Boston POTN Meet

[damansidhu]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea for people in and around Boston to meet up and have a great day shooting together. We could meet up in the Harvard Square/Cambridge area which should provide plenty of good photo oppurtunities. It would provide a chance to learn from each other as well. If a decent number of people are interested we can get something going. Starting this thread to get a feel of how many people would be willing to meet up. Feel free to post up ideas for meet/dates/venues which may come to your minds.

[sageone]

Good idea. I'm down.

[Scottes]

I could easily be convinced, but I'm not a fan of photo ops in Harvard Square. Well, I guess if you an urban/people shooter it's great, but I'm not one of them. I'd be more interested in the waterfront but could be convinced of other places.

[damansidhu]

Place is not a criteria Scottes. We can go with any good suggestions for locations i think. You would probably know more good shooting locations than i would(im a big fan of your boston skyline shots btw). Can we come up with specific locations for shooting and then maybe shortlist them. How about the area near haymarket(or haymarket itself),we can also get some waterfront shots behind the aquariam? Or maybe Boston commons with the Chinatown/downtown crossing area? Lets get the ball rolling..

And while we are at the topic of Boston - Go Pats!! :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Work allowing.. I'm in :)

I have need to swing by Dern Street if it's in the neighborhood.. there's a significant plaque there i'd like to photograph.

I understand the Ansel Adams exhibit was extended at the Museum.. any idea's how long.. ?

[Scottes]

Work allowing.. I'm in :)

I have need to swing by Dern Street if it's in the neighborhood.. there's a significant plaque there i'd like to photograph.

I understand the Ansel Adams exhibit was extended at the Museum.. any idea's how long.. ?
Ansel Adams has been extended through January 4, 2006.
:-(

[Scottes]

Place is not a criteria Scottes. We can go with any good suggestions for locations i think. You would probably know more good shooting locations than i would(im a big fan of your boston skyline shots btw). Can we come up with specific locations for shooting and then maybe shortlist them. How about the area near haymarket(or haymarket itself),we can also get some waterfront shots behind the aquariam? Or maybe Boston commons with the Chinatown/downtown crossing area? Lets get the ball rolling..

And while we are at the topic of Boston - Go Pats!! :)
Haymarket itself isn't much, I think, but right around the corner is Fanueil Hall and the marketplace, Oyster House is a classic shot. Over to the Aquarium can be good, or a stroll in that area. That covers about a 2-block radius, so it's easy.

The Common's OK, and the Public Garden is even better - especially if you get a fresh snow. Copley Square certainly has some interest. Perhaps we could arrange something with the Trinity Church to get inside and do some shooting. Late afternoon will get some great shots of Trinity Church itself. The reflection off the Hancock Tower can be interesting. The Mother Church is another couple blocks from there, though I'm sure the fountain is off and the pool might even be drained for the winter (completely unsure about that). A couple more blocks gets you to The Fens, an area I have no knowledge of but has possibilities.

There's certainly some shooting to be done along Memorial Drive, and/or the opposite side along the Esplanade. Memorial would require driving, but the Esplanade is only available by foot - a trip on the Red Line and then off to the Esplanade. Long walk in the cold, though - driving Memorial is much easier. Much of the views there are long shots of Boston, but always interesting if a boat or two is out. Some of the boat houses upriver are cool, though, and the bridges alone can make it worthwhile.

In and about the Navy Yard can be cool. The Constitution and the Cassin are there, and you can walk around damn near anywhere and tour both boats. A short walk down a long pier can yield some excellent views of Boston and especially the Zakim Bridge. Bunker Hill Monument is a few blocks from there - who wants to walk up 500 steps to get one hell of a view?

Driving over to East Boston and/or the airport can yield some excellent skyline shots - where I've taken all my Boston panos. Prospect Hill in Somerville is supposed to have some great views of the city, too.

You can walk along just about 90% of the harbor on Boston's Harborwalk. http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/


Most of the stuff in Boston proper - and Harvard Square - are all easily reached by the T and a max of a 2-block walk. Memorial Drive, the Navy Yard, Prospect Hill, and East Boston are drives. Mixing it all up isn't bad - start early, park near Fanueil Hall, grab the T for a while, then back to the car for late afternoon cruises of the rest. With an early sunset in the winter there are *tons* of possibilities for night shots in any of the places mentioned.

I'd recommend a Sunday, which is much much quieter, people-wise.

[damansidhu]

no one else is interested? just 4 people? comeon guys, i thought there were more folks around from bean town

[sageone]

Scottes...great ideas. We could do this whole thing via the T. I'd love to shoot some stuff near park street, specifically the old graveyards that are next to Suffolk Law School...where some of the colonial big whigs are burried.

[Scottes]

Yeah, the walk from Fanueil Hall to the Common (2-3 blocks) passes by 2 or 3 ancient cemeteries. Well, ancient for the US. :-)


If anyone else has any ideas please chime in! I've shot almost all of the places I've mentioned so I'd love to hear some more ideas.

[BeccaNH]

I'd love to come down and learn from some of the pro's but I've just recently blown out my knee :( so schlepping around Boston probably isn't in the cards for me right now. Let me know if you plan on getting together again sometime!

[Scottes]

At the rate this is moving your knee may be healed before we get enough interested parties.

Perhaps Boston in January isn't optimum?
:wink:
Of course, if we had planned for today... Dang, 57F and sunny.... It was like summer.

[flyfisher]

Count me in I don't get to the city often, but sounds good to me.

[BeccaNH]

At the rate this is moving your knee may be healed before we get enough interested parties.

Perhaps Boston in January isn't optimum?
:wink:
Of course, if we had planned for today... Dang, 57F and sunny.... It was like summer.

Very true! Yesterday would have been a gorgeous day for a stroll in Boston! Let me know when you guys decide and I'll try to get down for the festivities!

[HoRnYTuRbO]

im down too just give me a PM

[sageone]

Seems like interesting is growing...if this is going to happen, some dates are going to have to be thrown out there to mull over as well as a purpose, agenda, etc. Can't be out there acting like a bunch of shooting fools. :)

[Scottes]

I'm tentative on the weekend of Jan 28-29. I can probably make it anyway but would prefer another weekend.

