NYC POTN Meet Chinatown Lunar New Year Jan 29

[BottomBracket]

It is a little under a week before we meet at NYC! I decided to make a new thread because the old one here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=120766 has become quite long and tedious to read. Here are the things to remember:

WHAT - Firecracker Ceremonies, opening of Lunar New Year celebration.

WHERE - Manhattan Chinatown, Canal area. Meeting place, just ouside the Starbucks Cafe at the corner of Canal and Centre Streets.

WHEN - January 29, Sunday, at 11:30 am. Ceremonies go on from 12 to 2 pm.

HOW - to get there? Get to NYC, and ride the train of your choice to Canal Street :) For those having trouble with directions, PM me.

WHO - Several members have signified interest in attending this very informal shoot. Me, Ron S Jr., James (jwbker), Chris (Calzinger), Peter (peter740), maybe Andy (Snafu). This looks like a merry bunch, anyone else who wants to go is most welcome!

WHAT TO BRING - Comfortable clothing, shoes. Bottled water. At least $10 for food (more if you have a huge appetite). Don't forget your camera. Wear something red, it's good luck!

WHAT TO EXPECT - There will be sightings of mythical creatures that cavort up and down the streets - dragons, unicorns and the more mundane lions. There will be lots of people, prepare to jostle a bit. Extended weather forecast predicts that there will be a few showers - certainly not enough to put a damper on the festivities. This may change as the day draws near.

Hope to see you folks! This is just the first NYC meet this year, we will have more to come!

[Palladium]

Palladium (John) should be there, wearing red :D

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Ronald S. Jr. (Ronald S. Jr.) should be there, wearing a slightly darker red. :-D

[lostdoggy]

Would like to join you guys but circumstance won't allow it. Prior engagement, have to do the family thing. Prior injury, Still recovering from knee surgery. But, by all means you guys have fun and take lots of pictures and don't forget to post them. Have Fun Y'All.

[Calzinger]

Would like to join you guys but circumstance won't allow it. Prior engagement, have to do the family thing. Prior injury, Still recovering from knee surgery. But, by all means you guys have fun and take lots of pictures and don't forget to post them. Have Fun Y'All.
I will definitely be posting my pictures on my website when I get back, but will have to do some post-processing of course. :)
Make sure you come to a future POTN meeting though!

Chris (Calzinger)
I'll be there for sure. My dad will be coming as well with his 35mm Minolta since I'll be using the 350D. He has no photography experience/knowledge and just uses auto and I'm very amateur as well; go easy on us guys!

I'm going to B&H since it's along the way to the 'very' downtown. I'm hoping my dad might go completely berserk and buy the 70-200 f/4L for the meet. The odds of that happening? 6%. But maybe I can look forward to some good wide shots since there's a lot of action.

Can we establish a way to distinguish each other there? Hopefully we will be the only photographers in front of starbucks, but it may help if we look for "guy with orange northface jacket or something". I'll be in a black leather jacket with a red polo shirt with a silver rebel XT with the kit lens and its lens hood, maybe even a flash unit because i like the weight. Anyway the dude in my avatar is me. :D

By the way Ronald, did you manage to find a hotel in the city?

[anttor]

ill be there!

[MDJAK]

I am quite disappointed. This is the first I've seen of this. I LOVE Chinatown. Eat in Wo Hops (downstairs) all the time. Used to eat at Nu Ling Hong, 69 Bayard Street since I was a kid. Loved Joy Luck on Mott until they "had the nerve to retire" after almost 50 years behind the wok.

Love Chinese New Year, except for the fireworks that sometimes get shot at the spectators.

Unfortunately, my 84 year old mother fell and broke her hip at her home in Florida. Alas, that's where I'll be this upcoming weekend.

Have fun. Look forward to the pics.

mark

[Leorooster]

Hmmm.......sounds it will be fun........unfortunately, I won't be available the coming Sunday. Have fun guys and make sure to post some pics here :)

BB - you've done a great job coordinating this gathering. I will join you guys in future gathering. I guess we could have different theme each time, and we don't have to limit ourselves in the City :) Anyway, great job!

[peter740]

I will be there but I don't know what I will wear...

[RAW]

Pio, Thank you for everything...I know time is valuable and to find time to organize is hard especially living in NY.

Unfortunately I work on Sunday and I leave work 3pm, therefore I can't come, and to think I had a red shirt...:( .

I hope we will see some photos from the day...and guys, enjoy...

