NASM Udvar-Hazy Mar. 17

[Jon]

Suzy and I are going to be there - other interest?

[milleker]

Count me in. Need to make myself one of those high-tech string tripods. Very low light in that place. Might see if I can limp my way in on my Monopod though.

March 17th is 'Family Day' at this NASM. So I'd guess there will be a good crowd. Free admission to the facility but $12 per vehicle in parking.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have a shoot from 9:30 until Noon or 1:00. Then I'm an hour or more from Dulles. What time are you planning to be there?

Have Fun,

[Jon]

I was figuring on opening them up. If it's a crowd-incentive session there, maybe car-pooling would be a good idea.

[JimAskew]

Sorry folks...I have to babysit grandkids that day...I'll have to pass on this one...drat!

[CoolToolGuy]

I was figuring on opening them up. If it's a crowd-incentive session there, maybe car-pooling would be a good idea.

A good point - probably not a good fit for me time-wise.

I promised our Pastor that I would be the "Official" photog for the Spring Sunday School play. I like to go to the Saturday rehearsals to get candids as well as to see the play before the performances - it helps me choose my shots. Afterwards I cut them a CD for the Church archives and make prints for display.

I'll have to catch this another time - I had been thinking about it since y'all mentioned it the first time.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

I'm for getting there first thing too - 10am - I may already have a carload. One mention of the trip and I've got some family interest and a photog friend of mine may be coming. She's a Nikon shooter, so I'll warn her about your guys ahead of time. ;)

Last time it was frigid cold, I would love to spend more time around the outdoor sculpture (ascend) and the walkway. Never made it up the tower, so not sure whats up there.

[BottomBracket]

Man, i want to go and see my favorite plane again but I can't. I will be down there around Easter, I hope you have something planned that time.

[Jon]

Easter being in the middle of the Cherry Blossom Festival, you could say we do . . . Just no specific date yet.

[SuzyView]

It's always free, I thought. The parking has always been expensive. :(

I say at opening as well. Should be crowded, but lighting is never a problem. It isn't dim in most of the areas, just the places in complete shadow, around the simulators. The Enterprise, even though it is in its own wing, has windows all around it. Have the gear ready for inspection at the door. Plan on being there a while, there's lots to see and we can rest whenever. I just think the earlier the less crowd and better parking.

I also just started the thread for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I heard the dates on the news in the car. So, Pio, if you can't make the 17th, you can try in April. And Jim, bring the kids! Even the little ones can run around. It's so much fun! And they have a McDonalds there.

[JimAskew]

Good news for me..my daughter (nurse at Kieser-P) has moved to the afternoon-evening shift starting next Saturday, so I can come in the morning and stay untill 1PM :) See you all there :) I'm bringing the 10-22MM EF-S and the 17-55MM EF-S IS. WA is a must at that place!

[Jon]

So's long for those detail shots, and "length of the hall". So far the only lens range I haven't used there yet is fisheye!

[JimAskew]

So's long for those detail shots, and "length of the hall". So far the only lens range I haven't used there yet is fisheye!

Jon -- good advice...I'll toss my 135MM EF L in the bag...Suzie wants to try it out anyway :)

[milleker]

Fisheye is certainly fun in that place, heres a shot I took from the main entrance.
Flickr.com Hosted Image (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/366199013_8c0ed1d94d_o.jpg)

So's long for those detail shots, and "length of the hall". So far the only lens range I haven't used there yet is fisheye!

[JimAskew]

Fisheye is certainly fun in that place, heres a shot I took from the main entrance.
Flickr.com Hosted Image (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/366199013_8c0ed1d94d_o.jpg)

John,

Now that is a cool shot :) Thanks for sharing.

[milleker]

Thanks Jim, that was with the Peleng 8mm (13mm after the crop). Not the best optics, but then again its just a 'for fun' lens for me. I'd be interested to see your 10-22's perspective in the place. Almost bought one a few times but never liked the idea of getting locked into the ef-s. Was disappointed that I didn't have a wide enough lens after shooting NASM. So I purchased a 24-70 since then so I'm hoping that the 39mm wide on that lens (after crop) is good enough. Since I've been happy with the 20 and 10d's maybe I'll re-think the 10-22.

