Stunning work. I like the color balance.

Interesting? The data credibility doesn't pass the test.
Exponentially speaking this figures are not the product of critical thinking.
Figuratively speaking, misinformation, yes. Real, no.

Try the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ300, which I describe as a game changer. I tell my students to master that camera and you'll be ahead of the game. 52mm lens thread.

When you are using either a speedlite or a hand-held flash, keep the ISO between 100 and 200, with a difusser, 400 with a bender.
Otherwise you'll get alot of noise in your RAW files.

There are some interesting suggestions here. I see no mention of Roosevelt Island. The old hospital is a good shot.
Give it a shot, but the park closes at 5pm sharp.
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is excellent.
For a great/spectacular beach night skine go to Brooklyn Bridge Park in the late afternoon.
The Staten island ferry in the late afternoons also affords great views of lower Manhattan and Liberty Island.
Also check out Governor's Island.

The last image rocks!
Excellent set.

I would suggest you try it for yourself (free trial).
I am quite pleased with DxO. I will continue to support their efforts, including NIK.

You ask "what is photography?"
That is a question that I still don't know the answer to. As an image maker, I taught my students that a camera never lies but it never tells the complete truth.
The METHODOLOGY of imahe-making (be it at the camera or in the darkroom) leaves ample room for creative enhancements all based on your perspective (and the motivation thereof).
I have learned that personal nourishment and fulfillment begin with our personal expectations.
Someone here said "do what makes you happy" and that hits the nail on the head for me.
You've come to the right place, UHH. The folks here are ethical and intelligently flexible.
When you find the answer to your question, let me know.

Two weeks is a short notice.
Cut back on the travel weight. As Trix suggested, take ONE body and RENT A zoom lens - it is quite dusty-.
In Theocracies, there are two rules, the civilian and the Theocratic, follow them both, specially when they prohibit photos.
Thieves: they are abundant everywhere, remember where there is poverty there is crime.
Don't forget to look, the sights will take your breath away.
Have a nice trip.

When it comes to a "Bang for the buck" perhaps Adobe may be a serious consideration, in terms of software and storage.
They all have a learning curve. That's why in terms of Post-processing (PP) you may lean towards a software with a good DAM that will help you along like ACDsee.
I suggest that you do a free download of either ACDsee, Luminar, Affinity Photo, DXO Photolab 4, take it for a spin, and see if you like any of them AND WHY.
You may want to look at external storage.

RAM. Your problem sounds like a memory issue.
TOPAZ Denoise AI is a huge program.
It's possible that your device is either full or you have other apps running in the background.
In the FIRST instance, you need to clean the drive to make space (get rid of stuff you don't need, and move the rest to an external drive or cloud).
In the SECOND instance, uninstall Topaz Denoise AI, reboot, reinstall Denoise AI (the rebooting will guarantee that all other "closed" apps are not running in the background).
Last option, get a new device with large storage and try to use it exclusively for imaging (RAW photo files and TIFF are huge).
Let's hope for the best.

RAM. Your problem sounds like a memory issue.
TOPAZ Denoise AI is a huge program.
It's possible that your device is either full or you have other apps running in the background.
In the FIRST instance, you need to clean the drive to make space (get rid of stuff you don't need, and move the rest to an external drive or cloud).
In the SECOND instance, uninstall Topaz Denoise AI, reboot, reinstall Denoise AI (the rebooting will guarantee that all other "closed" apps are not running in the background).
Last option, get a new device with large storage and try to use it exclusively for imaging (RAW photo files and TIFF are huge).
Let's hope for the best.

You nailed this series ... Work well done, and the images speak for themselves and they also say something about the shooter.

That sounds like a camera specific problem.
The CPL effect is seen through the viewfinder of my Lumix FZ300 in all modes.
I suggest you contact the camera maker.

-center: check to make sure that the mount is concentric to the filter. Out of roundness would impede the free rotation.
-[put one of the filters in the freezer for about 15 minutes] then blow air from four (4) points to loosen up or free up any dust, or grit. Some liquid lubricants attract and retain dust particles.
I would strongly advise against any liquid cleaners and/or lubricants.