Regards,

[Ronald S. Jr.]

No I did not, actually, chris. I think if everyone's only going to be there for the day, then I don't want to stay over. I'm not too crazy about wandering with all my gear when I'm alone. However, I plan on being there for the day, although there's something I'm wondering about. I'm not too keen on parking my caddy somewhere in the city, so my mother says I should just bus it in. Sound about right? I'll have to check times and schedules.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Ha...scratch that. Be cheaper to drive. There's nothing getting there on the 29th until like 2:30, and they're gonna put me way up on 8th ave. the North end. Nooooo thank you.

[Leorooster]

Ha...scratch that. Be cheaper to drive. There's nothing getting there on the 29th until like 2:30, and they're gonna put me way up on 8th ave. the North end. Nooooo thank you.

What about driving to Flushing (another Chinatown in Queens) and park your car in the muni parking there (free on Sunday), there is bus services (well more like van) going directly from Flushing to Chinatown in Manhattan.

[Calzinger]

The weather is looking grim. :(

What lens(es) are you guys bringing?
I'll have my kit lens. Hopefully I'll be buying the 70-200 f/4L from B&H that morning.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm not too thrilled about leaving my cadillac in a parking garage...I just love it too much. For the rims that thing has on it, I'd probably find it on blocks when I went back. Just the rim (no tire) runs about $6-700 each, new. If I can't afford my 100-400L, I can't afford that. :lol:

I'm trying to figure out a way that my dad can go too, and then we'd just take his ram down. However, it's my dad, mom, and I here running the business, and my mom has like 196049769543 diseases, including diabetes, neuropathy, epstein barr, and a couple other goodies. So, we can't really leave her unless I can get a temp to come in and help. I'll just have to keep trying.

If the weather's gonna suck, I don't wanna even bother. It wouldn't be worth it, especially when it's costing me hundreds just to go for the day. Someone find out if it's gonna be awful. If it is, I'll wait for april.

[Calzinger]

Here's the weather for Sunday, January 29th for my area (area code 10956, less than 40 miles from the city): http://www.weather.com/weather/detail/10956?dayNum=5

Weather is obviously subject to change though. But if you're spending hundreds just to go for the day, I wouldn't bother. Better you spend that kind of money when it's really going to be worth it. I'm really hoping the weather will pull through though; I have to say that I'm really looking forward to this.

[Calzinger]

I may have to play this one by ear.
Is this plan still on if it starts drizzling? The weather looks very grim, and I'm not sure how possible this would be in the rain.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

If it's raining, I'm out. Just too much of a waste of money and too long a ride for a few hours and maybe a few good shots.

[Calzinger]

If it's raining, I'm out. Just too much of a waste of money and too long a ride for a few hours and maybe a few good shots.
Unfortunately, I would have to agree. I didn't realize you were spending so much for this one day. If it's going to rain, you might as well start taking shots in your local supermarket. At least it's dry and bright in there. There WILL be another time though.

BottomBracket, how is this thing looking in regards to weather? Is there a chance this thing could be cancelled?

I will be in the city that morning regardless of weather because my sister has work and classes the following day (she attends NYU for anyone else that does). If the rain gets heavy, I may end up just going home, but if it's just cloudy, I'm still up for it. It's just a drizzle that would make me a bit 'iffy; cloudiness is of no concern to me.

As for the April meet, the NY Auto Show in the Javits center is in April again this year. I will DEFINITELY be going this year, likely on a Friday, either April 14th or 21st, depends on whether or not my cousin can get a day off from work. Otherwise, I may find myself there on a weekend. I don't know if you guys are car enthusiasts, but I sure am and I'll be shooting away like hell.

[peter740]

Don't bother getting the 70-200 l f.4... Get the 2.8 L IS... It is a much better lense...

Unfortunately, I would have to agree. I didn't realize you were spending so much for this one day. If it's going to rain, you might as well start taking shots in your local supermarket. At least it's dry and bright in there. There WILL be another time though.

BottomBracket, how is this thing looking in regards to weather? Is there a chance this thing could be cancelled?

I will be in the city that morning regardless of weather because my sister has work and classes the following day (she attends NYU for anyone else that does). If the rain gets heavy, I may end up just going home, but if it's just cloudy, I'm still up for it. It's just a drizzle that would make me a bit 'iffy; cloudiness is of no concern to me.