-John

John,

Now that is a cool shot :) Thanks for sharing.

[CoolToolGuy]

Fisheye is certainly fun in that place, heres a shot I took from the main entrance.
Flickr.com Hosted Image (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/366199013_8c0ed1d94d_o.jpg)

John,

You did it again - another great fisheye shot. I've always liked fisheyes, but the one you took at the aquarium when we were there put the bug in me to go get a Peleng - so I did. I'll miss out tomorrow, so I'll have to steal this shot from you at another time.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Rick, thanks!

Also, tomorrow is the 10th so you're a week soon. Hopefully this means you can come with us, if not we'll have to catch you next time!

John,

You did it again - another great fisheye shot. I've always liked fisheyes, but the one you took at the aquarium when we were there put the bug in me to go get a Peleng - so I did. I'll miss out tomorrow, so I'll have to steal this shot from you at another time.

Have Fun,

[JimAskew]

Thanks Jim, that was with the Peleng 8mm (13mm after the crop). Not the best optics, but then again its just a 'for fun' lens for me. I'd be interested to see your 10-22's perspective in the place. Almost bought one a few times but never liked the idea of getting locked into the ef-s. Was disappointed that I didn't have a wide enough lens after shooting NASM. So I purchased a 24-70 since then so I'm hoping that the 39mm wide on that lens (after crop) is good enough. Since I've been happy with the 20 and 10d's maybe I'll re-think the 10-22.

-John

John,

The 10-22 works well in Usar-Hazy. Here are a couple of 10MM shots I made last year. I have learned a lot about DSLR photography in general and WA photography in particular in the past months so I hope to improve on these when we meet up.

[milleker]

Jim, love the Concorde shot. Love the reflection of a plane off the wing of the Enola! Hmmmm, I'll have to see how much reach I get with the 38mm. NASM might get me to buy another lens!

Really want to play with some HDR shots in here if I can find a sturdy place to set the camera, especially in the space hangar. When I went the last time it was in the afternoon and the side windows let the sun in blowing out the shuttle for me.

John,

The 10-22 works well in Usar-Hazy. Here are a couple of 10MM shots I made last year. I have learned a lot about DSLR photography in general and WA photography in particular in the past months so I hope to improve on these when we meet up.

[SuzyView]

The lighting at night there is really great if you have a tripod. They put spotlights on the Enterprise. I can't wait to see everyone there! And Jim, very interested in trying the 135mm, but I'm afraid the $620 I may be getting for the rebates is going toward the 70-200 f2.8 IS. That lens has been on my wishlist for a year now.

Hope we don't get mugged. :)

Bringing the 5D, 20D, 24-70, 17-40, 70-200. That's it. Can't carry anymore.

[milleker]

Suzy, Tripods are not allowed in the center. I wouldn't even try to sneak one in - might get arrested. ;) Apparently they're more dangerous than knives and guns - which are #2 and #3 right below Tripods on the banned items list. :rolleyes:

I'm planning on trying to bring in a monopod, at the very least make a string tripod. I'd hate to take off my tripod mount though. Its on there nice and tight.

The lighting at night there is really great if you have a tripod. They put spotlights on the Enterprise. I can't wait to see everyone there! And Jim, very interested in trying the 135mm, but I'm afraid the $620 I may be getting for the rebates is going toward the 70-200 f2.8 IS. That lens has been on my wishlist for a year now.

Hope we don't get mugged. :)

Bringing the 5D, 20D, 24-70, 17-40, 70-200. That's it. Can't carry anymore.

[JimAskew]

Jim, love the Concorde shot. Love the reflection of a plane off the wing of the Enola! Hmmmm, I'll have to see how much reach I get with the 38mm. NASM might get me to buy another lens!

