NYC POTN Meet: Bronx Zoo - Saturday, August 19th

[Calzinger]

NYC POTN Meet: Bronx Zoo
Saturday, August 19th, 2006

Okay guys, we all had an amazingly amazing time at the gardens meet some week ago, even Alex who gained an excuse to by a new amazingly amazing lens. Let's do it all again! And what better place to do it than the z00z0rz!

When and where?
The zoo opens at 10:00 AM so I figure we should get there at the opening. Apparently these animals feel like being nocturnal bastards and sleep during the day. We can catch 'em awake in the morning. The zoo closes at 5:30 PM on Saturday so I guess we'll close the place out. We will meet at the entrance, not sure where else you'd want to meet.

Dollar bills
A general admission ticket for an adult is $12.00, $9.00 for children (2-12) and for seniors (65+). The parking is a lovely $8.00. Don't forget to bring money for Chris since he's amazingly amazing. There are other special exhibits which cost extra, not sure if we're going to those yet. You can get a Pay-One-Price (P.O.P.) pass which gives you access to everything for $25.00. I don't know about that.
Note: Chris is NOT paying for lunch.

What do I need to bring?
I haven't been to this zoo since I was five, which doesn't even count, so I don't remember how far these animals are. I'd assume that there far enough so I have to suggest using a telephoto. As you would expect, I'll be using my 70-200 2.8L, since, well, it's white. I might actually get a 600 f/4L from B&H's rental department. A UWA might be nice to capture the animals in their "environment". I'll be bringing some water bottles, and I suggest ya'll do it too. I'm sure the drinks on site will be pricey. There are places to eat on site.

How do I get there?
If you came to the meet for the gardens, basically take the same directions. The zoo is just south of the gardens. You should have no trouble getting there if you came last week. If you didn't, see "I'ma get lost.".

I'ma get lost.
That's true.

Informational Links
Hours & Rates: http://www.bronxzoo.com/bz-hours_and_rates
General Information: http://bronxzoo.com/bz-about_the_zoo/bzinfo
Map: http://bronxzoo.com/bz-about_the_zoo/bzinfo/253083
Directions: http://bronxzoo.com/bz-directions_to_the_zoo

I'll see ya'll there. If I don't already have your cell number, please PM me and we'll exchange digits.

Happy shootin',
Chris

[Servo'd]

I would also suggest that we wear helmets and full body armor in case of giraffe attack. I hear they're vicious in mating season.

[MDJAK]

Is a suckbag a person who takes better pictures than a Calzingerbag?:lol:

[Calzinger]

I would also suggest that we wear helmets and full body armor in case of giraffe attack. I hear they're vicious in mating season.
Yeah I agree. I think they sell some at the zoo anyway so no worries.

Is a suckbag a person who takes better pictures than a Calzingerbag?:lol:
Well, a Calbag, and yes. Remember Mark? I don't actually know how to take pictures, I just look good when I take them.

[SuzyView]

Oh, I love that place. You guys are doing so much shooting. I'm going to have to plan a few things around here.

[MDJAK]

Hey, Chris, I went to B&H today to return my daughter's waterproof housing.

Funny thing. They looked at me all wierd when I asked them where the rental department was. Said they don't have one, never have and never will.

Yet, I'm sure you mentioned something about renting equipment from them. In fact, I think you said they rent stuff for free.

:lol:

mark

[MDJAK]

I think this might have to be a prime meet. It's time to shake out the 85L, the 135L.

In addition, I'll need the 100-400.

Make sure you baste your arm in some nice gravy, 'cause I want to be sure to get some nice pics of the lions up real close.:lol:

mark

[Calzinger]

Don't quote me now. B&H definitely has a rental department. You just have to use your imagination.

Primes for the zoo eh? The only prime I have is the 50 1.8 II which Andrew gave me. You know what I'll be using.

When do the lions usually start sleeping?

[MDJAK]

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Guess what I got at B&H today? Yep, the hood for my 100mm macro, which it never came with. And when I bought it, a few moons ago, I was under the mistaken impression that if a lens didn't come with a hood, it didn't need one.

thanks for educating me differently, people.