Does anyone have any other idea besides mine and the cemeteries?

How about an idea of things to shoot? (Architecture? Churches? People? Boats? etc.) I know Boston fairly well so I can hunt something down, get info, and figure out if it's doable by T or walking or driving.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Three day weekend starting in a few hours... :rolleyes:

[Scottes]

Three day weekend starting in a few hours... :rolleyes:
Ooooh, and the perfect weather... :rolleyes:

[CyberDyneSystems]

It was yesterday! :( :( :(

[benhasajeep]

Would be interested but I am only home 1 week out of every 3 so the date would determine if I could attend or not.

[Scottes]

My schedule has changed. I hereby propose Sunday, January 29th for the meet.

Any objections or takers or new proposals?

[BeccaNH]

My schedule has changed. I hereby propose Sunday, January 29th for the meet.

Any objections or takers or new proposals?

Where are you proposing to meet? And do we have any idea of where we are going? I would like to try to get down, but I can't make any guarantees. Sounds like a lot of fun, though!

[Scottes]

My feelins... Feel free to add, change, or remove anything...

Meet at Fanueil Hall, maybe walk the two blocks to the Aquarium if it's not too cold. Depending on the weather, walk or T up to the Common. If we T, walk backwards a block to hit those old cemeteries. In the Common, go by Frog Pond and the ice skating, then up to the State House via Starbucks (about 2 blocks or so). Walk along the Common for 2 blocks to the Public Garden and spend some time there. 3 blocks to Copley Square for the Trinity Church, Hancock Tower, a couple grand hotels, another old church, and the Boston Public Library. Two more blocks gets us to the Mother Church plaza. A block to the T and get back to the cars at Faneuil Hall. If if dark or close that's a pretty interesting area for night shots. Time and interest permitting we could hit Memorial Drive and/or the Constitution and/or East Boston for views of Boston.

That would be a long day, and a bit of walking in spurts. Since each hop is only a couple blocks it doesn't make sense to hit the T often. It might save walking but not time. The last car bit(s) can totally depend on how people feel.

[benhasajeep]

From the Quincy to Logan commuter boat Tuesday morning. Shots from the airport boat dock have even better view of downtown. Might be able to get the Hyatt to give you some higher access for cityscapes.

http://www.cadottephotography.net/sitebuilder/images/Bostoncloseweb-600x450.jpg

[BeccaNH]

My feelins... Feel free to add, change, or remove anything...

Meet at Fanueil Hall, maybe walk the two blocks to the Aquarium if it's not too cold. Depending on the weather, walk or T up to the Common. If we T, walk backwards a block to hit those old cemeteries. In the Common, go by Frog Pond and the ice skating, then up to the State House via Starbucks (about 2 blocks or so). Walk along the Common for 2 blocks to the Public Garden and spend some time there. 3 blocks to Copley Square for the Trinity Church, Hancock Tower, a couple grand hotels, another old church, and the Boston Public Library. Two more blocks gets us to the Mother Church plaza. A block to the T and get back to the cars at Faneuil Hall. If if dark or close that's a pretty interesting area for night shots. Time and interest permitting we could hit Memorial Drive and/or the Constitution and/or East Boston for views of Boston.

That would be a long day, and a bit of walking in spurts. Since each hop is only a couple blocks it doesn't make sense to hit the T often. It might save walking but not time. The last car bit(s) can totally depend on how people feel.

Sounds like a full day! I don't know how well the old knee will hold up, but I can always hop the T and skip out early if it gets bad. I will probably take the T from Malden (I don't drive in Boston if I can help it!) but I can meet at Fanueil hall at whatever time you decide.

[Scottes]

Becca, parking for Fanueil Hall is practically at the bottom of the ramp off 93. Very, very simple. But taking the T back to Fanueil Hall does mean a 2-block walk at the end of the day. T'ing back to Malden at the end of a long day is easier. Actually, it might make sense for me, too, now that I think about it...

Yeah, that's a full day. But we can always skip over something and T a few stops for a break.

[BeccaNH]

Becca, parking for Fanueil Hall is practically at the bottom of the ramp off 93. Very, very simple.

I'm a country girl at heart! I think nothing of taking off and driving to Michigan for a weekend, but driving in Boston is beyond my current courage level! :o

[Scottes]

I used to drive in Boston for years in a beat up Grand Marquis - a very large, ugly car. I cut off 3 cabs in a single day, and would often yell at other drivers "You better stop, cuz I'm not!" Someone hit me in a traffic jam and tore off on the the side guard strips off one of my doors. I yelled at him to pick it up or I'd report him for littering.

Not that I was agressive, I was just adamantly anti-defensive. :-)

[BeccaNH]

I used to drive in Boston for years in a beat up Grand Marquis - a very large, ugly car. I cut off 3 cabs in a single day, and would often yell at other drivers "You better stop, cuz I'm not!" Someone hit me in a traffic jam and tore off on the the side guard strips off one of my doors. I yelled at him to pick it up or I'd report him for littering.

Not that I was agressive, I was just adamantly anti-defensive. :-)

That was YOU? j/k ;)

[flyfisher]

The 29th works for me weather permitting, driving in Boston is not a problem I live on the Mass border near Nashua. We could car pool if some people didn't want to drive into the city.

[BeccaNH]

Would you suggest a tripod or a monopod for this excursion?

[Scottes]

Well there will be enough opportunities for cityscapes, that's for sure, and enough places where it might not be quite bright. A tripod makes sense.

But I do NOT look forward to carrying around a tripod all day. But I probably will.

[damansidhu]

29th should work for me as well,though i cant commit 100% but would most probably be able to make it.What time do we plan to meet up?

[sageone]

I'm tentative on the 29th...might be traveling for biz. Time preference on that date?

[Scottes]

I'll probably be somewhere in Boston before dawn. (Love those night shots.) So someone else had better pick a time. :-)

I'll suggest meeting on the steps of Faneuil Hall. It's a block from the Government Center stop on the Green Line. If you come by car there should be a parking garage at the bottom of the ramp and then it's a block from there. Pretty convenient, and a decent starting place.

[flyfisher]

Any time is ok with me. Can you carry bags on the "T" ? As when I was on vacation last fall you couldn’t carry bags in allot of places.

