USA - Travel photography advice!

[Arnah]

Hi everyone,

Im a newbie, im still learning all the manual functions of my Canon 400D, and im so very, very glad I found DPS! Ive spent the last few days just soaking up all the helpful knowledge and advice you all have to offer, and thought Id post my question... or rather questions! (I have so, so many, but have been able to answer most of them wth this site!)

I mentioned in another topic that I have only stopped using point and shoot recently... And Ive had this camera for over a year! *shame*. My composer lensbaby really forced me to do it, and now im wanting to learn as much as I can! (Its addictive isnt it?)

Im going to the US for a month in November (LA, San Fran, NY, Miami, LA) A good friend of ours is getting married on the 27th, and its going to be this big, beautiful cuban wedding. That prompted us to bite the bullet and finally make it over, but I want to have amazing photos to reflect on when I get back! I am wanting to take a mix of candid landscape, portrait and action shots.

My questions are:

- Best times for lighting in the US? (Standard before 10am - after 3pm? or different?)
- Is there any lighting equiptment you would recomend taking? Or would you use just natural light? (seems like a dumb question, considering im travelling - just curious!)
- Any specifc equiptment you would reccomend bringing? lenses? filters? flashes?
- Hits and tips for photography locations

Thanks!

[idcrewdawg]

Well time of day will depend on time of year. We have daylight savings time here (not sure if you do) and depending on what time of year you are here, will depend on what time of day the sun sets and rises. Google sunset table for the cities you will be in, and adjust the date for the days you will be there. Generally though best time of day is of course the golden hour.

Specific spots to see while there? Well each are major cities, and all will hold some major photographic opportunities. SF has the golden gate bridge, and the curviest road in America, NY has the statue of liberty as well as the empire state building, Miami is incredibly diverse in people and landscape. I personally would pick up a Frommers Travel Guide for each city, and see what they show as places to see. Then Google image those places, and see what comes up. That's generally going to tell you what photographic opportunities abound at each location.

As far as gear, bring what you can, but pack with your ability to carry it all on your back.

[AtlantaTerry]

You wrote "Best times for lighting in the US?".

I would say the same rule applies for anywhere in the world: the worst light is when the sun is straight overhead (noon) and about 2 hours prior to and after noon.

Earlier in the day and later in the day the light is hitting subject on more of a slant which makes for "better" shadows. And the color temp is warmer. Movie people call shooting in the first or last hour of light "the magic hour".

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA

[Chip]

For NY, the Metropolitan Museum (on 5th Avenue) has a roof top garden with sculptures, etc. For me, it would be a great place for photography.

No real clue on lighting. Maybe a flash, if you'll be taking indoor shots and you'll be allowed to use a flash?

As for filters, a circular polarizer would be useful, if you plan to take a lot of cityscapes or daytime shots where there's a fair bit of sky.

Finally, get to know your camera as well as possible before the trip. It'll make your experience less frustrating and you'll increase your percentage of "keepers." (and yes, it is addictive. )

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun!

[Gonzo13]

I would get couple of graduated ND filters with a holder for them. Maybe a 2 a hard and a soft. Make sure that you give yourself time to just enjoy being where you are and not just thinking about taking pictures.

[m.c.adams]

San Francisco is one of the greatest places in the US for photography, in my opinion. The Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf, just about anywhere you go. If you can do it, you owe it to yourself to make at least a day trip over to Yosemite National Park. For me, it is just about the most beautiful place I've ever been. Just amazing. Good luck, be safe, enjoy yourself and most of all, take lots of photos.
Mark

[Jim Bryant]

Don't forget Pebble Beach, it's 17 mile drive with the lonely cypress tree and rocky Monterey coastline.