NYC POTN Meet: Annual NY International Auto Show

[Calzinger]

Annual New York International Automobile Show
Website: http://autoshowny.com/
Dates for event: http://www.autoshowny.com/dates/

What will we be seeing there?
The title is pretty self explanatory. We will obviously be seeing cars, from the latest concepts from Lexus to perhaps the great engineering behind the Mercedes SL65 and maybe even the new SLR McLaren. Two years ago, the old McLaren F1 was there and it was a big hit. There aren't only exotic cars but your fair share of consumer cars. The bottom floor features SUVs and trucks. Last year, the new rotary engine seemed to be the feature. There were plenty of Mazda RX-8s out there which uses a rotary engine. They even had one on display where you could actually turn the crank. Simply put, it's just a bunch of cars, but honestly, what more could you ask for?

When is this meet?
The official opening day is Saturday, April 15th. The festivities begin at 9:00am while the show floor opens at 11:00am; it closes at 10:30pm. I plan to be at the center at or before 11:00am. For the past two years, my cousin and I were able to run through the whole center in about four hours. With our cameras, it may take us a bit longer. We should be done no later than 4:00pm.

Where is the auto show located?
The show takes place inside the massive Jacob Javits Center on 11th avenue along the west side between 34th and 39th streets in Manhattan. We could meet outside the front entrance from 10:30am to 11:00am and go inside right when it opens to be ahead of the crowd (hopefully). The front entrance will bring you to the middle floor.

What do I need to bring?
Of course you will need your camera and lens(es). Since we're shooting cars, you will obviously want to bring the appropriate lens. I plan to use my 70-200 f/4L because my kit lens gives me snow and not pictures (the barrel wiggles which realigns the glass against the sensor, giving me blurry pictures no matter what). That should make things interesting. As far as lighting is concerned, it's indoors so don't expect much. You'll probably find yourself at a high ISO the whole time, but if you're shooting wide as I assume, low shutter speeds should be fine. You can bring a flash if you'd like and I would recommend it, but you won't be bouncing your light off of anything. Apparently bags are not allowed. I have yet to clear that up with the center as to how bags are handled but will as soon as possible.

You will also need a ticket to the show so bring some cash. Adult tickets are $14.00 while child tickets (12 years old and under) cost $4.00. You can buy your tickets at the ticket box or online. I prefer online so that we don't have to wait on line for tickets. I cannot say how long the line would be as I purchased my tickets online for the past two years. Better you get it online and just forget about it.

Who is coming thus far?
So far, my cousin and I are coming as we went for the past two years. This time, we have our cameras (we both started photography just this year). As people say that "they are in", I will add to the list below.

Current Attendants:
Chris (me) Andrew (my cousin) Ron (Ronald S. Jr.)Who should I contact?
It's very easy to get separated in a city as large and as busy as Manhattan. Those who were there for the very first POTN meet in late January to shoot the Chinese New Year Parade know what I'm talking about. For those seriously thinking of coming, PM me to get my cell phone number. In the event of a separation, we can call one another.


I think that's about it. If there's any other information you need to know, let me know and I will update this post.

I hope to see you fellow New Yorkers (and New Jerseyans) there!

[zacker]

i went there back in 82... it was cool.I think it was in the NYC colleseum (?) not sure.. back when broadway was full of sex shops...of course, the school figured we'd be into checking out the cars..but c'mon, a bunch of teenaged boys in the center of sin city? what do you think?
-zacker-

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm actually gonna try and make this one.

Why no bags? Weapons? I'd kinda need my bag. Sigma 20 1.8, 24-70L, 70-200L IS, 580's, bracket, cards, batteries, blah. I NEED MY BAG!

[Calzinger]

It's becomming a trend now to search or check in bags. They did it at the MoMA, and they do it at B&H, though you can take it in if it's your camera bag. I would assume that it's for security reasons. I'm not sure if there's a place where you can check your bag in or if you won't be allowed in at all with a bag. I'll bet there is a place to check in, but I that is obviously not a good idea given the potential amount of value in our bags. You should only need your 24-70L + 580EX, maybe some more cards or batteries if you want to really go crazy but those should be able to fit in your pockets. If the Sigma 20 f/1.8 is the same size as the Sigma 28 f/1.8, you may be able to fit it in your pocket.

