NYC Skyline Vantage Point - DPChallenge Forums

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

06/21/2008 07:19:14 PM · #1

Howdy!

I'm going to be doing some photography work in the eastern part of PA/Western NJ next week, and I'm thinking about scooting over to get some shots of the NYC skyline at night. Liberty State Park in Jersey City seems like a logical choice, and reasonably easy to get to. A couple questions for those of you who are more familiar with the area...

Is it possible to park there easily, hop out, set up a tripod and get decent shots? Am I going to be shot, beaten or stabbed? Is there a better vantage point that offers the combination of a good view, easy parking and I can also avoid being shot, beaten or stabbed?

I'm thinking of doing this on Tuesday night sometime, if all goes to plan. If anyone is interested in meeting up to join me, that might be cool, too!

JerseyGenie

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

06/21/2008 07:26:31 PM · #2

Hi Alan,
I have only been there a couple of times, but it seemed pretty safe ... full of tourists.
You'll have to park and walk a little ways ... but it is a park and closes at a specific hour ... it's been a few years but I think it closes around nine.
I'm sure there will be others who know much more than the little I could offer.
Jeanne

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

06/21/2008 07:27:27 PM · #3

Originally posted by JerseyGenie:

... but it is a park and closes at a specific hour ... it's been a few years but I think it closes around nine.

Yeah, I just saw that on their web site -- closes at 10:00.

vxpra

Pentax K100D

06/21/2008 07:28:03 PM · #4

Originally posted by alanfreed:

.....Am I going to be shot, beaten or stabbed? Is there a better vantage point that offers the combination of a good view, easy parking and I can also avoid being shot, beaten or stabbed?

I can't help you with location information (I'm in Colorado), but I do think you are going to get a visit from the New Jersey Department of Tourism for that comment.

Good luck with your shoot. (And best wishes on not getting shot, beaten or stabbed)

Message edited by author 2008-06-21 19:30:07.

JerseyGenie

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

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

06/21/2008 07:29:00 PM · #5

If I remember right there is an industrial area near it which I believe had some good views but didn't seem to be quite as public (read maybe not as safe).
Please bear in mind that this was one of my very first shots with my very first digital camera some years ago ... but this will give you some idea what the NYC shoreline from Liberty Park looks like.

Message edited by author 2008-06-21 19:42:03.

wsl

Nikon D80

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

06/21/2008 09:30:50 PM · #6

Can always park by the hoboken train station. Its a busy area with the streets lined with bars, but should be able to get some clear shots. If you're going to be there before 10, liberty isle would make sense, but with the sun setting about 9pmish, it'd be a tight squeeze to get the night skyline. Too bad you weren't there this week, the full moon rising would have made some interesting skyline shots.

cloudsme

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

06/21/2008 10:36:55 PM · #7

I think the view from Brooklyn is better than Jersey.

06/21/2008 10:56:15 PM · #8

Originally posted by cloudsme:

I think the view from Brooklyn is better than Jersey.

Brooklyn/Queens will give you midtown. Liberty state park - downtown skyline. There is also a park by Lincoln tunnel that should give you an elivated view of midtown.

edit: unless you talking about Dumbo which maybe better for sunrise

Message edited by author 2008-06-21 22:56:48.

06/21/2008 10:59:17 PM · #9

Originally posted by alanfreed:

...
I'm thinking of doing this on Tuesday night sometime, if all goes to plan. If anyone is interested in meeting up to join me, that might be cool, too!

PM me when you coming over. I'll meet up with you if situation allows.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

06/22/2008 09:37:57 AM · #10

Cool -- I'll let you know... it depends on how things go around Easton, and the weather... it would be good to see you again, since it has been almost two weeks since we last met! ;)

Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

Originally posted by alanfreed:
...
I'm thinking of doing this on Tuesday night sometime, if all goes to plan. If anyone is interested in meeting up to join me, that might be cool, too!

PM me when you coming over. I'll meet up with you if situation allows.

vikas

Apple iPhone 13

06/22/2008 09:49:10 AM · #11

Its been a while since I have taken out my camera, I would love to join you guys wherever you are heading out for the shoot.

