Trip to the Uk
Sep 9, 2014 16:37:09 #
My wife and I are going to a wedding outside London, then going to Scotland (Edinburgh, Isle of Skye) then attending a Premier League soccer game between Liverpool and Everton. I am looking for suggestions/recommendations for which camera XSi or 60D, lenses (see signature below) and filters. I want to capture cityscape, rural flora & fauna and people. Any one been to the UK? Ideas?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Sep 9, 2014 17:04:26 #
clanmack wrote:
My wife and I are going to a wedding outside London, then going to Scotland (Edinburgh, Isle of Skye) then attending a Premier League soccer game between Liverpool and Everton. I am looking for suggestions/recommendations for which camera XSi or 60D, lenses (see signature below) and filters. I want to capture cityscape, rural flora & fauna and people. Any one been to the UK? Ideas?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Hello Bill, I live in the UK :-)
I visit Scotland twice a year, I was on Skye this spring. On Skye don't miss the Quiraing or the Old Man Of Storr. The village of Elgol is another must as is the Talisker Distillery, if you like that sort of thing :-)
I can't give you any info on Edinburgh, sorry. While you are in Scotland, if your travel permit, a visit to the Isle of Mull would be well worth while.
I wont offer advice on cameras as I don't use either of those although I will say that both lenses would be very useful to you.
Please PM me if you want any more information about Skye.
If you are in London over a weekend a visit to Brick Lane market and Columbia Road flower market will give you lots of photo opportunities if you get fed up with all of the regular landmarks.
A few of my pictures here:
Neist Point http://500px.com/photo/77088751/neist-point-lighthouse-by-graham-smith?from=user_library
The Old Man of Storr http://500px.com/photo/75560085/the-old-man-of-storr-by-graham-smith?from=user_library
The Quiraing http://500px.com/photo/74080493/the-quiraing-by-graham-smith?from=user_library
Typical Skye http://500px.com/photo/77204667/evening-rush-hour-by-graham-smith?from=user_library
Graham
Sep 9, 2014 19:03:22 #
I mentioned a while ago that we Brits have a different light. We have more greys and greens than you are probably used to. We have less direct sunlight as we are overshadowed by Europe. (it may be bright but its certainly not as intense as you may be used to as we now have to use 'enviromentally friendly' sunlight) We use ISO 100 or even 200 on a sunny day.ISO 3200 has been banned by EU directive. HDR gives us more thunder in our clouds and polarisation allows to 'make believe' we have a season called 'summer'.
I would suggest that you limit your camera choice to something that will work in a stationary car. Your travel itinery will entail lots of 'hanging around' motorway intersections. London to the Isle Of Sky is do'able in a day by light aircraft....Motorbike.. at a push...even train (But not Virgin). Car ....well I suppose technicaly there are 24 hours in a day...
As an American 'Scot' you will have no doubt investigated and no doubt also invested in where your ancestors are buried. Unfortunately our history goes back way beyond the 1950's. We really do have actual buildings pre-dating Columbus. Well pre-dating much of American educational teachings really....Deep fried battered Mars bar isn't a dish with historcal links to your country. Whilst Capt. Kirk is well revered in this country....He had absolutely no influence on Scttish religion despite the many similar placenames.
Liverpool and camera's....now there's a thing. Have you got a short lens. I mean a very indescrete lens coupled to a battered and scuffed AGFA camera. Liverpool is not the kind of place to walk around flaunting a big lens. You do know that the 'Liver Birds' are a 1:1 macro shot of two pigeons post processed onto the biggest block of flats in Liverpool don't you? and a football match....not exactly your 'sit down with your kids and popcorn' kind of venue. Imagine a place where English is never spoken intelligibly (There's a scouse word) Fair play means not getting caught kicking people's shins n things and a game is anything that isn't 'working for a living'. That'll be Liverpool.
So you want to tke pictures of people, fauna and cityscapes.
You have something against underwater,infra red and monochrome?