So, who's coming to the zoo? As Simon and Garfunkel said: There's Something Happening at the Zoo. I do believe it, I do believe it's true.

Where is that BottomBracket dude?

Where are the tristate people around here? Let's make this the biggest meet yet. We had nine people last week at the garden. Heck, we even welcomed a film shooter. Yep, it wasn't easy. We had to take a vote to see whether we would allow her to come along. I broke the tie and voted for her to come.

Come, guys and gals, let's get your butts in gear.

mark

[Calzinger]

Welcome to Canon's consumer line, good yet so bad.

There are a few POTN'ers I knew from the meet back in Jan-Feb '06. There was BottomBracket (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=20599), jwbker (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=23716), Snafu (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=23444), and Palladium (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=44650). I also met peter740 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=21901) who was a total jerkbag, but I haven't heard from him since.

Pio and James (BB & jwbker) have been inactive for quite some time so we can't really count on them. I PM'ed Andy and John (Snafu and Palladium respectively), but neither of them replied. We need to promote this meet somehow since nobody really shows up here. I'll leave that to you. ;)

I don't think the big zebra can make this one because of his job. There must be more POTN'ers in the area, they just don't visit this part of the forum.

I think we definitely more badasses like this one:
http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_botanical_gardens/250.375.IMG_2292.jpg (http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/ny_botanical_gardens/576.864.IMG_2292.jpg)

or even badasses like this one:
http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/sky_rats/250.375._MG_2920_bw.jpg (http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/sky_rats/576.864._MG_2920_bw.jpg)

I've been doing some work on my website and felt the need to make sure the thumbnail/link thing is working. :D By the way Mark, do you need a setup for a website or do you have one?

[Calzinger]

Here's the group I met for the first ever NYC POTN meet:
http://calzinger.net/uploads/misc/IMG_6828.jpg

from left to right: my dad, James (jwbker), Andy (Snafu), Pio (BottomBracket)

This was also my FIRST shot with my 70-200 f/4L which I opened in the streets of Chinatown.

[MDJAK]

Of course I still need help with a website. What do you think, I became technologically oriented or something?

You know what? We, meaning the small group that's been together for the last shoot, and the smaller group (if you can call the three of us and my daughter a group) that got together for the Birds of Prey day, are so compatible, who really cares if others join us or not.

Yeah, the more the merrier, but we still have a good time.

BTW, if you're reading this: CHRIS BUYS EVERYBODY LUNCH AT EVERY MEET, so come, one and all.

mark

[Calzinger]

Of course I still need help with a website. What do you think, I became technologically oriented or something?
That's exactly what I thought.

I don't know, to be honest, as much as I enjoy going with a big group to meet all of our fellow POTN'ers, I prefer shooting in smaller groups (ie. me, Andrew, and my friend Alex as we do in the city). Three seems to be the perfect number: everyone can agree and no trouble managing.

Of course we'll have a good time regardless of how many join, but it's always nice to associate a face and personality with a bunch of text that we read every day. We need to represent New York!

[P(-)r0z3n Fyr3]

We doing times square this weekend? I think a 1.4xtc is in order;) .

I'm in for the zoo but i'd rather have that 100-400 L that Mark has. The 70-200 2.8 with a 2xtc doesn't sound as nice:mad: .

[Calzinger]

Yeah Mark, ya still goin' to B&H? We're planning to city this Sunday because city is a verb.

And don't worry about parking. We get free guaranteed parking.

*
Turns out we can't go in on Sunday so we're going today.

[Palladium]

OK - Palladium & wife are going to the zoo :)

Mark - we visited Chuhily at The NY Botantical Gardens yesterday Aug 12th, 2006 see
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=203070

[Calzinger]

OK - Palladium & wife are going to the zoo :)
Wahoo! :D :) Going to use that 400 5.6L? ;)

Mark, by the way, did you happen to get my message about the website?

[Servo'd]

Yeah, the more the merrier, but we still have a good time.