My cousin was planning to bring his laptop so that we could unload our pictures on it every now and then to really see if they are good or not. Obviously that LCD screen just waits to play tricks on you. But since we can't bring our bags to the show floor, he may not bring it.

I hope to see you there Ron!
Are you planning to come the day before and stay in NYC for the weekend?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Nah, probably just day of...I have no money. :-( You know...my aunt, uncle, and cousin will be coming to my house for easter...maybe I could ride in, and save some money on the ride back by going with them! :eek:

As for bags...you think they'd let a little Kata in? Just a little sling bag. Or is it really NOTHING? I mean they let a woman carry a purse, no? I'd bet my mom's purse is bigger than this bag. The 20 1.8 is pretty darn good size (a bit bigger than my 35L), but if I wore a big coat I could probably stick it in there. No chance of getting my big'un in, I'm sure, but I shouldn't need that.

[SuzyView]

Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time. Those events in NYC are always very well attended and oh so glamourous. Are you sure you guys won't be posting your beauties on Glamour? :) ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Never know. ;-)

[Snafu]

As for bags...you think they'd let a little Kata in? Just a little sling bag. Or is it really NOTHING? I mean they let a woman carry a purse, no? I'd bet my mom's purse is bigger than this bag.

If anything...you could tell them the bag you're carrying is your girlfriends. ;)


I haven't figured out what day I'll be going. I usually like to go during the week because there's less people.

[Palladium]

I've been to a few Javits Car Shows recently.

Some random thoughts:

Get there early - most days are REALLY REALLY CROWDED. There are lines everywhere - especially for the "FREE STUFF".

Did I mention it's gets really really crowded - and get there early.

[InfamousDX]

Oh man... I go to this every year but only this year have I really been into photography. I might actually consider meeting up since I'd be going anyway.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

.....well YEAH.

[Calzinger]

Ron, when I went to the MoMA, you had to check in ANY sort of bag or purse. I have yet to call the center in regards to how they handle bags. I will call today when I get home from school and let you know.

Shall I add you to the list of attendants? Or are you a bit unsure if you're going to make it?

Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time. Those events in NYC are always very well attended and oh so glamourous. Are you sure you guys won't be posting your beauties on Glamour? :) ;)
That is definitely possible Suzie. But with how it went last year, there seemed to only be cars. ;)

Andy, I initially wanted to plan this meet sometime during the week, like on Friday, April 21st. But I figured it might be easier for people to meet on a weekend. The past to years I went, I went on a Friday and I must say that the crowd was very minimal. On the bottom floor where the trucks were, there were many areas where no one was around. Is it really that crowded on weekends? If we can all get our tickets online, we should be able to bypass the lines, but if people continuously walk into our shots, things may get difficult.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the show! We should post all of our pictures in one thread main "Auto Show NY" thread after we go.

John, can you compare the crowds on a weekend versus a weekday? I have a feeling that saturday will be especially crowded given the fact that it's during a vacation and that it's opening day (well, the "official" opening day).

I hope to see you there InfamousDX! There's nothing like going on a run with fellow photographers while talking about fine automobiles.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I gotta see if I can make it on only a couple hundred bucks. :lol:

Looks like I'd get there about 9:50 friday night (yes, I'm taking a bus. I'm not leaving my Caddy on the streets.)

I'd have to dawdle around town for a million hours and then saturday night I'd have to leave by 6 something, and get back home at 11:10.

A million dollars later, I got to see some cars. :rolleyes: Yeah, I'll still try and make it. I can't get ahold of the place to buy tickets, so I don't know how much it'll be. Last I checked, a round trip was like $150. That's a lot.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Alright, looks like it's gonna be a mere 72 bucks down and back, so I'm in. However, here's my dilemna. I've got my PSP and all, but what the heck do I do for TWELVE hours? No way in hell I'm getting a hotel room. I can't spend $200 just to take a nap. Anyone gonna be around before the show? :lol: :confused:

Oh, and my Kata shouldn't be a problem. It just says "please note that backpacks will not be allowed on the show floor" on the website. I'd say that leaves shoulder bags up for grabs...certainly a holster bag should be fine.