[mysubaruimp]

I would like to come if you dont mind a total n00b hanging out with you.

[Scottes]

I'll give the T a call. I can't imagine it would be a problem since so many college kids carry back-packs. I do know that you can't photograph on the T - inside a station and such.

Noobs are welcome!

[BeccaNH]

I would like to come if you dont mind a total n00b hanging out with you.

You can come sit on the noob bench with me! :)

Actually, the main reason I want to come down is to learn from some of the other terrific photographers that are going to be there! I know I can't compare to them, but maybe I can pick up a few shooting tips to use going forward.

[sageone]

Any time is ok with me. Can you carry bags on the "T" ? As when I was on vacation last fall you couldn’t carry bags in allot of places.

Yea, bags on the T are fine. I take the T all the time and carry my canon backpack...no issues. Honestly, security on the T is fairly lax these days...scary enough.

[kpiela]

Just found this thread. I am also new at all this and have been doing mainly kids and family shots. Would love to get in on new perspectives/experiences. Still planning on the 29th?

[damansidhu]

This is turning into something which im really looking forward to now, can we finalize a time then please? Fanuiel hall it is on 29th morning. Also do we plan to shoot all day? Should we meet mid afternoon sometime so that we can shoot dusk shots? Or should we meet early morning. I would like to suggest instead of trying to cover too many places maybe we can pick just one or two good spots for starters and take it from there? Scottes would you be willing to be our official guide :)

[sageone]

29th sounds fine with me...weather, wife/kid permitting of course.

[kpiela]

I lived in Boston for over ten years but would be hard pressed to point out any good areas for shooting! I wasn't into photography back then. Glad to hear it is still on. Like Don, weather/husband/3 kids permitting... :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Bummer,. 29 is no go for me.

Have fun all :)

[Scottes]

Yes, the 29th is still on, weather permitting I'd have to say. I will pick 10:00 AM, which should give us almost 6 hours of decent light. 5 if we pick a place to sit down, yap, and eat lunch. If some people still have energy by sunset we can pack into a car and look for night shots. I know a few places.

I was down by the Aquarium today for a company meeting and I scoped the joint a bit. I think it's a place we can skip. I stretched, trying to imagine, and saw only one or two worthwhile shots and they weren't that worthwhile. Besides, it will be the coldest, windiest spot, and 2 blocks in the wrong direction.

I'm going to suggest (again) a route from Faneuil Hall to Government Center to the Common (passing the cemeteries) to the Public Garden to Copley Square to (maybe) the Mother Church plaza. If you walked this non-stop I'd guess it would take no more than 40 minutes, so it should be OK since with the "shooting breaks" in between. For the return there's a T stop in Copley, and one can't be more than 2 blocks from the Mother Church. That will take us back to Government Center, a block from the starting point.

As to be the official guide I'll happily do so. But I have to ask the other Bostonians (sageone? kpiela?) for any suggestions, to fill in where I'm clueless and correct me where I'm wrong. I may have to brush up on my Official Boston Tour Guide Information. :-)

[Scottes]

Bummer,. 29 is no go for me.

Have fun all :) That's a real bummer.

[kpiela]

That route sounds good. Chock full of visual stimulation and lots of architecture and some nature along the Common. AND places to eat, rest, warm-up...

[Scottes]

Oh gosh, we forgot a cool POTN acronym for this!

GBPM - Great Boston Photo Meet?
GBPS - Great Boston Photo Shoot?

Though it seems like we have enough people to call it an Expedition... GBPE...?

[CyberDyneSystems]

... Duh!

The Boston P.O.T.N. Party

:rolleyes:

The things I have to put up with... :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Scottes]

So, you are suggesting that we call it BPOTNP? Or BpoTnP?

What about the part about throwing our cameras into the harbor?

[HoRnYTuRbO]

im down to meet up on the 29th, make room for me on the noob bench :)

[sageone]

I floated the "idea" by the wife about this and she looked at me like I was a three headed demon. She's not a photog like we are, though she likes to snap away with the trusty Nikon CoolPix. The idea of meeting up with strangers to take pictures in the middle of Boston is odd to her. If you think about it, it really is odd, but hey, if I can learn a few things that will help me become a better photog (which will help me professionally) I'm all for it. The "idea" is still on the table for discussion. I'll let you all know how the negotiations go this weekend.

[kpiela]

Good luck Don. It does seem strange to me as well, esp. b/c I am a 35 year old woman with 3 kids living in the suburbs! But life is about new experiences and if you don't push beyond your comfort level you will learn nothing new. I look forward to meeting you all ..the more the merrier. I am surprised the only thing my husband said when I floated the idea to him was "ok". He must be thinking that I'm nuts.

[kpiela]

So, you are suggesting that we call it BPOTNP? Or BpoTnP?

What about the part about throwing our cameras into the harbor?

Do we really have to do that? B/c if so, I think I'm going to be sick on the 29th. :lol:

[Scottes]

The first time I did one of these was a trip up to Montreal to meet IanD, SSim, and PacAce. Ian and Sheldon live in Montreal (well, Sheldon just moved) and PacAce drove up from Pennsylvania. The second time I met up with CyberDyneSystems and we went traveling up to Maine to shoot Ospreys. Since then a subset of the 5 of us have gotten together 6 or 7 times to go shooting together. I've driven to Montreal 4 or 5 times, Maine twice, and once all 5 of us made long drives to Maine for the Ospreys. Poor PacAce has a 10-hour drive every time, whereas I have a short 5- or 6-hour drive. CDS and I also took a 9-hour drive down to Cape May for some birding, and we get together about 8 or 10 times a year since we are enthusiastic birders and live an hour apart.

Why? Well, we have a frickin' blast every time.

Learning tips and other viewpoints was a big thing, as well as getting to check out and play with other equipment. But mainly we had a ton of fun. Granted, the five us of are at least a little crazy so we have a lot of laughs, but just getting a bunch of like-minded people together to discuss this little hobby is interesting and fun.

[Scottes]

Do we really have to do that? B/c if so, I think I'm going to be sick on the 29th.So, you are suggesting that we call it BPOTNP? Or BpoTnP?

