Photo Opportunities in Boston???

I will be traveling to Boston in mid July and was wondering if anyone could give me some good photo opportunities there. I would like to take some harbor shots possibly with fishing boats coming or going? I would also like to take some night time reflection shots of buildings by the water. Any other places of interest would also be appreciated. Any one here from the area or been to the area that could point me in the right direction? Thanks

Gib

Find Long Wharf, right next to the Aquarium. There's a cruise line that does cruises out to the islands, scenic cruises, and even sunset cruises. Highly recommended. The islands are beautiful. http://www.bostonharbo​rcruises.com/ and http://www.bostonislan​ds.com/default.asp

The Spirit of Boston for a dinner/sunset cruise is not shabby at all. http://www.spiritcityc​ruises.com/boston/brid​ge.html


For night time reflection shots it's tough unless you're on a boat. Check the places above for a sunset cruise.

You could go to East Boston. Here's a Mapquest link to the area that would make for good city shots. Lewis Street and the area. However, I don't know that neighborhood at all. Use your judgement.

For boats in the harbor a very good place is Fort Independence Park. Mapquest. You're right across from the airport where the channel is at it's narrowest. Getting off on one of the islands - like George's Island, the old Civil War Fort - is a good bet, too.

To really get some good boat shots you might want to try Gloucester Harbor. It's about 1.5 from the city, but it's got a *lot* of stuff around, and the harbor gets tight. Stage Fort Park is the Gloucester area visitor's center, with great views of the harbor. Mapquest Gloucester is more inclined towards fishing boats, though. But I could send you on a day trip around Gloucester that would have you reeling with photo ops though. Let me know. It's not Boston proper, but it's all classic New England seacoast.

More nice shots and small sailing craft and crew boats - the Charles River. Walking the Esplanade right along the river is very nice. You face Cambridge, but can walk over one of the bridges to the Cambridge side for Boston shot. Shots from the bridges are worthwhile, too. Mapquest - note all the green on both sides of the river - public land and walking paths and such.

The boston Public Gardens are interesting for a short visit. The Swan Boats are world famous. Same map as above, on the right side - "Public Gardens."

The Constitution - Old Ironsides - is in Boston National Historic Park. Mapquest

Around the harbor from land, if you've got the time...
Mapquest
Fort Dawes is also known as Deer Island. There's now a big ugly sewage treatment plant on the island, but the park near it allows for nice harbor view. The tip of Hull has a lighthouse I believe. More harbor shots, and Hull is a busy boating/sailing area. You gotta have time for those 2 places - they're both an hour from the city proper.


If you only do one thing, take a half day and do a cruise or two around the islands.

If you're looking for anything more particular, just ask. I could name hundreds of "places of interest" but can get more specific if you let me know what kind of stuff you're interested in.

Scottes,

Great stuff! I may have some questions after looking at all the information that you have provided. Thanks

Gib

Scottes' list is pretty comprehensive. Boston Harbor is not much of a fishing port though, so you won't much of those. Lots of sailboats however. If you're going to be in town for a while (coming for the DNC, by any chance?) you may want to consider the Gray Line tour buses (or drive if you'll have your own transportation) to Concord and Lexington for some historic location shots.

There is also a boat tour up the Charles River http://www.massachuset​ts.worldweb.com …tiesAdventures/​BoatTours/
from which you can get great shots of the city skyline.

My gosh, I forgot about the DNC. You may just want to stay clear of the city that week. It *will* be a complete and utter mess.

I am *so* glad that I no longer work in Boston. These DNC plans scare me.

The week we were looking at was July 24th to 31st. We will now be checking on the 17-24th. Thanks for the heads up.

Oh, you might also want to consider the Duck Tours. http://www.bostonduckt​ours.com/ They have some of the old WWII amphibious vehicles that roam the city a bit giving history and info, and plunge into the Charles river and float around before going back on land. They're all open-sided so they're good photography platforms. They spend a good amount of time inland, but you get to see many of the Boston landmarks. Tour map is here in PDF

They *are* pretty touristy, though.

Just for giggles, here's a quickie of the Boston sky-line from across the Charles River I shot last night with my new 17-40 L. I thought the sunset light would be brighter, but there was too much haze I guess.

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