Need some advice (trip to the nut house!)

[-=nighthawk=-]

I found out today a club (paranormal) from my college will be taking a trip in early november to the Utica Psychiatric Center:


The Utica Psychiatric Center, also known as Utica State Hospital, which opened in Utica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utica,_New_York) in 1843, was New York's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York) first state-run facility designed to care for the mentally ill and was one of the first such institutions in the United States, predating and perhaps influencing the Kirkbride Plan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkbride_Plan) which called for similar institutions nation-wide. It was originally called the New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. The Greek Revival (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Revival) structure was designed by Captain William Clarke and was funded through a combination of money provided by the state and contributions raised by Utica residents.


This gives me a legitimate excuse to enter the facility and take some photographs! My issue is that I don't know if there are any special considerations I should take into account as far as equipment is concerned?

We will be going in the evening so the place will be dim, which means I will need a better flash than what I have right now. I have been wanting a flash anyway, so I guess this is a good excuse! Can I get away with a first gen 430/580? The only lenses I have at my disposal are the kit and nifty 50. Would these suffice?

Thank you for your suggestions:)

[Mike]

One of our POTNers is a regular asylum hgospital shooter...take a look at some of his stuff here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajj_photography/) for inspiration.

[vmlopes]

One of our POTNers is a regular asylum hgospital shooter...take a look at some of his stuff here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajj_photography/) for inspiration.

Hey Mike thanks for sending me over............

I would take on any explore and especially into an evening shoot, some if not all of the following...........a decent LED torch with some different colour gels if possible........for light painting

Off camera flash gear.........

A tripod goes without question

Remote shutter release

I would try to get as much long exposure stuff as you can, external night time shots always rock IMO

On a safety side note, dont wander off on your own makes sure someone always knows where you are, and most of all enjoy it.....:D

Ohh and dont forget to post up your results

[adrian5127]

In addition to the above include a good torch and spare batteries. Wear old clothes and good/ stout footwear. if you are going for long exposures around 20 seconds you can be a ghost in your own pictures, will post some later to show you what I mean.

If the place has been open to the elements and has wooden floors just be careful in case any of it is rotten..