Comments on: How to Photograph Obama’s Inauguration – What Would You Do?

By: nandhagopal

nandhagopal — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:38:06 +0000

Thanks for your reply Mr. Nova Dien.

It can manage by flash – according to the distance at NIGHT. (Reg. Tripod).

In that two camera, one which is (12-22mm) lens. Instead of I think it might be better to use (18-105 VR) lens.

By: Nova Dien

Nova Dien — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:33:50 +0000

Thanks Nandhagopal,
My mistake, I forgot the event would be a NIGHT time, since we are celebrating here (Indonesia) in the afternoon :) So, yes, Margaret would need tripod, but hopefully there something that she can lean on it:)

By: nandhagopal

nandhagopal — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:40:23 +0000

Dear Mr. Nova,

“Congratulation”

I think you had done a clever job,
Specialy you are handled two cameras.

Regards,
Nandhagopal from India.

By: Nova Dien

Nova Dien — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:11:43 +0000

Congrats Margaret!

I wish I will be there to be able to capture this special historical moment!
Personally, I will definitely go with my SLR digital camera with wide angle lens (12-22mm), set ISO 200 to 400 considering the gray clouds, enough exposure and speed not below 50 per second to capture the crowd, building and all the ‘energy’. Try shoot from the above angle, perhaps from the tree??:)

Additional to that, if possible second camera with the zoom lens-300mm hopefully enough with VR, to get the swearing moment of the new President of the USA. I don’t think you will need tripod/ monopod.

Hope it helps and good luck for the once-in-a lifetime shoot!

Regards,
Nova from Indonesia

By: nandhagopal

nandhagopal — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:04:40 +0000

A better camera & access. doesn’t guarantee better images.
Plan forward according to the situtation for which DSLR Camera, Lens (IS/VR), Flash & Tripod.
Keep additional a set of batterys.
Reach the place early & find the spot for better angle.
Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions while you are shooting.

By: leonard

leonard — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:02:47 +0000

what ever kind of camera you use just 2 things you need to have…….high speed cards with lots of room and AND lots of BATTERYS….just talke lots of pic’s you will have some great ones…..you wont have a lot of time to set up…..you will get some great shots…have a great time…hope to see some of your pics’ its a once in a life time shot…….

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:31:20 +0000

Edgar, your site says: “Cameras are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Tripods and camera bags, however, are prohibited.”

Note they’re referring to the “U.S. Capitol Grounds,” not the entire National Mall. The DC Examiner also has an article implying restrictions will be less severe in non-ticketed areas.

http://www.examiner.com/x-2104-DC-Historic-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d7-On-the-National-Mall-on-Inauguration-Day-2009

By: Edgar

Edgar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:28:45 +0000

Actually, I found this link (http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/keytopics.cfm#cameras) to an official inauguration site that stated that tripods and monopods were not permitted. Personally, I would rather err on the side of caution and leave the tripod/monopod at home rather than being turned away or have to decide what to do with it once getting to the security gate and not being allowed in with it.

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:20:37 +0000

Actually, it looks as though there will be far fewer restrictions for those of us simply viewing the events from the “open” national mall area.

Prohibited items in the general viewing area of the National Mall west of 4th Street.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms and ammunition (either real or
simulated), explosives of any kind (including fireworks), Laser pointers, alcoholic
beverages, or other items that may pose a reasonable threat to the security of the event.

From: http://www.nps.gov/inau/parknews/upload/09-005%20NPS%20Suggestions%20on%20how%20best%20to%20experience%20Inaugural%20events%20News%20Release%201%2010%2009.pdf

By: Byron

Byron — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:11:34 +0000

Not sure why everyone is saying that tripids and unipods are prohibited because I have found no authoritative source that actually says they are prohibited. People may run into problems if they look like a weapon or if they are put in a place where people can fall and get trampled but you can definitely have this type of stuff on the mall. If you get really close to the parade route or the capitol building you might have an issue because of the limited space. The string trick is a good idea for the sake of keeping you light. The following text is directly from the secret service site:

http://www.secretservice.gov/presidential_inaugural.shtml

Prohibited Items: As a security precaution, the following items will be prohibited from the Inaugural parade route, the White House reviewing stand and the Inaugural balls: firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (8″x6″x4″), laser pointers, animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard. With respect to signs and placards, items must be made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and have dimensions no greater than three (3) feet in width, 20 feet in length and one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness. Surrendered items will not be returned, nor available for pick-up.