What about the part about throwing our cameras into the harbor?
Just bring an old Nikon.
:-)

[kpiela]

I actually have an old pentax I can bring along! haha.
Sounds like fun. My brother is the only photographer I know and he hasn't made the switch to digital yet. I am sure it is great fun. My husband is a birder and got me hooked a while back. I understand the obsession :)

[sageone]

I'm most definetly game...the wife think's I'm nuts anyways so WTF?

[forkball]

Wish I would have seen this thread before... I almost did a group meeting from another website that I was membered at, but it fell through. Boston is not far from me. Have fun, maybe next time I'll jump in. Oh and Don... I'm right there with ya. My wife KNOWS I'm a little off. :P

[CyberDyneSystems]

What about the part about throwing our cameras into the harbor?

Awesome IDEA.. it could be out of protest towards "the man" messing with our rights to photograph nuclear power plants!

Shame I can't there to join in the glorious event... :lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hold the phone... cancelation!

I CAN MAKE IT!!!

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2hdzu/pics/sheep.gif

[Scottes]

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0035.gifhttp://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0062.gifhttp://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0080.gif

[kpiela]

That's great! Two "Moderators"... it's like being blessed by the gods.:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Scottes]

That's great! Two "Moderators"... it's like being blessed by the gods.:lol: :lol: :lol:
She doesn't know us very well... :wink:

[BeccaNH]

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0035.gifhttp://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0062.gifhttp://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0080.gif

I'll second that!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Man.. it's been hours since anyone has accused of being sent by the heavens..
I thought I was losing it for a while there .. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2hdzu/pics/roflmao.gif



And now I get to toss my camera bag in the harbour too! :shock:

[BeccaNH]

And now I get to toss my camera bag in the harbour too! :shock:

...getting ready to catch! Finders keepers! ;)

[Scottes]

Becca, if CDS throws a camera bag you won't be able to carry it. I've seen him pack 3 bodies and 37 lenses for a single weekend.




And that was the light bag....

[BeccaNH]

Becca, if CDS throws a camera bag you won't be able to carry it. I've seen him pack 3 bodies and 37 lenses for a single weekend.




And that was the light bag....

LOL... Yikes! :D

[CyberDyneSystems]

He's exagerating!!!



...........I only have 27 lenses... :( :lol:


Scott,. I'll buy lunch of you carry the Sigmonster for me .. :rolleyes:

[BeccaNH]

He's exagerating!!!



...........I only have 27 lenses... :( :lol:

My camera is starting to have lens envy.... :(

[Scottes]

...........I only have 27 lenses...
What have you sold? :-)

Scott,. I'll buy lunch of you carry the Sigmonster for me ..
That's worth $40.
:wink:

[Hiro]

Hello All!

Wow, I'm glad I stumbled across this thread by accident! (was doing a search for something unrelated) What a pleasant surprise! I would love to join if possible, especially since this is in my home neighborhood! :) I think I can round up a friend or two as well...luckily they have Canon gear ;)

If anyone has questions about the area, let me know...it's funny because the route being proposed is practically identical to the route I'd take everyday after work to go for my walks and my own personal photo shoots. For those driving into town and looking for 'cheap' (by Boston standards at least) parking, I'll throw out the suggestion of the Boston Common Garage (underneath the Boston Common...entrance is on Charles Street)...on weekends, they have all day 24 hour parking for a flat $10 fee.

I look forward to meeting everyone and having a blast shooting and learning anything offered by the pros! :)

[Scottes]

Hey, Hiro. Do you have any other ideas and/or route suggestions? I know that route but could be missing something 200 feet down a side-street. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

[Hiro]

Thanks for the welcome Scottes! I've been 'lingering' in the background on these forums for the longest time (such a great knowledgebase!). As soon as I saw this thread, I was absolutely compelled to 'break my silence' and submit my first post :D

I think the route planned is great! It should provide a great mix of shooting architecture, people, landscapes, statues, monuments, etc... A couple 'side-shoot' options might include:

> Beacon Hill neighborhood...aka: the 'most photographed' neighborhood...maybe it's so photographed that people don't want to go there? ;) Heheh...Acorn Street there is always the classic shot...and could go say hi to John Kerry at his townhouse if there are any Kerry fans ;-) Heheh...

> Marlborough Street in the BackBay also provides similar great shots of old brownstone architecture, complete with old 'buldging' sidewalks with large trees and such...

If there is interest, these can both be incorporated easily as off-shoots from/to the Boston Common...

If anyone has any specific interest in a type of subject they wish to photograph, let me know and I can try to make suggestions on where to find such subjects (like the monuments/statues/memorials on Commonwealth if there are any fans of that sort of thing). Of course, we can always play it by ear when we meet-up that day...

[philpereira]

There could be a whole Boston weekend, it could easily be done with all there is there. It's funny, growing up in MA I didn't give a lot of thought to going into town and just photographing stuff. Now that I live somewhere else, I would love to spend a day shooting around town. I guess you grow more fond of a place once you move away, at least that's my case.

[jacobsen1]

I just found this thread... I'm very tempted to come. I will have to see how "healed" I am because I broke my pelvis 16 days ago now. I am down to 1 crutch and I can drive so it might be possible. I'd love to come, and since skiing is my big thing, and not on the menu until at least late february, the wife and I were talking about doing some fun driving trips. I'll see if she's up to it, and then it will all depend on how my hip is doing, but I would love to come.

I'm specifically interested in:
Meeting people from the forum
Playing with their equipment (2 way strret of course)
Landscape
Arcitechture

I normall shoot sports and landscape so "cityscapes" will be a nice change. I would love to get the skyline in. I also see if the wife will be willing to play "sherpa" with me (I'm good for the body and 2 lenses at this point) so I can bring more toys to play with. Also she might have to bring a *cough* Bronica *cough* as her photography "tool" in order for me to be able to come. She put up with meets for the car forum I've been on for years, so she might actually like this group...

Ben

[Scottes]

It sounds like there are a few people wishing to get in a skyline view. I do not think it's possible given the above route and "schedule" of sorts. There's just not enough time.

