james_kirkikis

<p>Aloha!<br>

I was in Hawaii last year and have some items to share:<br>

Waikiki: as Bob stated above me, the area is very touristy, though they are starting to cater to the upscale tourist. Perhaps the best photo op is from the Sheraton on the western edge of Waikiki. The second floor from the top (forgot the floor number) has a lounge that is open to the hotel guests. Though I was not a guest, I rang the bell on the outside and they let me in with no questions. Bring a dark cloth or towel as you will be photographing though glass and I had a big problem with reflection. This is the "aerial" shot that every one gets.<br>

Waikiki hotels: don't forget the hotels, from the historic Hawaiian Royal to the infinity pool at the Sheraton, there are some great photo ops here too.<br>

Byodo-in Temple in the Valley of the temples, is a beautiful Buddhist temple. It is especially beautiful on a cloudy/rainy day, with low hanging clouds obscuring the mountain tops behind. This is on the windward side, so cloudy/rainy is the norm, even when it is sunny in Waikiki.<br>

Manoa Falls is another beautiful site, a large water falls dropping into a small pool. The falls requires about a mile hike to the base. The hike is pretty flat and would be realtively easy, but you are walking through a humid rain forest that may slow you down. Also, this is not a secret or hidden falls. It is fairly popular, expect to share your moments with other visitors.<br>

Dole Plantation: as Bob stated, nice tour etc, but not too many photo ops.<br>

Pearl Harbor: you must go here, even if you are not taking photos. If you are, plan for an early morning visit, The light is the best, there are less crowds and the military visitors from around the world usually come at this time. I was there with military visitors from the US, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Japan (!). Men and women in uniform paying their respects is quite a moving sight. <br>

Honolulu: Oahu is criticized for being too urban, but this may be good for the photographer. The best part is the State Capitol, the skyline from the state capitol building, and Chinatown. Go to Chinatown in the early morning for shots of the locals shopping at the fruit markets. <br>

Punchbowl Cemetery: It seemed nice, but most of the monuments were closed for renovation when I went. I cannot give you better advice. <br>

Polynesian Cultural Center: maybe too touristy, and I was dragged there. However, it was much better than I expected. Plus I got some nice people shots<br>

Waimia Bay Beach: Cliff jumpers!<br>

The list can go on and on and you will probably not get everything the island has to offer. Rule of thumb: get what you can get and don't get upset. </p>

<p>Masaaki,<br>

I was in Waikiki in July and took the same photo and I was not a guest at the hotel. Here is what I can tell you:<br>

There is a club room, not on the top floor, but on the one underneath it. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name, but it the only club on that floor. Just follow the signs. Technically, it is for guests, but I was able to get in with no problem by pressing the buzzer outside the entrance. <br>

The best place to set up is right inside the entrance. You are away from the guests (they continue down a hallway) and no one bothered me, even with a full tripod. I just acted like I belonged there.<br>

I should advise, if you are going at dusk, the room is lit and your reflection will be seen in the window. Take a blanket or something dark to cover your self, otherwise, you will get a photo of you and your camera transposed on Waikiki.</p>

<p>Chris,<br>

You may want to look into some stock agencies that offer this service. You can post your needs and the price you want to pay. Someone may already have the photo in their stock collection. <br>

Two agencies that i know of are PhotographersDirect.com and ImageBrief.com. Please note, these companies have a minimum rate. If you are looking to get $1 microstock prices, these are not the places.<br>

You may also consider posting a request here on photo.net. Photographers in the area could contact you and work out a fee.</p>

<p>Try alleys in Chinatown - gritty enough but safe.</p>

<p>Here are some of my favorite sights for DC and NYC. As was mentioned before, these are the typical postcard shots that millions of photographers have taken. Look around see if there is an angle or foreground that has not been used too often and happy shooting!<br>

