Posted by Scott Borger on November 27, 2006 at 5:52 PM
After working a ridiculous amount of hours over the past three months, I have several weeks off between now and Jan 1. I’m looking to dust off my camera and make good use of these next few weeks. I’d like suggestions for places to go near the following:
1. I’ll be in Manhattan/NYC for a week and I have nights off. Anything worth shooting around there? (especially at night)
2. I’m headed to Santa Barbara, CA for up to a week. Is Yosemite and/or Death Valley worth shooting in December? Any other places I should hit in CA (less than 5 hours away from Santa Barbara).
3. I would also like to do a CO/UT trip (Mesa Verde/Canyonlands/Arches/Zion, etc.) I will be sleeping in the back of a 4Runner or in a tent. Any places that I MUST go to? Any good places to camp? Anybody headed down that way in the next month and want to meet up??
Thanks for any and all suggestions,
Scott
Posted by Les Barstow on November 27, 2006 at 6:22 PM
1) In NYC at night? Shoot the city, and the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge (prettiest of the lot, IMHO). Can't be much more specific than that.
2) I did Yosemite on Martin Luther King day in January once, and it was great! The crowds are down, snowfall makes the place look magical. Some roads may be closed at times, others for the whole season. Death Valley - well, I don't know enough to be the definitive resource for wintertime, but it has some good scenery if it's not too cold.
3) Don't know where you've already been in Utah, and there are too many "Must See" places to recommend them all! Cathedral Valley is a favorite of mine; good camping at the primitive campground overlooking Upper Cathedral Valley. Bryce Canyon for a snowy winter sunrise is excellent, but in winter I wouldn't spend more than a morning there. Everything you mentioned briefly is also great; if you can't find space to camp at Canyonlands or Arches, the BLM sites west of Moab along the river are good choices. Pick up Photographing the Southwest 2nd ed. Vol. 1 for a whole lot more.
Posted by Todd Caudle on November 27, 2006 at 7:19 PM
I've been to Death Valley in January before, and it's very nice. Perfect temps (70s) in the valley, but not really accessible up high. Plus, you've got Alabama Hills not too far away.
I also did Arches for Christmas many years ago. I thought Garden of the Gods was nice after a snowfall, but Arches is incredible! Wish I'd known what I was doing, photographically speaking, back then.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on November 27, 2006 at 7:53 PM
In Utah, you can visit Moab (and around), then go to Capitol Reef NP (via I-70, stop by Goblin Valley SP) and visit Cathedral Valley. Then drive to Bryce via HWY 12 (spend a day on that road with the next morning's sunrise in Bryce. Onto Zion, then on the way back go through Kanab, Page... There is literally months of shooting to be done just from or near the road along this route, so plan wisely. Have fun!
Like Les said, there's really too many must see spots to mention. The nice thing is it's hard to go wrong. Winter is a great time to travel around Utah but be prepared for some very cold nights and watch out for closed or dangerous roads (mainly dirt roads in areas rich in clay). If you do go into a lesser visited place, make sure to pack enough food and water for a few days. A couple of years ago a woman died when the Jeep she and her boyfriend were in was stranded in the Escalante area. They had no provisions and no way to keep warm.
Guy
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 27, 2006 at 9:14 PM
1. I'd highly recommend doing some street shooting around Times Square; just ask people if it's OK to take their pictures when in doubt (and sometimes you might want to get a model release). But in NYC, the people are definitely the story.
For a cityscape, shoot the Lower East Side looking across the river from Brooklyn. Lots of options there. (Think "Bridges".)
2. From Santa Barbara, the ocean is the real draw.... interesting to me that you're considering places inland, and driving up to 5 hours?. If you spend just an hour driving north from Santa Barbara, you can find really sweet spots to shoot ocean, cliffs and sunset, maybe around Big Sur. Or other lesser know locales along there. But I'd definitely recommend staying along the coast; you'll see stuff unlike anywhere else.
3. Southern Utah/Northern Arizona - go to places you need a guide or a permit; they are often the best. Also check out Comb Ridge - easy access and camping. CAZ and I are discussing another trip around that time; email me if you want to get together.
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 27, 2006 at 9:18 PM
Oh... one more idea for NYC... the subways. Set your DSLR at ISO 800-1600 and have fun....
Posted by Brian Jackson on November 27, 2006 at 9:42 PM
I've spent a lot of time in NY and it's one of my fav places to visit. As others mentioned shooting the city is where it's at. A few of my fav places (at night) are:
1. Brooklyn Bridge. - You can walk across the bridge from lower Manhattan for one of the classic shots of the Brooklyn side. As your crossing the bridge look down on your right side and there is a place that overlooks the water. Usually lots of tourist, but great view of the bridge and lower Manhattan.
2. Rockefeller Center - I believe they are doing the lighting of the tree this week and it's a really cool site to see.
3. NJ side looking back at Manhattan. - You can take a ferry from 39th & 12th (right by the USS Intrepid) to the NJ side. There's a few different places you can go depending on what view of Manhattan you want. I believe the Lincoln Harbor/Weehawken is pretty much straight across from the Empire State building. Amazing views of entire Manhattan Island.
