006 08:19:55 AM · #13

Here is four more. I think I am finished with the best images, but if I spot another I will post to it here!

07/20/2006 11:13:39 AM · #14

I think my only other question is if you used a tripod of all of the shots. Everyone seems to say to ALWAYS use a tripod, which is something i've yet to purchase. Obviously it's needed on the night shots and when light is scarce, but what about the shots @ the falls, or of the bridge in central park. Just trying to understand the setup of these shots so I can try to mimic them when I go out and about.

Also, if you did use the tripod, did you go throught and get the permit needed while in NYC? Saw this mentioned on a post in the out and about forum.

thx again... good stuff.

-mike

07/20/2006 12:39:09 PM · #15

Mike -

I did use a tripod on most of these shots. Take a look at my EXIF data...once I complete the rest of them. If my speed is above 1/200, than I most likely did not use on. I think the falls shots were not take on a tripod since I had to lean over the railing or something. When I go back to add the rest of the EXIF data, I'll try an note if a tripod was used.
Also, I guess I didn't know I needed a permit for NYC. Are you sure that is accurate? I guess I don't understand...can you point me to the forum? If this is in regards to the Top of the Rock...no, I did not use a tripod...I had to set the camera down on the railing. The Brooklyn Bridge shots did use a tripod.

Let me know if this helps. I would definitely recommend a tripod. I got mine a Best Buy and seems to work great. I will be upgrading soon because it is so heavy.

Message edited by author 2006-07-20 12:40:30.

07/20/2006 12:52:23 PM · #16

Originally posted by jwillerton:

Look towards the bottom of this post. Not quite sure how to interpret this, but it's made out to sound like any tripod photography requires a permit, and certain places restrict tripod use entirely. Again, not sure how this should be interpreted, but something to keep in mind I suppose.

link to NYC Permit discussion

07/20/2006 01:16:57 PM · #17

WOW - I had no idea a permit was needed. That makes me really lucky I did not get hassled by the police. On that note, I am not sure how much it is enforced...is it really possible to police this permit with so much tourism?
I suppose the only way to clarify this is to fill out the form and submitt it to the department OR to contact them directly. It did seem a little strange that the deparment deals with cinematography...but it does specify "still photography" as a required permit.
Since I never got a permit, does this mean I can't sell my photos! That would be a major problem. Perhaps a new forum discussion on this topic alone is warrented.

Any New Yorkers out there have experience on this?

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

07/20/2006 01:52:55 PM · #18

it all seems a bit foolish, considering the state of things in NYC. I can just imagine NYPD coming up with their SWAT gear and assualt rifles, only to confiscate your tripod and camera. In any event, it appears that the permits are free, so filling out the form and submitting it might save you some hassle down the road.

as for selling prints, how would anyone know the date they were taken? You could always apply for a permit for tomorrow, and if ever questioned, just whip out that permit. Not that this is eithical, but I don't think it matters in a case like this.

UNTITLED

Canon EOS-20D

07/21/2006 09:30:56 AM · #19

Great photos...left some comments.

justamistere

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/21/2006 10:25:37 AM · #20

I took about 600 shots in Manhatten NY, on a May-2005 trip.
Was a permit required then? I didn't use a tripod.

Some pictures still came out good. I got interesting angles from the top of the double-decker bus tours.

You should've saved the Liberty statue for Sunday's "Gold" challenge.
Those would also make good calendar pictures.

I like the Liberty and the "Glastow-bridges with flowers". The Falls and city-bridge pictures are just too, typical, even though technically good. Their found on everything, from postcards to calendars. There are some interesting bridge pictures on dpchallenge.

Mick