USA trip...

[grs]

Hi Guys,


My wife and I are Going to the states in March & April. We are stopping into LA,Vegas,New Orleans,Chicago and New York... I have been looking around, but just wondering if anyone has any advice on were I could do some shooting? Any favorite place you recommend? I am very much looking forward to Chicago...

Cheers
Gary

[IslandCrow]

You've definitely picked some great spots to hit. I haven't spent much time in LA or Chicago, and it's been a very long time since I've been to New York, but I've spent a little time in Vegas and New Orleans in the not so distant past. Vegas itself is a great spot for night photography, especially city scapes. The main strip is always full of life. I've always been there on other business and haven't had anything more than a point and shoot on me, but one place not so far from Vegas I went last time I was out there was Death Valley. If you're into landscape photography, that might be a good place to hit as well.

For New Orleans, the French Quarter is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. The bad news is, you're probably not going to get a shot that hasn't been done before, but between the street performers, rustic buildings and year round nightlife, you can't miss. I haven't been there since Hurricane Katrina hit, but that may afford some unique opportunities in and of itself.

[grs]

Thanks so much for the post!

I will take that all on board, I knew New Orleans would be interesting, however I'm more intrigued now!

Thanks a Bunch...

[sparker1]

All of those cities are large and offer endless photo possibilities. Your problem is to find the kinds of things you like. I would recommend lots of internet research before you leave, then hit visitor centers in each town. Hotels normally have tourist info, too. All of these cities have some areas you don't want to visit. Be sure to get advice form your hotel or people you are meeting to confirm the areas you plan to visit are safe. Even then, if you start seeing reasons to worry, take the safe approach.

Have fun and post lots of photos.

[CalPiker]

Wow, sounds like a great trip you have planned! LA is a huge place. You could probably spend those two months just in Los Angeles and just begin to find great places to shoot. Without knowing what types of things you like to shoot, I will recommend a broad range of things for LA:

Getty Villa / Getty Center
Disney Concert Hall
Little Tokyo and Chinatown (can probably do both in one day as they are nearby)
Olvera Street (probably do with Little Tokyo and Chinatown as they are all fairly close)
Venice Beach is an interesting experience
Santa Monica - 3rd Street Promenade
San Pedro - Ports o'Call Village
Long Beach - Queen Mary, The Pike/Rainbow Harbor, and the Aquarium of the Pacific
Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive
Hollywood Blvd (Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater)

Las Vegas:
Everywhere on the LV Strip and inside all of the casinos
Red Rock Canyon
Hoover Dam
There are places in Vegas that will take you on a day trip out to the Grand Canyon by bus, Hummer, plane, or helicopter.
You also might want to try going to the top of the Rio Hotel (to the Voodoo Lounge - 50+ stories up) or the top of the Stratosphere. You can get some amazing aerial shots.

I haven't been to Chicago or New Orleans enough to give tips on where to shoot there and I have never been to NY. But definitely go to the French Quarter while in NO, especially if you like shooting people.

[competent123]

i wont' be giving your advise on what to see in which city, as these gentlemen have already given you that. i will only say from my personal experience that - throw away the map. no trip turns out the way it should, and if you make schedules on vacations, they will become work as well.

i have had some of the best vacations when i didn't knew where i was going or where i've been to. but these have been some of the best vacations i ever had ( well me and my camera)

one small advice - talk to the young people, they always seem to have some " urban legend" type place. you won't want to miss.

[EmmaRose]

Here's what I went to see in Chicago (not done editing, this is just one day), locations should be added.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmarosemc/sets/72157623140273802/

Definitely go the Millennium park and see the at&t cloud gate.