NYC POTN Meetup - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens - May 3rd 10AM

[Skrim17]

Be there or be square!!

Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)

Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2008, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.


Participate in New York City's "rite of spring" at Sakura Matsuri. With over 200 trees in bloom, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's flowering cherries take center stage during this phenomenal weekend celebrating Japanese culture with over 60 events and performances. Enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, ikebana flower arranging, presentations on Japanese Manga art, tea ceremonies, craft demonstrations, and workshops for all ages.
More information will be posted here in March, 2008.



The above taken from the Aboutny website, more info athte Botanic Garden website



Is it too early to plan?

[ooo]

Yes =P, because the exact information isn't even up yet :D.

Link Regarding This Event
http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/sakura.html

[Skrim17]

OK so I'm just excited!! I have another idea that we can do sooner if folks want. About 60 miles outside of the city there is the Lakota Wolf Preserve (http://www.lakotawolf.com/), we can get a photographer's tour, but we would have to set up a date and folks would have to commit to attending. I have a car and can take 3 people other than myself, anyone interested?

[ooo]

Your full of ideas =)

I was just looking at Richard's thread about the hot air balloon festival and I thought that was sooner than this event, but apparently that's towards the end of July.

I'm still up for your Tour of NYC idea. I always wanted to do that with my friends, but we never have the chance. We should organize something for the end of February.

[Palladium]

OK so I'm just excited!! I have another idea that we can do sooner if folks want. About 60 miles outside of the city there is the Lakota Wolf Preserve (http://www.lakotawolf.com/), we can get a photographer's tour, but we would have to set up a date and folks would have to commit to attending. I have a car and can take 3 people other than myself, anyone interested?

Set up a date for the Wold Preserve - I'd go :)

[Kadath]

I will try tio keep May 3 open for BBG.

[txduggan]

Be aware that Lakota is NOT cheap....

I've shot there twice...once solo and once with a group I organized.....

It's over $400 a photographer.

They do have a discount that every 5th photographer is "free," but still pricey.

I "found" this preserve, and I tried contacting them about photography, but can't remember if they replied or not:

http://www.nywolf.org/index_secure.htm

[Skrim17]

I thought it was 400 for the group, I"ll find out, thanks.

[txduggan]

It's not 400 for the group...it's PER photographer.

I just reread their FAQ, and it is a bit ambiguous.

I really enjoyed shooting with Dan Bacon as the guide, and I'd love to go back, but twice at that price is enough for me ;)

Tom D

[Skrim17]

Yeah that is pricey, sheesh!

[Skrim17]

If you just go with the normal group can you get any shots?

[txduggan]

You'll be shooting through double-thick chain fence.

The photographer's go inside the first fence and shoot through "portals" in the second fence.

And, if there's a photo shoot going on while you're there in the general admin section, they might be in the way ;)

Tom D

[txduggan]

And, I do believe their prices have increased.

Last time I was there back in '06, Dan mentioned they had to increase the photo shoot price due to an increase in operating expense.

Just making you aware of the logistics.

I have nothing but praise for the people at Lakota. It's just something not everyone can afford.

Bleh...

-TD

[MDJAK]

FOUR HUNDRED CLAMS? Are you joking? No way in heck is that worth it.

I'd love to attend the botanical gardens though. keep me informed.

Sheesh, no wonder that TXDuggan guy always makes me buy the duncan donuts and Mickey D burgers when we got out. He's friggin broke from that Lacoste place. :lol:
me

[Skrim17]

yeah I thought we would split it but apparently not...

[nicksan]

Probably would be able to make the BBG as well.
Count me in for now.
I went to DC last year, but I doubt I'll make it down this year.

[txduggan]

FOUR HUNDRED CLAMS? Are you joking? No way in heck is that worth it.

I'd love to attend the botanical gardens though. keep me informed.

Sheesh, no wonder that TXDuggan guy always makes me buy the duncan donuts and Mickey D burgers when we got out. He's friggin broke from that Lacoste place. :lol:
me


Just wait till you start buying my quad gas ;)

You gassed and lubed? Better weather 'round the corner dood....