Really want to play with some HDR shots in here if I can find a sturdy place to set the camera, especially in the space hangar. When I went the last time it was in the afternoon and the side windows let the sun in blowing out the shuttle for me.
John,

Thanks. Facing the Space hanger there is a balconey on the left side where you could set up and shoot down on the Shuttle. If you have a crop body then you can try out my 10-22MM EF-S :)

[SuzyView]

Yes, tripods are banned, unless you get permission, which I did. :) In order to get permission, though, I had to use flashes without cords, wireless, and show insurance coverage of a zillion dollars for liability. The powers at the main office had to sign me in and look through my stuff, etc. It was very tight for security, I went through the back door. Once in a lifetime opportunity and worth the $ for the extra insurance. Now I can pretty much shoot anywhere in DC if I contact the right people, but it is such a pain to do. I haven't asked for special permission since. Sometime I may again. But my gear is getting terribly heavy. That night I had 3 large stands for 2 flashes, 2 large umbrellas, tripods, camera, laptop, printer, etc. It was good that I had a little trolley thing that helped me wheel everything in. Also, I am very picky how things are packed. So set up took a long time.

[JimAskew]

The lighting at night there is really great if you have a tripod. They put spotlights on the Enterprise. I can't wait to see everyone there! And Jim, very interested in trying the 135mm, but I'm afraid the $620 I may be getting for the rebates is going toward the 70-200 f2.8 IS. That lens has been on my wishlist for a year now.

Hope we don't get mugged. :)

Bringing the 5D, 20D, 24-70, 17-40, 70-200. That's it. Can't carry anymore.

Suzie

OK...the 135MM will be in the bag...you will be amazed at how sharp it is! BTW, I am going to upgrade my 70-200 f/4 EF L to the IS version after I get my tax refund :)

[SuzyView]

No getting a refund this year, have to pay. Darn it!

[SuzyView]

Okay, Jon, let's count it up and where are we meeting?

[LBaldwin]

I went in 05 with the ISAP group and we had the whole place to ourselves for about 4 hours prior to opening. No restrictions. We got a demo by the NASM photographers of the (then) new Hassy H1 and Elinchrom lighting gear. Hassy and Elinchrom donate the gear and then brag that the NASM shooters use their gear exclusivly. Also got the meet and watch the photographer that does all the interior shots used on the computers.

After that we went over to the Garber facility and shot eveything we could get them to open the door for. Spent two hours there. Posed with Roscoe Turners Lion (yes it is stuffed and on a skateboard. Saw lots of cool A/C in various stages of undress.
There was the luner rover with no wheel (test unit), Sea Dart 2x lots of German and Japanese A/C from past wars. The coolest was an A6m with bullet holes in the side.
The Tach and Airspeed indicator were locked by the impact with water.

Just all kinds of stuff. UH is cool but the Garber Facility / Silver Hills is off the hook. If you ever get an invite take it.

They are working on a Vietnam section that starts with a ramp and tail feathers from a C-130

Les

[JimAskew]

Okay, Jon, let's count it up and where are we meeting?

Suzie,

And I assume we will meet at 10AM right?

[milleker]

Thanks Jim, I may take you up on that. You're welcome to the Peleng if you are interested. I love macro and closeups of the engines and other doo-dads in that place, might have the 100mm macro on most of the time.

In front is the sculpture "Ascend" which should be very photogenic at 10am. Meet there? Maybe a secondary time should be discussed for anyone arriving late.. Say noon or 1pm in the Cafe/McDonalds food area?

[SuzyView]

When our little group gets together, we recognize each other pretty easily. We're the group with the Canon equipment and huge camera bags. Believe me, no one will miss us even in that big place. Also, Jon and I have POTN straps. Very visible. I can't stay too long this time. Matter of fact, my husband wants to bring the boys again but he promises he won't get in my way. Our kids just love that place and can't get enough. They will probably go into the IMAX and simulators so they will be quite busy. If anyone has kids, this is really a great place.

[JimAskew]

When our little group gets together, we recognize each other pretty easily. We're the group with the Canon equipment and huge camera bags. Believe me, no one will miss us even in that big place. Also, Jon and I have POTN straps. Very visible. I can't stay too long this time. Matter of fact, my husband wants to bring the boys again but he promises he won't get in my way. Our kids just love that place and can't get enough. They will probably go into the IMAX and simulators so they will be quite busy. If anyone has kids, this is really a great place.