I would suggest that anyone wishing a good skyline shot should check out the view behind the Hyatt Harborside at the Boston airport, and do so either before the meet (great sun!) or a while after (great night shot!) or both. Sunset is about 5:00 PM, and the sun sets directly behind the city, so you *might* get a nice shot depending on the clouds. The morning shot should definitely be good unless the weather is poor.

http://harborside.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/ Basically get onto the airport - *very* easy now thanks to the Big Dig - and watch the signs. I think the signs say Hotels and/or Harborside Drive. As you get closer to the hotel (and further from the terminals) the signs will specifically mention the Hyatt. It is *way* in a corner and quite far away from the terminals.

Once at the hotel there's a parking lot to the right that kinda looks like it's permit only, but I've never ever seen the pole down and haven't been charged or yelled at. If you park directly in front of the hotel it costs money. Anyway, park there, walk behind the hotel, and keep walking until you can't walk any more. There's a funky monument there.

Really, getting here is VERY easy, whether coming from the North or South. If coming from the south the Ted Williams Tunnel ($3) is easy - the tunnel dumps you rather close to the hotel. If coming from the north stay to the right over the Zakim Bridge, take the first exit once you're in the tunnel. The exit is about 50 feet inside the tunnel, so be prepared. Once you exit immediately get to the left. You'll be hard pressed to miss the airport even though you're still 3 or 4 miles away.

Note that coming back into Boston will cost you $3 for the tunnel.


I will most likely be there myself around 8:30 AM shooting the skyline. I'll be the big guy with a big lens on a big tripod. This may be a little early if everyone is meeting at Fanueil Hall at 10:00, but it gives me plenty of time to take some panos. Then it's 15-20 minutes back to Fanueil Hall, but that's not counting time to find parking, get out of the garage, grab a coffee....

By the way, though this is an excellent location to shoot the skyline there's only ONE shot to take, really. You're at the end of a walkway with noplace to go. Back by the hotel there's too much stuff in the water - buoys and piers and such. About the only other thing to shoot are boats going by, which is infrequent on a Sunday morning in the winter.

[kpiela]

Has there been an exact location to meet? Landmark or store, etc.? Thanks :)

[Scottes]

Fanueil Hall, 10:00 AM Sunday.

Weather Permitting, thanks to this being New England and all.

[kpiela]

Yeah, I got that much... is there a particular place in Fanueil Hall? right now the forecast is pretty decent :)

[blonde]

I just found this thread... I'm very tempted to come. I will have to see how "healed" I am because I broke my pelvis 16 days ago now. I am down to 1 crutch and I can drive so it might be possible. I'd love to come, and since skiing is my big thing, and not on the menu until at least late february, the wife and I were talking about doing some fun driving trips. I'll see if she's up to it, and then it will all depend on how my hip is doing, but I would love to come.

I'm specifically interested in:
Meeting people from the forum
Playing with their equipment (2 way strret of course)
Landscape
Arcitechture

I normall shoot sports and landscape so "cityscapes" will be a nice change. I would love to get the skyline in. I also see if the wife will be willing to play "sherpa" with me (I'm good for the body and 2 lenses at this point) so I can bring more toys to play with. Also she might have to bring a *cough* Bronica *cough* as her photography "tool" in order for me to be able to come. She put up with meets for the car forum I've been on for years, so she might actually like this group...

Ben


Ben,

you really should come. that way there will be at least 1 person that i have met before (i am from nasioc and i met you at a garage day). don't worry, i will help you carry the gear around so you don't put too much stress on that pelvis...

just so it is clear, we are meeting on sunday the 29th in Fanueil Hall at 10:00 AM?

[mysubaruimp]

Ben,

you really should come. that way there will be at least 1 person that i have met before (i am from nasioc and i met you at a garage day). don't worry, i will help you carry the gear around so you don't put too much stress on that pelvis...



I am also on the nasioc. One of you guys try to IM me the other day?

I will be going on this journey through Boston.

Scottes, that parking lot you were talking about up top...Do you think thats a viable place to park all day, or is it a 10 minute parking type of deal?

Is there a good place to park for this that is within walking distance to the meeting area, or is taking the subway necessary?

Carpool from the nashua/manchester area anyone?

[Scottes]

Yeah, I got that much... is there a particular place in Fanueil Hall? right now the forecast is pretty decent :)
Right in front of Faneuil Hall itself, kinda under the steeple.

Here's a pic of Fanueil Hall so people will recognize it: http://faneuil-hall.visit-boston-massachusetts.com/Faneuil-Hall.jpg

[Scottes]

Scottes, that parking lot you were talking about up top...Do you think thats a viable place to park all day, or is it a 10 minute parking type of deal?
There's a garage very close to Faneuil Hall. You should see it - or a sign, a big P - when you're at the end of the ramp off 93. It's been a bit since I've driven in since I'm not sure of particulars. Maybe one of the current Boston locals like Hiro will catch this and give better directions to it. It's only 2 or 3 minutes from Faneuil Hall itself.

Parking there might be a little expensive. I really have no idea. Hiro mentioned a $10 garage over by the Common, but that's many blocks away from the meeting location. You could park at the Orange Line station in Malden - parking should be very cheap, and you won't have to drive into Boston proper. Then catch the train inbound to Government Center and it's a 1-block walk to Faneuil Hall.

A little map that may be of help:
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/FaneuilHall.gif

Note that the map is old and isn't entirely accurate for the ramps coming off Rt 93. When you come off the ramp you should see the P for parking - I'm pretty sure.

If taking the T you'll end up coming above ground in Government Center. The big square is a big old concrete building, just go around to the right, down the stairs and across the double street. Faneuil Hall will be a little to the right - kinda hard to miss.

[Scottes]

Found a page on info for parking near the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with directions to a $10 garage at 75 State st: http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/information_parking.html

On the map above the garage is just to the left of the little building icon that says "Ancient And Honorable Artillery".

Note that this page's info is MUCH more credible than my guesses and the "P?" on my map. :-)

[kpiela]

Also a parking lot at 60 State Street for what it's worth. Hard to give directions b/c of all the construction. It's crazy down there!

[jacobsen1]

Ben,

you really should come. that way there will be at least 1 person that i have met before (i am from nasioc and i met you at a garage day). don't worry, i will help you carry the gear around so you don't put too much stress on that pelvis...

just so it is clear, we are meeting on sunday the 29th in Fanueil Hall at 10:00 AM?