As for the April meet, the NY Auto Show in the Javits center is in April again this year. I will DEFINITELY be going this year, likely on a Friday, either April 14th or 21st, depends on whether or not my cousin can get a day off from work. Otherwise, I may find myself there on a weekend. I don't know if you guys are car enthusiasts, but I sure am and I'll be shooting away like hell.

[Calzinger]

Don't bother getting the 70-200 l f.4... Get the 2.8 L IS... It is a much better lense...
As one said, "People get the f/4L because they can afford it, not because the f/2.8 or IS is unnecessary".

[Ronald S. Jr.]

CDS told me once that the f/4 version is actually the sharpest of the 3. Interesting, eh?

[tsw910]

wow .. this sounds like fun .. i am gonna try to make it that day .. since i am chinese i may have to do some family visiting on the new year day ...

[peter740]

Just the IS alone in the 2.8fl 70-200mm is what makes the 2.8 the better lense when you are taking pics without a tripod or a monpod...

[Calzinger]

I didn't mean that the IS or f/2.8 is unnecessary, it's just that the extra cost doesn't justify the extra features given my budget.

[peter740]

Oh.. Just wanted you to not make the same mistake I did in buying the 70-200 f.4 l and then buying the 70-200 f2.8l is....

[Calzinger]

Oh.. Just wanted you to not make the same mistake I did in buying the 70-200 f.4 l and then buying the 70-200 f2.8l is....
I can't say that won't end up happening in the future. However, I can be SURE that I won't be replacing my potential 70-200 f/4L with another lens in the "near" future. I use the term very loosely. By "near", I mean like four years or more. Let's remember that I'm just a kid; I don't have a massive budget to buy multiple top-notch lenses. I think this lens is a good buy for it's price, and I haven't heard someone differ on that issue.

But let's try to keep this thread on topic. That being said, I have great news! (no, I didn't save any money on my car insurance)
The weather looks to be dry for Sunday. However, it still looks to be very cloudy. So Ron, not sure if you'd want to spend hundreds just for a cloudy day, but I thought you should know that it may be dry. As long as there is no water, I will be there.

As usual, the weather forcast is a day or two premature. Let's hope the cloudiness can be pushed back as well!

[BottomBracket]

Hello folks! The weather forecast for Sunday is looking good. A few days ago 40% rain was predicted but now it seems that it will be cloudy. I hope it stays that way - lots of soft light falling on our subjects. So Sunday is still a go.

Chris, you won't go wrong with the f4 version. One thing going for it is that it is much lighter than its bigger brethen; that, and the price swayed me towards getting it. I love my version, I am sure you will love yours too. If we get to meet on Sunday I will show you an 'IS' trick I do to better handhold this lens.

Everybody else, I hope to see you on Sunday. Don't worry if you can't make it, we will still have more meetings in the future if anyone is up to it. Let's hope the weather holds this Sunday though.

Leo, Artan, thanks for the compliment. Actually it was Ron who started the other thread about meeting up, I just gave a solid date and event to it. Hope to see you both soon!

Pio

[Juliapassion]

OK I am sooo bumbed -out ! My cihna town and jewlery shopping days on Canal Street wow .. I wish I could be there . Just make sure .. you wear closed shoes because those crabs jump out of the crates on Broadway and walk the cement .

Have FUN ...
Its sucha colorful event .. Julia

[SuzyView]

I just got this from my sister in NYC. They are having the same thing as us in DC. The parade is going to be February 5.

The 7th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade &
Festival
The parade usually winds throughout Chinatown along
Mott, Canal, and Bayard streets, and along East
Broadway.

Time: 1-5 pm, Sunday, February 5, 2006

Place: Canal Street South

The spectacle features elaborate floats, marching
bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will start at Mott Street and promenade through practically every street in Chinatown, finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3:00 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists. This event is organized by the Better Chinatown Society.

That is SuperBowl Sunday, but starts way later.

SuzyView

[Calzinger]

OK I am sooo bumbed -out ! My cihna town and jewlery shopping days on Canal Street wow .. I wish I could be there . Just make sure .. you wear closed shoes because those crabs jump out of the crates on Broadway and walk the cement .

Have FUN ...
Its sucha colorful event .. Julia
I guess these (http://calzinger.net/uploads/misc/shoe1.jpg) shoes (http://calzinger.net/uploads/misc/shoe2.jpg) won't do it, eh?