Lower Manhattan from Statue of Liberty Ferry, as the ferry rounds into the dock, you can catch the statue and Lower Manhattan in the same shot. Get on the first ferry as the statue faces east. Also, try the ferry from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, it is much less crowded. <br>

Lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Good for an early morning or dusk shot. The New World Trade Center just removed the scaffold in the last month or two, so the shot will be quite "new." At night, the building still has the construction lights.<br>

Lower Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry - great in late afternoon. <br>

Midtown Manhattan from Gantry State Park in Queens, great shot of United Nations and Chrysler Building - good in morning or dusk. <br>

Manhattan from under the 59th Street Bridge. there is a park in Queens (forget the name),where you can set up a tripod to catch the 59th street Bridge (aka Queensboro Bridge) with Manhattan below it.<br>

Midtown from Hamilton Park in Weehawken, NJ - you mentioned this.<br>

Midtown from the Hoboken waterfront. Not photographed often, and less dramatic than Weehawken, but it is unique.<br>

Lower Manhattan from Jersey City - there is a waterfront park/walkway at the Jersey City business district for a great shot of lower Manhattan, more unique than the Brooklyn side.<br>

DC- sunrise at the Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima). Get the Memorial in the foreground with the city in the background. <br>

DC- from Lincoln memorial steps - the reflecting pool has been repaired and water is now able to reflect the Washington Monument.<br>

DC - Reminder, most government buildings and memorials are stark white. For a more dramatic shot, go just after sunrise, just before sunset for the golden light. or try dawn and dusk. Most of the floodlights remain on all night.</p>

 

<p>Brad, sorry to be a little late to the party, as you are probably on the way home. here are my favotite Boston skyline locations:</p>

<p>For sunrise/first light on the city: East Boston from either LoPresti Park or Piers Park. Both offer essentially the same view, though I like LoPresti Park for some foreground. Piers Park is less deserted (hard to imagine, as they are a few blocks away from each other) but it may be locked until sunrise. The Blue Line stops at Maverick, half way between the parks. When facing the water/skyline, Lopresti is on the right, Piers on the left.</p>

<p>The morning also offers a great view from The USS Constitution. It may be a good time to get a shot of Paul Revere statue with the Old North Church in the background from Revere Park.</p>

<p>For the late afternoon, go to the Longfellow Bridge. There is a pedestrian walkway where you can set up a tripod. It may be too early in the season, but a photo of the skyline with the sailbaots on the Charles screams Boston. </p>

<p>For dusk, you can head back to East Boston or try the Skywalk at the Prudential Building. If the Red Sox are playing, you can an "aerial" of Fenway Park lit up at night. Otherwise, dusk looking at the Hancock Tower and beyond is super.</p>

<p>The number one rule to making a small fortune in travel photography:<br>

Start with a large fortune and work your way down! ;-)<br>

Seriously, as others have mentioned, start slowly, don't quit your day job. The benefit for you is that you have most of the equipment, so there is little initial investment needed. <br>

I have been a "travel Photographer" for about 10 years, and I still have a 9 to 5 job. The income I get is a good suppliment, but hardly enough to live. <br>

Also, while we all have dreams of going to exotic locations and photographing a major article in National Geographic, start in your area. You know all of the nooks and cranies of your region and where to be at the right time. You can be at major and small events with little effort. You are the expert photographer there. Shoot subjects around your home to keep your travel expenses down and build a portfolio. Also, if something breaking happens, whether a news event or a rainbow, you are ready at a moment's notice. Traveling photographers have to hope their trip coincides with great weather. As you progress, expand the radius of your coverage.<br>

As far as getting paid, some on the forum may disagree, but a good place to try a stock agency. Yes, the stock business is not what it used to be (what is?), but there is still money to be made. Again, you may not be able to live off of your stock proceeds initailly, but it is a good suppliment. There are the big guys, like Getty, Corbis and Alamy with millions upon millions of photos. You may feel like a small fish in a large ocean. There are also smaller agencies with more specialized subjects. I tend to avoid the microstock companies because I'm convinced "micro" refers to the amount they pay photographers. <br>