I'll see if I can talk the wife into it. She's training for the Boston marathon and has to run 12 miles on Saturday, but Sunday is open.... I didn't realize that this is this weekend, but I still really want to go...

I'll be in the WRX so if you guys see a Silver 04 WRX that looks lost and has a crutch in the pass through flag me down, although I doubt this group will be hard to spot!

Ben

[kpiela]

Right in front of Faneuil Hall itself, kinda under the steeple.

Here's a pic of Fanueil Hall so people will recognize it: http://faneuil-hall.visit-boston-massachusetts.com/Faneuil-Hall.jpg

great, thanks. At the entrance, got it :)

[jacobsen1]

Ben,
you really should come. don't worry, i will help you carry the gear around so you don't put too much stress on that pelvis...

I am also on the nasioc. One of you guys try to IM me the other day?

OK, we're comming. I don't know how long I will be able to stand it litterally, but we're comming for as long as it feels good. I'll bring my drugs to I should be OK. mysubaruimp, it wasn't me, I don't IM. The wife is actually interested in this meet, and says it sounds like fun. She's been to a subaru MINI meet before (her car) and hated it, but she like photography somewhat. Enough so that she wouldn't let me sell the Bronica 645 because she likes it. She'll be bringing that along too so she can have some fun. I'll have to slim down my equipment choices so I can actually carry it, but I'll probably just load up my TLZ and where it with the chest strap just to get more attention (from onlookers) as that will be easy to carry while on crutches.

The wife is running the Boston Marathon in April so she wants to drive the course. Anyone know anything about where it is and how this is best done?

Ben

[Scottes]

Excellent Ben! Note that we will be fairly close or passing T stops along this route, so if you have to bail it should be an easy short walk to the train. You might want to consider parking at the Haymarket garage, which is about a block from Fanueil Hall but right on a T stop so the return trip would mean minimum walking.

[kpiela]

OK, we're comming. I don't know how long I will be able to stand it litterally, but we're comming for as long as it feels good. I'll bring my drugs to I should be OK. mysubaruimp, it wasn't me, I don't IM. The wife is actually interested in this meet, and says it sounds like fun. She's been to a subaru MINI meet before (her car) and hated it, but she like photography somewhat. Enough so that she wouldn't let me sell the Bronica 645 because she likes it. She'll be bringing that along too so she can have some fun. I'll have to slim down my equipment choices so I can actually carry it, but I'll probably just load up my TLZ and where it with the chest strap just to get more attention (from onlookers) as that will be easy to carry while on crutches.

The wife is running the Boston Marathon in April so she wants to drive the course. Anyone know anything about where it is and how this is best done?

Ben

this should give you the info you need:

http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/109thMarathon.asp

[jacobsen1]

Excellent Ben! Note that we will be fairly close or passing T stops along this route, so if you have to bail it should be an easy short walk to the train. You might want to consider parking at the Haymarket garage, which is about a block from Fanueil Hall but right on a T stop so the return trip would mean minimum walking.

Is that the garage from this link that was posted earlier:
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/information_parking.html

Also I checked out that link about the marathon, but the course map is in .pdf and my cpu doesn't have the recent version which that doc needs... Anyone know the route so I can mapquest it?

Ben

[Scottes]

Is that the garage from this link that was posted earlier:
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/information_parking.html
No, it's not. On the map I embedded above the Haymarket Garage is up Congress St, about a 1/2 block North of the top of the map. From the Garage to Fanueil Hall is *maybe* a 5-minute walk. Congress St is a "double" street, that is, there is a small island between the south-bound and north-bound lanes. It's only like this towards Faneuil Hall.

[blonde]

i can't wait for this meet!!! it will be a great chance to meet some of you guys and maybe even get some tips from you on how to get better. btw scottes, is there any chance that you can show me a bit more of your 100-400? i am thinking about selling my 70-300 IS and my 100 macro so i can buy this one :)

[jacobsen1]

i can't wait for this meet!!! it will be a great chance to meet some of you guys and maybe even get some tips from you on how to get better. btw scottes, is there any chance that you can show me a bit more of your 100-400? i am thinking about selling my 70-300 IS and my 100 macro so i can buy this one :)

While it's out of the bag I'd also love to compare it to "bigma" if I may. I'm also looking forward to this meet. I've only ever done car meets before where I know nothing about the car... (at least mechanically)
Ben

[Scottes]

Sorry, I wasn't planning on bringing that monster for this meet, since it's next to useless in the city and I don't want to carry it. I may tuck it in the car though, so if we meet at the Hyatt before or head to the garage after...

[blonde]

Sorry, I wasn't planning on bringing that monster for this meet, since it's next to useless in the city and I don't want to carry it. I may tuck it in the car though, so if we meet at the Hyatt before or head to the garage after...

thats understandable.... my only concern about this lens is its size and if it can fit in a normal bag :) i am pretty much sold on its performance, price etc.. if you tell me which garage you will be at, i can meet you there at like 9:45 or so. i am still trying to decide if i should take my car or just take the T.

[Hiro]

Hello again all!

Wow, NASIOC brings back some memories! I used to own a WRX and was on that forum quite a bit! I too have only taken part in automotive forums/clubs in my past, so this is a welcome change! I look forward to meeting everyone and broadening my forum meet experiences :)

Scottes, looks like you've done a great job of getting everyone situated with parking options! I was just driving down by those Fanueil Hall parking garages last Friday... Thankfully, most of the Big Dig construction has pretty much stabilized for the most part with off-ramps from 93 and such... Hopefully they won't be doing any 'Sunday' closures/detours this weekend!

[CyberDyneSystems]

No 100-400mm? So I should leave the 500mm at home? :lol:

Seriously.. I was trying to decide between 17-40mm and 24-70mm.. and or one of the small primes. Also trying to decide on tripod or not.. which would really slow me down.

Hmmm...

[CyberDyneSystems]

Scottes, looks like you've done a great job of getting everyone situated with parking options!

Scottes is "MapMan" © :lol:

He was a tour guide for Collette Tours in a previous life,. I am convinced! I think he led Conrad up the Amazon in a former life... ;)

[blonde]

No 100-400mm? So I should leave the 500mm at home? :lol:

Seriously.. I was trying to decide between 17-40mm and 24-70mm.. and or one of the small primes. Also trying to decide on tripod or not.. which would really slow me down.