You are lucky...we do have people, we also have cities and on a good day you might get the odd skyline. Fauna's a bit more tricky. I mean usually you have to stand still to capture that....Your itinery seema a little rushed.. A zoo or two could be the answere. Google UK Zoo's the thing.. Or buy a macro lens and check out the hotel room....We are not best known for 'hospitality excellence'.
You can drink the water - it costs more than milk in the supermarket but what the hey! less calories so it must be healthier therefor you expect it to cost a premium. Liverpool and Manchester are known for their water...Its naturally refreshed daily....Food... now thats a different thing. Being an Island we have to import lots of things so food portions are a little on the small side. Chips are extra. Coke...well it comes as far as you did so its going to cost more.....and in smaller cups. We don't do burgers very well. Our cattle are the size of dogs so a minute steak is not a misprint.
I'm sure you will find lots to photograph .. after all we once ruled the world...we were the second cradle of enlightenment after Rome and the rest of Europe. Well if you ignore Wales that is....they brought hill side agriculture to new lows... though throwing wellies seems to be a popular sport and quite cathartic.
Have an enjoyable stay... we need your economic input
I would suggest that you limit your camera choice to something that will work in a stationary car. Your travel itinery will entail lots of 'hanging around' motorway intersections. London to the Isle Of Sky is do'able in a day by light aircraft....Motorbike.. at a push...even train (But not Virgin). Car ....well I suppose technicaly there are 24 hours in a day...
As an American 'Scot' you will have no doubt investigated and no doubt also invested in where your ancestors are buried. Unfortunately our history goes back way beyond the 1950's. We really do have actual buildings pre-dating Columbus. Well pre-dating much of American educational teachings really....Deep fried battered Mars bar isn't a dish with historcal links to your country. Whilst Capt. Kirk is well revered in this country....He had absolutely no influence on Scttish religion despite the many similar placenames.
Liverpool and camera's....now there's a thing. Have you got a short lens. I mean a very indescrete lens coupled to a battered and scuffed AGFA camera. Liverpool is not the kind of place to walk around flaunting a big lens. You do know that the 'Liver Birds' are a 1:1 macro shot of two pigeons post processed onto the biggest block of flats in Liverpool don't you? and a football match....not exactly your 'sit down with your kids and popcorn' kind of venue. Imagine a place where English is never spoken intelligibly (There's a scouse word) Fair play means not getting caught kicking people's shins n things and a game is anything that isn't 'working for a living'. That'll be Liverpool.
So you want to tke pictures of people, fauna and cityscapes.
You have something against underwater,infra red and monochrome?
You are lucky...we do have people, we also have cities and on a good day you might get the odd skyline. Fauna's a bit more tricky. I mean usually you have to stand still to capture that....Your itinery seema a little rushed.. A zoo or two could be the answere. Google UK Zoo's the thing.. Or buy a macro lens and check out the hotel room....We are not best known for 'hospitality excellence'.
You can drink the water - it costs more than milk in the supermarket but what the hey! less calories so it must be healthier therefor you expect it to cost a premium. Liverpool and Manchester are known for their water...Its naturally refreshed daily....Food... now thats a different thing. Being an Island we have to import lots of things so food portions are a little on the small side. Chips are extra. Coke...well it comes as far as you did so its going to cost more.....and in smaller cups. We don't do burgers very well. Our cattle are the size of dogs so a minute steak is not a misprint.
I'm sure you will find lots to photograph .. after all we once ruled the world...we were the second cradle of enlightenment after Rome and the rest of Europe. Well if you ignore Wales that is....they brought hill side agriculture to new lows... though throwing wellies seems to be a popular sport and quite cathartic.
Have an enjoyable stay... we need your economic input
Sep 9, 2014 21:39:35 #
I loved Edinburgh!
Was there for the first time (and it won't be the last) a couple of months ago. We had fantastic weather- only rained for half a day during our stay.
Besides the old architecture, the National museum of Scotland is worth a visit for sure and we found the new parliament building interesting (probably really busy at this time). Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh castle on opposite ends of the Royal Mile are a must see too. A hike up Arthur's Seat is easier than it looks but worth the climb. Make sure you visit Calton Hill as the sun (if you see it) is starting to go down.