Pick up a copy of the Photographers Marketplace at your local book store or through Amazon. The book has names of publishersw, magazines, gallaries and agencies and what they speicalize.</p>

<p>I have been to New England for many a fall season. The best advice is to be flexible. Predicting fall colors is not an exact science. Many factors, from tempratures in spring to precipitation in summer could alter the peak color dates. Last year was an early and short peak season. This year, we in the northeast have had a warmer than normal spring and a wetter than normal summer, though the temperatures in the summer were about average. This will probably make for a slightly later than normal foliage season. DISCLAIMER-things may change between now and fall to move the peak earlier or later. Don't take this prediction as gospel. Keep doing your research.<br>

That said, the White Mountains and the Kanc are one of the first places to lose their leaves in the fall. Not only is it further north, but this area has the highest elevation in New England. The Lake District, as someone mentioned, may retain their peak long after the Kanc is bare. The NH sea coast (all 12 miles of it) may be in peak well into late October.<br>

During the foliage season, there are several blogs that will give you updated foliage info. My favorite is Jim Salge on Yankee Magazine's website. it is an enjoyable read and he gives updates and suggested routes for the best color. The only criticism is he only writes it once a week.<br>

I would recommend staying in the Concord or Manchester area if you want to stay in NH. These are located near the center of the small state (though more southen NH than northern). These are the "big cities" of NH and will have the most hotels. Also, they are located on major interstates, providing quick getaways to the foliage.</p>

<p>I have always (well, 10 years) have flown with a tripod attached to a Lowepro camera case and brought it as my personal item. My small suitcase is my carry on bag. I take the head off, store it under the seat in front of me, and place the legs in the overhead. The legs fit in the small area in the back of the overhead, and does not impede the carry on bags. However, smaller planes, I gate check my carry-on and bring my tripod and camera case on board with me, But that is only because the carry-on will not fit in the overhead. <br>

I fly out of New York area airports with no delays or questions from TSA. I have also flown out of smaller airports (Lexington, KY, Wilmington, NC) again with no questions or delays. I have only traveled in the US, so I do not know if this is the norm internationally. <br>

The only time someone told me I could not fly with my tripod was a customer service rep (not TSA) at LaGuardia. He came up to me, without any reason and said I cannot consider this a personal item and would have to pack differently. I asked him when this became the policy, he said this was always the policy. I advised him I have been flying like this for 10 years this was the first I was hearing about it. Like the past 10 year, TSA allowed me to pass without delays.</p>

I would not recommend driving into NYC, especially if you have never been here. In terms of driving, NYC is unlike any city in the US. I have driven in LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and they are a pleasure compared to Manhattan. I have lived here most my life, and avoid driving in Manhattan. On a weekday, there is no street parking and garages charge a fortune. My best advice, if you are coming from the west or south, go to Hoboken, NJ and take a PATH train ($2 one way) to 33rd Street. From the station in Manhattan, walk west on 33rd or 34th Street (the opposite direction of the Empire State Building) to Ninth Ave. On street parking in Hoboken is a little better (watch the no parking signs and their dates and times) and the parking garages are, when compared to Manhattan, cheaper. The Path train in Hoboken is on the riverfront. Check the web site (google hoboken path train)for directions. Another alternative is to take a NJ Transit train into Penn Station (on 33rd Street a block closer to B+H). There are over 100 stations and most trains go direct to NYC. Without knowing where you are coming from, it is hard to direct you.