That would be great Pio. One of my main concerns with getting this slow lens is shooting in slightly lower light where you would have to use longer shutters. I've been able to get crisp pictures with the kit lens at 55mm 1/20", which completely violates the 1/focal length rule, but my I was completely out of breath afterwards. I don't think the same steadiness will be able to be held with a much longer and heavier lens.

Such techniques may prove to be very useful.

I'm also curious as to what lenses you guys are packing for sunday. Or shall I just wait and see? :eek: I'll have my kit lens and my 70-200 f/4L. Then again, that is all I have.

[SuzyView]

Please read my post - the parade is Feb. 5.

[Maureen Souza]

On Super Bowl Sunday?!?!?!

[SuzyView]

Yes, but we get it late in the east, which has always been annoying.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm also curious as to what lenses you guys are packing for sunday. Or shall I just wait and see? :eek:

Well, I would have been bringing the only two I have. Oh, but they're a wonderful duo. 24-70L and 70-200L IS. Ah yes. However, I just realized something ELSE! I have to ship out my second 24-70L Friday to the person I'm trading to for a 100-400L. I wouldn't have even had a standard zoom. :-( I would have had to borrow my dad's kit lens! :lol: Ohhhh what a step down. :p

[Calzinger]

Well, I would have been bringing the only two I have. Oh, but they're a wonderful duo. 24-70L and 70-200L IS. Ah yes. However, I just realized something ELSE! I have to ship out my second 24-70L Friday to the person I'm trading to for a 100-400L. I wouldn't have even had a standard zoom. :-( I would have had to borrow my dad's kit lens! :lol: Ohhhh what a step down. :p
As if I couldn't hate my kit lens enough, it gets some more bashing! I'm just glad to know I'll have more than a kit lens for sunday.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Oh, the kit lens is fine. I'm not saying it won't get the job done. However, it was quite a trip going from my 1+ lb. 24-70L which is the better part of a foot long with the hood and all, and then holding the little few oz. kit lens and watching the front element rotate..without a hood! It was just quite a big switch after using nothing but the 24-70L for the past few months! I'll never be used to it. Ohhh how nice it'll feel holding that big sexy 100-400L in my hands next weekend. That'll take me back.

[Palladium]

FYI:

Don't miss out on the Chinese New Year festivities in New York City
http://http://gonyc.about.com/cs/holidays/a/chinesenewyear.htm


Welcome to Explore Chinatown
http://www.explorechinatown.com/Gui/ExploreChinatown.aspx

[Snafu]

Looking good so far...I should be able to make this meet.

Andy

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Ha...my dad has my 70-200, so even if I were going to make it, I wouldn't have a single lens! :lol: I'd have to borrow my mom's Sony P&S. :lol:

[BottomBracket]

Sunday is looking good, with the forecast as cloudy, with some showers late afternoon. Works well with our noontime schedule. High of 50 degrees which should be comfortable, and you know cloudy means soft light on our subjects. Great for photography!

I received a couple of PM's regarding the schedule of the parade. I wrote this before in the other NYC post that the Chinese New Year in Manhattan is a two week affair. There will be main activities on the three Sundays it encompasses, Jan 29, Feb 5, and Feb 12. I plan to be there on all three Sundays (I'm just a subway ride away), though Feb 5 being Superbowl Sunday looks a bit iffy. Too bad as it may be the have the biggest parade of the three.

Anyway I hope to get to meet you there in a couple of days. I know I said 11:30am, but Irealize that we need to walk a bit to walk to Chatham Square where the Fireworks Ceremonies are. It would be better if we can meet earlier, say at 11am at Center and Canal so that by 11:30 we can head to Chatham Square. By meeting earlier we will have time to get acquainted a bit. What say you, folks?

Ron, I hope you can make it, but I understand if you can't. There will be other meets soon though. Hmmm maybe you can punch a hole into a body cap and use it as pinhole lens :)

Addendum: Here's a link to a Chinatown map: http://www.explorechinatown.com/PDF/ExploreChinatown.pdf

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I think I'll have to try for the second one, cuz I honestly won't have a lens to use. I get my 100-400L tuesday, and my 24-70 wednesday. I'll have to look up what you said was happening the other days. Something's gotta give.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Here's what BottomBracket said was going on, for those who may be wondering.

January 29, Sunday, Firecracker Ceremonies at 12 and 2 pm at various locations in Manhattan Chinatown, lots of dragons, lions and unicorn dance troops cavorting.