-TD

[Calzinger]

It's definitely too early for me to know, but of course, I'll try my best to make it.

[BottomBracket]

If I am in the city, I will be joining this event. Somehow though, at that time of the year we always go to Maryland to visit relatives. In which case, I will be at the DC Cherry Blossom Festival.

[tchan]

Can most likely count me in for this.

[Amfetamyne]

I'd like to be included in this tour as well!! Sounds like fun...

I was thinking of going to DC for their Cherry Blossom Festival (and to visit family as a sidebar :))

[MDJAK]

Just wait till you start buying my quad gas ;)

You gassed and lubed? Better weather 'round the corner dood....

-TD

I'm about ready to dismount the plow and ride. :)
me

[Kevan_G9]

Hope you folk caught the Orchid show at the NYBG. Just a tad crowded over Easter Sunday and no tripods are allowed that up'd the waste count some.

A cherry tree grows in Brooklyn, eh? Might be woith it.

[Calzinger]

I went a few weeks ago, pics are on my site: http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewCat.php&cid=27

[ooo]

Bumping the thread / more information about cherry blossom festival is up now.

[Calzinger]

I was thinking of going this Saturday just cause I'm desperate for stuff to shoot, but the forecast looks icky. Any ideas as to what else I could do shoot in the city?

[Skrim17]

I don't know about the city Chris but this weekend is opening day for most little leagues that I know, 3 parades in my area alone!

[Calzinger]

Hmm, doesn't have to be in the city, just lookin' for something to do, preferably something I can shoot. I'd just go street shooting, but the weather forecast is giving me second thoughts. I suppose I could just go to the BBG and hang around in the conservatories if starts raining heavy. Oh well thanks anyway.

If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know!

[ooo]

Central park for some more bird watching =)

Take the train to some random borough / location and get off and just start taking pictures around there.

[Calzinger]

I would, but my main concern is of course the weather factor.

[greygoose]

i should be down for this.
kinda early cause i live about 2 hours away, but ill try to make it

what lens would be ideal?
i have kit and the 50 nifty.
i can rent one more lens. should i go macro or wide angle like the 10-22?
ideas would help. thank you

[Calzinger]

i should be down for this.
kinda early cause i live about 2 hours away, but ill try to make it

what lens would be ideal?
i have kit and the 50 nifty.
i can rent one more lens. should i go macro or wide angle like the 10-22?
ideas would help. thank you
I know the kit lens has more than adequate IQ, despite the bashing it gets from people that have probably never even used it. It also has great magnification given, well, what it is. The 50 won't give you much flexibility, pretty awful for this sort of thing to be honest. If you have the opportunity to rent, a macro would likely be your best bet.

Funny thing is that the last time I went to a garden, the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx to be specific, someone was shooting next to me for awhile with the 100 macro. As I started walking away, I kinda grinned at her and said, "Now that's what I need!". I didn't expect her to say, "But everything's coming out blurry! I wish I had a tripod..." Might be something to think about.

By the way, thought you might like this. :D
http://calzinger.net/_sitecontent/_cache/_portfolio/bottles/800.533.pIMG_9851.jpg

[greygoose]

oh now we're talkin. NOW WE'RE TALKIN!!!!!!! i need a drink!!!

are you gonna head down there? if so, what lens are you taking with you?

[Calzinger]

I should be goin', it's even still too early to tell, but unless something comes up I should be there. As for lenses, I'll probably be bringing my 70-200 2.8L and Sigma 24-70 2.8 while primarily using the Sigma. I've tried using the telephoto for flower shots and the compression and awful MFD really works against you. I've been thinking about getting the new 18-55 IS as it seems to have really amazing IQ for such a cheap price, but everyone keeps discouraging me. I don't see why.

If you liked that shot, you should check out this album: http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewCat.php&cid=25

151!!

[ooo]

Calzinger, I was wondering where your central park bird shots were? I can't seem to find it on your site, did you take them off? I've been trying to stalk birds at central park.