[Calzinger]

You can buy the tickets from the center here Ron: http://www.autoshowny.com/tickets/. It's $14 per ticket. I strongly suggest buying buying your ticket online, especially since we will be going on a crowded day. Or were you referring to the bus tickets?

My cousin and I can leave as early as you would like on Saturday morning. Given the 30 minute drive to the Bronx and the 1 hour subway ride from 238th to 34th, we could get there as early as 8am. How early would you like us to come in? We can basically get there whenever you want.

I haven't a clue how you can kill over 12 hours, but it IS Manhattan and I'm sure there's plenty to see no matter what time of day. Hell, I'm sure your 20 f/1.8 could make some awesome street shots. Try to be as discreet as possible though should you decide to shoot at night. You don't want to get jacked.

How long is the commute from Waverly to Manhattan? I'm not quite familiar with where Waverly is. No one really knows much of anything in New York that's outside of the city. I've joined the ignorance. :D Ever heard of Rockland? That's where I live. It's quite the "nowhere".

I called the center only to receive a busy signal. I will try again tomorrow and let you know. I have a Tamrac backpack though. Maybe if they see that there's some "expensive" camera gear in the back, they will let it go. They don't want to hold onto expensive goods because they don't want to be held responsible should anything get lost.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

You can buy the tickets from the center here Ron: http://www.autoshowny.com/tickets/. It's $14 per ticket. I strongly suggest buying buying your ticket online, especially since we will be going on a crowded day. Or were you referring to the bus tickets?

Yup...meant for the bus.

My cousin and I can leave as early as you would like on Saturday morning. Given the 30 minute drive to the Bronx and the 1 hour subway ride from 238th to 34th, we could get there as early as 8am. How early would you like us to come in? We can basically get there whenever you want.

Oh no no...I'm not about to make you come in early just "because". I'm sure I'll figure something out.

I haven't a clue how you can kill over 12 hours, but it IS Manhattan and I'm sure there's plenty to see no matter what time of day. Hell, I'm sure your 20 f/1.8 could make some awesome street shots. Try to be as discreet as possible though should you decide to shoot at night. You don't want to get jacked.

Exactly what I'm afraid of. At this point, that is the only thing that makes me question even coming.

How long is the commute from Waverly to Manhattan?

3 by car, 4 1/2 or so by bus.

I called the center only to receive a busy signal. I will try again tomorrow and let you know. I have a Tamrac backpack though. Maybe if they see that there's some "expensive" camera gear in the back, they will let it go. They don't want to hold onto expensive goods because they don't want to be held responsible should anything get lost.

I don't imagine so...good thinking. I had considered bringing my Computrekker, but I figured I'm sure to have it stolen if I do that, plus on the chance that I DO get jacked, they'll only get my 20D and 24-70, instead of a 100 macro, 20 1.8, 70-200L IS, AND that other stuff. I can make do with just the 24-70, I imagine. I was wondering, though....is there any reason why I should bring a tripod? Night shots, maybe? I kinda wanted to take some long exposures over the night, and I do have a Kata tripod bag which is quite comfy, but I don't know if I should bother. Would it be a problem with the show, you think?

[Calzinger]

Oh no no...I'm not about to make you come in early just "because". I'm sure I'll figure something out.
Ron, we want an excuse to come in early! My cousin and I absolutely love shooting in the city. Have you seen our shooting run that we went on a few weeks ago? I posted it in the urban section: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=149854. It will give us some time for all of us to walk around, talk photography, and shoot the streets. Then we can enjoy some fine automobiles, like the new Mercedes SLR McLaren which WILL be there. We can be there at around 7:00am, sound good to you? That should give us interesting lighting through the streets as the sun is just over the horizon at around 6:30am.

Exactly what I'm afraid of. At this point, that is the only thing that makes me question even coming.
Are you planning to walk the streets for the whole night? I'd imagine that would be quite fun as long as you're discreet. As long as you look like any other Joe, you will be fine. You could even walk the busier areas. I can't really define them as I'm not too knowledgeable of the city, but perhaps Times Square would be good.