Hmmm...

just bring them all :) j/k

i will not be bringing my tripod but i might just bring my monopod...

[CyberDyneSystems]

Kids.. don't forget a polarizer! (you never know :) )

[mysubaruimp]

I WILL be bringing a tripod. It is a cheap one, so I dont mind sharing if everyone wants to use it.

I swear, when I first got it, I carried it everywhere, didnt use it once. I started leaving it at home, EVERYTIME I went out, I wished I had it. So, I carry it again, but rarely use it.

[Hiro]

Also trying to decide on tripod or not.. which would really slow me down.

Hmmm...

I guess I'm starting to wonder the same thing: What gear to bring! Hmm... Tripod or monopod? Small camera bag or my larger Lowepro gadget bag? Can even slide my Powerbook in that one if folks think there might be value in having a full-screen viewing mechanism for photos if we take breaks in coffee shops along the way or at the end of day... I'm used to hiking trails with rather large amounts of weight, so maybe I'll just bring my big bag...then again, maybe I'll just take the lazy Sunday lighter route ;) Hmmm...

What are other folks bringing?

[jacobsen1]

I would bring the whole kit if I wasn't wounded...

Being that I am wounder I think it's be the 1DmII (duh!) the Sigma 12~24, Sigma 24~70 or maybe the 70~200... Not sure... I think I will bring my tripod though as with my injury It's easier to stabalize everything that way. I have a should strap on order from B&H that will be here tomorrow for it. I figure a TopLoadZoom worth of stuff + tripod...

I am seriously consider the just the 1DmII and the nifty fifty though fun, but I think that might require too much walking for composure!

My wife said she would carry my gear if I put it in the backpack... She'll be pissed if I load it to the gills though.

Ben

[Scottes]

I'll be bringing the 17-40, 50 1.4, 28-75, and 85 1.8. That covers me pretty well, since I can't get the 135 f2 in time... :-(

I will not be bringing the tripod. Mine is a monster and just weighs too much. Besides, with those focal lengths I doubt I'll need it. I will have the tripod in the car for before and/or after pano shooting. I may bring the monopod though.

[Scottes]

Scottes is "MapMan" © :lol:
I love maps, always have.

He was a tour guide for Collette Tours in a previous life,. I am convinced! I think he led Conrad up the Amazon in a former life... ;)
I constantly have weird deja vu experiences about some guy named Stanley wearing a funny hat...

[hackwithacanon]

If there's room for another newbie, I'd like to join up with you guys. Someone mentioned wanting to see a 100-400L, I'll be that guy and bring mine. I just bought a bunch of toys with a bonus check and I am really looking forward to picking people's brains. I had been mainly trying to get into Wildlife and Macro (the macro forum is very impressive here) photography but the city sounds like a good learning experience.

I'm planning on bringing a body w/ grip, 10-22 EFS,24-105L, 100-400L, and a monopod. I wish I had more memory cards now....

~Dan

[BeccaNH]

I guess this is one time when not having a lot is a good thing... I don't have any decisions to make about what to bring! :)

I was thinking about bringing a tripod, but I think that might get left home, just because I don't feel like carrying it around. I have a monopod, but I've never really mastered how to use it so I'm not sure its worth carrying.

Looking forward to meeting everyone. :)

[Scottes]

I have a monopod, but I've never really mastered how to use it so I'm not sure its worth carrying.
If you bring it you might get some tips on how to use it. :wink:

I have to wonder about how useful it would be in the city, though. It's not steady enough for longer cityscapes, and will probably get in the way a lot of the time. If I can rig a carrying strap I may bring mine, maybe.

[blonde]

scottes,

i will have mine so you can just use mine (that way only one of us as to log around with it. i do have a strap on my bag so i don't have to hold it. i also have an extra manfrotto quick release plate so you can put it on your camera so sharing will be quick and painless :)

[damansidhu]

I would also probably bring along my manfrotto tripod though it might be a little pain to carry around.And I certainly dont have any of the fanatastic toys all of you seem to be mentioning, so expect me to be drooling all over your lenses :) Hoping to watch and learn from all the pros.

[jacobsen1]

I'm bringing my tripod. I just got in the strap for it from B&H today so that I can crutch and carry it! $14 used...

Ben

Anyone have a sidekick they wouldn't mind bringing so I could try it out... I'm trying to decide between that and the bogen 3421, but I haven't ever seen/used a sidekick so I'd love to play with one if possible. Thanks!

[flyfisher]

I love maps, always have.


I constantly have weird deja vu experiences about some guy named Stanley wearing a funny hat...

My name is not Stanley but I’ll be wearing a hat, you will have to decide if it's funny or not.

[Scottes]

You'll always be Stanley to me. :-)

[HoRnYTuRbO]

is there any updated info as to where everyones gonna park? 10 am in front of market place? which end?

[Scottes]

On the steps of Fanueil Hall itself, under the steeple. 10:00 AM.

[BeccaNH]

Does anyone have a "Plan B" in case of rain? They're predicting some tomorrow afternoon. :(

[CyberDyneSystems]

You'll always be Stanley to me. :-)

Could be worse,. could be Larry ... :)

[jacobsen1]

Well I just stuffed my top load zoom with 3 lenses. I also have my tripod on it's leash ready to go. I'll see how heavy they feel in the car in the AM and decide if I want to bring it all. We plan on parking at 75 state street as their directions are very good and I know I can find it. We are both looking foreward to this trip. Surprisingly the wife is very excited too which is great. She'll be the analog MF person in the group!

See everyone there! (how big is this group anyway?)
Ben

[CyberDyneSystems]

See you there Ben... you may pass me on the highway :)

[Scottes]

(how big is this group anyway?)
I can't seem to figure out a more accurate number than "a whole bunch."

[kpiela]

See you all tmrw. Hope the weather holds out for the better part of the day :)

[Scottes]

Does anyone have a "Plan B" in case of rain? They're predicting some tomorrow afternoon. :(
I'm doing everything in my power to make sure that it doesn't start raining until nightfall. Wish me luck - it's *never* worked before.