I'll be bringing along my 100mm macro lens. No tripod I'm afraid =D.

[Calzinger]

Central park bird shots? Not sure I know which shots you're talking about. I don't know if I've ever even taken pictures of birds in central park.

[greygoose]

Calzinger, I was wondering where your central park bird shots were? I can't seem to find it on your site, did you take them off? I've been trying to stalk birds at central park.

I'll be bringing along my 100mm macro lens. No tripod I'm afraid =D.

do you ever use a tripod with the 100 macro?
can you post some sample shots handheld? i want to get this lens, rent it, but im somewhat discouraged. dont want to carry my tripod for the botanical gardens trip

by the way, on your flickr, where exactly was this photo taken i cant seem to recognize where the water is and i know ny pretty well so now im lost
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2343943385_fbe574171f.jpg?v=0

[ooo]

I swear it was you that had a post from years ago with birds of Central Park. I'll dig around and see if I can find that post.

EDIT >> Never mind, it was NYC birds in general. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=158214&highlight=new+york+city

Anyways, that shot was taken at South Street Seaport, directly underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. As for shots of the 100mm, I don't use a tripod with it. I mostly used my 100mm as telephoto for volleyball =X. I did do a few macros. I have a problem holding the ca k steady that's my only problem. Light is usually not the issue because I just use the on board flash, if anything.

[Calzinger]

I swear it was you that had a post from years ago with birds of Central Park. I'll dig around and see if I can find that post.

EDIT >> Never mind, it was NYC birds in general. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=158214&highlight=new+york+city
Oh wow, that thread was from about two years ago!

Here are a few shots I kept on my website from that collection:
http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewArt.php&aid=203
http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewArt.php&aid=200
http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewArt.php&aid=198
http://calzinger.net/index.php?id=portfolio-ViewArt.php&aid=201

[Calzinger]

So any update on this meet? May 3rd is next Saturday. I'm planning to hit up the BBG at some point, though I don't know if I'm going next Saturday.

[BottomBracket]

I can't do the 3rd next week, I will be with my son in Harlem for a chess tournament, which is a tune up for the Chess Nationals in Pittsburgh a week after. Have fun, dudes and dudettes.

[Skrim17]

Where is the tournament Pio?

[BottomBracket]

In Harlem? At the Frederick Douglas Academy. I wish it were near BBG, I could pop in for an hour or so if it were. I'm in Maryland now by the way, visiting relatives.

[Skrim17]

I'm in harlem most weekends, my kid takes a class @ Harlem School of the Arts.

[ooo]

I'm at a tentative status here myself. Finals are that week for me, so it depends how much work I finish / studying I get done. Anyways, how many people are going to go as of now?

[Skrim17]

I started this thread and I can't do it either, kids dance recital is that day...

[Calzinger]

I'll definitely be hitting up the BBG at some point before the end of summer, but I was just there a few weeks ago. I might hit up the NYBG in the Bronx sometime in May though if anyone wants to come.

[greygoose]

may 3rd is the Revlon Run/Walk. it slipped my mind but i will be running the event. so i cant do anything that morning

[nicksan]

I'll be gone this weekend.
I went 2 weeks ago. Crowded...but nice.
Have fun guys and make sure to post some photos from the meet!

[Calzinger]

Doesn't look like anyone is really going.

Nick, how'd it turn out? Crowded I'm sure.

[Palladium]

This weekend we're busy but I'm considering getting tickets to the Henry Moore Sculpture at the Garden
Iconic 20th-Century Sculpture to be Presented at The New York
Botanical Garden in 2008
Largest Single Outdoor Showing in America

more info

http://www.nybg.org/footer/press_releases_results.php?id_press_release=188

Moore in America: Monumental Sculpture at The New York Botanical Garden is the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculpture ever presented in a single venue in the United States. The collection of approximately 20 major pieces will be positioned throughout the Garden's 250 acres and among its 50 gardens and plant collections.