To my knowledge best and easily accessible place to shoot the skyline is from Weehawken, NJ, (one that Nikolai mentioned, park from Lincoln Tunnel), its easy to find a spot to park, and the view is just gorgeous!

Let me know whatever you decide!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/22/2008 09:50:16 AM · #12

I would be up for this depending on where/when.

Alan, you will need to bring a car to NYC thats more challenging to break into. This is the big leagues.

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/22/2008 03:01:18 PM · #13

Originally posted by wsl:

Can always park by the hoboken train station.

Hey Alan - if it's too late for Liberty Park -

wsl is right... try the Erie Lackawana Train/Ferry Terminal in Hoboken. Walk out to the end of Pier A. It's a big park with some good little restaurants around. A few bums, but they shouldn't bother you. I've been there a couple of times, and never felt threatened. The skyline view is awesome from there... and parking on the street shouldn't be too tough (depending on which night you're there). Might have to walk a couple of blocks. Good luck!

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

06/22/2008 11:26:56 PM · #14

Ha -- thanks for the kind reminder! I'll keep the keys in my pocket this time, thank you very much :)

I'm in Philadelphia at a hotel right now (attempting to eat a calzone with a plastic spoon and knife because they were out of forks...). I'll try to post something tomorrow... I should have a better idea of where I'll be. I'm still thinking that I might want to try this on Tuesday night... and it would be cool to have company! I'll check in tomorrow night. Stay tuned :) Nikolai -- I still have your cell phone #, so I may give you a jingle.

Originally posted by photodude:

I would be up for this depending on where/when.

Alan, you will need to bring a car to NYC thats more challenging to break into. This is the big leagues.

Nikon D800

06/22/2008 11:37:28 PM · #15

I have a bunch of shots of the skyline from the Brooklyn Promenade, south of the Brooklyn Bridge. I really like it there, the sun sets behind the buildings, its very safe as well.

tormentor

Sony DSLR-A100

Sony SAL-18250 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens

06/22/2008 11:56:06 PM · #16

I suggest Hamilton Ave. in Weehawken, NJ, (or is it Union City?) Anyways, it's one of the first exits when you leave the Lincoln Tunnel. It's one of the cool places for skyline shots. During the week it's usually not that busy at night. Fine area with superb houses.

06/23/2008 09:19:19 AM · #17

Alan,

If you are going to do this I would suggest Weehawken. It is opposite Midtown as opposed to Hoboken which is further south and opposite Chelsea and the Village - which do not have a tall skyline.

Brooklyn would be much more of a drive (in terms of time/traffic - not so easy to park there either) for you from Philly and the sun is in your face until it drops way down, as you are facing west.

06/23/2008 09:34:07 AM · #18

Originally posted by alanfreed:

Nikolai -- I still have your cell phone #, so I may give you a jingle.

Sounds good. I'm off work at 5PM so we can meet then.

06/23/2008 10:13:32 PM · #19

Assuming good weather, are we on?

06/23/2008 10:37:09 PM · #20

Ok... I suppose we're on :)

Keep in mind I'm a small town guy, and driving around the greater NYC area gives me some sense of apprehension :)

Let's go with the spot that vikas had pinpointed on Google Maps, in Weehawken. I put this address into my GPS: 812 Boulevard E, Weehawken, NJ 07086. In GPS speak, it amounts to N40 46.337, W074 00.955.

Would that work for folks? How about 7:30 Tuesday night (6/24)? I don't think I would be able to get there much earlier than that. Of course if I'm going to try to drive while in the fetal position, it might take me longer anyway...

I'll be up for another half hour probably... let me know if this would work for you guys!

Message edited by author 2008-06-23 22:42:02.

06/23/2008 10:44:27 PM · #21

Im in

06/23/2008 10:47:38 PM · #22

Excellent!

Originally posted by photodude:

Im in

06/23/2008 11:15:21 PM · #23

No sure how I can get there. I'll look up ferry map tomorrow.

Mike: are you driving?

06/25/2008 12:05:06 AM · #24

stupid recalculating midnight thing.... I just wrote sarcastic paragraph, hit submit and it's all gone. I can't believe this was not fixed. I even submitted a ticket years ago about this. Just look at photos and make up your own jokes....

Yes those are Mike and Alan

Message edited by author 2008-06-25 00:07:15.