Going on a trip to NYC

[Viridian]

I'm going to New York City in a month or two and I have a few questions.. besides photographing obvious things like the empire state building and the 9/11 memorial, is there any other "secret" places i should check out for good photo opportunities? and 2. I have the urge to buy a new piece of gear to bring with me. So for my second question, what is one thing you think would come in handy while taking pictures there? Any lens's or anything you'd recommend?

[Mike Buckley]

A polarizer for photographing exteriors of buildings

[Viridian]

What one would you recommend?

[Mike Buckley]

I'm not a gear head, so I'm not comfortable recommending any particular brand. I use the highest quality ProMaster polarizers.

One general comment is to avoid inexpensive polarizers, as they tend to change the color more than the more expensive polarizers. I'm sure, like every generalization, there are exceptions to that one. Even so, it's an issue to be aware of.

[Shadowman]

Grand Central or Penn Station at rush hour.

[shreds]

John, Everyone does GC.... go to one of the other stations, even the smaller ones, the elevated railway over in Brooklyn fascinates me.

I love getting slightly off the beaten track (not too far) and looking at the people/life there.

Of course there is always something going on in Central Park.....depends on your own preferences. Also you could try going out early morning (City that never sleeps...or even in the early evening). Some fascinating sights but like any international city, be aware that not everyone is benevolent.

Oh, and don't forget to pay homage at B&H!

[Shadowman]

John, Everyone does GC.... go to one of the other stations, even the smaller ones, the elevated railway over in Brooklyn fascinates me.

I love getting slightly off the beaten track (not too far) and looking at the people/life there.

Of course there is always something going on in Central Park.....depends on your own preferences. Also you could try going out early morning (City that never sleeps...or even in the early evening). Some fascinating sights but like any international city, be aware that not everyone is benevolent.

Oh, and don't forget to pay homage at B&H!

Ian,

The building perhaps has been done countless times, but for me its the people that make the station interesting.

[dje]

Zach a couple of suggestions based on my two visits

The walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge
Strawberry Fields (John Lennon memorial) in Central Park
Ellis Island (Immigration museum) - a lovely building and some great panoramic views of the downtown skyline
Times Square at night

but really the opportunities are endless !

Dave

[flashback]

Check out the High Line on the West Side or walk the Hudson River Greenway (from Washington Heights down to Ground Zero), Battery Park, South Street Seaport, U.S.S. Intrepid Museum, take a walk through the West Village. Try Union Square, they do a green market Mon, Wed and Fri, many of the local (and high end restaurants) chefs shop there.

You can take the Staten Island Ferry (For FREE!) goes right by the Statue of Liberty (if you don't want to do Ellis Island). There is no charge for the Ferry but you have to disembark on the S.I. side and then reembark. There's always Little Italy, Chinatown, the Bowery. On the East side, do a search for Roosevelt Island, you might find it interesting.

[Viridian]

So many ideas, I'm going to have to make a list! Any other pieces of gear I should invest in? I have a d3100, the 18-55, a 50mm 1.8, 70-300, tripod, backpack bag... Maybe some more sd cards and a spare battery?

[Howker]

Whatever you do do not miss 42nd Street Camera and the daddy of them all B & H Video. Don't visit on a Saturday they are Jewish & closed.
For evening stuff - the war monuments Vietnam & Korean, Lincoln Memorial & the Capital building from across the lake. The White House too is pretty nice at night.
Of course you need to take the Bull in Wall St & if you can do it with no one in the picture it will be a money shot!!
BTW the Chrysler building is one of the greatest art deco buildings in the world & far more photogenic than the Empire State.
Some of the horse carriages in Central Park are worth a shot.

[Viridian]

I think you're confusing washington dc and NYC my friend

[flashback]

Keep in mind that tripods are not allowed on the ESB and you will have to check a backpack if you bring it. I believe they'll only allow one camera but can't say for sure. Rockefeller Center may be similar but tripods aren't allowed on either. There is a belief (or past practice anyway) about tripods not being allowed on the street. The rule is that you can't impede foot traffic and you have to allow 8ft of space for pedestrians. However typical sidewalks good luck finding a 16ft wide sidewalk. So cops may approach you and tell you you can't use a tripod.

[Shadowman]

Keep in mind that tripods are not allowed on the ESB and you will have to check a backpack if you bring it. I believe they'll only allow one camera but can't say for sure. Rockefeller Center may be similar but tripods aren't allowed on either. There is a belief (or past practice anyway) about tripods not being allowed on the street. The rule is that you can't impede foot traffic and you have to allow 8ft of space for pedestrians. However typical sidewalks good luck finding a 16ft wide sidewalk. So cops may approach you and tell you you can't use a tripod.

Unless they've changed the rules within the last year, I was able to take a messenger bag with me to ESB, they scanned the bag but didn't prevent me from taking a micro 4/3rd and DSLR. Best to check the website.

[Brev00]

A wide angle lens can be very handy in NYC. I spent some time with my 12-24 in midtown last visit and had a blast. New York has so much to offer, you could get great pics doing whatever you want to do. I love the buildings in the Soho and Tribeca areas. Highline Drive nearby has some more great architecture shots and city views.

[Nancy Moran G]

Like a lot have already said, depends on what you like? Architecture, history, excitement, t.v/movie locations...?
It is all there waiting for you.
I went in March and looked at 'CityPass.com' it is a pass that let's you into @80 different places. I did not buy the pass, but
It gave me some of the off-beaten track places to think of. Although I did not go, there was a beautiful church that I had not
Known of before. Of course, Trinity Church if you are a 'NationalTreasure' fan..
Fraunces Tavern down by Staten Island Ferry is wonderful if you like history (and good food) it is a historical landmark,
That George Washington and friends planned some of their actual war plans at!! Very cool!! They give tours, but we just walked
Around and had dinner.

Hang out at Times Sq after shows let out and you may see Tom Hanks or Patrick Stewart with crowds after their shows!
Get good walking shoes NOW and break them in, it will be hot and crowded.
I am jealous..
Nancy

[CP140]

I'm chiming in a bit late, but here's my list of "to do" things/places
1) Rockefeller center.
2) Central Park and Strawberry Fields
3) Highline
4) Times Square at night... or maybe it's night, who knows... it's almost as light at night as it is during the day.
5) USS Intrepid
6) The Garage... a jazz club... for Sunday brunch.
7)Take in a show or two or three
8) Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
9) The UN Headquarters
10) The cloisters
11) The Met
12) Statue of Liberty
13) Ellis Island
14) Grand Central Station
14) B&H (of course!)

[skilsaw]

More camera gear will be extra to carry. As they say in NY, "forgetaboutit"
Buy a bullet proof vest

[flashback]

Bullet proof vest? When's the last time you visited, the 80's? There's some areas outside of Manhattan that may be iffy but then, I'm sure the same could be said about Victoria.

[CP140]

We were in NY City last October (2013) and never once felt unsafe. There's a cop or two on virtually every street corner but as long as you keep your head up, eyes open and use common sense it's not a bad place to be.... certainly not a whole lot worse than any major urban centre.

Having said that, the concept of being aware of your surroundings and keeping your head up/eyes open is appropriate regardless of where you happen to be.