NASM Udvar-Hazy Mar. 17

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.

SuzyView wrote in post #2857728
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!

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?

Jon wrote in post #2824893
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.

Lord_Malone wrote in post #2861034
I've never heard of it. I guess I'll google it and look it up.

National Air & Space Museum (Smithsonian) Udvar Hazy Center, 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.

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.

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.

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.

SuzyView wrote in post #2883105
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.

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.

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

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,

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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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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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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!

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