Yep, I'll have my Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home, two cameras w/POTN straps, and a POTN hat as well :-)

I am really looking forward to meeting you all and getting some fun shots as well!

[Jon]

Tan or grey Domke for me - whichever one I feel like toting. The F-7 is currently loaded, so that may be the one I take.

Shall we figure on starting gathering at around 9:45 at the sculpture by the Wall of Honor (which is outside, for those who haven't located it) as John suggested?

[Lord_Malone]

Suzy and I are going to be there - other interest?

I've never heard of it. I guess I'll google it and look it up.

[Jon]

I've never heard of it. I guess I'll google it and look it up.
National Air & Space Museum (Smithsonian) Udvar Hazy Center (http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/), located out at Dulles Airport. Seriously large place full of aircraft, including the Enola Gay, a Concorde, Dash-80 (the original 707), Shuttle Enterprise and a bunch of the other stuff that wouldn't fit into NASM down on the Mall. You really need to go at least once.

[Jon]

So right now it looks like Suzie and 3 J's (Jim, Jon and John). Anyone else? 10AM outside by the sculpture if it's decent weather and just past security if it's like today.

[SuzyView]

I am hoping the roads are good tomorrow. I am coming, but may have to get out when the roads are clear. Right now it's just raining here, but should freeze over night.

[milleker]

Its sleeting here now, roads were ok about an hour ago but I can see how it'll easily freeze overnight. DC's forecast calls for it to stop before 2am and then slowly reach 40 degrees. Light snow starting at 11am and lasting through the day.

I'm still going to attend, though depending on roads in the morning we might not make it until after opening time. Its about and hour and a half trek from here.

I am hoping the roads are good tomorrow. I am coming, but may have to get out when the roads are clear. Right now it's just raining here, but should freeze over night.

[Jon]

OK - procedure for all: if you're at the sculpture at 10 and noone else is around, head on in. I'm going to be starting at the rotorcraft area - my father wants a shot of the tail rotor area on the XR-4, so I may be working that for a bit.

[JimAskew]

I'm geared up and ready to roll...see all at 1000 hours :lol:

[JimAskew]

We had a fun time this morning at the NASM. Suzie, Jon, and myself braved the "snow and ice" to link up...it was cold and windy morning so we put outdoors shots on hold and headed indoors. I enjoyed meeting Suzie and seeing Jon again.

Here is a couple I made. I'll post a couple more in the Transporation forum. I used my 30D and my 17-55 EF-S IS for both shots.

1. Suzie and Jon sporting lots of great camera gear...Suzie is shooting with the 135MM EF L on a 5D and Jon is using his 100-400MM "push-pull" also on a 5D. Shot: 1/25th, f/2.8, 40MM, ISO 1600.

2) The Enola Gay...one of the best birds there: 1/60th, f/4, 17MM, ISO 1600.

Enjoy,

[SuzyView]

Great to meet you, Jim. I will PM you with this picture larger than what I am posting here. Jim let me use his 35L, which truly will be on my wish list. So sharp. We spent over 2 hours together and it was really too short. The place was packed with family day, lots of little girl scouts all over the place. My boys got to enjoy the day as well. I will post some of them later. But here is Jim and the other shot is of the Global Flyer, which Jon and I got to see delivered to the A&S last year (shot taken with Jim's 135L, thanks Jon for the correction). Great day.

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155785

I always enjoy spending time with POTN friends. This time, I was not disappointed. Jim and I are planning a Manassas Battlefield trip in the spring. Anyone wanting to join us, we'd love it. Can't wait to see everyone again for Cherry Blossoms!

[SuzyView]

Here is a shot of my sons with an astronaut, Tom Jones. He wrote a book about his experiences in space and was signing books for $14.95. It was a good price and he let anyone take pictures with him. He gave an informative speech and opened up the floor for questions. My youngest son is 7 and wants to be the first man on Mars, so he was completely captivated. Mr. Jones encouraged him to follow his dream. Quite inspiring actually.

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After talking to the astronaut, my older son posed for this picture. He wants to design and build the vehicle his brother flies to Mars. They are a very capable duo.