I was expecting to just suffer the cuisine there, but to my surprise, discovered my favorite dish ever is Balmoral Chicken. Had it at the Open Arms Restaurant in Dirleton, about an hour bus ride away. Took a short hike to the beach after that and saw Fidra Island.
As far as camera choice, I can't help you decide between your Canons, I'm mostly a Nikon guy. Cramped for space, all I brought was a Fuji X-E1 with the 18-55 and I would do it again without hesitation. I was on vacation with my family, not on a photo expedition. I'll PM you a link to my Scotland photos. Nothing like Graham's amazing images, but I had fun.
Cheers!
Was there for the first time (and it won't be the last) a couple of months ago. We had fantastic weather- only rained for half a day during our stay.
Besides the old architecture, the National museum of Scotland is worth a visit for sure and we found the new parliament building interesting (probably really busy at this time). Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh castle on opposite ends of the Royal Mile are a must see too. A hike up Arthur's Seat is easier than it looks but worth the climb. Make sure you visit Calton Hill as the sun (if you see it) is starting to go down.
I was expecting to just suffer the cuisine there, but to my surprise, discovered my favorite dish ever is Balmoral Chicken. Had it at the Open Arms Restaurant in Dirleton, about an hour bus ride away. Took a short hike to the beach after that and saw Fidra Island.
As far as camera choice, I can't help you decide between your Canons, I'm mostly a Nikon guy. Cramped for space, all I brought was a Fuji X-E1 with the 18-55 and I would do it again without hesitation. I was on vacation with my family, not on a photo expedition. I'll PM you a link to my Scotland photos. Nothing like Graham's amazing images, but I had fun.
Cheers!
Sep 9, 2014 21:40:50 #
clanmack wrote:
My wife and I are going to a wedding outside London, then going to Scotland (Edinburgh, Isle of Skye) then attending a Premier League soccer game between Liverpool and Everton. I am looking for suggestions/recommendations for which camera XSi or 60D, lenses (see signature below) and filters. I want to capture cityscape, rural flora & fauna and people. Any one been to the UK? Ideas?
Thanks, Bill
Thanks, Bill
Bill, I've only been to the UK once two years ago. I found it to be extremely photogenic! It won't really matter where you go, there is lots to shoot and do. Lots of cathedrals, castles and great countryside. You will not lack stuff to shot.
Never been to Scotland but I'm sure it's equally interesting.
Don't forget that from London it's only hours away to spend a weekend in Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam by bullet train. That can add a little spice to the trip.
If your interested, I can post a pic later on to give you an idea of what's all over the UK. ;-)
SS
Sep 10, 2014 00:08:41 #
G Brown wrote:
ISO 3200 has been banned by EU directive.
Are you kidding me? Is this serious? Or is it just that the EU is so ashamed of its pollution that it has become a constant source of amusement to the people of the UK?
It's not that I'm that gullible, but remember that I live in California where really stupid laws and regulations are the norm!
Sep 10, 2014 05:22:26 #
Mogul wrote:
Are you kidding me? Is this serious? Or is it just that the EU is so ashamed of its pollution that it has become a constant source of amusement to the people of the UK?
It's not that I'm that gullible, but remember that I live in California where really stupid laws and regulations are the norm!
It's not that I'm that gullible, but remember that I live in California where really stupid laws and regulations are the norm!
G Brown is kidding you and the OP with his whole post. Either that or G Brown has a huge chip on his shoulder... now I'm just kidding :-)
Graham
Sep 10, 2014 05:57:13 #
Graham
Thanks for the guiding words and your photographs. They are certainly magnificent and artistry!
One thing we have run into is sorting out the Train service. We think we need to have tickets arranged ahead of time or we will not get seats. Some of the connections are very tight, e.g. We will be traveling from Luckly Farms, East and North of London, to Edinburgh. One of the connections is to a different station with only 25 minutes. If we order and pay for the tickets, can we pick them up at the station or someplace? What happens if we miss a connection? Can we get a later train without buying a new ticket? Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated!
Bill
Thanks for the guiding words and your photographs. They are certainly magnificent and artistry!