[BeccaNH]

I'm doing everything in my power to make sure that it doesn't start raining until nightfall. Wish me luck - it's *never* worked before.

*packing an umbrella* Not that I don't trust your powers... ;)

See everyone tomorrow!

[Scottes]

*packing an umbrella*

If you bring a big one we can all pile under it and shoot.... :-)

[BeccaNH]

From the sounds of the size of this group, I'd need more of an awning than an umbrella and I'm not sure I can fit that in my backpack, but I can give it a try!

[chancellor]

Damn, I just came across this thread!.. I have some commitments for tomorrow otherwise would love to join. Oh well, next time. Have a great time!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well,. what fun!

For a "birder" this was a nice change of pace,. concrete and paving instead of sand, mud and itchy beach grass.

Loads of great people,. (was there 14 or 16 of us in the beginning?)

I don't think we had the slightest idea what to photograph on an oddly lit Sunday afternoon in the big city.. and I have no idea if anything I shot will be worth keeping.. :) :) :) (cf cards downloading now)

It took us several hours to go about 30 minutes worth of walking distance,. so this is testament to how much time we spent yacking ;)

Then the majority of us (we lost a few on the way) stopped for lunch.. a tough time finding a table for ten! :shock: but we managed :)

But it was a wonderfull way to tspend the afternoon with some great people.

thanks for setting this up folks,.. I look forward to doing this again some time this spring. I think we could plan a garden area,. or some such thing.. ?

[BeccaNH]

Wow, you made good time getting home! Or you left shortly after I did! I timed it perfectly... the first raindrops were hitting my windshield as I pulled out of Malden Station!

It was so good to meet some of the other POTN folks and put some faces to the names. Terrific people, and I really enjoyed getting to know you.

I would love to do this again sometime! Thanks for all the good pointers and explanations. I hope I have something to post... but it's not looking good so far! We will see what I can pull out in PS!

[Scottes]

Wow, you made good time getting home!
If I said that I was soaking in the hot tub by 4:15 would you be mad?
:-)

[CyberDyneSystems]

:lol:

I got nada... zip, didly,.. :lol:
(well,. except for the X-rated shots... ) ;)

[Scottes]

I definitely had a good time, whether I got pictures or not! It was great to meet everyone and finally match faces (and names!) with people I've been chatting with for ages here on the forum. I think we'll definitely have to do this again - on a warm, sunny day!

[BeccaNH]

If I said that I was soaking in the hot tub by 4:15 would you be mad?
:-)

Grrrrrrrrrr...... I was just getting to 93 about that time! A good soak in a hot tub sounds like just the ticket right about now! :p

[Scottes]

Grrrrrrrrrr......
Ooops. Sorry. :o

[BeccaNH]

Ooops. Sorry. :o

I'll bet you got some good pictures too....:( Color me green with envy!

[kpiela]

Thanks all for the day out! It was great to meet you all and, as Jake said, glad no one was "crazy"! hahaha.
Are you going to be posting images here or in a new thread? I'd love to see what you all came up with. :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Not much.. :lol:

But I started a thread here;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1136219#post1136219

feel free to post more stuff there or start your own.


Yep.. no nut jobs :) But I think Scott was good to correct me,. "..no one crazier than me..." he said.. and that's probably more accurate :)

[damansidhu]

It was great meeting everyone finally :) And im already jealous of the some shots posted in the other thread. Hoping i would be able to turn in at least a couple half decent ones. We should definetly do this again sometime but maybe not in the city this time.

[jacobsen1]

Nikki and I had a great time. We ended up grabbing lunch at some place right where we originally met up and there was room for like a table of 20... We made it out of town following the marathon route and made it home in the rain... Had a great time. I DLed my pics... I'll sift through and see if there was anything worth sharing. We will definately be coming again whenever there is another get together. If people like airshow and the beach, let me know...

Ben

[Scottes]

Yeah, I'd love to do this again, especially if there's a "theme" or event of sorts. An airshow would be definite for me. Heck, almost any outdoor event with some action would be cool - I never seem to hear about anything until it's too late.

[kpiela]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea for people in and around Boston to meet up and have a great day shooting together. We could meet up in the Harvard Square/Cambridge area which should provide plenty of good photo oppurtunities. It would provide a chance to learn from each other as well. If a decent number of people are interested we can get something going. Starting this thread to get a feel of how many people would be willing to meet up. Feel free to post up ideas for meet/dates/venues which may come to your minds.

Btw Daman, thanks for starting this thread and getting us all going!

[jacobsen1]

Yeah, I'd love to do this again, especially if there's a "theme" or event of sorts. An airshow would be definite for me. Heck, almost any outdoor event with some action would be cool - I never seem to hear about anything until it's too late.

Well we live in this neighborhood (not my actual address) but if you scroll south you can see a beach along the water, and then further south there is the quonsett AF base... That is where the RI airshow is. I walked down our beach last year and got some great shots without having to go to the actually arishow and roast on the tarmac or deal with the crowds...
google map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=1+narragansett+st+North+Kingstown+RI+02852&ll=41.624105,-71.412678&spn=0.044912,0.10849&t=h

my pics from the airshow:
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/airshows

food for thought...
Ben

[Hiro]

Hi gang!

I echo everyone else's comments: I had a great time today! It was so nice to meet all of you and trek around the hometown with such a fun and nice bunch of fellow photo nuts! :) I would definitely be up for any future events and look forward to seeing all of you again!

I'll also post samples of my photos in the other thread as I work through them...

Thanks for a great day of shooting! :)

[damansidhu]

Btw Daman, thanks for starting this thread and getting us all going! :) Thanks Kristine but i would say in all honesty that the credit for this meet goes to Scottes. I just started the thread, he actually made it work and set up everything. Id love to meet the group again whenever we decide next, it was lot of fun interacting with everyone and my camera is real jealous now :)

[Scottes]

Personally I think the credit goes to everyone. I just wrote a few messages from memory and I didn't have to actually work for anything. People actually showed up, which actually took work, and walked for 5 hours on concrete - which took a LOT of work...


And even though I did kinda sorta pick the day, the dreary weather was not my fault. I tried.... :-)

[20DNewbie]

Man, I wish I had seen this thread at the inception. I would have loved to have jumped in on this.

Oh well, next time I guess.