Times Square at Night
Jan 19, 2022 16:36:00 #
Amadeus
Loc: New York
Going to a play next week with 2 teens. Would like to shoot the kids with the city as background. Also some random street scenes. Any insights as to settings, etc. would be appreciated. Have a Canon 80D and I figure to bring just one lens an 18-135. I could manage another lens if anyone believes it’s worthwhile.
Jan 19, 2022 17:07:12 #
Amadeus wrote:
Going to a play next week with 2 teens. Would like to shoot the kids with the city as background. Also some random street scenes. Any insights as to settings, etc. would be appreciated. Have a Canon 80D and I figure to bring just one lens an 18-135. I could manage another lens if anyone believes it’s worthwhile.
Leave enough time to go to the Top of the Rock. It is the observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center building. The observation deck goes totally around the building affording a good view of mid-town to lower Manhattan. Go when there is still some light in the sky and shoot the kids with the city as a backdrop. Other than that, you can go to Times Square and wander around that area and find several good spots to shoot. A really cool shot would be one with the ad of the show they are going to see as a backdrop.
Jan 20, 2022 06:02:16 #
You should also check with the theater if bringing a camera is permitted.
Jan 20, 2022 06:18:09 #
I live in the city, and shoot purposely in Times Square a couple of times a year. Maybe this will help:
If shooting at night, use your pop-up flash to fill the foreground with it set to fire at the end of a slow exposure. Brace the camera against a light post or such (look up and make “chain pod”) to use slow shutter.
People: There are many characters in various costumes (top photo) willing to pose and engage with you for tips. If you do not interact with them, don’t let them guilt you into tipping. They will probably be the only subjects shot at the long end of your lens. Most of your shooting will be down in the 18 to 35 mm range.
Others -almost all friendly- will actually pose (photo #2).
Scenery: Times Square is not actually that big. You will be able to cover it in less than an hour, shooting as you go. Your teens, though, especially if at the younger range, will probably interfere, because they will want to do stuff.
If shooting at night, use your pop-up flash to fill the foreground with it set to fire at the end of a slow exposure. Brace the camera against a light post or such (look up and make “chain pod”) to use slow shutter.
People: There are many characters in various costumes (top photo) willing to pose and engage with you for tips. If you do not interact with them, don’t let them guilt you into tipping. They will probably be the only subjects shot at the long end of your lens. Most of your shooting will be down in the 18 to 35 mm range.
Others -almost all friendly- will actually pose (photo #2).
Scenery: Times Square is not actually that big. You will be able to cover it in less than an hour, shooting as you go. Your teens, though, especially if at the younger range, will probably interfere, because they will want to do stuff.
Jan 20, 2022 06:43:16 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Amadeus wrote:
Going to a play next week with 2 teens. Would like to shoot the kids with the city as background. Also some random street scenes. Any insights as to settings, etc. would be appreciated. Have a Canon 80D and I figure to bring just one lens an 18-135. I could manage another lens if anyone believes it’s worthwhile.
Use flash and drag your shutter.
Jan 20, 2022 08:08:38 #
Amadeus wrote:
Going to a play next week with 2 teens. Would like to shoot the kids with the city as background. Also some random street scenes. Any insights as to settings, etc. would be appreciated. Have a Canon 80D and I figure to bring just one lens an 18-135. I could manage another lens if anyone believes it’s worthwhile.
I would also go to John's Pizzeria 260 West 44th st between Broadway and 8th Ave.
A former church bill as the worlds largest pizzeria but it is the pizza (super) and
the building.
Also the M&M store on Times Square at 48th st. If you like M &Ms that's the place to go!
Jan 20, 2022 08:42:15 #
The Naked Cowboy is friendly and cool. Beware of the people in the Disney and super hero costumes. Some of them are pushy and aggressive.
Jan 20, 2022 09:33:42 #
Jan 20, 2022 09:38:10 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
philo wrote:
watch your camera and your back. is it safe to walk around time sq. at night?
There is usually a lot of people around, it is usually safe.
Jan 20, 2022 09:53:12 #
billnikon wrote:
There is usually a lot of people around, it is usually safe.
Usually safe, but there are many homeless and panhandlers in the area. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and try to stay where there are people. This is not the New York of Guiliani and Bloomberg.
Jan 20, 2022 10:39:14 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
After posting my reply, I noticed that you are a New Yorker, so have edited my response.
As mentioned above, I would expect that there will be a strict "No Photography" and "No Recording" policy in just about any theater. If you have paper tickets, check the wording in the contract on the back. When seeing a show while on vacation, I have on occasion carried my camera in with me, but always observed the policy. You might ask if it's OK to take photographs before the show begins.
For high contrast shots, like after dark in the city, I prefer to use the lowest ISO I can manage, and not have it float. With a modern camera, I target below 400...320 if I can manage it. That won't work if there's a lot of motion, of course.
As mentioned above, I would expect that there will be a strict "No Photography" and "No Recording" policy in just about any theater. If you have paper tickets, check the wording in the contract on the back. When seeing a show while on vacation, I have on occasion carried my camera in with me, but always observed the policy. You might ask if it's OK to take photographs before the show begins.
For high contrast shots, like after dark in the city, I prefer to use the lowest ISO I can manage, and not have it float. With a modern camera, I target below 400...320 if I can manage it. That won't work if there's a lot of motion, of course.
Jan 20, 2022 10:46:02 #
Sidwalkastronomy
Loc: New Jersey Shore
I would check to make sure your play is still up and running. All people MUST have a Vax card, even young children, check requirements.
VISIT B and H
NYC NOT real safe now days
VISIT B and H
NYC NOT real safe now days
Jan 20, 2022 11:12:02 #
Amadeus
Loc: New York
Peterfiore wrote:
You should also check with the theater if bringing a camera is permitted.
Yes I did that. They said it was ok as long as it’s stowed away.
Jan 20, 2022 11:49:44 #
Amadeus wrote:
Going to a play next week with 2 teens. Would like to shoot the kids with the city as background. Also some random street scenes. Any insights as to settings, etc. would be appreciated. Have a Canon 80D and I figure to bring just one lens, an 18-135. I could manage another lens if anyone believes it’s worthwhile.
Be sure to confirm that your play will be performed. In the last few weeks, a number of Broadway shows have canceled performances even if only one cast or crew member comes down with Covid or testing positive with the test. Hugh Jackson caught Covid and other popular shows such as Hamilton have shut down.
Be well! Ed
Jan 20, 2022 12:03:29 #
NYC NOT real safe now days
As a retiree to NYC for the past 15 years, I find the most dangerous part of walking the streets of New York to be the unlicensed bicycles and electric scooters that pay no attention to traffic lights or one-way streets. As to possible problems with strangers, situational awareness and common sense are of primary importance.
My great grandfather used to tell me the common sense is the least common of all the senses.
As a retiree to NYC for the past 15 years, I find the most dangerous part of walking the streets of New York to be the unlicensed bicycles and electric scooters that pay no attention to traffic lights or one-way streets. As to possible problems with strangers, situational awareness and common sense are of primary importance.
My great grandfather used to tell me the common sense is the least common of all the senses.
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