February 5, Sunday, 1 to 5 pm, the Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade will be held. (It's a parade, need I say more?)

February 12, Sunday, 10am to 6pm, Dragon Parade marking the end of Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations. There will be up to 15 Dragon troupes participating.

[Calzinger]

For me, the earlier the better. Like said, I'll be coming there directly from B&H. They open at 10:00AM on Sundays, and I'll likely be there when they open. I shouldn't be there for over 30 minutes dependent upon the crowd (and it's usually hella crowded).

If anything, I may be there before 11:00AM 34th isn't that far by subway. Is there a place around where we're meeting where I can open this sucker? I don't want to do that in the middle of the street. Things could easily get lost/stolen right in front of my face.

Ron, I can let you use my kit lens. Oh what a change of hearts that would be! Hopefully I can see you there on February 5th! :D

By the way, when do you think this whole affair will end for this sunday? I have a later engagement at 4:00PM, and I'd allocate about 1.5 hours for me to get into the city if I take the car + train, 30 minutes if I take the car and park it. Do you think I should cancel it?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Ron, I can let you use my kit lens.

Oh, you're a killer. :|

If I really need it, my dad has a kit lens tucked away somewhere, I think.

[BottomBracket]

See you folks tomorrow at 11am!

[Palladium]

I'll be around Chatham Square at 12pm wearing a Super Bowl XL (40) Ski Cap - say Hi

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'll be making lunch in my kitchen at noon. :-(

[Calzinger]

Ahh! We're going to have to find a better method of keeping track of each other; perhaps we should exchange cell phone numbers for next time.

Sorry we had to leave you early James. The rain start coming down; and it was a pretty long walk to the station. I also have a later engagement.

I enjoyed the short fun that we had, and it was a pleasure meeting you guys. I certainly hope we can do this again sometime, hopefully when the weather and event is more appropriate. I should be able to come next week, but may have to leave early (superbowl of course). I hope to see you guys there again! (plus Ron)

By the way, I'm processing some pictures now and will be uploading them to my photo site (see sig or http://photo.calzinger.net/). If you guys would like and don't have a website to upload your shots, I can add them to my site and have a POTN meet section or something. Too bad my first 70-200 f/4L shots came out pretty lousy. :( except for that first shot.

My first shot with the 70-200 f/4L. How far away was I from you guys? Maybe 20 feet?
http://calzinger.net/uploads/misc/IMG_6828.jpg

[Palladium]

I got there a little late and missed the 12 o'clock chatham square stuff - can you spot the POTN'ers below...

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/880/crw80426ms.th.jpg (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crw80426ms.jpg)

[Palladium]

More photos of NYC 2006-01-29 Year of the Dog Firecracker Celebration - Dig Reb 6.3 & 135mm 2.0L (http://www.geocities.com/ctkfb/MISC/20060129_1.html)

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/2820/crw81149dt.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1876/CRW_8103.jpg

[Calzinger]

Where did you take that first shot from? It's from completely above the crowd. All I could get were close ups of people's head.

[Palladium]

Where did you take that first shot from? It's from completely above the crowd. All I could get were close ups of people's head.

On top of a con ed generator :rolleyes: Here are links to a few more..

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1777/crw80457jy.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crw80457jy.jpg) http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5456/crw80462kd.th.jpg (http://img54.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crw80462kd.jpg)

[Calzinger]

Jeez, I remember crowd but I don't remember THAT crowd! Maybe it was because I ended up leaving very early.

[Calzinger]

I uploaded my pics to my website: http://photo.calzinger.net/index.php?id=main-BrowseCategory.php&cat[]=13
It's more "city" photography than anything else, not too many chinese new year oriented shots. That's mostly because it was very difficult to get shots in between the crowd, and I just wanted to try out my 70-200 f/4L on cleaner areas.

By the way John, if you'd like, you can send me your final photos and I can add them to my site. All thumbnails and resizes are done dynamically and resampled with my PHP engine so you don't have to work with imageshack (which I find slow at times). Just a thought! :D

[jwbker]

Great to meet everyone, albeit the short duration. I look forward to the next get-together. I know the parade is running right up against the Super Bowl, (6pm game time) but we can work a couple hours into the parade and then jet in time for those of us in the 5 boroughs to get home in time to get the wings hot and the beers cold.

Since there's no football the weekend after, maybe we can cruise to a pub and chat more after a day of shooting.