4. Times Square - Like Nat said there's always something going on there for some interesting shots.
Hope this helps.
Brian
Posted by Scott Borger on November 28, 2006 at 12:26 AM
Thanks for the suggestions guys. If you think of more, keep 'em coming. Nat, the reason that I'm thinking Santa Barbara is because I'm headed there anyway to visit my brother and go spear fishing (legally, my brother is the head of the "spear fishing" club at his school).
Posted by Les Barstow on November 28, 2006 at 12:42 AM
That's a club?
Guy's point about taking extra food, etc. is well-noted, and Cathedral Valley is one of those areas you don't want to get stuck in... My wife and I spent the most incredible time there a few years back in June; we were the only people in the valley for the best part of two days straight due to thunderstorm activity when no-one could get in or out past the Bentonite clay roads. Fortunately, we had food since we were planning on camping anyway... Thankfully it wasn't cold.
Posted by Jack Brauer on November 28, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Hey Scott,
As for Santa Barbara, you might want to consider taking a hovercraft ferry out to Catalina Island. That place is so sweet, especially if you have time to get to more remote parts of the island away from Avalon. Avalon is a picturesque little harbor though, and you can do hikes from there - for instance to the other side of the island where there's huge cliffs, mountainous terrain, and colorful ocean water.
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 28, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Socct, IU think Santa Barbara and the coast would be a blast for you; I was only questioning Yosemite or Death Valley. I think if you stay along the coast, you'll find some great spots to work, and if you return to the same place several days in a row you'll get a huge variety of conditions to work with.
And I'd definitely second Jack's suggestion re: Catalina Island. I lived in Redondo Beach for eight years and went to Catalina Avalon a number of times. A very special place. The boat ride is fun and easy, but if you can find a pilot to fly you over in a light aircraft... whoa! From the air, you might even spot the herd of buffalo on the island.
Posted by Jennifer Geck on November 29, 2006 at 8:51 PM
NYC - The view from the Empire State Building can be beautiful. I would think that, or the top of Rockefeller Center, would be great for night shooting.
There's a great view of the city from the Weekhawken Bluffs (first exit out of Lincoln Tunnel).
I got a couple awesome shots (at least I think so! ) from South Street Seaport once. See here: http://butterflysis.smugmug.com/gallery/496589
You could also walk over one of the bridges to shoot back at the city. I enjoyed walking the Manhattan bridge more than the Brooklyn. It's closer to the Statue and there's a decent curve in the road that you can use as a leading line of a skyline shot.
And...Times Square of course.
...that's all I've got for now.
Edit: Oh, and yes Rockefeller Center can be beautiful at night. ( http://butterflysis.smugmug.com/gallery/317247/1/12620129 ) but be prepared for a complete mob scene if you go this time of year...and that's no exaggeration.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 30, 2006 at 10:59 AM
I would have to second what Nat has recommended regarding California. I am a native who lived right near Nat (Hermosa Beach) for the majority of my life.
The winter is definately my favorite season in California. It is a great time for photography. That is when you will get the best ocean scenes and varied weather patterns . Big Sur is one of the most picturesque coast lines and well worth the drive. Think morning light and sunsets with big waves and rugged coastlines. Check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park if you make it up there. Here is a photo I was just admiring of it: http://www.grafphoto.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=21&pos=5
My favorite local spot was the Palos Verdes Pennisula. Pt. Vicente Lighthouse is a great place for photography. It is one of the few still active lighthouses along the coast atop rugged cliffs with Catalina Island in the background. Here are some shots I took there last year as well as some Torrance Beach shoots: http://imageevent.com/dereksurfs/seascapes2 http://imageevent.com/dereksurfs/seascapes
I have been to Yosemite in the winter and it is also awesome. Much of Ansel Adams B&W stuff was of the valley in the winter. The waterfalls aren't as dramatic as in the summer. But they are still flowing and the crouds are minimal.
Death Valley was never my thing. I always preferred the coast or the mountains. But I have seen some cool looking shots of it.
Discussion
13 replies1. I’ll be in Manhattan/NYC for a week and I have nights off. Anything worth shooting around there? (especially at night)
2. I’m headed to Santa Barbara, CA for up to a week. Is Yosemite and/or Death Valley worth shooting in December? Any other places I should hit in CA (less than 5 hours away from Santa Barbara).
3. I would also like to do a CO/UT trip (Mesa Verde/Canyonlands/Arches/Zion, etc.) I will be sleeping in the back of a 4Runner or in a tent. Any places that I MUST go to? Any good places to camp? Anybody headed down that way in the next month and want to meet up??
Thanks for any and all suggestions,
Scott
2) I did Yosemite on Martin Luther King day in January once, and it was great! The crowds are down, snowfall makes the place look magical. Some roads may be closed at times, others for the whole season. Death Valley - well, I don't know enough to be the definitive resource for wintertime, but it has some good scenery if it's not too cold.