<p>Several posters mentioned that most people would be happy simply to be a part of a major production. But, as you mentioned, pride does not prevent the electric company from turning off your power. Amazing that a muli-million dollar movie is looking to save a few pennies by asking for a photographer to onate a photo.<br>

It does not have to be that way: I had an opportunity to provide a photo for a major motion picture, one that would go on to win several Oscars. The photo was simple (an office building) and was on the screen for about a second, and not even an intergral part of the film (used in a slide show describing a character). The production company was offering $5000. I would have felt more pride in cashing the check than bragging I was part of an Oscar winning movie. Unfortunately, they chose someone else's photo, so I felt neither.</p>

 

<p>Eric,<br>

Along with photography, I also handle workers compensation for my 9 to 5 job. Most of my business was with construction contactors. <br>

First, unlike most other benefits, workers compensation is madatory. You cannot get around not providing it for your employees. However, if the people/company you contract with does not provide it, your business will be considered a "special employer" and the burdon of insuring them will fall on you.<br>

The best way to avoid this to to insist/mandate that your subcontractors have the necessary coverage and provide the written proof of that coverage. Then you may want to verify the information yourself.<br>

If they do not comply, do not do business with them.<br>

If you are thinking of hiring one or two people as independent contractors rather than employees, you are still responsible to provide benefits if they are injured on the job. The courts have held that the business (you) was the employer regardless of how the employees were hired. You will be responsible for providing medical and lost time benefits if they are injured while working.</p>

<p>Yankee Magazine's website is great for foilage seekers. They have a blogger, who happens to be a photographer, going all over looking for the best color and reporting back. I believe he has a facebook page too. They also have people posting the color in their neck of the woods.</p>

<p>I used the site in 08 and I cannot say enough good things about it. </p>

<p>The thing with Boston is that there are two skylines, one in the Commercial District and another in the Back Bay area.<br>

A great shot can be had on the Longfellow Bridge. there is a pedestrian walkway on the west side. this gives the classic view of Back Bay (John Hancock Tower, Prudential). The T goes by every now and then and the bridge shakes, but the cars have no effect. A quintessential Boston shot is from here with a sail boat on the Charles. Or, on a really calm day, the lights will reflect in the Charles. The red line has a stop a block or two from the entrance of the Bridge (MGH Station - though double check on that).<br>

I always liked the view from Columbus Park along the Waterfront. You'll get the classic Custom Building surrounded by the more modern buildings. After you're done, its a few steps away from the North End and great Italian restaurants.<br>

Almost forgot, the Prudential Building has an observation deck at the top. It is indoors and tripods, while officially not allowed, are tolerated. I've been there several times and only one person said something about it, and this was more like "Just so you know, I may have to ask you to put the tripod away if it gets too crowded." If you go, bring a black or dark colored jacket. The lights in the observation deck will reflect in the windows. <br>

Further out, head to East Boston (Mavrick Station on the Blue Line). The waterfront area is undergoing renovation. Some areas have nice walkways to shoot the Commercial District.<br>

Have Fun!</p>

<p>The thing with Boston is that there are two skylines, one in the Commercial District and another in the Back Bay area.<br>

A great shot can be had on the Longfellow Bridge. there is a pedestrian walkway on the west side. this gives the classic view of Back Bay (John Hancock Tower, Prudential). The T goes by every now and then and the bridge shakes, but the cars have no effect. A quintessential Boston shot is from here with a sail boat on the Charles. Or, on a really calm day, the lights will reflect in the Charles. The red line has a stop a block or two from the entrance of the Bridge (MGH Station - though double check on that).<br>

I always liked the view from Columbus Park along the Waterfront. You'll get the classic Custom Building surrounded by the more modern buildings. After you're done, its a few steps away from the North End and great Italian restaurants.<br>

Almost forgot, the Prudential Building has an observation deck at the top. It is indoors and tripods, while officially not allowed, are tolerated. I've been there several times and only one person said something about it, and this was more like "Just so you know, I may have to ask you to put the tripod away if it gets too crowded." If you go, bring a black or dark colored jacket. The lights in the observation deck will reflect in the windows. <br>

Further out, head to East Boston (Mavrick Station on the Blue Line). The waterfront area is undergoing renovation. Some areas have nice walkways to shoot the Commercial District.<br>