I have to make an apology myself since I ran down an alleyway to get a shot of a drummer and his entourage. In the hustle and bustle, I lost track of the other half of the crew. Next time I'll bring my girlfriend to keep track of us running around, like in 1st grade. Also, we'll have to exchange cell numbers, obviously. I'll post that pic and a couple others soon. Not sure if we should start a new POTN NYC thread in the Urban section or not. I'll wait for BB to take the lead there and I'll post a few.

BTW Those are some handsome dudes in that photo. The GF wants me to buy a copy of your lens now. This pic was taken about 20 seconds after the lens came out of the box. I don't think I've seen someone open something so fast and get to work.



Too bad my first 70-200 f/4L shots came out pretty lousy. :( except for that first shot.
...
My first shot with the 70-200 f/4L. How far away was I from you guys? Maybe 20 feet?
http://calzinger.net/uploads/misc/IMG_6828.jpg

[SuzyView]

Great stuff, you guys. Can't wait to see everyone in D.C. next Sunday!

Only one wore red. :)

Gong Hay Fat Choy!

SuzyView

[Snafu]

The rain put a damper on things but it was great to meet you guys. Next time we'll trade phone numbers for sure. I vote for more get togethers! Let me know what thread we're going to post up our pics and I'll post some up.:)


-Andy

[BottomBracket]

Hey it was great meeting you folks! Let's put name to the faces first - scroll up to see Chris's first shot with his new 70-200L: from left to right, Mr. Mobazer (Chris' Dad, thanks for the lens!), James (jwbker), Andy (snafu), and yours truly, Pio (BottomBracket). Chris almost had to back up onto the street to take this shot with that long lens.

We met at Starbucks at around 11:30am and proceeded to Chatham Square, snapping pictures of lion and dragon dancers along the way. The crowd got progressively heavier as we neared Chatham Square, I stopped to change a lens, Andy was with me, and when we looked up James and Chris dissolved into the crowd. We went on, mingling with the crush of humanity hoping to hook up with James and Chris, but it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

After the fireworks ceremony, we went back to Starbucks, thinking that they might head back there. No such luck. We then decided to get a bowl of noodles but most restaurants were closed, and the few that were open had a long line of people outside the door waiting to be let in. Andy and I decided to call it a day.

It was great to see POTN members! We have learned some tips for future meets - first, we forgot to get each other's cell numbers. We should do that. Second, we should set a meeting place to go to after the shooting event, so we can be together for a meal or drink if we have time for it. Well, we learn as we go along.

Chris, I believe you should have the honor of posting a thread on the urban area of the forum. We shall post our pics after you do.

Here's a shot of Chris opening up his latest lens acquisition:

http://piofort.zoto.com/img/640x462x1/649a6dc8751f1100e363f665fe35d77f-.jpg

[Calzinger]

Thanks for the honors Pio. It's all here: NYC POTN Meet: Sunday, January 29th, '06: Chinatown Lunar New Year (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1137645#post1137645).

By the way, do you happen to have the raw file for that shot of me opening the lens? Could you possibly email it to me or upload it somewhere for download? I'd like to print it. My email is cmobarek@calzinger.net. Thanks.

I still find that I'm doing quite a bit of post processing on my shots. Shots straight out of the camera still seem pretty mediocre, almost like the kit lens. Perhaps I still have to learn the thing. I guess it doesn't really matter though since people don't know how much or even if you did any post processing.

For instance that shot of the four of you guys went through some heavy noise-ninja cycles and some sharpening.

Am I just expecting too much out of this lens for the first day shooting?

I will definitely be going to future meets and likely to the one next sunday if you guys are in. But as James said, we'd have to get back in time to pick up some beers. We'll certainly have to be more organized, but I think such a problem is immediately diminished by exchanging cell phone numbers.

Again, nice meeting you guys. I'm looking forward to next week. Another thread Pio? :D

[Snafu]

My pics are up.:)

[BottomBracket]

Have 3 pics up at the urban thread. I will be posting soon about this coming Sunday's meet, as soon as I check the weather.

[Calzinger]

Have 3 pics up at the urban thread. I will be posting soon about this coming Sunday's meet, as soon as I check the weather.
Too bad the weather is looking gross. I don't mind the cloudiness, though I would strongly prefer a sunny day since for numerous reasons. As long as there isn't a downpoor, I'm go.

[BottomBracket]

It looks like Sunday is going to be a messy day. Forecast is 42 degrees, with a mix of rain/snow/showers/wind. We may have to cancel if this is the case. The weather may change though, let's check the forecast tomorrow.