BTW, if you're reading this: CHRIS BUYS EVERYBODY LUNCH AT EVERY MEET, so come, one and all.

mark

Upon hearing about this free lunch offer, my cousin in New Jersey (21, currently enrolled at Middlebury College ) has taken an interest in this meet. I hope it's ok if he tags along, even though he has a Noink film slr (i know, double trouble). :lol:

Looking forward to it
-alex

[Snafu]

Looks like I won't be able to make this one. Have fun while I'm at work. :confused:

On a side note. I maybe going to Coney Island on Thursday for the AVP volleyball tournament.:cool:

[Palladium]

Looks like I won't be able to make this one. Have fun while I'm at work. :confused:

On a side note. I maybe going to Coney Island on Thursday for the AVP volleyball tournament.:cool:

I'm planning on going to the Fri day session and maybe the Thurs :lol:

[MDJAK]

The day is fast approaching. Be sure to get there at 10 a.m. Animals are most active in the morning, and that's before the place gets crowded.

Where are we going to meet? There are a number of different entrances to the zoo?

How about the House of Darkness? F Stops of less than 1.2 need not apply:lol: :lol: :lol:

mark

[Calzinger]

According to this map, http://www.bronxzoo.com/media/file/ZOO%20map.pdf, there are a few entrances, but only one for cars at the Southern Boulevard Gate on the west side of the park. Mark, I know you're coming from the Bronx River Parkway which will leave you on the other side of the zoo parking. I haven't been to this place since I was four, back when I used to live in Queens. Correct me if I'm wrong as I don't remember anything, just the nightmares the tigers gave me.

You know the zoo better than any of us so lead the way.

[MDJAK]

Incorrectomundo, my friend. Disregard that map.

I don't recommend parking on the Southern Blvd. side. It is the most crowded gate.

Take the exit off the Bronx River Parkway and it leads right into a parking lot.

mark

[Calzinger]

We're coming from the other side though, from the thruway. The zoo is easily a two minute drive from there, but we're on the other side. Should we drive around and look for signs?

And is it usually crowded at the opening?

[MDJAK]

You sure are coming from the "other side.":lol:

Don't drive yourself crazy. We will be on completely opposite sides of the zoo if you park on that side though but we'll manage.

[Palladium]

how about meeting at the Gorillias or Brown Bears - or some other attraction at a specific time eg. 10:30 - 11am- this gives everyone a chance to get their bearings.

I'll be arriving at the gate from the Bronx River Pkwy ( I think it's exit 6?) and then walking north through the zoo. There is a Tiger exhibit is before the polar bears/brown bears - those places are good meeting places for anyone with a car arriving via the Bronx River Pkwy (exit 6).

below is a link to some zoo photos I took last year with some old gear ;)

http://geocities.com/kf_rising/Bronx_Zoo_06.html

[Calzinger]

We'll drive around. So it will cost us a total of what, five minutes? We have five minutes to spare, just not six.

I'm going to try to arrive at that entrance a bit before opening so I'll just wait there for you guys if you aren't there already. We also have each others' digits so we can contact each other should a problem arise.

Awesome shots there John. I'm really looking forward to this Saturday.

By the way, Mark, be sure to check out the People forum.

[NIftyBobby]

you know me, i'm slow. i'm usually late and i'm always somewhere doing something with disregard to my surroundings.

if i'm there, i'm there. if not. just let it be known that i got a little too close to the polar bear exhibit.

[Skrim17]

I can't make this meet, but am a long time bronx zoo member and many times a year visitor. They let the tigers out into their exhibit as people arrive at 10 am and they have all sorts of baits and toys for them waiting, this is a great time to see them as they explore. The zoo is really big and I have always found the best parking to be off the bronx river parkway.

The POP thing gets you into the gorillas which you CAN't miss, on the skyway and on the bengal express thing. Not a lot of photo ops on the bengal thing but the gorillas are awesome. The house of Darkness is REALLY dark.

[MDJAK]

What is the POP thing? Sorry you can't make this one.

Niftybobby, not exactly a good thing to ignore one's surroundings, especially in the friendly confines of the Bronx when walking around with a 30d. Be careful.

Hope to see you at the zoo.

I SAY WE MEET AT THE TIGERS: 10:05. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.

mark

[Calzinger]

PAY-ONE-PRICE: http://www.bronxzoo.com/bz-hours_and_rates
I'd rather just get a general admission ticket and pay extra for whatever else we need to see.