is there any reason why I should bring a tripod? Night shots, maybe? I kinda wanted to take some long exposures over the night, and I do have a Kata tripod bag which is quite comfy, but I don't know if I should bother. Would it be a problem with the show, you think?
While I think a tripod would get you quite amazing shots, I think discretion would play the better part of valor. I'll bet that your 20 f/1.8 would bring you great street shots. The speed combined with a high ISO and low shutter speed could get really creative. And if it's the same size as the sigma 28 f/1.8, then you shouldn't attract unwanted/dangerous attention. As for the tripod in the show, I would have to say a big fat "no". My cousin was even thinking of taking his monopod which would take up less space, but I just don't see that possible. Some areas can get very tight and I haven't a clue how much tighter it will be with the crowd. Bring your widest lens as you may find yourself taking a picture over the hood of a car. My cousin and I are going to B&H this Sunday so he can pick up the 10-22.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

While I think a tripod would get you quite amazing shots, I think discretion would play the better part of valor. I'll bet that your 20 f/1.8 would bring you great street shots. The speed combined with a high ISO and low shutter speed could get really creative. And if it's the same size as the sigma 28 f/1.8, then you shouldn't attract unwanted/dangerous attention. As for the tripod in the show, I would have to say a big fat "no". My cousin was even thinking of taking his monopod which would take up less space, but I just don't see that possible. Some areas can get very tight and I haven't a clue how much tighter it will be with the crowd. Bring your widest lens as you may find yourself taking a picture over the hood of a car. My cousin and I are going to B&H this Sunday so he can pick up the 10-22.

The 20 1.8 is quite huge, although I've never owned any other wide primes to compare to. It's, give or take, the size of my 35L (wider, though- 82mm filter). I could probably stick it in a coat pocket, but I'm not positive of that. No chance of it getting into my Kata unless I try and put all my extra batteries in my coat instead, and even then, I'm not sure it'd fit. I've only had it for two days (the bag).

What's my realistic chance of getting close enough to these cars to get a decent shot without heads and hands in it?

Also, what's the chances I'll get to B&H or any other reputable shop before the show to grab a couple CF's? I lost my "wallet", so I've got only 3 or 4 gigs to shoot with, and with city shots, too, that just won't be enough. I'm a compulsive clicker. I don't like to limit myself.

Just some concerns, as long as this thing's gonna cost me my left nut, ya know?

Hey, what's the weather supposed to be, anyway? Got a good chance of walking the streets without getting soaked?

[Snafu]

Tripods on a Sat/Sunday would be really difficult. So many people.

As for walking around the city all night. A friend and I have done it before. She wanted to get some night shots. It's fun shooting at night. I also had a tripod with me. We had no problems walking around since this was during the summer and there was plenty of people around. Times Square was filled with people, it was like as if it was day time. If you're walking around by yourself...I'd stay away from isolated dark alleyways. If there's other people walking about you'll be fine. Just use your street smarts.

B&H is closed on Saturdays.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Gah...I'll have to order some with 2-day shipping, then. :-(

[Calzinger]

Try 47th Street Photo (http://www.47thstreetphoto.com/).They're in Manhattan on, well, 47th street.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Their site doesn't have a single fast card other than a 4gig Extreme III. I guess I could go to walmart and pick up a 8x 256 for the "everyday low price" of a mere $40. :rolleyes:

[BottomBracket]

Chris, all, Saturday is pretty much a busy day for me, have to bring my son to his activities. Besides, I have some relatives visiting (they're here for a month). I may be able to catch up later though if you decide to do some street shooting after the auto show.

As for night shooting here, I agree with Andy, it's relatively safe as long as you use your street smarts. Stick to places where there are people, keep those big white lenses in the bag (you can't use them anyway), and walk rapidly, with purpose. Be a shadow passing by, stopping to take a picture, and then moving on.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

No offense to Chris, but are he and I (and his cousin) gonna be the only ones there?

[Calzinger]

No worries Pio. We are likely going to leave fairly late, like 7:00pm or later. I'm definitely up for some shooting after the show if you're availabe.

Ron, this is looking to be the case. If you would rather make the quite complex trip to NYC for a meet where more members will attend, I completely understand. It's up to you. Seeing as how this trip is going to put you through quite a bit of work, it should happen when you can have the best time possible. That is of course unless you're a big car guy like me and my cousin. The photography aspect of this meet may be limited since the only photographers so far are my cousin and I. And we're quite the noobs. He got his 20D two weeks ago, and I've basically got one lens. A few of my friends may be there, but they're just like any other 16 or 17 year olds you would know.