3) Don't know where you've already been in Utah, and there are too many "Must See" places to recommend them all! Cathedral Valley is a favorite of mine; good camping at the primitive campground overlooking Upper Cathedral Valley. Bryce Canyon for a snowy winter sunrise is excellent, but in winter I wouldn't spend more than a morning there. Everything you mentioned briefly is also great; if you can't find space to camp at Canyonlands or Arches, the BLM sites west of Moab along the river are good choices. Pick up Photographing the Southwest 2nd ed. Vol. 1 for a whole lot more.
I also did Arches for Christmas many years ago. I thought Garden of the Gods was nice after a snowfall, but Arches is incredible! Wish I'd known what I was doing, photographically speaking, back then.
Guy
For a cityscape, shoot the Lower East Side looking across the river from Brooklyn. Lots of options there. (Think "Bridges".)
2. From Santa Barbara, the ocean is the real draw.... interesting to me that you're considering places inland, and driving up to 5 hours?. If you spend just an hour driving north from Santa Barbara, you can find really sweet spots to shoot ocean, cliffs and sunset, maybe around Big Sur. Or other lesser know locales along there. But I'd definitely recommend staying along the coast; you'll see stuff unlike anywhere else.
3. Southern Utah/Northern Arizona - go to places you need a guide or a permit; they are often the best. Also check out Comb Ridge - easy access and camping. CAZ and I are discussing another trip around that time; email me if you want to get together.
1. Brooklyn Bridge. - You can walk across the bridge from lower Manhattan for one of the classic shots of the Brooklyn side. As your crossing the bridge look down on your right side and there is a place that overlooks the water. Usually lots of tourist, but great view of the bridge and lower Manhattan.
2. Rockefeller Center - I believe they are doing the lighting of the tree this week and it's a really cool site to see.
3. NJ side looking back at Manhattan. - You can take a ferry from 39th & 12th (right by the USS Intrepid) to the NJ side. There's a few different places you can go depending on what view of Manhattan you want. I believe the Lincoln Harbor/Weehawken is pretty much straight across from the Empire State building. Amazing views of entire Manhattan Island.
4. Times Square - Like Nat said there's always something going on there for some interesting shots.
Hope this helps.
Brian
Guy's point about taking extra food, etc. is well-noted, and Cathedral Valley is one of those areas you don't want to get stuck in... My wife and I spent the most incredible time there a few years back in June; we were the only people in the valley for the best part of two days straight due to thunderstorm activity when no-one could get in or out past the Bentonite clay roads. Fortunately, we had food since we were planning on camping anyway... Thankfully it wasn't cold.
As for Santa Barbara, you might want to consider taking a hovercraft ferry out to Catalina Island. That place is so sweet, especially if you have time to get to more remote parts of the island away from Avalon. Avalon is a picturesque little harbor though, and you can do hikes from there - for instance to the other side of the island where there's huge cliffs, mountainous terrain, and colorful ocean water.
And I'd definitely second Jack's suggestion re: Catalina Island. I lived in Redondo Beach for eight years and went to Catalina Avalon a number of times. A very special place. The boat ride is fun and easy, but if you can find a pilot to fly you over in a light aircraft... whoa! From the air, you might even spot the herd of buffalo on the island.
There's a great view of the city from the Weekhawken Bluffs (first exit out of Lincoln Tunnel).
I got a couple awesome shots (at least I think so!
You could also walk over one of the bridges to shoot back at the city. I enjoyed walking the Manhattan bridge more than the Brooklyn. It's closer to the Statue and there's a decent curve in the road that you can use as a leading line of a skyline shot.
And...Times Square of course.
...that's all I've got for now.
Edit: Oh, and yes Rockefeller Center can be beautiful at night. ( http://butterflysis.smugmug.com/gallery/317247/1/12620129 ) but be prepared for a complete mob scene if you go this time of year...and that's no exaggeration.
The winter is definately my favorite season in California. It is a great time for photography. That is when you will get the best ocean scenes and varied weather patterns . Big Sur is one of the most picturesque coast lines and well worth the drive. Think morning light and sunsets with big waves and rugged coastlines. Check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park if you make it up there. Here is a photo I was just admiring of it:
http://www.grafphoto.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=21&pos=5
My favorite local spot was the Palos Verdes Pennisula. Pt. Vicente Lighthouse is a great place for photography. It is one of the few still active lighthouses along the coast atop rugged cliffs with Catalina Island in the background. Here are some shots I took there last year as well as some Torrance Beach shoots:
http://imageevent.com/dereksurfs/seascapes2
http://imageevent.com/dereksurfs/seascapes
I have been to Yosemite in the winter and it is also awesome. Much of Ansel Adams B&W stuff was of the valley in the winter. The waterfalls aren't as dramatic as in the summer. But they are still flowing and the crouds are minimal.
Death Valley was never my thing. I always preferred the coast or the mountains. But I have seen some cool looking shots of it.
Have fun and report back with some pics
- Derek