One thing we have run into is sorting out the Train service. We think we need to have tickets arranged ahead of time or we will not get seats. Some of the connections are very tight, e.g. We will be traveling from Luckly Farms, East and North of London, to Edinburgh. One of the connections is to a different station with only 25 minutes. If we order and pay for the tickets, can we pick them up at the station or someplace? What happens if we miss a connection? Can we get a later train without buying a new ticket? Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated!
Bill
Sep 10, 2014 06:09:42 #
erasmus666
Loc: Nuneaton England
Couple of points which you might want to consider:
If you can pack a couple of high-powered vacuum cleaners in your luggage you'll be able to sell them and cover the cost of your holiday. This is because the E.U Stasi have banned them on the grounds that they use too much energy and now the cleaners are worth more than gold. That the bureaucrats in Brussels are driving around in what you call "gas-guzzlers" is not considered relevant. Similarly, it might be worth checking if American 100w lightbulbs can be used in the U.K. If so, bring a couple hundred of those to sell as the E.U have banned them as well. You'll also probably need an English-Scouse phrasebook if you're going to Liverpool and leave anything more valuable than a nail file in your hotel when you go to the football match making sure as well that you sit in the right part of the grounds as stab wounds can take ages to heal and might prevent you going anywhere other than the local hospital. Scotland is beautiful especially if you avoid the usual tourist haunts. However be warned, the U.K is expensive nowadays and it's a long way from London to Scotland and getting around is not as easy (or cheap) as in the U.S. Finally, if the Scots vote for independence in the forthcoming referendum you might need a visa for that country. Have a wonderful time.
If you can pack a couple of high-powered vacuum cleaners in your luggage you'll be able to sell them and cover the cost of your holiday. This is because the E.U Stasi have banned them on the grounds that they use too much energy and now the cleaners are worth more than gold. That the bureaucrats in Brussels are driving around in what you call "gas-guzzlers" is not considered relevant. Similarly, it might be worth checking if American 100w lightbulbs can be used in the U.K. If so, bring a couple hundred of those to sell as the E.U have banned them as well. You'll also probably need an English-Scouse phrasebook if you're going to Liverpool and leave anything more valuable than a nail file in your hotel when you go to the football match making sure as well that you sit in the right part of the grounds as stab wounds can take ages to heal and might prevent you going anywhere other than the local hospital. Scotland is beautiful especially if you avoid the usual tourist haunts. However be warned, the U.K is expensive nowadays and it's a long way from London to Scotland and getting around is not as easy (or cheap) as in the U.S. Finally, if the Scots vote for independence in the forthcoming referendum you might need a visa for that country. Have a wonderful time.
Sep 10, 2014 07:18:47 #
Wear BLUE. (at the football match).
I use a CANON 60D with the 15-85 for most of my touristy shots. The days will be short (Winter side of the equinoxes - longer summer side of the equinoxes)and the sun will be lower. Lens hood might be useful. Couple of waterproof sleeves (Optech do a cheap one I think) just in case. TALISKER tour is v. good.
Also, go to the South end of SKYE and watch the old ferry cross against the tide which fairly hammers through between Skye and the mainland here. If around FORT WILLIAM check out the Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter films).
Can't help on the train tickets but if you use the Trainline you may be able to print them off your P.C. I don't expect you'll be able to pick them up at the station. And check your times. There are a few horror stories concerning people getting on the wrong train and being charged top whack for your journys they thought they had tickets for.
http://www.thetrainline.com/
I use a CANON 60D with the 15-85 for most of my touristy shots. The days will be short (Winter side of the equinoxes - longer summer side of the equinoxes)and the sun will be lower. Lens hood might be useful. Couple of waterproof sleeves (Optech do a cheap one I think) just in case. TALISKER tour is v. good.
Also, go to the South end of SKYE and watch the old ferry cross against the tide which fairly hammers through between Skye and the mainland here. If around FORT WILLIAM check out the Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter films).