How far are the tigers from your entrance?

I SAY WE MEET AT THE TIGERS: 10:05. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.
I believe it's "Be there or be a regular four-sided polygon". ;)

[MDJAK]

PAY-ONE-PRICE: http://www.bronxzoo.com/bz-hours_and_rates
I'd rather just get a general admission ticket and pay extra for whatever else we need to see.

How far are the tigers from your entrance?


I believe it's "Be there or be a regular four-sided polygon". ;)

Tigers are a five minute walk from my entrance. Listen for the roar.

As far as polygons go, I failed math. I wouldn't know a polygon from a folygon. :(

mark

[Thordic]

I wish I had known about this, I just went to the bronx zoo last saturday :(

[Calzinger]

I wish I had known about this, I just went to the bronx zoo last saturday :(
I usually PM some people that live in and around NYC whenever there is a meet. I'll add you to that list so should there be another meet, you'll know immediately. Hey, no reason you shouldn't come again. ;)

[MDJAK]

Exactly. I doubt the animals will recognize you as a repeat guest.:)

come anyway. We'd love to have you.

mark

[NIftyBobby]

don't worry mark, i have my homies around here to back me up! lol, i kid of course. but in all seriousness, thanks for the headsup and for your concern :)

I just remembered, I was driving my mother to work on weds and the line to exit for the zoo was packed! there had to be atleast 10 cars going southbound on the bronx river parkway and atleast 20 more on the northbound. dangerous to see cars stopped on the highway, every just suddenly stops and tries to switch lanes.

[Calzinger]

I just remembered, I was driving my mother to work on weds and the line to exit for the zoo was packed! there had to be atleast 10 cars going southbound on the bronx river parkway and atleast 20 more on the northbound. dangerous to see cars stopped on the highway, every just suddenly stops and tries to switch lanes.
Hmm, maybe I will take I-87.

[Palladium]

Well life get in the way and me & the misses are unable to attend because our new driveway being installed. :(

Have fun.

[Calzinger]

Boooooo! Who needs a driveway when you've got a nicely cut green lawn to drive over! I'll have to see you again at the next meet though, promise us that.

Looks like Alex is joining us. :D

Anywhose, tomorrow is the day. Remember to have a nice big breakfast that I'm not paying for. Lunch is on me, but not really. I'll be there with my group before 10:00 AM so ya'll can call me when you get there. I might end up parking at the Southern Boulevard Gate instead of the Bronx River Parkway Gate since the directions are more familiar to us.

I'll get on tomorrow morning before I leave should there be any last minute dealios.

See ya'll tomorrow.

[MDJAK]

8:45 a.m. and I'll be leaving shortly. Got to get gas.

Wish I was getting a new driveway.

Chris, if you see this, I don't have your cell, but you got mine.

I'll be petting the polar bears. I have a personal relationship with the big female one.

mark

[Calzinger]

http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_photos/bronx_zoo/864.576.IMG_6407.jpg

[MDJAK]

That was the before ^

Here's the after:

http://i.pbase.com/o4/12/533712/1/65416682.QiFiLOYh.groupbxzoo.tif

We had a great day. I did have to pry my 70-300 DO from chris's cold dead fingers though. :)

mark

[Skip Souza]

Looks like you guys had a great time.

[Skrim17]

Are you all going to post some animal shots??

[MDJAK]

We did, Crissa, in the nature section of the forum.

thanks

mark

[Calzinger]

my shots: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=206111
Dr. JAK's shots: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=205590

[Kadath]

Please keep me posted on the next one!

Sam

[chadp23]

Hey I was at the Garden with Emin too and Nobody told me about the meets. I was the only African American there - Chad's the name. and here is a few sites from me -
http://www.sobitartphotography.blogspot.com/
and
www.sobitartphotography.com

also here is my graphic design site that I do too - I did the website and all the design on the site belongs to me as well.

www.sobitart.com

Please let me know about the meets

[MDJAK]

Chad, not sure if you noticed, but this was back in 2006

[nicksan]

Wait...you mean it isn't 2006?
Oh crap.
Chad, not sure if you noticed, but this was back in 2006