I wonder if James (jwbker) is coming. I hear that he's really into cars, but seeing as how he lives in Manhattan, he will probably go on a weekday as Andy will.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I don't know, Chris. It's just an awful lot of riding (about 4 hours each way) on the bus just to maaaaybe get some good car shots. I think I'd have much more fun walking around the city shooting. Tell you what, though, Chris. If I come, you can use my 20 1.8 at the show.

[Calzinger]

When you come to New York Ron, I would like you to have the best time possible, especially if you're going through all of that trouble. Part of having the best time possible is to meet fellow POTN'ers that live in NYC. They are the most friendly and knowledgeable people I have ever met, and I don't think it would be fair to you to go through all of that trouble to not meet them.

I also must agree that walking around the city shooting is much more fun than the cars. My cousin and I went to Manhattan again today (left with 376 shots in a bit over an hour). We were convinced that the auto show for Saturday will be "just a thing" that we're going to see that day and will spend the rest of the day shooting in the streets, likely downtown in Chinatown or uptown around Central Park.

The weather is prett 'iffy too. I'm really pulling for a shining sun since as you know, the f/4L needs all the sunlight it can get. It's surrounded by wet weather, but no one can predict weather this early.

Again, I would prefer that you come when you can have the best time possible in the city. If you're really into cars like my cousin and I, then you may want to come and see the show. But if you're just going to the show for the sake of shooting something in NYC, then it may not be worth the trouble. There will definitely be other times Ron as my cousin and I have big plans in May where we're likely to come every weekend. I'm sure that many of the fellow POTN'ers will be able to meet up on one of these weekends.

It's your call Ron.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

What's happening in May? If it's something good, I'll hold off.

[Calzinger]

There are just a bunch of things we're going to shoot. Bonatical gardens, the Bronx zoo, museums, general street shooting as the weather warms up. This Saturday may not be too great for some street shooting given the prediction of slight wet weather.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Ok, Chris...let's see some shots!

[Calzinger]

Too bad I got such suck-failure shots. They were so bad that I'm even thinking of going back next Sunday and use my cousin's 24-70 the whole time. I only got like three "car shots", the rest were very obscure given the lens I had on. Here are some of the better ones though. I guess I have to be happy with some. I think they were pretty good given the 70mm wide end. You ought to see Andrew's shots, he used his new 10-22.

It was a day of over 1200 shots, 350 at the show and the rest at central park. Andrew and I are going back next Saturday if the weather decides to clear up (looks wet as of now), and we will start in central park.

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/864.576._MG_3349.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/864.576._MG_3351.jpg

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http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/864.576._MG_3473_bw.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/810.576._MG_3543.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/864.576._MG_3684.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/576.864._MG_3687.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/576.864._MG_3742.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/576.864._MG_3752.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/576.864._MG_3806.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/509.864._MG_3813.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/704.576._MG_3841.jpg

http://photo.calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_autoshow_2006/576.864._MG_3937.jpg

[zacker]

very nice chris... I see what you mean but that 70-200 is way to long for a crowded place like that.. if its any consolation, the shots did come out awesome! Cant wait till you get your hands on the new EF-S 17 50 2.8 IS (is that correct?) then we'll see some winners! Who was the guy leaning on the yellow and black car? I hope he was the owner... I dont think i could afford just the spot of paint he's sitting on!
Is your cuz going to be posting his shots here? if not, you gotta talk him into it!
Thanks!
-zacker-

[Calzinger]

Zacker, Ron, I posted some real shots from the show this time. It may have taken two go arounds, with the second go around taking place in some serious wet weather, but I'd say it was worth it. Besides, I think going back was the best way to take advantage of the wet weather. Most would find themselves inside.

I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=163588

[zacker]

Hey Chris, I just went to your page.. good job. I was thinking of you guys on saturday.. I was out in the rain walking around Hubbard Park in meridan, they had some kind of fishing contest for the kids... Man, am I ever sucking wind with the 70-200 L. I really NEED IS, this is getting pathetic..lol but in my defense it was rainy and cloudy and I hate shooting anything over ISO 200 so I was using a slower shutter than i should have..anyhow, its the price we pay!
How long have you had the siggie 24-70?? its looking pretty nice!
-zacker-