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[Jon]

Errata: I had the 100-400 on my 20D. Suzy was using Jim's 135, not 35 L. She's drooling over both those lenses though.
:{)#

It was also good meeting John and Susan M. - sorry I missed the text message; I might have caught a call!

[milleker]

Jon, It was great meeting you! Thanks for the info on the bag. I think that one is as good as on my wish list!

Sorry I missed both of you Jim and Suzy, we were there around 10:45 and walked around trying to find photo people. In a sea of Nikonians and Girl Scouts I finally met a red ringer around the cafe, the camera was her husband's but neither of them had heard of the forum - both very nice people. Love your idea about printing up cards with the forum web address Jon, though I did tell the couple to Google the group. Hopefully we'll see them join.

My girlfriend Kathy and I were photographing the Enola gay a little before 1pm when we saw a walking Domke and Canon store below us.. :) I went below to find him and was too late, finally walking around we met Jon behind the Concorde. We left about an hour and a half later.

Didn't really bother with any of the speakers or tours, though it was a madhouse - even with the weather. It turns out that on both of my trips to meet POTN'ers I only get to meet one at a time. At the Aquarium I met Rick, this trip, Jon. I figure in another three or four trips I'll meet all of you! ;)

-John

[JimAskew]

Jon, It was great meeting you! Thanks for the info on the bag. I think that one is as good as on my wish list!

Sorry I missed both of you Jim and Suzy, we were there around 10:45 and walked around trying to find photo people. In a sea of Nikonians and Girl Scouts I finally met a red ringer around the cafe, the camera was her husband's but neither of them had heard of the forum - both very nice people. Love your idea about printing up cards with the forum web address Jon, though I did tell the couple to Google the group. Hopefully we'll see them join.

My girlfriend Kathy and I were photographing the Enola gay a little before 1pm when we saw a walking Domke and Canon store below us.. :) I went below to find him and was too late, finally walking around we met Jon behind the Concorde. We left about an hour and a half later.

Didn't really bother with any of the speakers or tours, though it was a madhouse - even with the weather. It turns out that on both of my trips to meet POTN'ers I only get to meet one at a time. At the Aquarium I met Rick, this trip, Jon. I figure in another three or four trips I'll meet all of you! ;)

-John

John,

I am truely sorry we didn't get to meet...I was really looking forward to it...we must try again. I agree that the place was a mad house...never seen it this busy in 4 past trips.

Jon, Suzie, and I talked about a trip to Manassas and then to Sharpsburg this Spring to walk the battlefields. And, then there is the Cherry Blossom Festival next month...so we do have so new opportunities to link up.

[SuzyView]

John, I was running around with my boys, but didn't have my camera gear out most of the time. I did take about 10 more shots before leaving at 1:30. We listened to the astronaut by the shuttle. It was a great day. Next time we'll have to have POTN tee-shirts or something. :)

[BottomBracket]

Looks like you folks had a lot of fun in one of my favorite places :) I miss my favorite plane, the SR-71. Suzie, I think it's great that your sons got to meet an astronaut. I wish my son can meet one next time we're there. Great pics all, I've always thought that Tom Jones had bigger sideburns though.

[SuzyView]

When he said his name, I almost burst out laughing. :)

[CoolToolGuy]

Hey, Tom Jones! He graduated from the same High School as my daughter!

Sorry I missed it - I need to get down there.

Have Fun,

[Jon]

Looks like I caught you listening Suzie. Lower left corner. Serious crop (about 80%) of the second.

[mdmedicgod]

NASM related. However, this Sunday the 25th the A380 will be arriving at Dulles... It will be a night arrival...

[SuzyView]

Can we go?

[mdmedicgod]

If I wasn't working. I would invite one or 2 on the field with me as my guest. However, Spotting at Dulles is legal from any public access area. The parking garages etc etc... Except for the parking lot at Signature Flight support. That is a private lease hold and is not considered a public area. They will ask you to leave the lot. Due to the clientel and privacy issues.

If it does land on 19L or 19R (landing south). Viewing would be good from the Daily garages. If its landing from the south viewing would be great from the Udvar-Hazy access road.