Have Fun!</p>

<p>Dean,<br>

I'm from NYC and live in the suburbs now. I have walked through most of the neighborhoods with my camera and tripod and never had a problem. The police had enforced a law that said no "professional" photography without a permit. Professional was defined as anyione witha tripod. That law has changed and only refers to model shoots, advertisements, etc.<br>

The homeless most likely will not mug you (I would say never, but never say never). If anything, they will look the other way and shout at you, usually something you cannot understand. They're more likely to want money for their photo shoot. Depending on your subject, it could range from a buck to $10. <br>

Here's a secret I used for homeless portraits: I stand still where they seem to congregate (Port Authority on 42nd St, Penn Station). Eventually, one will ask for a hand out. If they are photogenic, tell them you'll give them a few bucks if they allow you to photograph them. I've never been turned down.</p>

<p>Doug,<br>

You may want to consider the day of your visit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC allows tripods during the week, but not on weekends. They say it is too crowded during the weekend to safely allow tripods. Also, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown allows tripods during the non-busy times (during the week and during the off season). <br>

Check each museum's website (as others have suggested). If there is no photography policy, give them a call or email them. </p>

<p>Will,<br>

I agree with the previous post about the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Not only is it a great spot for the skyline, but you can get the tourists and locals doing their best Rocky imitation in the foreground.<br>

Another great spot is about 200 yards to the left (when looking at the skyline from the Art Museum). There is a bridge over the Schuykill (spelling?) River and the interstate. From here, you can get reflections in the water scoot over a few feet and have tailights leading the the city. The bridge is a short walk from the museum, though you may need to dodge a few cars while crossing the street. Also the bridge does vibrate whenever a car passes. This is best in the late afternoon or dusk<br>

Another spot for dusk could be on the pedestian walkway of the Ben Franklin Bridge. I have not tried it yet, but everytime I drive over the bridge, it looks great and I say "I need to get back here," but never do.<br>

Othere places include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell (depending on foot traffic, they now allow tripods), Society Hill neighborhood, South Street for some funky nightlife, Geno's cheesesteaks with its neon cladded sides, Boathouse row at night OR day, City Hall, etc. There is so much, you'll probably want to make several trips.</p>

<p>Will,</p>

<p>As the previous poster mentioned, a run in with the law depends on the individual police officer. Even when the required permit law was on the books, the NYPD never bothered me, even with a tripod. In fact, one officer was an avid photographer himself and gave me some of his favorite locations. The times I have been told to stop I was on private property, which security has every right to stop you. They said I was free to take photos, but not with a tripod. By the way, all of Rockefeller Center is private property, event the walkways (though the city streets that run through it are still public).</p>

<p>You also mentioned about getting a shot of the skyline with the verrazano Bridge in the foreground. I am not sure you can get that shot. The bridge is a few miles away from Manhattan and its position is not in line with the skyline. Also, unlike the Golden Gate Bridge, the Verrazano is a rather boring bridge to photograph. <br>

But, then again, I have been proven wrong before. If you can get that shot, please share with the rest of the class.</p>

<p>Al,</p>

<p>It all depends on what type of people you wish to photograph. Times Square is full of people, but it is mostly tourists. The Wall St area is good to photograph those who work in the area. Be sure to check out Federal Hall at lunchtime, caty corner to the Stock Exchange on Wall Street. <br>

You may also want to visit the ethnic neighborhoods. For that, head out to Queens. The Asian neighborhood in Flushing is more "authentic" than that in lower Manhattan. You also have the Greek neighborhood in Astoria, Indian neighborhood in Richmond Hill, South American neighborhood in Corona, Russian neighborhood in Brighton Beach (the last one is in Brooklyn). Head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic Italian neighborhood. Little Italy in Manhattan is for toursits only.<br>

I agree with the previous posters noting the Union Square Greenmarket and Greenwich Village. True new Yorkers outnumber the tourists here. If the weather is nice, get yourself to Central Park and the Great Lawn. </p>

I went to the Montauk Lighthouse last year, so things may have changed. Access to the park is 24/7, however, the lighthouse is only open during visiting hours. There is a chain link fence around the lighthouse that restricts access during the off hours.