The Henry Moore Foundation, which is dedicated to furthering the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of Moore's work, is collaborating with The New York Botanical Garden to mount this exhibition.

[Palladium]

here's a quick look at the Moore Sculpture


http://www.nybg.org/henry_moore/locations.php

[KHNY]

I will try to make it on Sunday :-) Where will you meet up. Are there any more details?

[BottomBracket]

Today I went to Lincoln Center - I went as a chaperone parent for my son's field trip. We went to a concert by the NY Philharmonic Orchestra and man, it was out of this world. It's just like one of those PBS specials, only live. I so wanted to take out my camera out of the bag but it wasn't permitted, and I just enjoyed sitting back and relaxing.

I will not be available this entire weekend. On Satruday my son has a tune up tournament for the Pittsburgh National Chess Tournament next week (so I am unavailable next weekend too). On Sunday I am a riding marshal for the annual 5 Boro Bike Tour. There will be 30,000 cyclists participating, and I will be at the tail end as part of the sweeper marshals. For those who want to take pictures, Central Park is the safest bet because we always have a logjam there where people slow down and the group compresses; great photo op in the making ;)

[MDJAK]

A bike marshall, on that little fold up thingie? Surely you jest. :lol:
me

[BottomBracket]

Lol Mark, I am seriously considering bringing this Brompton on Sunday. During the past week I have disassembled it partly, repacked the hubs with grease, upgraded the crappy brake levers to something snappy, and now it rides like a dream (well not as good as the bike I traded for it, but then again, I can bring this new bike inside stores). My second choice would be my singlespeed bike, which used to be my favorite before this new one. Now it just sits on the bike rack, poor thing.

How have you been?

[MDJAK]

single speed, meaning a fixed gear track-like bike? I love that type bike.

I've been fine. Some BS going on at work that will hopefully work itself out in the end.

Looking forward to my upcoming roadtrip with Chris, et al.
I just may come down on Sunday to the park. Sounds like fun.
me

[nicksan]

Hey Chris,
I got there around 10am, so we were able to get in free.
It was already pretty crowded. We also visited the museum across the parking lot and by the time we were ready to head home, it was getting really crowded!

Still it was very nice. Had a good amount of cherry blossoms and had some fun by the tulips.

Thanks for your advice Chris. Very helpful b/c we did end up missing the noon crowd!

Doesn't look like anyone is really going.

Nick, how'd it turn out? Crowded I'm sure.

[MDJAK]

so where's the pics?

[Calzinger]

'n where are yours clown? ;)

[nicksan]

Come on guys. The pics are too good to be shown here.;)

[ooo]

Do show the pics =)

[SuzyView]

I need pictures! ;)

[DVS_WiNdz]

I want to see some pictures too :)

[nicksan]

Here are my crap photos from a few weeks ago.
http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p630680508-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p583564607-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p900715909-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p1071320459-5.jpg

[nicksan]

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p872881521-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p930239744-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p540540331-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p929084466-5.jpg

[nicksan]

Here's some with my make shift macro rig...85 1.8 + Kenko Tubes + 580EX II

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p1008423910-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p561992272-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p778420708-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p1057995132-5.jpg

[ooo]

lovely pictures, are your 85mm + tele cropped?

[nicksan]

Thanks. No, those macro pics aren't cropped.
I like this combination enough that I don't even miss the 100 f2.8 macro that I sold last year. I am not big on macro but it's nice to know the 85 can double as one with the Kenko Tubes...


lovely pictures, are your 85mm + tele cropped?

[DVS_WiNdz]

I don't even miss the 100 f2.8 macro that I sold last year. I am not big on macro but it's nice to know the 85 can double as one with the Kenko Tubes...

Great shots

Do tubes work the same as macro lenses? or are macro lenses still better?

[Calzinger]

Great shots

Do tubes work the same as macro lenses? or are macro lenses still better?
the latter

[nicksan]

Yep. But for a very casual macro shooter like myself, this combination is more than good enough for me. You have to remember these tubes have no optics in there so the IQ is retained and the 85 1.8 is known to be a very nice lens.


the latter