Can't help on the train tickets but if you use the Trainline you may be able to print them off your P.C. I don't expect you'll be able to pick them up at the station. And check your times. There are a few horror stories concerning people getting on the wrong train and being charged top whack for your journys they thought they had tickets for.
http://www.thetrainline.com/
Sep 10, 2014 07:26:04 #
G Brown wrote:
I mentioned a while ago that we Brits have a diffe... (show quote)
Excellent advice, don't let traffic conditions get to you jus put up with it. Normally once you are North of Preston traffic conditions gradually improve.
If you get the chance visit Liverpool docks.
Sep 10, 2014 07:40:48 #
Canonuser
Loc: UK and South Africa
clanmack wrote:
My wife and I are going to a wedding outside London, then going to Scotland (Edinburgh, Isle of Skye) then attending a Premier League soccer game between Liverpool and Everton. I am looking for suggestions/recommendations for which camera XSi or 60D, lenses (see signature below) and filters. I want to capture cityscape, rural flora & fauna and people. Any one been to the UK? Ideas?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Not to many comments about photography Bill, but by then Scotland may be independent and you might need your passport to get into the country (joking). At the Liverpool, Everton game, make certain of the allegiances of those around you in the ground before showing support for either team and most certainly do not go to the match wearing anything either Blue or Red just in case you get in the wrong area, that just might invite a few unwelcome comments of supporters of the opposing team. Certainly dont take your camera to the game.
This reminds me of the story of a pilot and navigator getting lost in a light aircraft at night with only a compass working and trying to get to Liverpool. The pilot asked to navigator to put his hand outside to see if that would give them a clue about where they were. The navigator did this and said that as he could feel sand in the air, they were clearly too far south. They flew North for some time and the navigator tried again. This time he reported that as he could feel snow they had flown too far North. The pilot turned and flew south and after a while the navigator tried the same thing again and reported that they were right over Liverpool. How do you know that? asked the pilot. Because someone has just stolen my watch. the navigator replied. Thats also a joke Bill, with many apologies to my friends from Liverpool.
Have a really great time, I'm sure you will.
Sep 10, 2014 11:17:56 #
I just got back from a month long vacation in the UK and Scotland. Me and my friend ( two ladies alone). We wandered all over England and Scotland, and never once felt Ill at ease. We found the people incredibly friendly and helpful. We were surprised at Liverpool. We were a little concerned about our visit there, but we stayed right at Albert Docks and had a ball. We hope to return. When in Edinburgh, if you want great cityscapes, be sure to go to the top of Calton Hill. We took a guided photo tour of Edinburgh, where we were treated to sights that we would have never found on our own. If you are interested in the tour PM me, and I will give you information. I am completely, in love with Scotland, and I will be back. Scouse is impossible to understand. I loved it!!!! I envy your coming trip. Take a wide angle lens. It is a must.
Sep 10, 2014 11:35:08 #
erasmus666 wrote:
Couple of points which you might want to consider:... (show quote)
This maligns the people of Liverpool. I have always found them a friendly lot. Leaving valuables in you room is probably good policy at any large gathering, wherever you are.
You don't say how long your trip is, or when it is, but if you have time there is lots more in Liverpool than football. If you like art there are 2 galleries right in the centre, the Walker and the Tate Modern. Have a look in the Central library as well. It has recently been extensively reworked inside and the internal architecture is great, yet they have also retained the reading room in its original state so they haven't sacrificed everything in favour of the modern. It is very close to the Walker.
If you are lucky there may be some events on at the old docks where the Tate is located.
You might also be able to catch a show.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
Sep 10, 2014 16:52:55 #
Hi Clanmack..It will be welcome to the UK and your choices of where to visit are excellent. You are better going to see Liverpool v Everton as opposed to Manchester. Scousers are wonderful stock,true Brits!! Eg The Beatles,Cilla Black and so on.When in Edinburgh climb the Scott Memorial and get a certificate.I did it when I was 19 yrs old(nearly 60yrs ago)Scotland,particularly Isle of Skye, is wonderful.For requirements take a lightweight zoom,say 18-250mm.Scotland in Autumn is great and you might be blessed with the first flush of snow on the peaks with the contrasting colours of Autumn.Let us all know how you enjoy your trip with some images.
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