 

There are some great vantage points along the beach with the waves crashing along the rocky shore. The trail to the beach is hidden (I don't think it is an official trail). When in the parking lot, and looking at the lighthouse, head to the right. Across the road that you came in on, there is a small path that leads right to the beach and the best views.

 

There is also a vantage point from the gift shop (opposite direction of the path) with views to the North Fork and Block Island.

 

Sunset and dusk should be great for the lighthouse. If your an early riser, try sunrise. In the winter time, the sun rises far south enough to light the lighthouse and the ocean beach

Liberty State Park has great views of Lady Liberty. Too bad it is of her butt! The best place to get the Statue of Liberty and the skyline is from the ferry going to Liberty Island. As it approaches the ferry dock, it makes a 90 degree right turn. For a fleeting moment, your picture will come together.

 

The Statue of Liberty faces east, so get on the first ferry for the best light. Also, go to the top deck of the ferry and be on the starboard side (right hand side when facing the direction of the boat). If at all possible, be along that rail. You'll get a great view of the statue head on, then the aforementioned view as you make the turn.

 

Either ferry, from Manhattan or Jersey City, will put you in the right spot.

Al,

 

Just got back from a quick three day trip. In May, the Memphis Zoo became only the 4th zoo in the country to house pandas. Unfortunately, I read this in the airport, waiting for my flight back so I did not get to see the grounds.

 

If you are heading to Beale Street, go at night. There is a lot more people than during the day. On Wednesday nights, it is motorcycle night. The bikers and their bikes make an interesting place even more interesting. Most don't mind being photographed, as the place is loaded with tourists snapping away.

 

The Peabody Hotel has their daily duck marches at 11 AM and 5 PM. Get there early to get a spot in the front. As for graveyards, Graceland opens their meditation garden and Elvis' grave to the public from 7:30 Am to 8:30 Am. This is free and no tour needed. There was only a three other people there when I went. Depending on your interest, you may want to check out Sun Studios, where Elvis, Carl Perkins and U2 recorded. Or the Civil Rights Museum in the old Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated.

 

The neighborhood just to the south of the Civil Rights Museum (forget the name of the neighborhood) is interesting. The store fronts look like they are from the 1950's. Many movies have been filmed here, taking advantage of the period look.

 

Mud Island is interesting and has a good view of the Memphis skyline in the afternoon.

 

You said you will be there in the middle of August. I was there at the end of July. It is hot and humid (102 degrees, 111 heat index). Taking your camera from an AC room or car outside will cause it to fog.

Jimmy,

 

You mentioned that you had followed the foliage report for New England last year. Please note that last year the northeast had extremely warm temperatures in September and October. It pushed the fall colors back almost a month.

 

Another great website is at Yankee Magazine (no affliation with the baseball team). They have leaf spotters and bloggers who can give you up to the minute reports.

 

As far as advice on how to shoot, the best I heard was that fall foliage is like sprinkles on an ice cream cone. They enhance the photo, but they do not make it. You'll still need to follow the basic rules of composition. Taking a photo of just a tree in full color is only slightly more interesting than one that is green. however, put it in a wonderful setting, wait for the dramatic light and you'll have a world class shot.

 

Another rule of thumb, don't put your camera away when it rains. Go into the woods and take photos of waterfalls, streams, etc. The water will enhance the colors of the leaves. Bring a polarizer to get rid of the glare.

I was in SF earlier this year and wanted to take photos of the Palace of Fine Arts and Ghiradelli Square (among

others). Both were under scaffolds for rennovation.

 

I have the opportunity to go back again but my time is limited. If there is anyone who lives in SF, or who has been

there recently, please let me know if the scaffold remains. This way, i can make plans to photograph other sites.

 

Thank you!