Suddenly in Manhattan?!

[Will Frostmill]

A spot opened up for a day trip to Manhattan. We get dropped off by Rockefeller center.
Suggestions for places to visit? I can see that MOMA is within a short walk.

It would be kinda fun to be the opposite of the tourist photographer, and drag a tripod and 5x7 around, but I'll be honest, I think that would just be looking for trouble.

It might be fun to re-photograph the Flatiron from the same position that Stieglitz did, though.

[Monty McCutchen]

Flatiron has scaffolding all over right now as an FYI

Monty

[Alan Klein]

Rockefeller Center is a good place to start. You have the CHristmas tree, ice skating, and all the people. Across the street is St Patricks Cathedral. You can eat (expensive) at Top of the ROck that also has an observation deck for rooftop views of the city. YOu may be able to do just the view, but I'm not sure. Call them.

Here's a walking tour less than two miles. Start at Rockefeller Center christmas tree. The St Pats cathedral. Then walk up 5th Avenue where the great shopping stores are. Hit Central Park and visit the zoo, then ice skating rink walking through the park. Then walk down Ave of the Americas (6th Avenue) back to Rock Center and get a great (expensive) meal at Top of the Rock where you can shoot sky vistas of the Big Apple from the roof there.
https://goo.gl/maps/rLeNE4Pd2dCQQCkq5

[Will Frostmill]

Monty,
That's good to know. Might still be interesting, but not the shot I had envisioned.

Alan,
That's a great walking tour! I think I'll spend the afternoon poking at maps using that!

Thank you everyone!

[Greg]

It would be kinda fun to be the opposite of the tourist photographer, and drag a tripod and 5x7 around, but I'll be honest, I think that would just be looking for trouble.

Especially around the holidays, expect to be stopped multiple times. Carried a f/64 backpack with my 8x10 outfit there one time and was stopped a number of times. Just be polite, use the word "Sir" or "Mam", and offer to open up your camera case. Always ended with the officer smiling and wishing me to have a good time in NYC.

[Alan Klein]

Especially around the holidays, expect to be stopped multiple times. Carried a f/64 backpack with my 8x10 outfit there one time and was stopped a number of times. Just be polite, use the word "Sir" or "Mam", and offer to open up your camera case. Always ended with the officer smiling and wishing me to have a good time in NYC.

With so many tourists around and the crowds this time of the year, you're going to be a hazard with a big tripod and its legs sticking out. Even if the cops don;t say anything, you're going to wind up tripping people. I'd save the big camera for another trip in less crowded areas. Take a small camera and enjoy the walking tour as well. If you're going with your wife, she'll appreciate your spending your time with her and enjoying more things together. Take her to Radio City Music hall or a Broadway show, if you have time, and she'll love you for it. Then when you get home you can ask her if she minds you taking the trip by yourself to shoot the Flatiron Bldg in snow. Oh, here's my shots of it. No snow though. :)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/12197590215/in/album-72157625796644064/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/6656958781/in/album-72157625796644064/

[jp]

I'd probably visit bhphoto's store if open... Then find galleries and museums of interest.

[Paul Ron]

more than likely tou will be pushed along by police because using a large camera and tripod normally requires a permit to use in nyc. you are considered a professional plus you are blocking pedestrian egress. you would do much better with a hand held medium format camera.

you can check the rules by googling photography rules nyc.

ill post a link in a few minutes.

[Bob Salomon]

more than likely tou will be pushed along by police because using a large camera and tripod normally requires a permit to use in nyc. you are considered a professional plus you are blocking pedestrian egress. you would do much better with a hand held medium format camera.

you can check the rules by googling photography rules nyc.

ill post a link in a few minutes.

That is for film crews. Not for individual shooters. But if you are going to bring sound, lighting, makeup, actors, directors with you then these rules do apply to you.

Use common sense where and when you shoot and decide if you will impede traffic or pedestrian movement before you setup your tripod.

[Paul Ron]

That is for film crews. Not for individual shooters. But if you are going to bring sound, lighting, makeup, actors, directors with you then these rules do apply to you.

Use common sense where and when you shoot and decide if you will impede traffic or pedestrian movement before you setup your tripod.

tell it to the judge!

the cops dont care who or what you are doing with a large camera on a tripod that impeads pedestrian traffic. you will definately be pushed along. this time of year, the sidewalks are moving meat jello 24 hours everyday.

ive been pushed along n even threatened with arrest when arguing the law with a cop who has sore feet n tied of seeing tourists n answering stupid questions all day.

if you want pictures... hand held is the only way thats going to happen.

[Bob Salomon]

tell it to the judge!

the cops dont care who or what you are doing with a large camera on a tripod that impeads pedestrian traffic. you will definately be pushed along. this time of year, the sidewalks are moving meat jello 24 hours everyday.

ive been pushed along n even threatened with arrest when arguing the law with a cop who has sore feet n tied of seeing tourists n answering stupid questions all day.

if you want pictures... hand held is the only way thats going to happen.

That’s why I said “common sense if you will Impede traffic or pedestrians”.

[Mark Sampson]

I took a view camera out on the streets of New York fairly regularly from about 1984-2001. Was never hassled by any cops, once or twice by a panhandler.
I did stay out of Times Square (and midtown in general). Things might be different now, but I wouldn't let it stop me from trying.

[Peter Lewin]

I took a view camera out on the streets of New York fairly regularly from about 1984-2001. Was never hassled by any cops, once or twice by a panhandler.
I did stay out of Times Square (and midtown in general). Things might be different now, but I wouldn't let it stop me from trying.
I grew up in NYC/Manhattan, and my experience is similar. I have used my 4x5 in Central Park (Belvedere Castle has some nice opportunities), in SOHO, down towards the lower tip in Battery Park, and around the South St. Seaport areas. But those are all far less trafficked than the midtown/Rockefeller Center area where I worked (except for SOHO, which has gentrified and is now crowded). My own opinion is that during the Christmas rush, the big camera is not going to be enjoyable or practical in midtown.

[John Kasaian]

I wouldn't hesitate to take a hand held Speed Graphic a la Weegee, but a MF would be easier to move around with.

[Louie Powell]

Having visited NYC many times (and currently planning a trip for my son's birthday next month), I suggest going handheld. Sidewalks are just too crowded for tripods. Trying to use a tripod may trigger unwanted encounters with NY's finest, and is not likely to result in pictures that you are really happy with.

I've used LF in San Francisco with very mixed results. I also attempted it once in Boston and was very disappointed.