[Calzinger]

It looks like Sunday is going to be a messy day. Forecast is 42 degrees, with a mix of rain/snow/showers/wind. We may have to cancel if this is the case. The weather may change though, let's check the forecast tomorrow.
The weather looks to be taking shape for the better. As long as that PM saturday rain does not push back (which it usually does when predicted very early), we should be getting some sunshine.

[peter740]

Looks good right now... It will be cloudy though...

[Palladium]

I'll be in the middle at 12 o'clock. ;)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4479/img925623uh.jpg

Lunar New Year Parade Route Change
Parade begins at Mott & Canal Streets, lining up on Mott St. North of Canal, proceeding south on Mott to Chatham Square, up East Broadway, up Forsyth to Eldridge, up Eldridge to Grand, west on Grand to Chrystie, splitting and dispersing at Delancey and Canal.

The 7th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade will feature a special section of proud canine marchers, many dressed in Chinese-style doggie clothes!

Parade: Sunday, February 5th at 1pm starting at Canal & Mott Streets
Culture Festival: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Mott & Bayard Streets

[Snafu]

What time and where is everyone meeting up. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it as I'll be in a classroom at 6am till we're done with what we have to do.

[jwbker]

I think the weather looks good for tomorrow, no rain in the forcast. I'm up for meeting a bit early and then walking to the parade route and catch a an hour or two before prep time for the big game.

[peter740]

I am down for it as well... This time I am very positive on the weather... But it looks to be kinda cold and breezy...

[Calzinger]

I'm up for it. The weather looks to be fantastic.
So who plans to arrange this meet?

[BottomBracket]

The parade starts at 1 pm, and it will start at Mott and Canal, head south to Chatham Square and up East Broadway. It should be done by 3pm. A good meeting place would be the usual one, Starbucks at Centre and Canal. The meeting could be at 12 noon to 12:30, by which time we chould be walking to the start of the parade.

The weather looks good tomorrow, cloudy which makes for soft lighting. I am not sure if I can make it though as i have a bad cold. I hope it clears up by tomorrow, I am taking that Airborne stuff and it seems to work a bit. I'll see if I feel better tonight.

[Calzinger]

I will be there: same place as last week (canal & centre street) @ 12 noon.
My cell phone # is 8454051241.

For those that will be there, please PM me your cell phone in the event of a separation or one getting lost. Also please confirm that you are coming in this thread.

I believe that John (Palladium) will be there as well.

I look forward to see you guys there tomorrow!

P.S.
Feel better BB!

[jwbker]

I'm in. Chris, look for my PM.

[Palladium]

Here are a 2 more from Jan 29th, 2006 - Chinese New Year Firecracker Celebration NYC. Looking forward to tomorrow's parade :lol: .

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9529/crw81201ef.jpg

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/8831/crw81062bj.jpg

[jwbker]

Nice and sunny here today on the lower east side. Supposed to cloud up around noon and we'll start to get a breeze when we meet up, or so says weather.com .

[Calzinger]

I'm leaving for Manhattan right now, canal & centre @ noon.
I should be there pretty early so if you're early, give me a call and maybe we can meet up early.

Looking forward to seeing you guys there! (hopefully you too Pio!)

[Palladium]

Link to: Photos from NYC Chinese New Year Parade - Year of the Dog (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135573)

[BottomBracket]

There's one last celebration this Sunday, Feb 12, but it looks like it is going to be snowed over. It might make for interesting pictures though. Anyone up to it?

[jwbker]

Yeah, I'll put on the fluffy coat and just do the glove and boot thing. Dragons and snow, nice juxtaposition.

[jwbker]

Don't know if the dragons are going to be making a showing today! I have a 3 foot drift in on my deck (7th floor apt) and we just went from sideways snow and about 150 feet of visibility to really big fat snow falling straighter and I can barely make out the building across the street, about 50 feet away. If it lets up I'll go out and snap a few pictures of the barren tundra.

We'll get together soon, guys!

[BottomBracket]

Just woke up here, looked out the window and wow! The snow is really piled up. I guess the festivities are off for today. I might be going to Central Park instead with my son later, if the wind abates, it has been quite a while since he slid down the slopes.

Like James said, we'll get together soon, even for just a walkabout with our cameras. Stay warm!

[Snafu]

Lets see some snow pics.:D Stay warm and dry everyone.